An art journal is the same as a written journal, except that it incorporatescolors, images, patterns, and othermaterials. Some art journals have a lot of writing, while others are purely filled with images. It’s a form of creative self-care.
What Kind of Art Goes in anArt Journal?
The beauty of an art journal is that anything goes. It’s a no holds barred space where I can express and explore my feelings through images, writing, and just playful mark making. It’s a healthy, expressive outlet at the end of the day and one of my best coping skills.
Regardless of whether or not you have any art “talent” or training, all you need to art journal is some simple art materials and a willingness to play with the art materials. It’s the play that’s healing!
This is what I love about art journaling. My pages frequently go through several stages and layers. Often I will just spill out my feelings on the page in writing, or “scribble” a bit with a paintbrush. I don’t worry at all what it looks like, I just allow myself to “let it all hang out” and that feels good. It often helps me de-stress, get things off my chest, or figure out exactly what is bothering me about a particular situation.
The next stage (which might happen that day, or a different day) I would layer over the page with a stamp pattern, finger paint, gel pen scribbles, gesso, or collage. I love watching my confused, stressed out, annoyed, worried page turn into something new – and often – something imperfectly beautiful. It’s a great metaphor for life – being willing to stay with my feelings, try some healthy ways of airing them out and understanding them, and watching them transform.
Here’s some samples of the types of art you might make in an art journal:
So let’s get you started! I’ve got a ton of tutorials and materials to share with you, and you can also scroll to the bottom of the page to join my free art journaling and creativity class: The Guide to Creative Self-Care.
Art Journaling Tutorials:
- Makingtissue paper paintings
- Paintingart journaling backgrounds with watercolors or acrylic paints
- Doodling for anxiety
- Creating bullet journals – i.e. wish lists, creative ideas, vacation spots, to do
- Illustrating Quotes with Brush Lettering–making art out of your favorite quote
- Mandala Journaling
- Blind contour drawing tutorial – drawwhat you see everyday – trees, people, food, etc.
- Sewingjournal pages with fabric, paper, or beads
- Printing and stamping art journals– you can even make your own!
- Bookbinding andmaking your own journalsby hand
- Making tunnel journalswith windows and doors
- Writing about your feelings in your journal(and then covering it with paint if you wish!)
- Focusing on a theme: such as gratitude,mindful drawing, or the things you love
Art Journaling Videos and Supplies
FAQs
Art journaling gives you a tool and space to develop a creative practice, work through creative blocks, and express yourself through a combination of words & art! You can experiment with art materials and techniques, styles, and mediums.
What's the difference between a sketchbook and an art journal? ›
Anything Goes (in a Sketchbook)
The label offers some sort of direction. For me, visual diary emphasises documenting your life. I associate sketchbooks with freedom to be loose and unfinished, or experimental. Art journals are about healing - therapy in paper form.
What is the difference between an art journal and a junk journal? ›
Junk journaling is a form of art journaling in which individuals create journals using a variety of found and recycled materials, such as old books, magazines, newspapers, and other ephemera.
Is art journaling a skill? ›
It's a healthy, expressive outlet at the end of the day and one of my best coping skills. Regardless of whether or not you have any art “talent” or training, all you need to art journal is some simple art materials and a willingness to play with the art materials. It's the play that's healing!
Is art journaling good for you? ›
Art journaling allows you to experiment with your creativity in a way that never inhibits you. It gives you permission to play and make mistakes. It is such an inexpensive, quick activity that it becomes the perfect tool for keeping your creativity flowing.
Is art journaling a hobby? ›
The positives is that more people have been introduced to art journaling. This is a good thing as art journaling is a wonderful freeing creative hobby & can also be good for our mental health as we get lost in the process of creating.
What kind of book do you use for an art journal? ›
Here are some popular choices to consider:
Moleskine (or similar bound journal) – Moleskines seem to be the #1 choice for most sketch book artists and many art journalers. Their quality is supurb and they come in many different paper types (not to mention, they look so awesome when all filled up!).
What is another name for an art journal? ›
What is another word for sketchbook?
| artbook | artist's notebook |
|---|
| creative sketchpad | visual journal |
| visual diary | |
It's important not to get a book that is too thick or too thin. If your book is too thick, it may fall apart when you start adding to it. If your book is too thin, you may run out of pages quickly and have to go back on the visual journal book hunt. Also, consider the size of the pages, don't go to large or too small.
What is an art journal called? ›
An art diary, art journal or visual journal is a daily journal kept by artists, often containing both words and sketches, and occasionally including mixed media elements such as collages.
A smash book is a journal in which you can write, draw, paint, write and glue stuff. No planning is really involved – you just design it at the moment. For example, if you get a ticket stub or a special tea bag, just take it with you and put it in your smash book.
What is the main purpose of journal? ›
A personal journal is to record and reflect on events in a person's life over time. A published journal is devoted to reporting news and events. Some are specialized publications devoted to scientific, medical, professional, or trade interests. A business journal is used to record business transactions as they occur.
What is the point of creative journaling? ›
It helps you to let go of perfectionism
Journaling gives you a space to write and create, raw and unedited, without too much concern for a perfect finished result. In fact, in this activity it's the process of writing or creating that's more important than the outcome.
What is the purpose of art paper? ›
noun. high-quality coated paper with either a matte or glossy finish, used especially in the printing of picture books, brochures, calendars, and other illustrated materials: The Matisse exhibit pamphlets are printed on a glossy art paper.
What is the purpose of a visual journal? ›
A visual journal is just like a traditional journal, but instead of written entries, it contains drawings, sketches, hand lettering, doodles, or even clippings of photographs and magazine cutouts. It's a collection of your feelings, thoughts, and ideas in visual form.
