Art journaling FAQ

This art journaling FAQ is for beginners getting stuck. The following questions have come up in my journaling class so I’m sharing them here in the hope that they help someone else.

How do I choose my journal?

There are three things I consider when choosing a journal. Journal size, paper weight and choice of art supplies. You might have other requirements too.

Journal Size

Do you want to carry your journal around? Do you want to use flat double spreads? Would a spiral binding be an advantage or an obstacle? Think about what size will work for you, there are many types available in a range of prices.

Art supplies

What are your favourite art supplies or think about what you might use in your art journal. Do you prefer collage, watercolour or maybe coloured pencils? Mix up your media as much as you like but if you want to use wet media, you will need heavier paper.

Paper weight

Heavier paper takes water better. It’s thicker and sturdier but also heavier to carry around. Lighter paper such as cartridge paper or thinner, doesn’t take water well but can be enough for pencil, charcoal, ink and light collage. Choose paper to match your supplies if you can. Lighter papers can disintegrate or warp and wrinkle with heavy use. But some people love that worn and slightly scrappy style and it brings them a lot of joy.

How do I get over the fear of the blank page?

Common among artists everywhere, fear and self doubt. Thankfully there are things you can try to reduce the pressure of that first page. Try these ideas until you find what works for you.

• Start in the middle of your journal
• Draw on loose paper and glue that into your journal to start
• Use a theme such as quotes, nature or a colour palette to guide you
• Make random scribbles and marks to “break” the page and use them to create a background
• Paint a page your favourite colour
• Write your intentions for the journal on the first page
• Remember, your journal is not supposed to be perfect, so just play!

Should my art journals be a set style?

Many artists use journals to find or develop their style rather than have a style before they start. A set style can be a rewarding way to practice your skills but I recommend you start how you like and adapt and develop as you go. Either way you will have a beautiful journal when you’re done because it will be a record of your experience.

Are my pages supposed to mean something?

Really no, but I suspect that they will have personal meaning to you. Many of my art journals contain meaningful pages and emotional memories. However, they are also used for testing art supplies, practicing techniques, sketching, doodling and scribbling down ideas. There’s the odd shopping list in there too. Some people like to have different journals for different things. Some journals are purely a safe place to play.

Including writing or words can feel very personal and meaningful, even if you paint over them. This use of hidden words is popular with art journalers who want to add meaning but keep it private.

Your art journal is whatever you want it to be, so if you need rules to work with, make your own and change them when you outgrow them.

I’m not an artist, how can I art journal?

If you can make marks with a pencil or art supply then you can art journal. You don’t have to draw realistically, understand colour theory or anything else when you start. Just start. Drip colour, make marks and scribbles, write words, play like a child would. Go with the flow and see what you enjoy.

I see a lot of journal artists drawing faces but I can’t draw.

Some people like to draw faces or figures in their journals. Using portraits is common but these do not need to be realistic. They can also be simple, idealised or fantastical. Art journals are a great place to practice drawing faces but they are not necessary to create your pages.

Am I supposed to share my journals?

Not unless you want to. Many art journals are very private and sharing them does not feel comfortable. However, some pages can be a brilliant way to communicate how you feel. Art communities online and in real life can be a wonderful place for sharing but this is your choice. Ultimately, make your journals for you, not for others.

I don’t like my page, how do I paint over it?

Honestly, I don’t recommend painting over anything but I understand this works for some. I believe that painting over pages we don’t like denies us the opportunity to see our improvements. Ugly pages let us learn from our art mistakes, remind us how far we’ve come and give us perspective on our art.

Nobody creates perfect art all the time no matter what social media might have you believe. I once read somewhere that for every 50 paintings created, one will be good.

However, if you are determined, there’s always acrylic gesso. This heavy paint is mostly used to prime canvas and board but it’s useful in covering up the parts or pages you want to hide.

Can I copy other people’s journal pages?

I’ve learned that there are no wrongs with journaling but there are plenty of lessons in finding your own way. Part of my journey involved looking at other artist’s journals, copying their styles or following their tutorials.

This is a good way to learn but it’s easy to get stuck making pages that might look good but don’t feel personal or authentic. It’s also not okay to copy someone’s work, even in a tutorial, and not credit the source.

The biggest lesson is to try things and experiment and then take the parts that feel the most satisfying and use those to make your own style.

Most important of all, keep going

If you’re starting an art journal you might be interested in this blog for beginners or my blog about my five minute journaling technique.

[Updated Feb 2024]