Art Journaling

Art journaling means different things to different people. But most would agree that keeping one involves combining a diary, art process and journal all in one. The first step is to gather the set of supplies you’ll need to undertake this exciting endeavor.

1. Gather Art Supplies
You may already have paints and paint brushes. If not you almost certainly have a crayon or two or perhaps a watercolor pencil. Search your cabinets and cupboards for anything that makes you feel artful. It may even be a fresh bottle of glue or a sheet of homemade paper.

2. Gather Your Writing/Drawing Materials
For most people, keeping a journal such as this will involve writing, or at least doodling. Find some markers, Sharpies or even a fountain pen. These will be your writing tools.

3. Gather Your Glue
Inevitably you will want to paste items into your art journal. If you want your masterpiece to last as long as possible, use professional quality archival glue and paper. If you aren’t concerned with longevity, any sticky glue will work. A glue stick is recommended for ease of use.

4. Decide what your art journal will look like.
It could be a bound book with blank pages, loose paper that you bind yourself, a sketchbook or even a three ring binder. Choose something that works and customize it to suit your personality.

5. Next, gather the first set of elements you’re going to use.
These could be photographs, clippings, memorabilia (tickets, receipts, etc.). Draw or paint on a page first if you like and then continue drawing and adding as you build to the collage.

6. Finally, don’t forget to have fun.
Art journaling is as unique as those who keep them. You can even try something such as video art journaling if that piques your interest.

Don’t obsess about the details, enjoy the process and remember that you can show your art journaling practice to the world or you can keep it as a private healing activity unto itself.

About the Author

Sandy is an artist, writer and creativity guru. She’s currently guest writing for the website Video Regeneration