Imagine a place, just for you, where you get to express yourself without judgement and where being creative is an act of self-care. Enter the art journal.
When I was a teenager I used to pepper my journals with collage, illustration and comic-strip style stories pondering what seemed like hugely consequential incidents and emotions mostly concerning: boys, clothes, what-she-said, my place in a baffling world, and the like.
So, a few years ago when I [re]discovered art journalling it turned out my teenage self knew something thirty-something me had forgotten - that art you create just for you is a powerful way to express and explore your thoughts and feelings, and gain new insights.
That’s why art journalling has me hooked. But like any good book, there’s much more to this art journalling story. I believe anyone, whether you consider yourself ‘creative’ or not, will find art journalling an immensely pleasurable way to reconnect with yourself and rediscover hidden depths.
And, fortunately getting started with art journalling is pretty darned easy.
What’s an art journal?
Let’s make sure we’re on the same page and start off with a definition from moi.
“Put simply, an art journal is a book where you explore your thoughts, feelings and ideas visually.”
There tend to be two key types of art journal:
The artist’s journal - Creative types will often keep art journals, or sketchbooks, to record inspirations, delve deeper into ideas, and try out new techniques without the pressure of having to create a finished piece.
The personal journal - But the kind of art journals we’re talking about here are more akin to the written journal. Think Adrian Mole, but instead of a biro-brandishing spidery scrawl the art journalist primarily uses images, doodles, colour and patterns, and more.
But I’m not creative...
“Drawing prowess is often equated with being creative, but this is nonsense.”
Creativity is in our nature. As children most of us revelled in playing with paint, felt tips and crayons. Now, keeping an art journal will provide you with the perfect space to play.
Because art journalling is about the process. Often, the daunting thing about art is the thought of producing a finished product. You know, a painting or song or play, you then share with the big scary, critical world. But, in contrast, art journalling is focused on the journey and sharing is optional. Phew!
What do I do in my art journal?
The beauty of art journalling is that anything goes! Yes, that means all that stuff you enjoyed as a kid can be put to good use, think:
Scribbling
Doodling
Collaging
Painting
Splodging
Delicate drawing
Destructive messes
And, everything in between…
There are oodles of prompts and ideas out there on places like Pinterest and other art journalling communities - examples include Get Messy Art and Art Witch Academy. Prompts help you overcome blank page block and just get started:
Get inspired by nature like Kristal Norton
Create a collage by tearing and layering found images like Monique Vettraino
Pick a photo or magazine page and alter it with pens and stickers like Naomi Vona
Or play with pattern and colour like Sangita Chandrashekher
What are the benefits of art journalling?
I’ve mentioned some of the benefits you might experience by keeping an art journal, but in case you need a bit more convincing art journalling can help you:
Record memories
Work through emotions
Get into your creative flow
Get stuff off your chest and relax
Get to the crux of a problem
Rediscover what you want or need
Reconnect you with your sense of self
Be more present
Have fun
And much more...
What do I need to art journal?
“Art journalling doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.”
The book - It goes without saying that you need a book. A5 is a good size to start with. Ideally choose a book with paper which can deal with mixed media, otherwise your pages are liable to crinkle - which doesn’t matter in the least, of course, it’s all down to personal preference!
Art materials - Start collecting a range of art materials. At first you might want to explore the discount stores or charity shops. Felt tips, permanent markers, indian ink, acrylic paint and glue will all be put to good use. And, remember, when it comes to art journals anything can be an art material, think: stickers, wrappers, vintage or found paper, feathers, nail varnish, fabric, etc.
Your art journal is for you
Your art journal is a space where you can relax and explore with colour, pattern, lines, and words. All you need is curiosity and an open mind. You can produce ‘ugly’ art or Instagrammable spreads. Share the results or keep them to yourself. In short, your art journal is your oyster.
Check out my Instagram feed for more details of current art journal events in or near the Leigh-on-Sea and Southend areas in Essex.