I’ve been journaling in one form or another most of my life. I started making an art journal long before I knew there was a name for the type of journal I was making. It seems that many people would like to journal but have so many questions that they never get started. I hope to answer most of those questions here and help you get started, if that is on your mind. Journaling is a wonderful way to free up your mind from stress, expand your creativity, and make a mess! If you start a journal now, you can have as much fun as I do with my journal.
What exactly is an Art Journal?
Most people who make art journals will answer this question simply. An art journal is a visual diary–a place to put your thoughts, keep a record of your day, save your memories, and to try new things out. You can write in an art journal; you can paint in an art journal; you can collage in an art journal. You can combine any or all of these things in your art journal. It is your safe place to play, record thoughts and feelings, try new mediums, learn new techniques, or write about your day.
Why would you write in an Art Journal?
Some art journalists like to write in their art journals, some do not. I sometimes write stuff down to get it out of my head then I cover it up with paint or collage. What you write, or even if you write, is a personal choice. Either way is correct. You can write a quote, you can write a song, you can write your feelings, you can just write about your day. Anything goes. As I said, I write to get things out of my head mostly, but sometimes I write quotes that resonate with me that day. If I write about my feelings, I usually cover that up with paint to keep it private, but you don’t have to do that. Sometimes my day is perfect and I want to capture everything that happened, so I write it down. Like I said before, it is your journal and there is no right or wrong unless you make it so.
Why should you keep an Art Journal?
Keeping an art journal is a way to express yourself creatively. You can try new things and experiment with new materials there. It is a reasonably cheap place to make mistakes and you don’t expect to get any masterpieces there. With your art journal, you have permission to play and make a mess. No one will punish you for it and you just might learn something about what works for you and what doesn’t.
How does it work?
You can use loose paper to journal on or you can use a bound book. It’s your choice. It is an open-ended art form where you are free to practice and try out new ideas without inhibition. You can let your creativity loose and see where it takes you. You are in control.
What are the benefits to keeping an Art Journal?
Art journals help to relieve stress, help you to focus on the activity at hand, and inspire creativity. You will find that if you art journal regularly, you will be inspired to do more creative work in all aspects of your life. It has been researched and proven that journaling benefits your brain in many ways. When you art journal, you get into the zone and your body relaxes and your mind empties. It is a refreshing break from the stress of everyday life that you can do anytime you want.
What are some good journal topics?
Anything goes in an art journal. The topic is a personal choice, but if you draw a blank, Google “journal topics” or “journal prompts” and you will find more things to journal about than you can ever do in your lifetime. Seriously, you can journal about anything and everything.
In case this has not answered all your questions, below are a couple of good videos about Art Journaling for you to enjoy. Keep in mind that for every person who give you advice, there are many others who will tell you something completely different. That’s because journaling is such a personal and private thing and everyone is different. So, watch the video, gather your tools, and start journaling. You will not regret it and may even enjoy the process.
I hope you enjoyed this post. I know that there are many other blogs that have this information, but I thought I would tell you about it from my point of view. If you made it this far, please leave me a comment to let me know what you think. I also have a new post on my FB page that you could check out if you have time. It is about making Christmas cards and I think you would enjoy it. If you go there, please like that page and leave a comment please. Thanks for being here with me. I really appreciate you giving me your time. I hope you come again!
