Ever wished you had a way to capture your thoughts, feelings, and creativity all in one place? That’s exactly what art journaling is for! Unlike traditional journaling, which is mostly about writing, art journaling blends words with colors, textures, and doodles – turning your pages into a visual story that’s uniquely yours. ✨
And the best part? There are no rules. You don’t need to be an artist or have perfect handwriting. Art journaling is all about self-expression, mindfulness, and play. 🎨 Whether you’re looking for a creative way to unwind or try out new art journal techniques to document your thoughts, this guide will help you get started. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from showing you exactly how to start art journaling and getting the right supplies to filling up those blank pages and learning to create without fear – no pressure, just fun. 🌟
So, grab your favorite drink, find a cozy spot, and let’s dive in!
Art journaling is a fun way to mix words and visuals to show your emotions, ideas, and everyday moments. It’s kind of like keeping a diary, but instead of just writing, you get to add colors, textures, and images to really bring your thoughts to life. Plus, it doesn’t require much artistic skill, making it a great option for an easy art idea for beginners to try out. This also makes it one of the most relaxing creative hobbies out there.
There are so many fun ways to get into art journaling! Check out some of these common art journaling techniques and pick the ones that feel the most “YOU”
- Collage & Scrapbook Art Journaling – Uses magazine clippings, stickers, photos, and little treasures to layer and create beautiful pages.
- Mixed Media Journaling – Blends together paints, inks, papers, fabrics, and all sorts of materials for a unique creative adventure.
- Watercolor Journaling – Includes soft washes of color and cute illustrations or lettering.
- Doodle & Sketch Journaling – Fun hand-drawn doodles, creative lettering, and playful little scribbles & sketches.
- Junk Journaling – Embraces the charm of the old by using things like book pages, receipts, and scraps to make lovely, vintage-style journals.
- Themed Journaling – Focuses on a specific theme like gratitude, dreams, travel, vision boards, inspirational quotes, or nature. There are so many fun directions to take!
The beauty of art journaling is that it’s completely personal. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. You get to decide how to fill your pages, one cozy, creative moment at a time.
The Benefits of Art Journaling
Not only is art journaling fun, but it also has incredible benefits for your mental health. It sparks creativity, helps clear your mind, and gives you a wonderful sense of achievement that just makes you feel good on the inside. Think of it as a space where art meets heart – a cozy spot to explore your thoughts and feelings through color, texture, and a little bit of play.
What’s great about an art journal is that it’s not about making “perfect” pages. There’s no pressure to get everything just right, and there are absolutely no rules to follow. It’s just a free space for you to express yourself without any expectations.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed or anxious (which, let’s be real, happens more often than I’d like), I love sitting down with my journal and a handful of colors. It really helps me sort through my emotions in a way that words sometimes can’t capture. There’s something truly magical about seeing your feelings come to life on the page!
Here are a few of the benefits I’ve personally experienced through art journaling:
1. Relieves stress & anxiety
Most people use art journaling for stress relief and as a form of mindful creativity. It is considered a form of creative self care since it’s like a mini escape for your mind! Many people find it helps with their anxiety, too. There have been so many studies about the positive connection between art and mental health. Just doodling, painting, or collaging can calm a busy brain and pull you into the present moment. After a long day, it feels like a little meditation session – but with paint and paper!
2. Boosts creativity & self expression through art
Your art journal is your personal space, there’s no need to make it look “good.” Whether you’re scribbling down thoughts, playing with new techniques, finding mindfulness through art, or just having fun with colors, it’s a judgment-free zone where creativity flows without pressure. Plus, experimenting with such simple, beginner-friendly art journal pages, just focusing on colors & textures, can spark mindfulness and creativity in other parts of your life.
3. Confidence & Letting Go of Perfectionism
Ever feel a bit stuck because of self-doubt? Art journaling gives you the freedom to embrace mistakes and shed that perfectionist mindset. Since there’s no “wrong” way to do it, you can experiment without fear. Once you take those little steps to let go of that perfection, you might find that newfound freedom spilling into other areas of your life, too, helping you improve how you take action in your everyday life.
4. Personal Growth & Memory Keeping
Think of your art journal as a visual diary – a place to reflect, dream, and document your journey. Over time, flipping through past pages can be a powerful reminder of how much you’ve grown, both as a creative person and as an individual.
