Art Journaling: What It Is and How to Start

What Is Art Journaling?

Art journaling is a creative practice that combines visual art and written expression in one personal space. Unlike a traditional diary, an art journal isn’t limited to words—you can fill its pages with paint, sketches, collages, doodles, or even scraps of fabric and pressed flowers. Think of it as a playground for your imagination, where self-expression and creativity come together without rules or expectations.

At its heart, an art journal is:

• A visual diary: a way to document thoughts, feelings, and memories through images and textures.

• A creative outlet: a safe space to play with materials and techniques.

• A healing tool: many use art journaling for stress relief, mindfulness, and personal growth.

Why Start an Art Journal?

Starting an art journal can open up new pathways for creativity and self-discovery. Some of the key benefits include:

• Stress Relief & Mindfulness: The act of painting or collaging can feel meditative, helping you slow down and center yourself.

• Creative Exploration: Try out different art styles and techniques without worrying about perfection.

• Personal Growth: Reflect on your journey by combining words and images in a deeply personal way.

• Inspiration Source: Your journal becomes a treasure trove of ideas for bigger creative projects.

What You Need to Begin

You don’t need to be a trained artist or have expensive supplies. Start simple with:

• A Journal or Sketchbook: Choose one with thick paper that can handle paints, pens, or glue.

• Basic Art Supplies: Acrylic paints, watercolor, markers, colored pencils, washi tape, or collage materials.

• Adhesives: Glue sticks, tape, or gel medium for layering.

• Optional Extras: Stickers, stencils, pressed flowers, or old magazine clippings.

How to Start Art Journaling: Step by Step

1. Set an Intention

Decide why you want to keep an art journal. Is it for relaxation? Personal growth? Recording your creative journey? A clear purpose will guide your practice.

2. Create a Comfortable Space

Find a cozy spot where you feel inspired—maybe by a window, with music playing, or a candle burning to set the mood.

3. Begin with Backgrounds

Start by covering a page with paint washes, torn paper collages, or even scribbles. This removes the intimidation of a blank page.

4. Add Layers of Expression

Play with words, doodles, stamps, or drawings. Let the materials speak to your emotions and thoughts.

5. Incorporate Words

Write down affirmations, snippets of poetry, song lyrics, or even stream-of-consciousness journaling. Your words don’t need to be neat—they can swirl across the page like art themselves.

6. Reflect, Don’t Judge

When you’re done, look at your page and notice how it feels. Art journaling is about process, not perfection. Each page is a snapshot of your inner world at that moment.

Art Journaling Prompts to Get You Started

• “Today I feel like…” (paint or collage colors that match your mood).

• Draw or paint your safe place.

• Use magazine clippings to create a vision board for the month.

• Write down a favorite quote, then illustrate around it.

• Create a page entirely in one color to explore its emotion.

Final Thoughts

Art journaling is about giving yourself permission to play, explore, and express without limits. Whether you fill a page every day or once a month, the act of creating something just for yourself can be transformative.

So grab your paints, scissors, and journal—your creative journey is waiting.

Pro Tip: You can even pair art journaling with other practices like gratitude journaling, moon journaling, or shadow work, creating a holistic lifestyle ritual that blends creativity with personal growth.