Visual journaling that is.
I’m sure some of you will be asking what is visual or art journaling. An art journal is something we create just for ourselves. Art journals are illustrated diaries and journals on any theme. An art journal can be a record of your daily thoughts, a travel diary, a diary about kids, a dream journal, a place where you can jot down your goals or to-do lists… basically, any record you’d like to keep in a book or notebook. They diary becomes an art journal when you add any kind of illustration or embellishment to the pages.
The one thing I get asked frequently by students and customers is “where do you get your inspiration?”. Well, my biggest inspiration is my art journals, of which I have many.
I jot down things in mine almost daily. It’s very therapeutic and relaxing to have a place to doodle, write down my thoughts and ideas. And believe me, the pages aren’t all perfect either – it is after all my unique private place.
This journal is a kaleidoscope of colour – rendered with watercolour pencil.
If you’ve never kept a diary or art journal then the prospect probably seems intimidating. I bet you are saying I don’t have the skills or time – right!
Well you’d be wrong…. a couple of minutes a day is all you need. No particular art skills required. Some days I simply doodle with a biro pen. This is your ‘private place’ to log your thoughts, ideas, observations on life, dreams…. and if you are anything like me, it’s full of lists. Another extension of creativity for me is spending time developing artwork in my journal. No pressure – no one is going to see it anyway. I just play, explore, experiment and RELAX.
For me, art journaling is another way of living the creative life.
Until next time, I’ll just be doodling.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Beautiful doodling Kerryanne! Thank you for the inspiration, too!
My art journals aren’t anywhere near as colourful, but the thing I love most is looking back through the pages and recognising projects I have created from those first inspired sketches. Funnily enough I was just doing this last week and Lighthouse Beach appeared on the page in front of me – it brought back happy memories!
You’re absolutely right though… there’s no pressure! When I was at art college I used to think my sketch books should be works of art in themselves… but that creates all sorts of uncreative pressure. It’s great to let loose!
THanks again for the inspiration sweetie and a brilliant post!
Vikki xoxo
How lovely your books look ! I sketch and doodle often and you’re so right, it is very relaxing .
Hi Kerryanne,
Thanks for the inspirational thoughts. I’d better hunt out my old book and get back into journaling-I’m sure I could add plenty of lists at the moment as well! lol
Hugs,
Anna
Hey Kerryanne! Oooohh … PRETTY!! I’ve never been much good at keeping journals – until I started blogging and that’s as close as I get! Although I don’t have a pretty artistic journal like yours (journal envy here! Tee! Hee! Hee!) I DO have several coloured manilla folders full of loose pages of doodles, jotted notes and ideas for future projects, designs etc. I really should start a creative journal … though that implies getting organised and you KNOW I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of gal! :0) Thanks for sharing your journal a little! Bear hugs! KRIS
very inspiring Kerryanne! of course, you are so right. i should follow your lead and start up a journal. if i have ideas i write them on note papers here and there. i did start a journal a long time ago but don’t even know where i put it!
oooh I am going start one of my own. I have so many ideas jotted down on bits of paper floating around…..somewhere 😉
Loved having a peek inside your journals. I don’t have art journals though I do have a regular journal I’m keeping for Chelsea. Someday I have to jump on the art journal wagon!
Karla
Hi! i love art journaling among many other things, it’s one of my favourite creative outlets!
it’s nice to meet you…i’m your newest follower!
i do hope to see you over at my blog as well…..Creative Carmelina….meeting up with fellow creative souls is the best part of blogging!
ciao bella
Carmelina
Great idea Kerryanne. I have lost count of the ‘lost pieces of paper’ that have my thoughts, sketches and of course my ‘wish list’ on it.
Tomorrow on my ‘shopping list’ – hope I don’t lose it – will be a journal
Thanks
Alison
Good thinking “99”
I used to have a sketch book next to me all the time, haven’t done that for years, mental note to self to do so!
Thanks for the reminder
Hi!fantastic idea!
just beautiful!
xoxo
oh yes mine is mostly full of lists and ideas I get whilst driving out and about treasure hunting. Its just a plain pink one that I keep in my handbag at all times and dont show it to anyone. Its my brain on a page, could be too scary for most ha!
alicia
I feel inspired just looking at yours to start one, a doodle a day!!! Rachaelxo
Well that was good timing for your comment you left me, I’m just about to go into Frankston for some art supplies, so will buy a liquid pencil, I go to Senior’s Art Supplies, I’m sure they’ll stock them
Thanks Kerryanne!