Demystifying Art Journaling: How to Start & Why It Matters

Are you curious about art journaling and not sure where to start? You’re in the right place! I’ve been art journaling for many years and am so excited to introduce you to this fun and creative art form.  Today I’ll share with you what art journaling is, what you need to get started and lots of examples to inspire your creativity!

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What is Art Journaling?

What is art journaling? There are many techniques and ideas that fall under the umbrella of art journaling. Depending on what materials and imagery you enjoy working with, we all have a different way we like to approach our art journaling.

For me art journaling is:

A book to create and explore a variety of art and craft techniques. It’s my laboratory for experimentation and exploration. It’s a place to write and express my true self.

My art journal contains all sorts of writing, drawings, painting and collage techniques. Art journaling is about the journey of creation and isn’t focused on the final product.

You might find that definition very broad, and it is. The art journal is a chance for us to let go, to explore without judgement. The best thing about working in a book is you can decide if you want to share it with others, or if it’s a private place for creative contemplation.

Why Do I Art Journal?

I love art journaling because it is one of the few places that I can relax, let go and just be.

If I’ve had a challenging day, through paint and words, I can express my frustration. It can also hold those beautiful, happy moments expressed in collage and watercolor.

For me, it’s a huge part of my self-care. A place to work through my thoughts and feelings, and at the same time, learn to make beautiful art through the process.

The process of art journaling has helped me through grief, life disappointments and has been constant companion as I was dealing with health issues. I can’t image where I would be without the outlet of my journal.

What Kind of Art is in An Art Journal?

What kind of art is inside an art journal? This is completely up to you!

I personally love mixed media art journaling, so my journals are always a mix of different mediums. Many pages are just experiments with color, with backgrounds, while others are more complete with focal imagery and words. Some pages have a junk journal feel using old papers and random household items.  

Some of my pages are my own sketching and drawing. Others I use pre-made focal imagery from brands like Simply Stated Design.

I truly believe that art journaling is whatever you want to make it. If you love to draw, then draw. If you like to play with paper and stickers, go for it! Most importantly, it’s about the process and it’s meant to be free of rules.

How Art Journaling Can Evolve

So let me show you some specific examples of my art journaling process, and how it’s changed and evolved over the years.

My First Journals

These first journals aren’t super pretty or even completed. I used a combination of paint to create backgrounds, inks to play and some different mediums that I was testing.  A lot of these are just backgrounds that aren’t completed.

I keep these books and don’t alter them. I love that they show the beginning of my creative process. The process of learning how to use different materials, to design pages and to even be brave enough to add color to a page. As I learned more techniques and tried different things, my art changed as I grew in my skill.

My Current Journals

Some of my current journals have complex pages, like this page with 6 or more layers on them. These are part of courses that I’m developing.

But then other pages are much simpler, they are a place to add my thoughts and that’s good enough. Not every page needs to be complex, nor do any of them need to be complex. It depends on what you want to get out of the process.

Where Do I Start?

So where do you start with art journaling? It’s very personal to each of us. If you love collage, start by gathering some paper, your favorite glue and start experimenting. If acrylic paint interests you more, start there. It’s about starting and see what comes of the process.

If you’d like to see more articles about art journaling, visit these projects next:

Intimidated by the Blank Page? 5 Acrylic Background Techniques for the Art Journal

Art Journaling with Napkins

New to Art Journaling? Basic Techniques using Paints and Napkins

Questions?

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I hope that you’ll join me as we explore art journaling this year and that this is a practice that can help you find wholeness and peace as you explore your creativity!