And let’s clear up one big misconception right now – you don’t need to be an “artist” to start an art journal. Seriously. This isn’t about creating gallery-worthy masterpieces. It’s about showing up as your most authentic self, without fear of judgment. Your pages don’t need to be pretty or perfect. They just need to be yours.
How to Start an Art Journal (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
Honestly, any surface can become your journal. I’ve seen people make them from old paper bags, torn-up cardboard, and even recycled receipts. But if you’re just starting out, it’s best to go with something simple and easy to use.
1. Choose Your Journal
I personally think that the best art journal for beginners is a basic mixed media sketchbook because it works well with almost anything – paint, markers, glue, you name it. My go-to is the Canson XL Mixed Media Pad (about $10-15), which can handle a little watercolor and collaging without warping. And since it’s not too pricey, you won’t feel like you’re “wasting” pages while experimenting.
If you have a specific style in mind, here are a few other options:
📓 Simple Notebooks – Great for quick sketches and lightweight journaling.
🎨 Mixed Media Sketchbooks – Best for layering paint, ink, and glue.
🖌 Watercolor Journals – If you love working with wet media.
📖 Dotted Journals – Perfect for bullet journaling and organizing creative ideas.
♻️ DIY Art Journals – If you want to know how to make your own art journal, start by binding any kind of loose paper together. You can use old notebook pages, paper bags, cardboard or even torn magazine pages. This method is perfect as a junk journaling idea.
2. Gather Your Supplies
You don’t need a huge stash – just get a few basics to get started. Here are the best art journaling supplies for beginners that I can think of –
✨ Pens & Markers – Fine liners, brush pens, or gel pens for doodling and lettering. A waterproof black pen (like a Micron) is great for layering with paint. And a white gel pen? Game changer for adding highlights!
🎨 Coloring Supplies – Watercolors, crayons, colored pencils, or markers – whatever makes you happy.
📄 Collage Materials – Old magazines, scrapbook paper, book pages, ticket stubs… anything you love.
✂️ Scissors & Glue – A glue stick or Mod Podge for sticking down collage elements.
🌟 Stickers, Stamps & Washi Tape – Fun extras to add texture and personality to your pages.
More Budget-Friendly & Affordable Art Journaling Supplies
If you don’t want to splurge on art journal supplies yet, start with what you already have! A ballpoint pen, old magazines, highlighters – trust me, you’ve probably got a treasure trove of art supplies hiding in your home right now.
Even things like junk mail, receipts, or pretty napkins can become beautiful elements in your pages. Try upcycled materials like old book pages, newspaper, or fabric scraps. One of my favorite art journal background techniques? Using an old gift card to scrape paint across a page. It’s ridiculously satisfying.
Want to get creative with everyday items? Try these:
☕ Coffee or tea-stained paper – Perfect for vintage-looking art journal backgrounds.
🖼 Magazines & junk mail – Free collage materials!
🔶 Homemade stamps – Carve designs into potatoes, erasers, or foam.
💄 Old makeup – Eyeshadow works beautifully as soft pigment.
💡 My special tip? Start a treasure box – a little container where you collect scraps that catch your eye. Ticket stubs, pressed flowers, cool packaging… all these random bits can turn into meaningful journal elements later. If you’re tight on space, a shoebox under your bed works just fine.
3. Start with these easy art journal ideas for beginners
Starting a new page can feel intimidating. Here are some quick art journal prompts to get the creativity flowing and to get over your fear of the blank page:
✍ Write down three words that describe your mood, then doodle & color around them.
🎨 Create a checkered pattern using a black pen, then color inside each individual square.
📌 Try a magazine cut-out collage based on a theme (e.g., ‘dream travel destination’).
For more inspiration, check out this list of 50 Totally Fun & Easy Art Journal Prompts (linked here).
4. Create a Simple Art Journaling Routine
The best way to build a habit is to make it enjoyable. Here’s how to make your creative practice feel effortless:
✨ Create a daily or weekly ritual: Set the mood by lighting a candle, playing soft music, and designating a cozy corner of your space for relaxing art activities.
🗓️ Find your rhythm: Whether you prefer a daily art journal routine, a weekly session, or enjoy a relaxing weekend craft project – choose the approach that feels best for you.
📖 Let go of perfection: Some of the most captivating visual storytelling in journals comes from happy accidents! Embrace the imperfections.
