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Looking for art journal ideas?
Or are you someone who loves the idea of art journaling but lack the courage to start one?
Here is a collection of art journal pages that will inspire beginners with easy, creative, and simple sketchbook drawing ideas.
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What Is An Art Journal?
An art journal is a place for creative expression. It is a great way to record both art and words.
Do you remember the good old days of scrapbooking? Well, you can think of an visual journal as a diary where you can place your art ideas as well.
In other words, you can write quotes, create an abstract painting, try scrap-booking, add photographs or pressed flowers, work with mixed media, etc.
If you are someone who journals, try incorporating a little bit of art in it. Or if you are someone who loves to draw and paint, you can try putting down words in it too.
Why And How To Keep An Art Journal?
“I am not a creative person”, “I can’t draw”, “I don’t have a good handwriting”
There are countless times when we hear such objections from people around us. Some people hold themselves back. They either run after perfection or stay behind self-doubt.
In such scenarios, art journaling and other such creative projects come into play. It lets the person draw and paint what he wants without bounds.
While making or starting an art journal, remember that is not at all about making every page a masterpiece.
It is not only a way to bring you closer to your inner creative child but also a way to practice self-care and de-stress.
How To Start An Art Journal?
If you have been wondering about how to make an art journal, you can find some tips and tricks here.
1. Think About Your Theme
Although art journaling is all about being spontaneous, you still need to have some sort of rough ideas for how to begin.
For example:
- Am I in the mood to create a full fledged artwork?
- Do I have a collection of quotes that would go well with the art?
- Should I create a junk journal with the stuff I don’t use now?
- Is there anything that has been bothering me for quite a while? Can that be transformed into an artwork?
We could go on, but you get the idea.
Keep asking yourself some questions until you hit something that excites you.
2. Gather Supplies For Art Journal
Once you have a theme in your mind, after that gather the journaling supplies that can help you to carry out the theme.
If not, you can gather all your supplies in one place and then try to figure out.
3. Create The Background Of Your Drawing Journal
If you have been wondering about the art journal background, here are some techniques that can help you:
- Fill your page with washi tapes
- Cover all your page with line drawing
- Use colored paper
- Spray paint on the entire page
These background ideas will further inspire you to continue with your art journal.
4. Get Started
Play in your journal for an hour or two. All you need now is to leave your fears behind and begin. In other words, paint, write, draw, or paste pictures, do whatever makes you happy.
Art Journaling Ideas For Beginners
Now, Get ready with your essentials for diving into these creative journaling techniques.
1. Mixed Media Journal
Use different medium as watercolor, acrylics, pens, or crayons onto a single page to come with a unique background or layout.
2. Quote Journal
Put your favorite quotes and sayings in your journal to give it a soulful touch.
3. Junk Journal
Use anything that you consider as a waste or useless and try it in your journal.
4. Colored Paper Journal
Try using a colored paper and see how it accentuates your journal.
5. Washi Tape Journal
Use washi tapes of different color and textures and add your own twist to the journal.
6. Drawing Journal
Draw or paint in your journal and treat it as your sketchbook.
7. Dot And Line Drawing Journal
Try creating different lines or dots and see how it makes your journal more creative.
8. Black And White Journal
Although colors are great but sometimes you need to do something out of your comfort zone. So, try creating a journal without using colors.
9. Poetry Journal
Write down your favorite poetry and proses that can go with your drawing.
Art And Visual Journal Prompts List
There are some days when you’re low on ideas, and you don’t know how to fill an art journal.
In such cases when you can think of nothing to draw, use visual journaling prompts to fill your sketchbook with creative art ideas.
You can print this list, cut the ideas up into different strips, and add them to your drawing prompt jar.
1. Fill a page with geometric shapes.
2. Create a collage using old book or magazine.
3. Doodle on an entire page about:
- Things you did today
- Things you are grateful for today
- Random things about today
- Questions you have today
4. Create a page using art supplies you rarely use. Such as stencils, rubber stamp, ink sprays and get ready to experiment.
5. Choose any letter of the alphabet and draw it in different font styles.
6. Draw your monthly favorites like:
- Events you attended
- Your milestones
- Movies you watched
7. Open the dictionary and use it for one word art prompts.
Art Journaling Supplies And Materials
Here is the list of basic tools and essentials that can act as a starter supply kit for your art journal.
1. Journals/Sketchbook
The main requirement for an art journal is that it should have thick pages with little or no bleeding ( impression of paint on another side of the page) and should lay flat.
2. Paints
Some art journaling artists like to paint with watercolor, some with acrylic. Some like gauche, some like oil.
But one thing you need to consider is the pigmentation of paint colors.
3. Ephemera
These are the items that are no longer useful but can still serve you in your creative projects.
Examples of ephemera: old colorful magazine, old books, washi tapes, stickers, printed paper, tickets, colored papers, altered books, dried flower petals, paint chip color chart, newspapers, tags, postcards, playing cards, post its, bookmarks, calendars, and letters, etc.
Look around at your house. You can find so much more. Be creative.
4. Brushes
For art journaling, brushes from your local art store will work just fine. All you need to consider is a brush with stiff bristle, strong handle, and one that holds both paint and water well. ( do not leave them in water pot for days).
5. Pens
While buying pens, look if they are waterproof, affordable, and have a strong nib.
6. Ink
This is one of my favorite addition to my journaling materials. It can be used not only for creating beautiful art journals but also for hand lettering.
7. Miscellaneous Tools
Some basic tools that can be used are pencils, eraser, scissors, pallet knife, binder clips, craft knife, glue, cardboard, stencils, charcoal, spray paint, stamps, inks, and paper towels, and masking tape, etc.
And there you have it! We hope you loved this collection of art journal ideas.
Join me onPinterest for more art images.
Want more inspiration? Then why not take a look at the following:
- 9+ Simple Mandala Art Designs
- 13+ Easy Whimsical Drawings
- 21+ Easy Drawings For Beginners
- 9+ Art Patterns To Draw
- 49+ Cute Bullet Journal Doodles
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