The Art Journal: How to Start Visual Journaling

More and more lately, I'm coming to see just how much I crave visual stimulation. It is inspiring, often surprising, the things that one can learn just by really looking. I'm seeing that when I take the time to add a visual spark to whatever I'm doing, I'm much more motivated to get it done.

Partly, it's the act of creating. Using nothing more than my hands and my imagination, I get to bring to life something the world has never seen before. Because it came from my imagination. It is a thing that makes me feel more connected, more complete, a wholer, richer person in myself. I think that's probably how most artists and crafters feel. Creating something that can be seen, that can be felt, is like adding a dimension to reality that was never there before.

Thinking all these things, and combining them with the writing I stubbornly do every single day (even days when I'd really much rather curl up with a good book and peruse someone else's writing), I stumbled across a concept that's really not so new but wasn't something I'd given much thought to before: the visual journal.

Visual journals, or art journals, are an amazing mixture of words and images that can convey raw emotion much more effectively than a naked page. They provide a chance for you to access a different area of your creative brain, going beyond words, making your journal a source of inspiration, a place where you can go play and express your deepest joys and darkest sorrows.

Art Journal How-To

Words can only express so much. We can describe with all our heart, but the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is too often true. When we combine images with words, we can come to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us in ways that writing alone can't touch.

Think of the art journal as a way of illuminating your words and in turn illuminating yourself.

1. Start With a Blank: You can begin your art journal in a variety of ways. Purchase a blank journal that catches your eye, or get a stack of paper you really like the feel of and prepare to make your own.