Art Journaling
December 22, 2024
No Comments
Art journaling is a fun, creative way to express yourself through art and words. Here’s how to get started:
Ready to start your art journal? You don’t need to break the bank. Let’s look at the essentials.
Your journal is the heart of your art journaling. Here’s what to look for:
Mixed media sketchbooks are great for beginners. They handle different techniques well. Canson XL Series Sketchbooks are a solid, affordable choice.
"With just a few supplies you can start to create some really wonderful art in your journal!" – Torrie Gass, artist and blogger
On a tight budget? Try composition notebooks. They’re cheap and easy to find. Just glue every other page together to make them thicker.
You can start with just a pen and paper, but a few more tools can boost your creativity:
Don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once. Start small and build up as you figure out what you like.
Want to add some flair? Check out Dark Moon Paper for unique stickers and washi tape. Their themed kits can really make your pages pop.
Want to boost your creativity? Set up a dedicated art journaling space. Here’s how to create a workspace that’s both practical and inspiring.
Keeping your art supplies organized is a game-changer. Here’s how to do it:
Color-code your tools. Put colored pens in one container and black pens in another. It’s simple, but it’ll save you time when you’re in the zone.
For paint lovers, try a lazy susan. Artist Amanda Hilburn says, "Keep all of your paint in one place; using a lazy susan type organizer to hold paints and storing them according to color is recommended."
Don’t rush to buy fancy storage. Look around your house first. Baskets, jars, even cereal boxes can work great. It’s cheap and eco-friendly.
Consider a pegboard. The IKEA SKÅDIS is popular among art journalers. Author Maca Atencio explains, "The beauty of using the SKÅDIS pegboard system is that you can easily switch up the layout whenever your needs change or your art supplies grow over time."
The key? Have everything within reach. As Maca says, "You’ll be amazed at how much more inspired you feel when everything is organized and easy to find.”
Art journaling can get messy. Here’s how to keep your work area clean:
Get a non-stick craft sheet. It’s a must-have. It protects your surface from paint and glue, and it’s easy to clean.
Think about plexiglass. Pearl-ExPert from Splitcoaststampers shares, "I have a friend who put a whole sheet of plexiglass on her desk. She had it cut to size. She put some little rubber grabbers under it so it wouldn’t move."
On a budget? Get creative. Die Cut Diva from Splitcoaststampers suggests, "I like to repurpose things. My work had some of last year’s wall calendars…so I brought those home and covered my table with them."
Try oversized cutting mats. They’re great for cutting and crafting, and easy to wipe down.
Pro tip: Keep non-alcohol baby wipes handy. They’re gentle on most surfaces and perfect for quick clean-ups of paint or ink spills.
Art journaling is all about letting your creativity flow. Let’s dive into some key techniques to make your pages stand out.
Your background sets the stage for your entire page. Here’s how to create eye-catching backgrounds:
Acrylic Paint Techniques
Acrylic paint is a go-to for beginners. Try these:
Kate Palmer (Sparkle Tart) suggests: "Start with simple doodles using Copic Multi Liners and markers. Then layer acrylic paint over it with stencils."
Watercolor Magic
Watercolors can create dreamy backgrounds. Kristal Norton, author of Art Journaling 101, shares:
I used a lot of water with acrylics, then lifted the book to let it drip. So fun!
Want a cool effect? Sprinkle salt on wet watercolor. It absorbs the paint, creating interesting textures as it dries.
Collage and Mixed Media
Don’t stick to just paint. Collaging adds depth to your backgrounds. Kristal Norton recommends:
I ripped up pieces of an old dictionary and glued them down with soft gel medium. Once it was dry, I painted over it with watered down blue acrylic paint.
Adding DepthNow, let’s build layers and add texture. This is where your pages come alive.
Layering Techniques
Susanne Rose, an artist and art journaler, says:
Layers with texture and colours create depth in your abstract work. It makes your pieces interesting and the process is so enjoyable.
Try this layering method:
Texture and Dimension
Want to make your page pop? Add texture:
The author from Hop-A-Long Studio notes:
Adding texture as part of the initial layer before adding color lends to unique and beautiful results.
Incorporating Words
Don’t forget to mix words with your visuals:
Starting an art journal can be scary. But it’s all about diving in and making it your own. Here’s how to get past that initial fear and add your personal touch.
Staring at a blank page? Even experienced artists feel that. Here’s how to break through:
Paint a background: It’s an easy way to make the page less intimidating. Try these:
Use an old book: Katie Smith from Tombow has a neat trick:
"I love hunting for old books in thrift stores. Those musty, vintage ones are perfect."
Slap some gesso on those pages. It’ll make them stronger for wet media and leave cool traces of text.
