My creative process consists of many practices, but art journaling is one that helps me the most. I put together my top five dos and top five don’ts for art journaling.
TOP FIVE DON’TS
1. Don’t plan too much.
Set up a little space (if possible) for your art. For example, have a sketchbook with pencils and erasers. Or, a sketchbook with a watercolor palette. That’s it.
It’s enough to start with and will encourage you to be creative.
I like to plan. But, when you do, you can get bogged down in thinking you need lots of space and supplies. Having a minimal set up is great for art journaling.
2. Don’t finish all or your pages.
One of my go to moves is to paint messy backgrounds and blocks of colors on multiple pages. That’s it! Nothing fancy.
Then, I use those backgrounds as a base for another journal session later.
If you only have a short window of time for your art, make messy backgrounds. Then, use them as a base layer or just leave them the way they are. It’s up to you.
Don’t feel like you have to make “finished” art. Allow yourself to play and explore your supplies on your pages.
3. Don’t judge yourself.
There is nothing more distracting than criticizing yourself during your creative time.
Enjoy your time using your art supplies.
Please don’t judge yourself. Don’t think about good vs. bad art. It’s not that serious.
4. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Your art is personal. It’s not wise to compare your work or expression to anyone else. Focus on what you want to do and what you want to create.
If you want to improve your art make time to keep trying and don’t give up. Be patient with yourself.
Use your own work to measure your progress and how much you’re improving. Celebrate how much you’ve learned.
5. Don’t focus on the outcome.
Most times, we have an idea in our heads of what we want our art to look like. It doesn’t usually work out the way we plan.
That’s why it’s good to be open to the process and see how things develop.
Don’t be too set in the outcome. Flexibility is important to when you’re art journaling from the heart.
TOP FIVE DOS
1. Do have fun!
Having fun is one of the most important parts to my process. When I’m creating pages in my art journal it’s for personal care and expression. So it’s super important to have fun with what I’m doing.
That’s what I recommend to any other creatives and artists.
2. Do use cheap products or art supplies easily available to you.
One thing that used to hold me back from art journaling was the idea that I needed lots of expensive paints and tools. It’s not true!
Inexpensive items that I’ve used with good results are: ink pens, graphite pencils, markers, colored pencils, and student grade watercolors.
Use affordable supplies you already have on hand. Some of my favorite journal pages were made with student grade paints and colored pencils.
Be creative with what you have.
3. Do try new techniques or supplies you shy away from.
Art journals or sketchbooks are the best places to try out new supplies and techniques. They’re just for you! You don’t HAVE to show them to anyone.
So don’t worry about what your learning. One of my favorite things to do is make color swatches of my supplies. It’s easy and anyone can do it!
Give yourself permission to try new things. Think of it as an art adventure.
4. Do explore color combinations and color palettes.
Pick a color combination from the color wheel and make a page with just that combination.
Or make pages filled with your favorite color combinations for your clothing and your home.
5. Do use several types of art supplies together.
I used to paint only in acrylic or watercolor. Then, I discovered that I can combine them to create different effects. It was a game changer for me. I love mixed media now. I don’t always paint mixed media, but it’s perfect or art journaling. My new favorite combination of materials is watercolor and soft pastel.
If you like more than one art media, try combining one or two of them. See how they work together.
Hopefully these tips will encourage you to be creative each day.