Setting Up Your Creative Corner
Think you need a fancy studio to create? Nope!
For years, my creative space has been a tiny desk in the corner of my bedroom. Sometimes, I just spread out my supplies on the floor and let the creative chaos happen. What really matters is making a space that feels inviting and inspiring to you.
Tips for Creating a Cozy Art Space
🖼 Designate a Creative Zone – Even if it’s just a small corner of your table, a small desk in your bedroom, or even a lap desk you use while sitting on your couch – having a designated space signals to your brain that it’s time to unwind and create.
💡 Lighting is Everything – Natural light is amazing, but if you’re crafting in the evenings, a warm lamp or fairy lights can make your space feel extra cozy. I sometimes use my ring light as a makeshift desk lamp – works like a charm!
🗂 Storage & Organization – As I mentioned earlier, when you’re just starting out, you won’t need too much space for you supplies – even a small shoebox might be sufficient to store all your material. But if you want to keep things more organized and easily accessible, then I would suggest getting a rolling cart that can be tucked away when not in use. This makes it easy to pull out exactly what you need and can help keep supplies tidy without taking over your home.
For those of us working with limited space, organization becomes even more important. I use vertical space whenever possible – pegboards, wall shelves, and hanging organizers keep my supplies accessible without taking up precious table space. Everything has a designated home, making it easy to clean up quickly when needed.
🎶 Set the Mood – Save or create playlists that relax and inspire you – music can be one of the best art journaling companions.
📌 Keep a Vision or Mood Board – Whether it’s a pinboard, a digital mood board, or a small collection of favorite quotes, having visual journaling inspiration nearby can make a huge difference.
Tips for Journaling on the Go
One of my favorite self-care rituals? Taking myself on a solo date to a cozy café with my journal in hand. There’s just something so calming about sipping a warm drink while doodling or collaging in a quiet corner.
If you love the idea of journaling outside your home, here are some ideas for supplies to add to your portable art kit –
🎨 A mini sketchbook
✏️ A few colored pens or markers
✂️ Glue stick & scissors
📄 Some scrap papers or magazine cutouts
You don’t need hours of free time to make journaling a habit – just 15 minutes before bed or while your coffee brews can be enough. Or treat your art journaling sessions as a stay at home, relaxing weekend idea. The key is consistency, not perfection. Over time, all those small creative moments add up into something really special.
Simple Art Journaling Ideas & Techniques for Beginners
When I first started art journaling, I felt completely intimidated by the gorgeous, complex pages I saw online. How were people making such stunning spreads? Did I need fancy supplies? Was I even artistic enough? They looked effortless but felt impossible to recreate. But here’s what I’ve learned – some of the most beautiful journal pages are actually built using incredibly simple art journaling techniques!
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it’s easier than you think. And this is a great stress relief & mindfulness craft for relaxation, so you won’t regret giving it a try. Below are some fun, beginner-friendly techniques that will help you dive right in. You don’t have to use all of them – just pick what sparks your creativity!
Create interesting backgrounds
Let’s dive into creating some interesting backgrounds for your art journal. Here are a few easy techniques to set the mood for your page –
- Watercolor washes – Simply add a base of watercolors using a single or multiple colors. These soft, dreamy blends are perfect for giving your page an artsy vibe without much effort.
- Acrylic paint scraping – Add a large drop of acrylic paint on to your page and then grab an old credit card (seriously!) and use it to spread paint around for a cool textured look.
- Coloring page – Use a torn coloring page as the background for your art journal spread. I have a free coloring page you can use as a background – it looks really good since it has a pattern of cozy objects. You can download it for free here
- Torn-paper collage – Gather some scraps from old books, patterned paper, newspapers, or anything from your recycling bin and stick them down on top of each other in differently sized layers for a fun collage effect.
- Household stamping – Use household items dipped in paint to create a unique stamped background. You can create stamps from potatoes & erasers, or use bubble wrap, lace and crumpled paper to add cool textures.
✨ Pro Tip: Even some good old scribbling with crayons or colored pencils can make a fantastic base! Remember, the goal is to let go of that fear of the blank page and just enjoy the process!
