Art Journaling
What is it?
To me, art journaling is a way of life. But what exactly is an art journal? Is it the same as a junk journal? An altered book? Should you buy a fancy one, pick up a budget-friendly option, or make one yourself?
Once you’ve chosen your journal, where do you start? Why keep an art journal in the first place? And what goes into it?
At its core, an art journal is a visual journal. Imagine a diary, but instead of only words, it’s filled with drawings, paintings, collages, and more. Of course, words are welcome, too—there are no rules here!
Your journal can be anything you want it to be. I’ve made my journals by chopping up old hardcover books, using composition notebooks, or even working directly in old books or magazines.
I call mine an art journal, but you might prefer “junk journal,” “altered book,” or another term altogether. The beauty of art journaling lies in its freedom—what you call it and how you approach it is entirely up to you.
Why I love it!
My art journal is a space to play, experiment, and create without the pressure of perfection. Here, I embrace the freedom to explore, letting go of expectations and celebrating the simple joy of the creative process.
Sometimes the pieces I create come together beautifully; other times, they don’t. But either way, it’s the journey that matters, not the destination. When I open my journal, I escape from the buzz of daily life and immerse myself in the magic of making art.
Whether I’m layering paint, ink, and paper, experimenting with textures and mediums, or combining unexpected materials, my journal becomes a limitless playground where creativity knows no bounds.
Sustainable inspiration!
I believe art journals can help you cultivate a sustainable art/creative practice. They’re compact and self-contained, making them perfect for any space. Plus, you can work with as many or as few materials as you like. I even have an art journal dedicated solely to paper collage.
What I love most is that art journaling fits into my life, no matter how much time I have. Whether I work for five minutes or an hour, the important thing isn’t the length of time, but the act of showing up and creating.
One of my favorite things about keeping art journals is flipping back through them. Sometimes I revisit them for inspiration, other times to reflect on how my art has evolved over time. Each page tells a story of my growth, experimentation, and joy.