50 Great Art Journaling Ideas for Beginners (Step by Step & Supply List)

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Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by Nell Marie

Art journaling is such a fun and therapeutic way to express yourself, and if you’re new to it, you’re in the right place!

In my article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting your own art journal—from the supplies you’ll want to gather to simple tips for getting your creativity flowing.

You’ll learn how to combine words, colors, textures, and even collage elements into one beautiful, personalized journal.

Whether you’re looking to explore your emotions, try out new art techniques, or just create something that makes you smile, this guide will give you the inspiration and tools you need to get started on your art journaling journey.

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Art Journaling Ideas

I absolutely love art journaling—it’s become such a personal and fulfilling part of my creative routine!

The best part is, you don’t need to be a professional artist to dive in. Art journaling is all about expressing yourself and exploring your creativity, no matter your skill level.

I’ve found it to be a fantastic way to unwind, reflect, and even experiment with new art techniques without any pressure. It’s not about making “perfect” art; it’s about letting your imagination run wild and using the journal as a space for self-expression.

For me, it’s so valuable because it helps me connect with my emotions, document memories, and even discover new ways of thinking—all while having fun with colors and textures.

Art Journaling: Step by Step

1. Choose Your Journal

Pick the right size: Consider a journal that suits your needs. You can choose between small pocket-sized journals or larger sketchbooks depending on your preference.
Select the paper type: If you plan to use paints, choose a journal with thick paper (such as watercolor or mixed media paper) that can handle different mediums.

2. Gather Supplies

Basic art tools: You don’t need a huge collection to start. Begin with simple supplies like pens, pencils, colored markers, watercolors, and maybe some washi tape or stickers.
Experiment: You can always add more supplies as you go along, such as stencils, rubber stamps, or collage materials.

3. Set an Intention

Why are you journaling?: Is it for self-reflection, mindfulness, stress relief, or artistic exploration? Having a purpose can guide your creative process.
Start simple: Don’t worry about creating “perfect” art. Let it be about the process, not the outcome.

4. Start With an Opening Page

Personalize your first page: You might want to write your name, a favorite quote, or a simple doodle that reflects your personality.
Break the blank page fear: If you feel intimidated by the blank page, try covering it with color or texture, like a wash of watercolor, collage elements, or even scribbling in pencil first.

5. Incorporate Different Media

Mix mediums: Feel free to experiment with a variety of tools. Draw, paint, use markers, create collages, or even add fabric or other textures to your pages.
Layer and build: Adding layers of colors, stamps, and textures will make your pages more visually interesting and engaging.

6. Use Prompts if Needed

Find inspiration: If you’re not sure where to start, use art journal prompts. These could include “Draw something that represents your mood today,” or “Create a page with your favorite color.”
Themes: Consider giving each page a theme, like gratitude, dreams, or nature.

7. Create Without Judgment

Let go of perfection: An art journal is a place to experiment, so avoid worrying about mistakes or whether your art is “good” enough.
Embrace imperfection: It’s about the process of self-expression, not creating a masterpiece.

8. Add Words or Quotes

Combine words with art: You can add journaling or inspiring quotes to your pages. Words can help convey the feelings or stories behind your artwork.
Hand-lettering: If you like, practice your handwriting or use stencils to add text in creative ways.

9. Keep It Regular

Consistency matters: Try to journal regularly, even if it’s just a quick sketch or a few lines of writing. This will help keep your creativity flowing and your practice evolving.
Don’t overthink it: You don’t need to complete a full page every time. Some entries may just be doodles or quick notes.

10. Reflect and Enjoy

Look back: Over time, revisit your journal and see how your skills, style, and thoughts have evolved.
Have fun: Enjoy the process of making art, no matter how simple or complex. An art journal is your personal space for creativity and self-expression.

50 Art Journaling Ideas

· Draw your favorite place and why it feels special to you.

· Create a page about your current mood using colors and textures.

· Collage a page from magazine cutouts that represent your dreams.

· Paint your self-portrait with no expectations of perfection.

· Write a letter to your future self.

· Fill a page with your favorite quotes or affirmations.

· Draw a scene from a book you love or a dream you’ve had.

· Create an abstract piece using only shapes and lines.

· Illustrate what your perfect day would look like.

· Use only one color to create an entire page.

· Draw a tree or plant and incorporate details that make it unique.

· Doodle things that make you smile.

· Create a collage of things you’re grateful for.

· Draw a map of your life’s journey so far.

· Create a page about your favorite season and what it means to you.

· Use watercolor to express a strong emotion you’re feeling.

· Draw something from your childhood memory.

· Write about something you’ve learned recently and illustrate it.

· Create a page that represents the balance between work and play.

· Paint or draw your dream home.

· Create a mood board of your ideal wardrobe or style.

· Illustrate how you feel about nature using textures and colors.

· Write a poem or song lyric and add visuals to complement it.

· Paint a series of small squares that represent different emotions.

· Create a timeline of important moments in your life.

· Draw a page that represents a significant transition or change.

· Use textured materials (fabric, paper, or even natural items) to decorate a page.

· Illustrate what happiness looks like to you.

· Fill a page with patterns that represent your thoughts at the moment.

· Make a page of your favorite foods and beverages.

· Create a silhouette of yourself and fill it with colors or textures that reflect your personality.

· Illustrate something you’ve learned from a recent challenge.