Start simple: Try these low-pressure exercises:
Remember what Steven Pressfield says in "The War of Art":
"Fear is just part of the deal for artists doing meaningful work."
Adding Your StyleYour journal should scream "you". Here’s how:
Make an intro page: Set the tone right from the start:
Katie Smith’s tip for a watercolor look:
"Use Tombow Dual Brush Pens on a palette, then apply with a wet brush. Instant watercolor effect!"
Get personal:
Try themed pages: They can spark ideas:
Just let your creativity flow. As Jenny Weatherall from Eminent SEO says:
"The only rule in art journaling? There are no rules!"
Want to make art journaling a regular thing? Here’s how to turn it into a habit that sticks.
Fitting art journaling into your life doesn’t have to be a hassle. Try these tips:
Start small. Aim for just 15 minutes a day. As artist Sara Schroeder puts it:
"I feel so much better when I prioritize my creative time – even if it’s only 15 minutes."
Treat it like any other important appointment. Block out time in your calendar and stick to it.
Figure out when you’re at your creative best. Some folks love mornings, others prefer evenings. Play around and see what works for you. Author Gayle Dowell says:
"I need the scheduled time to do some stress-free creative work."
Make it portable. Pack a small box with your go-to supplies. Now you can journal wherever you are.
Use materials that dry quickly. Pens, markers, and tempera paint sticks are great for this. They’ll help you work faster and more efficiently.
Finding IdeasKeeping your journal pages fresh is key to sticking with it. Here’s how to stay inspired:
Carry a small notebook. Jot down ideas as they pop into your head throughout the day. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll use these later.
Try prompts when you’re stuck. Here are a few to get you started:
Get involved with other artists. Check out sites like Creative Every Day. They offer monthly themes to spark your creativity.
Prep your pages in advance. Paint a bunch of backgrounds when you have time. It’ll give you a head start when inspiration hits.
Break it down. Don’t try to finish a whole page in one go. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and work on it bit by bit each day.
Remember, doing it regularly matters more than making it perfect. Art instructor Julie Balzer nails it:
"My daily art journal has always been a cornerstone of my creative practice."
Let’s recap what we’ve learned about art journaling and outline some steps to kickstart your creative journey.
Art journaling is all about free expression and creativity. Here’s the gist:
As Artful Haven says:
"Having an art journal is fun! It’s not a serious academic exploration of techniques, motifs, themes or art exhibitions."
Ready to dive in? Here’s how:
1. Get your gear
You’ll need:
Tip: Canson XL Series Sketchbooks are budget-friendly for beginners.
2. Set up shop
Create your art space:
3. Start small
Try these simple exercises:
Art teacher Laura Reichert says:
"Working small gives me the creative fix I need every day."
4. Make it a habit
Consistency is key:
5. Mix it up
Don’t be scared to try new things:
FAQsAn art journal is your personal playground. No rules, just creativity. You might include:
Tammy Garcia, an experienced artist, puts it this way:
"Art journaling is about the process, not the end result. It’s creating on paper or in a journal, focusing on self-expression rather than a perfect finished product."
You can start with just a pen and paper, but more supplies = more fun. Here’s a starter kit:
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Start small and build up your stash over time.
Starting an art journal isn’t rocket science. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Grab your stuff: Get a journal and some basic art supplies.
2. Beat the blank page: Slap on a simple background with paint.
3. Pick a theme: Could be your mood, favorite colors, or whatever catches your eye.
4. Just create: Forget perfection. Experiment and have a blast!
Mindful Art Studio gives this advice:
"Art journaling doesn’t have to break the bank or be complicated. It’s super forgiving – everything you make is tucked away in your own personal book."
Your art journal is like a sandbox for your creativity. Try these ideas:
Remember, there’s no "wrong" in art journaling. As mixed media artist Boomer says:
"Art journals are great for expressing feelings, trying out art ideas, jotting down dreams, and making art without pressure."
The secret? Make it yours and enjoy the ride.
Stickers Made for Planning
Our custom stickers are a fuss-free way to brighten up your planner pages with perfectly-sized designs that add a spark of personality to every layout.
Why use planner stickers?
Planner stickers make organizing easy, fun, and personal! Add color, creativity, and structure to every page, transforming your planner into a tool that reflects you. Perfect for tracking, decorating, and staying inspired daily!
Hello and welcome!
I’m Rachael Snow, a lifelong artist and entrepreneur, and I started Dark Moon Paper to blend my love of art, technology, and the mysterious beauty of the world around us. My sticker kits are meant to set the mood, tell a story, and give you a little escape from the ordinary.
I work from my cozy studio tucked away in the beautiful woods of Oregon, surrounded by nature and a dark night sky full of stars.