The Secret Language of Art Journaling: Uncover Your Inner World

Art journaling is a vibrant and deeply personal form of creative expression that combines elements of visual art and traditional journaling. This unique practice offers a canvas for self-discovery, emotional exploration, and artistic experimentation. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, art journaling provides a safe space to unleash your creativity and document your journey through life.

I have kept art journals for many years now and find the practice highly satisfying.

My Art Journals

What is Art Journaling, and can anyone do it?

Art journaling is a creative form of self-care that combines the elements of art and journaling into a visual diary. It's a versatile practice that can take many forms, from spare diaries and notebooks to sketchbooks or even digital platforms. The beauty of art journaling lies in its flexibility – there are no rigid rules or expectations. Your art journal is a personal space where you can experiment with various techniques, materials, and ideas without the pressure of creating a "perfect" piece of art.

It is a space where you can pour out your heart and soul, your triumphs and your fears. Art Journals are intensely personal and not usually to be shared with others. If you do share, then do so only with someone you deeply trust.

A page from one of my Art Journals

Connecting with Your Creative Self

Even if you don't consider yourself to be an 'artist', we all have a creative outlet of some kind. You may not be doing it right now, but in all likelihood, your soul is calling you to do something about that.

An Art Journal can be a great way to look at that. For example, my mother was a wonderfully keen gardener. But she told me much later on in her life that she had always wanted to study horticulture. Something she might have done to feed that need would have been to keep an art or creative journal on that subject. You don't need to be able to draw and paint, as you can cut out pictures and paste them onto your pages. You can use different coloured pens to write out your dreams and so on. When you do this, you actually help those dreams to manifest into the reality you are desiring.

Art journaling offers a powerful way to connect with your authentic self. For many, creating art is fundamental to who they are, and regular journaling can help strengthen that connection. When we engage in this practice, we often feel calmer, more curious, energized, and restored.

One of the most significant benefits of art journaling is its ability to silence our inner critic. If you struggle with perfectionism or feel inhibited by the pressure to create something "good," Art Journaling can provide a much-needed respite, as there are no hard and fast rules, or any rules at all - apart from some you might set yourself. The focus shifts from creating a masterpiece to simply enjoying the process of creation.

Look into your own soul

Art journaling is an excellent tool for maintaining creative momentum. It's common for artists to struggle with hopping from project to project or losing inspiration. By committing to regular journaling, you can keep your creative juices flowing even when you're not working on a larger project.

Also, over a period of time, it is a record of your creative practice. Because you fill it with images, quotes and things you love, looking back through your journals can be a happy place to go when you need some inspiration.

So, How to Get Started?

To begin your art journaling journey, you don't need an extensive array of supplies. Here are some basics to get you started:

- An art journal or sketchbook (preferably with mixed media paper)i.e. thicker paper

- Paint (acrylic paints are versatile and easy to use) Although you can use water colours

- Brushes

- A glue stick

- Pens and pencils

- Old magazines for collage

As you develop your practice, you might want to expand your toolkit to include items like:

- Gesso (for preparing pages)

- Pastels

- Washi tape

- Ephemera (tickets, photos, etc.)

I love to use tickets from my travels to remind me of my journeys.

Techniques to Explore

Art journaling offers a vast array of techniques to experiment with. Here are some popular methods to try:

1. **Mixed Media**: Combine various art forms and materials on a single page, such as painting, drawing, and collage.

2. **Layering**: Create depth and interest by overlapping multiple materials and elements.

3. **Stenciling and Stamping**: Use stencils and stamps to add patterns or imagery to your pages.

4. **Writing and Doodling**: Incorporate your thoughts, feelings, and spontaneous sketches.

5. **Watercoloring**: Create soft backgrounds or detailed scenes with vibrant, translucent hues.

6. **Collage**: Cut and paste images from magazines or other sources to create visual narratives.

7. **Printmaking**: Experiment with techniques like Gelli plate printing or even Lino cuts for unique textures and patterns.

Tips for a Successful Art Journaling Practice

1. **Start with a Non-Blank Page**: If you find a blank page intimidating, try pre-preparing your pages.

2. **Use Time as a Technique**: Set time limits for your journaling sessions to overcome perfectionism and encourage spontaneity.

3. **Experiment with Color**: Use a colour wheel to explore different colour combinations and create cohesive pages.

4. **Apply the Coco Chanel Rule**: Before finishing a page, remove one element to avoid overcrowding.

5. **Always Have White Paint**: White paint can be used to correct mistakes or create highlights, making it an essential tool.

6. **Journal Regularly**: Aim for daily entries, even if they're brief. This habit-forming practice will help develop your skills and keep you on track.

Embrace the Journey

Remember, art journaling is about the process, not the end result. It's a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or create "ugly" pages – these are all part of the learning process and can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

As you develop your art journaling practice, you'll likely find that it becomes a cherished part of your routine. It's a space where you can process emotions, capture memories, experiment with new techniques, and simply play. So grab your supplies, open your journal, and let your creativity flow. Your artistic journey awaits!