· Create a nature-inspired art piece using only organic shapes.

· Draw your favorite quote and surround it with images that represent it.

· Make a list of your goals for the year and visually represent them.

· Draw or paint a dream or fantasy world.

· Illustrate a significant moment in your life, like a wedding or trip.

· Use ink to create an expressive abstract piece.

· Create a page about your current favorite hobby.

· Experiment with a new medium (like pastels or chalk) and see where it takes you.

· Fill a page with your favorite memories from childhood.

· Create a page about what makes you feel peaceful.

· Doodle your thoughts as they come to you, without judgment.

· Draw a full moon or a starry sky and reflect on the significance of the night.

· Create a page based on a song that moves you emotionally.

· Illustrate your inner superhero or strength.

· Draw what “home” means to you.

· Paint or draw your ideal vacation destination.

· Write and illustrate a personal mantra or affirmation.

· Illustrate a scene from your day, from morning to night.

Art Journaling Supplies

To start art journaling, you don’t need an extensive list of supplies, but here are the basic items that can help you get creative and experiment with different techniques:

1. Art Journal or Sketchbook

Choose one with thick, durable pages that can handle different mediums like watercolors, markers, and glue. Popular options include mixed media sketchbooks, watercolor journals, or spiral-bound notebooks.

2. Pencils

Graphite Pencils: For sketching and drawing.
Colored Pencils: For adding color details and shading.

3. Pens and Markers

Micron or Fineliner Pens: Great for outlining, detailed drawings, or journaling.
Colored Markers: For vibrant, bold accents and designs. Alcohol-based markers like Copic are popular, but water-based markers work well too.
Gel Pens: For adding highlights, doodles, or special details.

4. Watercolors

Watercolor Paints: You can use traditional watercolor paints or watercolor pencils, which can be activated with water for a more controlled look.
Watercolor Brush Pens: These are handy for quick, clean strokes and a variety of effects.

5. Acrylic Paints (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, more textured look, acrylic paints can be used to create backgrounds, shapes, or more detailed artwork.

6. Collage Materials

Magazines, Newspapers, or Old Books: For tearing out images or words to use in your art journal.
Scrapbook Paper: Pretty papers to cut or tear and add to your pages.

7. Glue or Mod Podge

Glue Stick: For easy application of papers or collage pieces.
Mod Podge: For sealing and creating a smooth finish over collages or other mixed media work.

8. Stamps and Ink Pads

Rubber Stamps: To add interesting patterns or text to your pages.
Ink Pads: For stamping, you can use dye, pigment, or archival ink.

9. Washi Tape

A colorful, decorative tape to add borders, details, or layers to your pages. It’s easy to use and remove, making it perfect for non-permanent decoration.

10. Stencils

Stencils help you create shapes, patterns, or lettering on your pages. There are many designs available for different themes and mediums.

11. Brushes and Tools

Paintbrushes: For watercolor, acrylic, or ink painting.
Sponges: For creating texture or blending colors.
Palette: For mixing paints or watercolors.
Palette Knives: If you’re using thick paints like acrylics and want to create textured effects.

12. Rulers and Templates

To create clean lines or perfect geometric shapes, a ruler or template can come in handy.

13. Pastels or Chalks

Soft pastels or chalk pastels are great for blending colors and adding soft, atmospheric effects to your pages.

14. Embellishments

Stickers: Decorative or themed stickers to add personality to your journal.
Fabric or Ribbon: For texture and additional layers.
Buttons, Beads, or Glitter: For more intricate or 3D elements.

15. Sealant or Varnish (Optional)

If you want to protect your art, you can use a spray varnish or acrylic sealer to finish your work, especially if you’re using wet mediums like watercolor or ink.

16. Eraser

Kneaded Eraser: Great for lightening pencil lines without damaging the paper.
Standard Eraser: For more precise erasing.

17. Ink and Paint Pens

India Ink: If you want to add bold lines or watercolor-like effects.
Acrylic Paint Pens: Useful for adding highlights or detailed work in bright colors.

Optional Tools and Supplies

Rubber Cement: For precise collage work.
Spray Bottles: For misting watercolors or creating splatter effects.
Foil Sheets: To add metallic accents or shine to your artwork.
Embossing Powder: For creating raised or shiny effects with stamps.

Once you have the basics, feel free to add anything that inspires you. Art journaling is a personal creative practice, so let your supplies evolve as you explore new techniques!

Final Tips and Thoughts

I’m so glad we could talk about art journaling! It’s such a wonderful way to get creative, no matter where you’re at in your artistic journey.

Whether you’re just starting or have been journaling for a while, remember that the process is more important than the end result.

If you’ve never tried it before, I hope this conversation inspires you to grab a journal and give it a go!

To wrap things up, here are 5 bonus tips for beginners:

Start small: Don’t feel like you have to fill up an entire page right away. Just add a doodle or a few words, and let it grow from there.
Embrace mistakes: If something doesn’t go as planned, turn it into an opportunity to experiment! Art journaling is all about learning and exploring.
Mix it up: Combine different mediums like markers, watercolors, and collage materials for a more dynamic page.
Keep it personal: Your art journal is for YOU. Fill it with things that make you happy, reflect your thoughts, or tell your story.
Don’t rush: Take your time with each page and enjoy the process—there’s no deadline or expectations.

Happy journaling!

50 Great Art Journaling Ideas for Beginners (Step by Step & Supply List)