Are You An Art Journal Beginner?
My guess is that you have stumbled upon this page after doing a quick search on art journaling. How you first discovered art journals doesn’t matter, it is more important to know that the practice of keeping an art journal can be for everyone - whether you consider yourself an artist or not.
For a long time, I had an understanding of art journaling without knowing there was a term for them. I took art classes in college and loved arts + crafts when I was younger. The idea of keeping record of my thoughts and memories in a visual way as always appealed to me.
My art journal journey officially began when I sought coaching for a “career crisis” and my coach suggested that I try getting creative just for myself and not on a screen. After checking in with my ancient paint supply and doing a little research for inspiration, I had found multiple images of other artist’s pages and spreads and was instantly hooked.
To me, art journaling is the perfect jumping off point for any creative journey. Maybe you just want to spend time connecting with your creative side or maybe you want to build a more consistent art practice. Because it isn’t about creating gallery-perfect art pieces, you can let go of perfectionism and truly embrace the element of play.
What Does An Art Journal Look Like?
Many art journals take the form of a book, either handmade or purchased. The pages will contain a mix of images, words, and color! The best part is that there truly are no rules. Stick to one technique or mix a variety, from collaging to watercolor to stamping to printmaking. You can also use any number of supplies and mediums, including:
- Paint
- Color Pencil
- Graphite
- Crayon
- Ink
- Paste
- Stamps
- Photos + ephemera (Vintage or Current)
- Magazine Clippings
- Stickers
5 Reasons To Try It For Yourself
Did I mention that there are no rules? Art journaling is deeply personal and can be whatever you need it to be. But if an excuse to play creatively, connect with your inner artist, and make something fun isn’t enough of a reason to give art journaling a shot. Here are a few more to consider.
Connect With Your Creativity
This is the main reason that I began art journaling. I had a creative career from 9-5 but was no longer feeling creative. I spent most of my “creative time” in front of a screen, solving problems for clients with my creativity. The minute I set aside time to create with my hands on actual paper with physical materials I began to find so much inspiration. I unlocked my inner kid and remembered what it was like to create and play just because I could.
Create A Consistent Art Practice
Because of the nature of art journaling, you can easily create every single day in a low pressure way. Minimal to no prep is needed and the majority of the supplies are also easy to take along with you. Many pages and spreads are created in layers. So if you simply wanted to explore with watercolor washes for a few minutes that could give you a few new backgrounds for future creations. You can leave pages “unfinished” for as long as you’d like and return to them when you are ready.
Express And Process Emotions
Have you ever felt or experienced something that you just can’t get into words? Your art journal can be a place where you literally just throw it all on the page. Maybe that looks like dark colors, chaotic spirals, or methodically mark making. Getting out what you’re feeling on paper without the struggle of finding concrete terms to describe it can help you process your thoughts and emotions.
Capture Memories
Similar to the idea of scrapbooking, you can have art journals that you use to capture memories. If you collect items from your day-to-day adventures? Think ticket stubs from movies or leaves from a walk in the woods. Using this modern ephemera in your art journal is a great way to creatively capture specific moments. You can even have art journals for specific things. For example, I have one to capture details from my hiking trips specifically.
Grow And Explore Your Artistic Style
No rules to follow and an ease of creating frequently makes art journaling the perfect place to develop your style as an artist. It is also a great way to grow your skills in any particular medium or technique. You can quickly iterate to learn what supplies you like learning or what style you enjoy.
Where To Start Your Journey
Another great reason to give art journaling a try is that you don’t need many supplies to get started. Here are a few things you’ll want to have on hand.
A Journal or Sketchbook
This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. If you want to work with watercolor or a variety of paints, I would recommend a book made with mixed media paper
Paints, Markers or Pens
You could easily start with just one of these! If you want to use paint both watercolor and acrylic are great choices. If you have to make a purchase for these supplies, don’t be afraid to start with inexpensive options first. They will still do the job while you are getting started and honestly, some of the cheapest options will still be your best options later!
Magazine, Thrifted Books and Glue
These are great options if you want to incorporate some collage into your journal. These supplies can be on the inexpensive side as well. You can also recycle junk mail catalogs or envelopes! When it comes to glue, you’ll want something that will still stick if you add water to the page later or to the back of the page.
The Most Important Tip
There is no right way to approach your personal art journals. The goal is to get curious, explore, and figure out what you enjoy most. If you feel called to share your journals, there's a great online community around art journaling! But don't feel pressured, the most important thing to remember is that these journals are for you first and foremost!