How to Start an Art Journal

This is a question I get asked a lot. The answer is much simpler than you think. It doesn't take much to start an art journal except your will to do it. Everything else is an excuse...you don't need to know how to paint, draw or doodle. You don't have to use fancy materials or compare yourself with professional artists. Your art journal is your private retreat, your very own sanctuary, your special place where you take care of you.

How do I start my art journal?

A background is a great place to start. You can create a background with any medium you want or use any material. You can paint, doodle, use water colors or crayons. Glue pieces of paper or spray with stencils.

Some people are intimidated by the blank page but even more so from the background. Yes, it sounds strange but it's true because once it's done it's sometimes hard to know where to go from there. I suggest to use prompts. This is a great way to get an artistic direction of where to go.

Writing

Quotes: Quotes are a great way to express what you’re feeling, but without the work of coming up with just the right words.  quotes are universal on one side but very personal on the other because each person can read a different meaning for them.

Lists: create lists like things you're grateful for, things you love or hate, a bucket list...

Free Writing: Just add words or letters to express how you feel.

Shapes

Cutouts: Add cut shapes from scraps of paper, magazines or other paper memorabilia. Cut them with scissors or tare them.

Free shapes: Draw random shapes or patterns and color them, it's a really hot trend now.

Stamps/Stencils: layer shapes using different stamps and stencils.

Texture

Add texture with different mediums like modeling paste, crayons, tissue paper, gesso, acrylic paints etc.

Hungry for some more Art Journaling?

How do you creatively express yourself or let go? Have you tried art journaling before? Try it and let us know how it turns out!

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Have fun creating!