Monday, February 11, 2013

Ideas to Get Going on YOUR Art Journal!

So, there are many people who WANT to try art journaling... there are even some of you who have BOUGHT journals, but haven't begun yet... and my question to you this day is, why not? Perhaps it's because you may not have any ideas... and maybe I can help with that! Here I've compiled just a few ideas that work for me :) Try them out!

Watch some youtube videos. No, really. Just do a google search for something like "art journal techniques youtube". It will give you lots of fun and interesting videos. I can never sit and watch them without immediately wanting to try some of the tricks and products they use! And don't feel that you can't watch the videos without first HAVING the materials... many feature stuff you've just got lying around your house to begin with :)

Flip through a magazine. ANY magazine. You will inevitably see something that will spark an idea in you. And go with it! Let that idea blossom into your own creativity. For example, if you flip through the magazine and see a city skyline at sunset, you may think it would make a very pretty journal page, but you can't draw a city. So? You can cut out different patterns to make various sized rectangles to represent the city buildings. See? One of the best things of creating in your journal is you can be inspired by something, but that is just a spring board... when you create, you totally make it your own! Let it grow :)

Listen to music. Pay attention to the words. You'll likely be brought back to a certain time, or the lyrics may cause you to think of a person. Let's say you hear a verse that reminds you of your ex-friend. Or your Grandmother. So concentrate on the thoughts of your Grandmother. Maybe you'll remember games she'd play with you, or that brooch she wore on her sweater ever day. Sketch that brooch. Doodle around it, or add magazine clippings, of cupcakes, or cookies, like those she'd used to bake for you. The possibilities are endless!

Another thing you can do is just start sketching shapes. Circles... squares... triangles... whatever your heart desires. Try different colors. Make some bold lines, and some thin. Maybe make one line of dots or dashes. Add some words, if you prefer. "Hope". "Grow". "Fly". Go with it! Have hope, now grow, and get flying!

12 comments:

Pam of alwaysartistic said...

Great tips... I bought an art journal just haven't started yet. Don't have the motivation or inspiration just yet. I am stuck in the house most of the summer and fall so will work on it then unless I am inspired before then.

also I am trying my best to stay away from Michaels, eventually I will have to go there and will find more cool stuff to add to it lol

Kelly Bermudez said...

Did I say I was going to do this? lol...I really am for sure now:) I want to get my daughter one too! THanks so much for this wonderful post!!

JulieandMax said...

Thanks for such a cool post - I'm so tempted to give it a try :)

Csilla Toth said...

What a great post! I started to write an art journal but haven't written to it for nearly a year. Your post inspired me to continue. That's great!

sammysgrammy said...

I have my art journal from when we did the CREATIVE ENTERPRENEUR study. That was so enjoyable. I find I need the push of meeting deadlines, competing with others, etc. Left to my own devices - it's pure apathy. You've inspired me though

Ana said...

Great suggestions! I've always wanted to create one, and I find your recent posts to be really encouraging. :)

sacra vim said...

Fun idea, thanks for sharing!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

I am not artistic at all but your ideas are ones anyone can try....great post!

Mechelle said...

I haven't journaled in a while. This is a great reminder for me to get back into my journal.

krafterskorner said...

That is kind of what I do with my stamps. I wish I could draw like you do!

Loretta said...

These are great ideas! I should get back to sketching my ideas.

Unknown said...

definitely good ideas for the beginner and for those who have a little more practice under their belts! Youtube is a great place to spend your day with watching art journal videos!