In this post, I want to talk about art journaling. There is quite a lot of information available online and on YouTube about doing art journaling and making an art journal; but here I just want to break this process down to the bare bones so as not to overwhelm anyone.
Basically, and art journal is a type of book (it can be any kind of book, even a magazine) that you use to express your thoughts and feelings about your life or just about your day. There are very few rules to an art journal since it is yours to do with as you wish. When I first started out, I was confused by all the talk about pockets, tags, journal cards, etc. Then I discovered that none of that was necessary. I went to the Dollar Tree and got a lined book in the school section and that is what became my first art journal. It wasn’t the best choice since that paper did not hold up well to the addition of paints, but I used it until it was full up. Because I chose something that only cost me a dollar, it wasn’t precious to me and I did not mind making a mess of it.
That first art journal turned into a place for me to explore my style. To develop my style of art. It didn’t matter if it was any good because no one would ever see it. It was a place for me to spend time drawing, painting, journaling, and collaging. I would find artists I like on Instagram and try to make things in that style, then make it again with changes I liked. I would use it to perfect my drawing (especially perspective) and I didn’t care that some of my drawings looked like a child drew them. It was my private space to play, to grow, to practice my art.
Here are some ways others have used their art journals:
- Document your experiences and memories through art and writing
- Experiment with different art techniques and materials
- Practice drawing or painting from observation or imagination
- Create art to express your emotions or feelings
- Record your personal goals and aspirations
- Collect inspiration and ideas for future art projects
- Use your art journal as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth
All of these will work for your art journal. I know some people with mental health issues who use theirs to learn more about themselves and their illness. People with chronic illness sometimes do art journaling to get relief from pain and to give them a break from their illness. There are so many reasons to art journal, surely you can find one that fits you.
Things that you can put in your art journal to help you:
- Drawings, sketches, and paintings
- Collages made from found materials (e.g., magazine clippings, old photographs, ephemera)
- Handwritten notes, lists, and journal entries
- Quotes, poems, or song lyrics that inspire you
- Doodles, patterns, or decorative elements
- Mixed media elements, such as washi tape, stickers, or stencils
- Photographs or prints of your artwork or artwork that inspires you
The list could go on and on, so don’t limit yourself to these. You will find that as you journal, your mind will open up to more and more possibilities on ways to fill it up. Go with it!
Places to look to find your items:
There is the obvious craft store or art store
There are many online stores that specialize in art journal ephemera (some of my favorites are Amazon, Temu, wish, Target, Michaels, Shein, etc.)
Collect old magazines from the recycle stack
Find online free journaling pages
Look for old photographs, either your own or some you found online (this is my favorite–I like to make lives up for the old photographs I find)
Thrift and Charity stores have a wide selection of items that can be used in an art journal.
Here are some YouTube videos that explain exactly how to make your own art journal if you want to do that:
https://youtu.be/scCvJFcmQMI
There are so many more there for you to check out. Now that you know how to do this, go get started. I can’t wait to see what you do. Please leave a comment below and tell me about your journey with your art journal. I have another post about this subject here. If you want to see someone else’s art journal, you can check it out here!
If you would like a printable sheet of art quotes, please click here.
