What is art journaling? A guide for any skill level - Pinot & Picasso
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, we’ve got the perfect guide to unleash your creativity and dive into the captivating realm of art journaling. So, grab your paint brushes, prepare your creative pages, and let’s get ready to start an art journal.
What is art journaling?
What is art journaling, you ask? Well, it’s a delightful fusion of drawing, painting, writing, and creating within the pages of an art journal. An art journal is where you can freely explore self-expression and let your imagination run wild. You don’t need to be a skilled artist to start art journaling. It’s all about embracing the joy of art, exploring your own creativity and taking time out of everyday life to reflect..
Do I need to be skilled to start art journaling?
Absolutely not! Art journaling is an avenue for self-expression and exploration, regardless of your drawing or painting skills. It’s a space where you can freely unleash your creativity and dive into the world of art. Your art journal becomes a sanctuary to experiment, play, and let your imagination soar. So, forget about the notion of being “skilled” and embrace your feelings through the pages of your art journal. It’s all about trusting the process and allowing your art to reflect your unique journey.
Why should I start art journaling?
1. You can express yourself through art journaling
Art journaling is your personal portal to self-expression. Dive into a world of vibrant colours, where you can paint your feelings onto the pages, journal your own thoughts with artistic flair, and craft images that bring your daily experiences to life. It’s like a visual diary that captures the essence of your unique journey. So grab your brush and let your art journal become a canvas for your innermost thoughts and emotions.
2. It is a form of self care
Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, art journaling can become your tranquil oasis (sounds fancy, huh?). It’s a whole art form full of self-care that allows you to escape the chaos and find solace in the strokes of your brush. It becomes a focal point where you can pour your ideas onto the page and let words dance with self awareness. Your art journal becomes a sanctuary, a place where you can nurture your soul and embrace the therapeutic power of creativity.
3. There are NO rules
Here’s the best part about having your own art journal: art journaling has no rules. It’s a whimsical playground where the most important thing is to let your creativity run wild. Start creating without fear or hesitation. Explore daring ideas, experiment with unconventional techniques, and make your art journal truly your own. It’s a space where your imagination reigns supreme, and the possibilities are as vast as your artistic spirit.
4. It is not a costly process
Who says art has to break the bank? Art journaling is a budget-friendly process that doesn’t require fancy supplies or costly tools. Raid your kitchen cabinets, repurpose household items, and make use of simple, affordable paper. Your art journaling journey will come to life with the magic of everyday materials. So unleash your resourcefulness and discover the joy of creating without blowing your budget.
What do I need to start my art journal?
Ready to dive into the world of art journaling? Let’s gather the essentials to get started. First, arm yourself with a variety of art materials. Think coloured pencils, paint, and brushes—the tools that will bring your artistic visions to life. Consider investing in a mixed media art journaling option, as it allows for endless creativity across different mediums. You can also opt for a visual diary or a composition notebook if you’re really feeling creative.
Now, let’s explore some unique additions to spice up your art journal. Dig through your shelves and give old textbooks a second chance to shine within the pages of your journal. Spray inks can add a touch of magic, while rubber stamps offer intricate details and texture. Remember to choose thick paper, providing a sturdy canvas for your creations. And don’t forget the versatile acrylic paint and art foam, allowing you to add depth and dimension to your artwork.
With your art materials in hand, your imagination has no limit. Unleash your creativity, embrace the joy of self-expression, and watch as your art journal becomes a vivid reflection of your artistic spirit. We can’t wait to see what you do with your art journal.
Things to consider before starting the art journaling process:
1. What size do I want my art journal to be?
It’s like choosing the perfect canvas for your creative aspirations. Do you want it to be compact and portable, ready to accompany you on artistic adventures? Or do you prefer a more generous size, allowing your ideas to sprawl freely across the pages? The choice is yours. Find the size that feels just right for you. There’s no wrong answer here.
2.What type of paper should I use?
