I user a broader definition of “art Journal” than what is trending right now. Most people these days use art journals for artful experimentation and play, which will then be the foundation for written journaling. I do so much writing and journaling into my photos, into my scrap journal, on my blogs, in my fiction, and onto my scrapbook pages, that I don’t have any interest in adding it into my art journals.
Plus, as a writer, I naturally look at it for a different purpose. Many fiction writers keep writing journals, where we’re just practicing or warming up, and if we’re lucky, you might find a jewel there to embellish into a short story or novel. But mainly, we use writing journals for practice actual fiction. So it’s more natural for me to think of my art journals this way — a warm-up place for my art.
And I’m still trying to discover who I am as an artist. Mixed media? Collage? Copics Markers? Paint? So far it’s all of the above, but pure paint continues to stir up more passion in me than the others. I’m also still trying to find my colors, and I have yet to really commit to larger focal images and that I create myself. I have very few completed pages. I guess I’m still working on that fear thing.
Different Sizes
While my smallest book has the nicest, sturdiest cover, which I really like, I can’t stand it’s size. It’s too small. If you haven’t bought yourself a journal yet and are planning on it — don’t go for small. It’s very limiting and there is a lot I want to do that won’t fit in that tiny book. Fortunately I have the two larger books you see on the bottom.
If I can fit what I want to do it the small book, I’ll use it. Otherwise, I really love the big ones, even if they don’t have nice sturdy covers.
So far none of the art you see here are finished except the tree in the book on the right-hand corner.
Different types of books
Speaking of the book in the right-hand corner, I originally turned that old unwanted novel into a journal — a place for me to write a few thoughts and to add a scrap or two from the day. A receipt. A thank-card. A napkin with some quick notes I jotted down.
That’s why I call it my scrap journal. Then I found myself brainstorming in it. Brainstorming began my image-making, because who brainstorms with words only? I liked the aesthetics of the images on top of the text. I liked using my book to just doodle, too. I’ve found that the doodling generates new inspiration.
And then I bought my Copic Markers and I found that I love the copics on top of the text and manila colored pages. So now my scrap journal is also an art journal. It’s my everything book. But it’s still not the typical current popular type where you art a page up and then journal on top of it. I have pages with only journaling. I have pages with scraps or brainstorming. I have pages with sketches and copic color. I just do whatever it is I need to do in this book.
It’s not about making the book pretty, although there are some pretty things in it.
Sketch Books
I also keep two sketch books. One is 14×17 with thin pages — great for practicing drawing larger images, and suitable only for pencils. I also have a one that is 12×9. It’s easier to carry around with me and its pages are a thick material so I can use my Copics in it, as well.
I have a few playful experiments I’m excited to share — hopefully next week. But what about you? I’m curious to know how much of the Paperclipping audience does art journaling, is interested in art journaling, or has no interest at all?