Art journaling: what, how and why

You may have heard of art journaling or seen it on Pinterest or Instagram, but aren’t sure what it is or how to get started.

Maybe you've even attempted it and found that it wasn't as easy as people said it would be. This article will help answer all your questions about art journaling—from what it is and how to get started, all the way up to tips for improving your skills and accessorising (probably over-accessorising, let’s be fair) your new favourite hobby.

What is art journaling?

Art journaling is a mix between visual journaling, art experimentation, and a kind of self-directed art therapy. The informal, personal nature of art journaling means you can:

1. Experiment with different materials and techniques without judgment

2. Process your thoughts and feelings at your own pace

3. Create without concern for artistic skill or aesthetic outcome

4. Combine words and images in whatever way feels meaningful to you

My art journal practice is all about getting stuff down quickly and intuitively. It’s about smudges, mistakes, perfect imperfection, and just getting it down on paper.

Art supplies I love include any combination of pencils, paint, printing, imagery (drawings, photographs) and words.

What exactly is it, though?

It’s like is a form of personal art and visual journaling. It’s a creative process. You can use it to record your life, express your feelings, and explore ideas. It helps you capture memories, research new topics, and practice skills.

Art journaling can be done in many ways.

1. You can write or doodle on paper.

2. You can paint on canvas.

3. You can use glue and materials from around the house. This includes twigs, leaves, or even old clothes and photos.

4. You can use pencils, pens, or markers too.

5. You can collage (I love collage)

The options are endless!

The best thing about art journaling is that you can share it on social media if you want. However, it doesn’t have to be seen by anyone else but you.

I think its easy to get sucked into the idea that art is performative. No, you don’t have to share your daily spreads if you don’t feel comfortable. No, you do not have to make timelapses of everything you make (I do love watching them though!).

Don’t give into the pressure.

Who can art journal?

Art journaling is for everyone! It is an easy and friendly way to create art. Anyone can do it, no matter their age or skill level.

Whether you're a kid just learning to draw or an expert painter looking to try something new, art journaling has something for you. It's also a great place to try something new and different.

I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil, but I never went to art college, and that’s fine. My drawing sucks, but that’s also fine.

My art journal doesn’t care if I’m good or bad at what I make, just that it’s filled up with art.

How do I get started with art journaling?

1. Start by choosing a notebook, with either paper or canvas pages (or both!). You can also use fabric.

2. I find that my favourite and most fulfilling creations are born out of limitation. The books I’ve been creating in recent months, and the art inside them, has been smaller and smaller - and I’m loving it! That’s why I suggest you choose a theme for your art journal. This is the first step towards making journaling an enjoyable process. A good theme will help you stay focused while creating your art journal. It gives you something to focus your thoughts on.

3. Now you can choose your mediums: (in my case, it’s, uh, all of them. ALL. THE. MEDIUMS.): paint, pencils, pens and ink are just some of the many possibilities! Why buy one of something when you can have 10? (don’t answer that). I’ve started going around with a little pencil case in my bag at all times with some essentials: a glue stick, some paperclips, pens, pencils, a pencil sharpener.

“If you’re looking at all your new art materials and are feeling awash with overwhelm (ah yes, my old friend), pick two things and just start making marks with those in your book. You might be surprised where you end up.”

What tools do I need for art journaling?

You’re probably getting the idea now that you can use anything you want as an art material. You can use anything from old magazines and newspapers to coffee filters, cardboard, and paint.

It’s all up to you!

One thing: you need a sketchbook, and something (anything!) to make marks. Good options include dual brush pens, which are like paint brushes, or colored pencils for a more traditional choice. Try using glue sticks or even your fingers.

If you want to treat yourself and have some extra money, splurge on watercolor paper blocks . I love how soft they feel and how well they work with different mediums.

Art journaling is a fun, flexible and easy way to unlock your creativity

So, with all that said: there are many ways to get started with art journaling. I hope that this article has given you an idea of what it’s all about. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!

If you’re looking at all your new art materials and are feeling awash with overwhelm (ah yes, my old friend), pick two things and just start making marks with those in your book.

You might be surprised where you end up.

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