Add Simple Doodles & Sketches
If you’re convinced you can’t draw, I promise you there are so many ways to add visuals to your pages without needing any artistic skills. You can use stencils, trace magazine cutouts, or just doodle abstract patterns! One of my favorite tricks? Placing paper cutouts or a leaf under a page and rubbing a crayon over them. It creates a textured effect that looks cool and requires minimal effort.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:
- Basic shapes – Just draw the most basic shapes you learnt as a kid – circles, triangles, stars and hearts. Randomly add colorful shapes in your design – looks pretty and is so easy to create
- Draw leaves & flowers – Simple leaves, vines, or tiny wildflowers instantly elevate any page.
- Trace or Stamp – Place a coin under your page and trace it with colored pencils or crayons. You can also use postage stamps or even art stamps to create interesting shapes.
- Blind contour drawing – Draw an object without looking at your paper (embrace the perfectly imperfect results!).
✨ Shortcut: Not in the mood to draw? Take flat objects that have a raised design on them, place it under a page and rub a crayon or pencil over the page to create a beautiful pattern. Works with coins, leaves, cutout shapes like hearts, and jar lids with design or text on them.
Play with Lettering & Words
Lettering transformed my pages once I realized I didn’t need perfect calligraphy skills. Simple block letters with thickened downstrokes create a faux-calligraphy look that feels professional with zero stress. Want something funkier? Cut out letters from magazines for a ransom-note aesthetic. And honestly, your handwriting, even if it’s messy, is already one of a kind, so embrace it!
Words add personality to your journal! Here are a few ways to include them:
- Handwritten quotes – Your natural handwriting adds a personal touch.
- Magazine cutouts – Mix and match fonts for a cool, quirky collage effect.
- Brush lettering – Use calligraphy markers to add a touch of elegance!
✨ Fun Idea: Choose a random word, write it in big letters, and decorate around it – it’s a quick way to give your page an exciting theme!
Collage & Mixed Media for Instant Texture
Collage is my secret weapon when I’m feeling a bit stuck creatively. There’s something magical about tearing out images from magazines, using patterns from junk mail, or playing with random paper scraps. Arranging them on a page can make it feel alive again! I like to keep a folder of interesting textures, colors, and prints so when inspiration runs low, I just dive in and start gluing!
Here are some easy collage ideas to get you started:
- Layer torn paper & fabric – Mixing up textures can create a beautiful, dimensional look.
Use found objects – Add some dried flowers or pressed leaves for that natural touch! Or even receipts, tickets, stamps – anything can become art. - Mix newspaper clippings, stickers, and paint – The more layers, the better the page feels.
✨ Tip: Keep a folder of random paper scraps, receipts, and stickers – you never know when inspiration will strike!
Pick a Color Palette (Without Overthinking It!)
Creating beautiful pages doesn’t require you to be a color expert! One fun tip is to gather color combinations from everyday objects—think about your favorite snack package, a cozy scarf, or even your skincare bottles. Here are a few friendly tips to help you out:
- Use what you love – Choose colors from your favorite outfit, book cover, or some fun snack packaging.
- Stick to 3-4 colors – This helps everything stay looking nice and coordinated.
- Try unexpected combos – Feeling adventurous? Here’s a fun idea – spread out your paints or crayons, now close your eyes and choose 2 or 3 colors. Say bye bye to decision fatigue and use the colors you chose! Whatever they are – pink and mustard? Teal and rust? Go wild!
✨ Fun Idea: Take your next empty snack packet and use it to create a fun collage in your journal. Clean it up, tear it apart, and use it as a colorful background or to create small shapes or washi tape – instant color palette magic!
Step-by-Step Art Journaling Process
If you love a little bit of structure along with your creativity, this fun layering process will help you add depth to your pages:
- Start with a Background:
Kick things off by covering your page with watercolor, torn paper, or even a fun scribble with crayons! If you’re feeling adventurous, try blending a few colors for a beautiful gradient effect. - Add a Focal Point:
Now it’s time to choose something special as your focal point! This could be a favorite quote, a Polaroid photo, a sketch, or even a magazine clipping. Placing it a bit off-center can give your page a lively feel. - Doodle or write over it:
Let your creativity flow by adding in doodles, stamps, or extra paint splashes around your focal point. You can also write your thoughts, create abstract patterns, or use washi tape. This is where the magic happens and your page really starts to come to life! - Finish with Small Accents:
To wrap it all up, why not sprinkle in some stickers, pressed flowers, or shiny gold foil details? These little touches can make your page feel extra special. Feel free to doodle a frame or border to tie everything together!
