Creating 101: The Importance of Keeping an Art Journal
An art journal is a visual and written record of your artistic journey.
It is a place to document your inspirations, experiments, successes, and failures.
An art journal can take many forms, from a traditional bound notebook to a digital file on your computer.
No matter what form it takes, art journals are an essential tool for artists of all skill levels for the creative process.
What's an Art Journal?
An art journal is a visual and written record of your artistic journey.
It is a place to document your inspirations, experiments, successes, and failures.
An art journal can take many forms, from a traditional bound notebook to a digital file on your computer.
Your journal might be a mixed media sketchbook, a notebook full of watercolor paper, a type of bullet journals, or any other type of blank page.
Some are small enough to fit in your pocket, while others are large format books.
You can use any type of journal for your art journaling, as long as it meets your needs.
The important thing is to find a format that works for you and to use it regularly to express your inner artist.
No matter what form it takes, an art journal is an essential tool for artists of all skill levels.
Why Keep an Art Journal?
An art journal can serve many purposes.
It can be a place to record your creative thoughts and ideas, a sketchbook for trying out new techniques and art materials, or a visual diary of your artistic growth.
By regularly documenting your art practice in a journal, you will be able to track your progress and see the connections between your work over time.
An art journal can also be a source of inspiration when you're feeling stuck or uninspired.
Looking back through old journals can remind you of ideas you've forgotten about or help you see your work in a new light.
Art journalists come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, so no matter what type of artist or creator you are, you can document your journey in an art journal step-by-step.
Making art journalling a regular part of your creative practice will help you to:
- Develop and fine-tune your personal style
- Experiment with new skills, ideas, and supplies
- Reflect on your artistic process
- Document your inspirations, experiments, successes, and failures
- Practice drawing skills with colored pencil or painting techniques with acrylic paint
- Identify a focal point for your next art project
- Set goals for your art practice
- Brainstorm new ideas
What Should I Include in My Art Journal?
The beauty of an art journal is that it can be whatever you want it to be.
If you want to use a composition notebook, focusing on written words, or loose paper in a binder, focusing on sketches, that's okay!
The key is to make it your own and use it in a way that is helpful and satisfying to you.
Here are some ideas of what you could include in your art journal:
- Sketches
- Doodles
- Finished pieces
- Collages
- Dreams
- Goals
- Lists
- Inspirational messages and quotes
- Song lyrics
- Poetry
- Photographs
- Fabric swatches
- Paint samples on thicker paper
- Tickets
- Leaf rubbings
- Hand lettering and calligraphy
- And much more!
Your journal is a place for you to be creative and have fun.
There are no rules for what you should or shouldn't include.
If you want to use rubber stamps, washi tape, paper ephemera, or any other materials in a fun way, you get to use them for your creative self-expression!
If it feels like something that would be fun or helpful to document in your journal, go for it--just make sure to start an art journal!
How to Get Started
The best way to get started with your art journaling journey is to just start!
Grab a blank notebook or sketchbook and start writing and drawing.
There are no rules for what should go into an art journal.
Anything and everything is fair game.
Some artists like to document their daily art practice with photos and sketches, while others use their journals as places to experiment with new mediums and techniques.
If you're not sure where to start, try brainstorming a list of prompts or subjects to write about or draw.
Once you have a few ideas, let yourself loose and see where the journal takes you!
Inspirational Ideas
If you're feeling stuck, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- A day in the life: Draw or write about your day, from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed.
- The things that make you happy: Write or draw a list of things that make you happy and why they make you happy.
- Your favorite art supplies: Make a list of your favorite art supplies and why you like using them
- A record of your art process, from initial idea to finished piece
- Sketches for future paintings, sculptures, or other artwork
- A list of places you've always wanted to visit
- A list of your favorite artists
- A mood board for a future project
- A mind map of ideas for a new painting or series
- Inspiring artwork from other artists
- A list of things you're grateful for
- Experiments with new techniques and media
- A vision board for your ideal life
There are no wrong answers for journaling.
When it comes to art journaling, the only rule is that there are no rules!
Let your journal be a reflection of you and your artistic journey.
The most important thing is to be creative and have fun!
Keep an Art Journal
An art journal is an essential tool for artists of all skill levels as a place to record your inspirations, experiments, successes, and failures.
By regularly documenting your art practice in a journal, you will be able to track your progress and see the connections between your work over time.
A source of motivation and inspiration when you're feeling stuck with a creative block or uninspired, the best way to get started with keeping an art journal is to just start!
Anything and everything is fair game, so let yourself loose and see where the journey takes you!
Now that you understand what an art journal is, and the benefits of keeping one, it's time to get started on your own!
Art journaling is a fun and rewarding activity that can help you grow as an artist and express yourself creatively.
So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your journal and start exploring journaling today!
If you want to learn more about art journaling, check out Brianna Collins' video!
Want even more content about creativity and art?
Be sure to check out all of our creative chronicles!
Eager to start art journaling?
Check out some of our other articles for some helpful supplies:
-How do you set up an art journal?