Why to have an art journal?

Many times I am asked what is an art journal or why do I keep one. I usually struggle to answer this in a few sentences. It is a struggle because “art journal” can mean different things to each person. First there is the name….art journal. How is that different from a sketchbook, a visual journal, an artsy journal, a junk journal or a diary? It’s not. Everyone has a different name for what they do. The name does not matter. What matters is what you need it for. (I will refer to “art journal” from now on because that is what I most often call my journals.)

Here are some of the common reasons people keep an art journal:

• Try new products and techniques - Bought a new paint or brush? Grab your journal and try it out. Make notes of what you did so you can reference it later.

• Sketches - A journal is the perfect place to practice sketching, drawing, doodling.

• Document your day - Do you want to remember the little things that happen each day? Write a few lines of journaling and add a quick sketch of something that happened that day.

• Art practice - Consider your journal an alternative to painting on canvas.

• Creative education - Keep notes from any online classes you take.

• All of these or anything else you need it to do.

Just remember it is YOUR journal. What you use it for can change as you change. Maybe right now you need to write and journal. Do it! Maybe later you want to practice sketching. Do it! Then you take a mixed media class and you want to practice. Do it! The most important part if to DO IT!