✨ Reminder: Your page doesn’t need to be “perfect” – it just needs to feel like you! Have fun with it!
Permission to Make “Ugly” Pages (and Why They Matter!)
Not every page needs to be Instagram-worthy. In fact, some of my most meaningful pages look messy, chaotic, or even downright ugly. But those pages taught me the most about my creative process.
Your journal is for you, not a museum. So let yourself experiment, make mistakes, and create just for the joy of it.
The Secret to Overcoming Blank Page Anxiety
Confession: Even after years of journaling, I still get intimidated by blank pages. That empty whiteness feels like it’s judging me! But guess what? I’ve picked up some fun tricks to help me push past that fear, and I’d love to share them with you!
1. My 5-Minute Jumpstart Trick
When I hit a creative roadblock, I have a go-to move: If I’m stuck, I immediately cover the page with scribbles, bits of paper, splashes of paint – something. Making a messy first layer takes away the pressure of needing to be perfect – it’s all about getting started!
2. Create “Ugly” First Layers
I make a point to create a messy, imperfect first layer on purpose. This way, there’s nothing to “ruin”! I throw on some random paint smears, torn scraps, or scribbled words. Once the page is already “imperfect,” I feel free to build on it without any worries.
3. Use Art Journal Inspiration Prompts
On those uninspired days, I love turning to my prompt jar. It’s filled with a collection of fun words, color combos, and techniques written on little slips of paper (like “Draw your favorite food” or “Use only two colors”). Pull one out, and voila! Instant inspiration without all that overthinking. Honestly? You can turn anything into a prompt – there was a time when I was using Wordle answers as my word prompt to create a design around!
4. Embrace the Imperfection (Seriously, It’s the Best Part!)
One of the biggest shifts for me has been learning to embrace imperfection. Some of my favorite pages have come from happy accidents like smudges, misplaced stickers, or wild scribbles. Instead of trying to fix “mistakes,” I see them as creative opportunities! The best part? Art journaling isn’t about making a perfect end product; it’s all about enjoying the process. Once I shifted my focus from perfection to play, everything changed!
Remember, art journaling is all about you – your creativity, your feelings, and your joy. So go ahead, make those “ugly” pages, scribble wildly, let your creativity flow, and most importantly, have fun! 😊🎨
How to Find Your Art Journaling Style
Finding my style didn’t happen overnight. At first, I copied artists I admired, feeling frustrated when my pages didn’t look like theirs. But over time, I realized that imitation is part of the process – it’s how we learn!
Give Yourself Permission to Play!
I’m giving you full permission to play. Try different techniques, mix styles, and experiment wildly. Follow tutorials, mimic artists you love, and see what sticks. That’s how you discover what you love!
Why Copying Other Artists is Part of the Journey (But Not the Destination)
Think of it like learning a language – you start by mimicking native speakers, but eventually, you form your own sentences. Same with art journaling! You’ll naturally adapt styles and make them your own.
Experiment with Different Styles Until Something Clicks
Unsure about how to keep a creative journal when you’re still figuring out your style? Don’t worry – just dive in and try them all! Experiment with different techniques and “save” your favorite art journal pages from creators that inspire you. Maybe start with figuring out which of the following styles sound like they could be yours –
- Minimalist – Clean layouts, simple line art.
- Colorful & vibrant – Bright, playful, and expressive.
- Vintage-inspired – Warm sepia tones, lace, and distressed textures.
- Abstract & expressive – Messy, emotional, and raw
Finding Inspiration Without Comparison-itis
Social media can often lead to comparison, but let’s flip that around! Instead of trying to recreate someone else’s pages exactly as it is, look at their design and ask yourself these questions:
- What colors catch my eye?
- What textures or materials make me excited?
- How do I want my pages to feel?
Just keep trying new things and one day you’ll look at your journal and realize that you seem to have an art style that is uniquely yours! That is what happened to me – as I kept creating messy pages and experimenting, one day, I realized my journal reflected me – a love for layers, mixed textures, and playful chaos. That was my lightbulb moment! And trust me, you’ll have yours too.
Embracing Your Evolving Creative Voice
Remember, your creative voice will continue to grow and change over time. Looking back at the pages I made two years ago, I can see how much I’ve evolved – and I know I’ll change even more in the next couple of years. This evolution is a beautiful part of your creative journey, so embrace it with open arms!
