If you’re a regular follower of this ‘ere blog, you’ll know I am into art journaling. Since I’ve had several enquiries about my art journaling classes, I thought I would look in slightly more depth into the subject.

Want to try art journaling for yourself? Scroll to the bottom to learn about my monthly in-person sessions in Leicester.

What is art journaling?

There are myriad ways to define art journaling. It is a creative form of self-expression through visual art, with some combining it with written elements that can express emotion or just a daily diary practice (that’s the journaling bit). I treat an art journal as a creative outlet more than an emotional one, but now and again, the emotional side comes out…

The journals themselves can be anything that takes the media you choose to throw at it. I mainly use an A5 sketchbook with about 30 pages – it is quick to finish a layout and also finish the journal. Amongst others, I have made junk journals, journals from tumble dryer sheets, handmade books and a handbound concertina.

My art journaling practice is to explore, experiment and create with mixed media in a bound journal of any description. It’s more than just a sketchbook.

Oh, and by the way, there is no right or wrong way to art journal. Journals can be made to share (like mine) or intensely personal and not for public view under any circumstances. Many art journalers have more than one journal on the go at a time to be able to have both kinds to hand.

What media do you use for art journaling?

Anything goes! It’s hard to incorporate much 3D ephemera into a book-type journal if you want to shut the book, but any ‘flat’ media is perfect. Sketching, painting, rubber stamping, collage, stencilling, layering, lettering, and inks are all suitable. Pastels, watercolours, acrylics, glitter glue, colour crystals, washi tape, and modelling paste are great. Gelli plates, punches, glue sticks, scrapbooking techniques, pockets and tags get included too. Fingers, paint brushes, bits of wood, cotton buds, bits of string and used teabags. Use whatever works for you in the moment; there are no rules.

Where do you start?

With a blank page – obvious, but that is the biggest hurdle too. Don’t start on the first page in the book. ‘Break the white page’ by smearing paint over it with your fingers, scribbling with a crayon, dipping it in tea or whatever is at hand. Then build layers and interest as you go. Work to a theme, or just experiment with different media. Write your feelings down and then paint over them. Diarise your day with illustrations to match. Treat it as a photo album and alter the photos as you work.

If you’re nervous about it, find a class to attend (ahem, I have one). It’ll encourage you to see art journaling as play and creativity, not a task or something to be scared of. You’ll also see how, even with the same theme, materials and techniques, other classmates end up with completely different layouts to yours.

Alternatively, take an online course. There are several I’ve taken over the years, Wanderlust (year-long) and Creative Jumpstart (daily for one month, no longer running) stand out. They are/were well worth the financial and time investment, but don’t feel you have to ‘keep up’ (that way lies undue pressure, a creativity sapper). Most online courses nowadays include ‘lifelong’ access to the course.

What if…

... I’m not an artist? It doesn’t matter! Anyone is capable of creativity, it just takes a moment to get paint from a pot onto a page and you’re off. Even if you were told you were ‘bad’ at art at school, art journaling is for you.

… I am an artist? Perfectly fine. Art journaling gives you the chance to experiment with different media and styles in a safe place, without the pressure to create something ‘perfect’. Or you can do your thing, just in a journal.

… it doesn’t turn out right? So what? It won’t look like mine, you did it. It won’t look like theirs, you did it. It won’t look right to you, it never does. But leave it a few days and go back and look at it, you will see and appreciate your creativity.

… I don’t have any materials? Two choices here: get some or borrow some. Get inexpensive hobby paints from pound shops and start with those. A glue stick and old magazines are a great starting point for collaging. And if you want to broaden your artistic horizons without breaking the bank, find a class where materials are provided (ahem, like mine) and play until you find something you like enough to invest in. But keep coming to the class 😉

You have dropped a couple of hints about a class you run. Tell me more…

On the first Monday of the month, between 7:30pm and 10pm, I run an art journaling session at my studio in Leicester. Your first session is free, so that you can have a taster without committing to anything. Subsequent sessions are just £5. Booking is essential as I will need to make sure I have a) cleared enough space on the desk, and b) have enough materials and equipment for the group to use. If 😉you don’t have a journal to work in, I have a suitable A5 sketchbook to purchase on the night at just £2 each.

My main aims at the session are to encourage your creativity, lessen your self-critique and for you to relax and have fun. I’m on hand to offer guidance, but ultimately it’s your layout to do and share (or not) so you’re really the one in charge.

Use the ’email me’ link in the sidebar to get in touch with queries or to book.