ARTIST JOURNAL – 6 STEPS TO BETTER ART

As an artist I’ve recently discovered the invaluable practice of keeping a visual/written artistic journal. I hope to find this artistic journal indispensable. 

Benefit of an Artist Journal

This journal is also where I jot down thoughts and sketches as they come, no matter how raw or unrefined. It acts as a repository for my creative sparks, ensuring that no idea is lost to the business of my daily life. I particularly love that these entries, over time, become a rich source of inspiration that I can revisit and evolve into more developed work.

An artist journal is much more than just a sketchbook or notebook. It’s a space where you can express your ideas freely, reflect on your progress, and experiment without pressure. The best part? You don’t need to be a master of drawing or writing to make the most of it. The beauty of an artist journal is that it’s entirely yours – a safe, creative space for exploration and growth.

1. Sparks Creativity

One of the key benefits of maintaining an artist journal is its ability to spark creativity. Whenever I feel a bit stuck or uninspired, flipping through my journal reminds me of previous ideas, colour schemes, or concepts that I may have forgotten. By keeping a constant record of your thoughts, doodles, or even inspirational quotes, you’ll always have a source of fresh ideas to draw from. It’s like having a treasure trove of inspiration right at your fingertips!

2. Encourages Experimentation

Another benefit of an artist journal is that it encourages you to experiment without fear of failure. It’s a space where perfection doesn’t matter, and that’s incredibly liberating. You can try out new techniques, different mediums, or explore concepts without worrying about the end result. This can lead to breakthroughs in your work, as the freedom to experiment often leads to unexpected discoveries.

3. Promotes Self-Reflection

An artist journal also serves as a personal record of your creative journey. Over time, you’ll be able to look back and see how much you’ve grown as an artist. Reflecting on old sketches, notes, or ideas not only boosts your confidence but also helps you understand what themes, styles, or concepts resonate with you most. It’s an invaluable tool for tracking your artistic evolution.

4. Builds Consistency

Lastly, keeping an artist journal helps build consistency in your creative practice. Some days, inspiration comes easily; other days, not so much. But by maintaining a journal, you’re committing to regular practice, even if it’s just a quick sketch or note. This consistency keeps you engaged with your art, preventing long creative slumps and helping you stay connected to your passion.

In short, cultivating an artist journal is one of the most effective ways to nurture your creativity. It sparks new ideas, encourages experimentation, promotes self-reflection, and helps build consistency in your work. Once you start, you’ll find it becomes an essential part of your artistic journey – and you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it!

Start Simple

To other artists, I recommend adopting this practice. Start simple—a notebook will do. Remember, there’s no need to curate or polish what goes into it. The goal is to create a personal space where your ideas can flourish and your artistic journey can be documented. 

Starting a visual and written journal can be a fulfilling way to explore your creativity and document your journey. Here’s how to get started in six easy steps:

1. Choose Your artistic Journal and Tools: Select a sturdy journal that can handle various media, like watercolour, ink, and pencil. Accompany this with whatever you have in your studio – a basic set of drawing and writing tools, such as pencils, a fine pen, and a portable watercolour kit. Your journal should be comfortable to carry, encouraging you to take it wherever you go.
2. Make It a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day for journaling. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or right before bed, find a time that works for you. Regularity helps to develop a habit, but also stay open to journaling whenever inspiration strikes.
3. Mix Visuals with Words: Don’t limit yourself to just writing or drawing or painting, combine both. Sketch what you see or feel, and then add captions, thoughts, or narratives that complement your visuals. This blend enriches your journal and offers a more comprehensive glimpse into your experiences and thoughts.

Be Spontaneous

1. Be Spontaneous and Deliberate: Let your journal entries be a mix of planned topics and impromptu inspirations. Sometimes, you’ll want to explore a specific idea or theme; other times, you’ll capture the spontaneity of the moment. Both approaches contribute to the depth of your journal.
2. Reflect Regularly: Periodically go back through your journal. This reflection allows you to see your progress, understand your thought processes over time, and rediscover ideas or inspirations you may want to revisit or expand upon.
3. Keep It Private (or not): Treat your journal as a safe space for honest expression. Knowing it’s just for you removes the pressure of judgment, allowing you to be more open, experimental, and vulnerable in your entries.

Keeping my artist journal, is one of the most rewarding habits I’ve developed. Whether you’re new to the idea or looking to reignite your creative spark, cultivating an artist journal can offer infinite inspiration for your work. It’s a simple yet powerful tool.

Want some inspiration? Take a look at my artistic journal entries in my highlights here.