20 Fun & Easy Art Journaling Prompts
These prompts are here to help you tap into your inner child – the one who created freely and wildly, without overthinking. Each prompt is intentionally simple, playful, and all about having fun with art, without any pressure. This is one of the most fun self care activities for adults that I’ve come across, which is ironic since it is basically helping you behave like a kid again! So, use these prompts as a cozy mental playground, where creativity flows effortlessly, mistakes are welcome, and every page is a little adventure.
Remember, there are NO rules!
☕ Grab whatever supplies make you smile
🎨 Don’t worry about making a mess – it’s all part of the fun!
✨ Let go of the idea of perfection – it’s not necessary!
🌿 Take a deep breath in and out… and just enjoy the process!
Cozy & Nostalgic Art Journaling Prompts
(Bring back childhood joy with these simple, feel-good prompts)
🧸 1. The Ultimate Comfort List – Make a collage or list everything that makes you feel warm and cozy (hot cocoa, fairy lights, rainy days).
🏡 2. Your Happy Place – Use colors, textures, or words to capture a place where you feel most at peace.
📺 3. Saturday Morning Cartoons – Doodle or collage things that remind you of your favorite childhood shows.
☁️ 4. The Coziest Day Ever – Illustrate or describe your perfect lazy day – what would you wear, eat, and do?
Whimsical & Playful Art Journaling Prompts
(Silly, imaginative, and fun – like playing with arts & crafts as a kid!)
🎨 5. Color Outside the Lines – Scribble wildly, layer colors, and break all the ‘rules’ on purpose.
🍦 6. Doodle Your Dream Ice Cream – Invent a fantasy ice cream flavor and decorate the page with toppings.
🧚 7. If I Were a Fairytale Character… – Would you be a woodland witch, a cozy cottage dweller, or an adventurous pirate? Draw or create a collage your character would fit in
✨ 8. Make a Sticker Page – Cover a page with all the stickers you love (or draw and cut out your own!)
Self Care & Mindful Art Journaling Prompts
(Gentle, calming prompts to slow down and check in with yourself)
🌬️ 9. Breathe In, Breathe Out – Draw wavy lines or spirals to mimic deep breathing.
💖 10. What’s In Your Heart Today? – Use colors and abstract shapes to express your emotions.
📝 11. Affirmation Doodle – Pick a kind phrase (e.g., “I am enough”) and decorate the words in fun lettering.
🕯️ 12. Your Cozy Ritual – Illustrate or list the small things that help you feel relaxed (morning coffee, stretching, reading).
Travel & Adventure Art Journaling Prompts
(Wanderlust-inspired prompts that spark creativity without leaving your journal)
✈️ 13. Dream Travel Mood Board – Collage or sketch places you’d love to visit.
📮 14. Postcard to Your Future Self – Write and decorate a ‘postcard’ from a dream destination.
🏡 15. If I Had a Tiny Cottage… – Design the coziest little home in the woods, by the sea, or on a mountain.
☕ 16. Café Hopping – Illustrate your dream coffee shop and what’s on the menu.
Fun & Random Prompts Art Journaling Prompts
(Anything goes! Just pure, child-like creativity and for finding joy in small things)
🎰 17. Favorite Things Bingo – Make a bingo card filled with tiny drawings of your favorite things.
🏘️ 18. Doodle a Tiny Town – Fill a page with quirky little houses, shops, and cafes.
☁️ 19. What If the Sky Wasn’t Blue? – Paint or color the sky in unexpected colors.
🎬 20. Your Life as a Movie Poster – Make up a title and design the cover!
These are just a few prompts you can start with. For more inspiration, check out this list of 50 Totally Fun & Easy Art Journal Prompts
Tips for Sticking with Art Journaling
Keeping up with art journaling when life gets hectic has been one of my biggest challenges. But here’s what I’ve learned –
How I Keep Up with My Art Journaling Even When Life Gets Busy
Flexibility is everything. Some weeks, I create every day; other times, I barely touch my journal. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay! Being kind to myself during these ups and downs helps keep my creativity from feeling like just another item on my to-do list.
Creating Little Rituals to Get Into a Creative Mood
I’ve discovered that little rituals can really help signal to my brain that it’s time to create. Mine is pretty simple – I light a candle, turn on my favorite playlist, and set out my supplies just right. These little actions have become a cozy transition from the rush of everyday life into a creative mindset – even if I only have 20 minutes.