Art journals are often chosen by artists based on the paper found inside travel journals. Thick, sturdy paper steps up to the challenge, providing a reliable foundation for your creative ideas. It’s like a trusted sidekick, ready to handle the weight of paints, pens, and collages with ease. So opt for thicker paper and bid adieu to artistic mishaps. Your creations will thank you for the solid support!
3. What is your personal style? How do you aim to express yourself?
Your art journal inspiration and creative process is unique, just like you. How do you aim to express yourself through your unique creative process? Are you drawn to bold, abstract strokes? Or do intricate details and delicate line work? Embrace your inner Picasso and let the pen, paintbrush or other arty materials guide you. Your art journal is the perfect stage to showcase your individual style and bring your artistic visions to life.
4. What do you want to achieve through this creative outlet?
At the heart of it all, what do you hope to achieve through art journaling? Is it a sanctuary of solace and self-reflection, where your journal becomes a therapeutic escape? Or perhaps you seek to explore new artistic horizons, pushing the boundaries of your creative prowess? Whatever your goal may be, let your art journal become the vessel for self-discovery and artistic growth. The possibilities are as vast and vibrant as the colours on your palette.
How do I get started? What are the steps?
1. Gather your supplies
It’s time to unleash your creativity and take that first art journal step. Gather your supplies by grabbing your journals, brushes, pens, paints, and all the goodies you need for your journaling.
2. Choose a space
Choose a spot that will be your creative haven. For example, consider your kitchen table. It’s where culinary magic happens, of course, but now it can also be transformed into the perfect canvas for your art journaling. Set up shop, claim your space, and grab a snack for your journaling while you’re there.
3. Set aside time. Consistency is crucial!
Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time to create pages that will make art journalists and other artists everywhere envious. Whether it’s a few minutes or a couple of hours, make it a ritual.
4. Experiment with different techniques and mediums
Experiment with different techniques and mediums to create a visual masterpiece. Grab those coloured pencils and make them dance on the page. Dabble in paints, express yourself through drawings and writing, and even sprinkle a bit of collage magic with the help of magazines. The artistic world is your oyster, so let your imagination run wild. There are no rules with your art journal.
5. Start small
Embrace the blank page; a fresh canvas brimming with endless possibilities. Start small, with a single stroke, a tiny doodle, or a captivating word. Before you know it, your art journal will be a vibrant tapestry of your creative spirit. So don’t be scared of the blank space – it’ll become whatever you desire it to be in no time.
Struggling to get started? Here are some prompts to help you:
1. Use your favourite song lyric as inspiration
Imagine this: your favourite song lyric becomes the ultimate muse for your art journaling adventures? We like the sound of that. Take inspiration from the rhythm and song lyrics, and watch as your art journal pages groove to the beats of your imagination. It’s music meeting art.
2. Illustrate a dream or goal and reflect on the steps you can take to achieve it
Illustrate your wildest dreams or ambitious goals, and then take a moment to dive deeper. Reflect on the steps you can take to transform those dreams into reality. Let your art journal become the canvas where your aspirations come to life, and allow yourself to visualise the path towards achieving them. It’s a powerful combination of artistic expression and self-reflection.
3. What is a challenge you have overcome? How did you go about it
We’ve all faced our fair share of challenges, haven’t we? Think about a particular situation that put your resilience to the test. How did you conquer that obstacle? What strategies did you employ to overcome the odds? Showcase your triumph in your art journal.
Use colours, shapes, and images to capture the essence of your journey and celebrate the strength that resides within you. It’s a testament to your resilience and a reminder of your ability to rise above any challenge.
Find a Pinot & Picasso studio near you!
So, are you ready to start your art journaling adventure? We bet you are! But before you embark on the first layer of this colourful journey, you can find some more inspiration at a Pinot & Picasso studio near you. They’re experts in bringing out the artist in you and creating a vibrant atmosphere where creativity thrives. Visit our website to find a studio and dive deeper into the world of art.