Finding Your Own Creative Rhythm (Daily Isn’t Always Better!)
While some people thrive on a daily practice, I’ve found that for me, one or two focused sessions each week work better. It’s all about finding what feels natural for you! Your creativity should seamlessly fit into your life, not the other way around.
Celebrating the Small Wins
I keep a fun little list in the back of my journal where I jot down pages I’m especially proud of, techniques I’ve mastered, or any creative breakthroughs I’ve had. Looking back at this list when I’m feeling stuck is such a boost – it reminds me how far I’ve come and inspires me to keep going!
Turning “Should” into “Want To”
One of the biggest changes for me was letting go of the idea that I *should* journal. When I started to see it as something I *get* to do – a little gift I give to myself – it completely shifted my mindset. Now, my journaling time feels like a joyful escape, rather than just another task to check off my list!
Growing Your Art Journaling Practice
Final Tips for Starting (and Sticking With) Art Journaling
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: Your art journal is yours. Your colors, your words, your feelings, your experiments. There’s no “right” way to fill these pages – just your way.
I still remember how nervous I was about making that first mark, afraid I’d “ruin” the page. Now thinking about those early fears just makes me smile because I’ve learned that mistakes often lead to the most beautiful discoveries.
A Few Last Reminders
✨ Let go of perfection. Your journal isn’t meant to be pretty – it’s meant to be yours.
✨ Find a rhythm that works for you. Daily, weekly, or just when inspiration strikes – every approach is valid.
✨ Stay inspired. Follow art journaling pages on Instagram and Pinterest, join a Facebook group, or read books like The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
Your journal will be a lovely reflection of your creative journey – a space that holds your growth, your dreams, and your messy, wonderful experiments.
So don’t wait for permission, or the “perfect” supplies, or until you feel ready enough. Just start.
I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! And if you ever want to share your pages, tag me on Instagram – I’d love to celebrate your art journaling journey with you.
Happy creating! 🎨✨
Even though I’ve been art journaling for quite a while now, there are definitely moments when I hit a creative block or just don’t feel like picking up my journal. And you know what? That’s completely okay! I like to take a break, do something different for a few weeks, and come back to my journal when the inspiration strikes again. But on those days when I just need a little nudge to keep going, I use these tricks –
Look for inspiration in everyday life
I treat my journal as a visual diary and look for inspiration in my daily life. I love incorporating unexpected materials into my pages and lately, I’ve been picking up small leaves, flowers, and even sand on my nature walks to add to my journal. Or if I’m travelling, I love to save my tickets and receipts to add my add journal. There’s something special about using these little treasures – like I’m bottling up a memory right on the page. These natural elements add texture and meaning that store-bought supplies simply can’t replicate.
Create Themed Journals
If staring at a blank page feels overwhelming, creating a themed journal can help! Here are some of my favorite art journal theme ideas to start with:
- A color journal – Experiment with different color palettes and moods by using just one or two colors for each page.
- A gratitude journal – Fill your pages with things that bring you joy – it’s all about looking at the positive side of life!
- A dream journal – Capturing nighttime dreams or daydreams in sketches and words.
Explore Digital Art Journaling
If you love the idea of art journaling but want to skip the mess of supplies, digital journaling could be perfect for you! Apps like Procreate and Paper by WeTransfer let you play around with colors, layers, and textures without worrying about wasting anything. It’s a fantastic way to express yourself, especially when you’re on the go!
Share (or don’t share) Your Pages
For a long time, my journal was just for me – my private space to explore without any judgment. But eventually, I started sharing some pages on Instagram and discovered an amazing community of fellow journal lovers! That said, I still keep a lot of my pages just for myself. Whether or not you decide to share your journal is completely up to you – it’s your creative journey, and you make the rules!
Check out books & YouTube channels
Some books and resources that have helped me grow:
📖 Journal Spilling by Diana Trout – A playful approach to creative journaling.
🎨 Creative Revolution by Flora Bowley – Perfect for letting go of perfection and just having fun
📺 YouTube channel: Maremi Small Art for fun, easy-to-follow tutorials.
📖Instagram: Archer and Olive for fun ways to use your notebooks or journals
I hope you find these tips helpful and that they inspire you to dive into your art journaling practice. Have fun!
