Category: Journals

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover but I have always been fascinated by beautiful and unique journal covers. Although art journaling is a relatively new hobby, I have been journaling the “traditional” way for many years. So I have quite a collection of journals, some filled with words and art and some still blank, waiting for imagination to strike.

Every time I go to a book store, I can’t help but browse through the stationery section looking for journals and art supplies. I love colorful covers and usually pick a journal if the cover inspires me. Then I make sure it’s suited for whichever purpose I intend it to use.

The journal featured in this post is blank so I will probably create a combination of art, words, and collages in it. I liked the cover because it says “Inspired” on it and I thought it was imaginative and encouraging to create in it.

I often use affirmations in my art journaling and what is more affirming than being inspired? It’s a positive thought that helps me create. All you have to do is look around and there is so much to be inspired by. Today, for example, it was a sunny day and leaves are starting to fall, basking in golden light. It sounds like a new page to be created in my art journal.

What inspires you to create? Feel free to comment and start a conversation. Until next time, have a wonderful weekend.

Introduction

Journals come in all shapes and sizes: bound, spiral, big and small, dotted, lined, blank, graphed, to name a few. Also, the paper quality and weight can differ depending on the purpose of the journal. Below are some examples.

Dotted

When I first started art journaling, I chose a small dotted journal because it didn’t seem overwhelming to fill out. Also, the dotted lines helped keep my handwriting straight and as a guide for my artwork creations. Dotted journals can also be used for planners.

Graphed

Graphed journals are also great for the same purpose – to align artwork and designs on the page and create geometric patterns, for example. They also help keep handwriting straight and neat. You can also easily add frames in a graphed journal around your artwork.

Lined

Lined journals are best for traditional “diaries” where you are jotting down your thoughts, feelings, and personal narratives. That said, a lined journal can also be used for incorporating art and pasting collages. Rules can be broken (no pun intended).

Sketchbook

If you plan on painting in a journal, it’s best to get at least 300 gsm paper weight for watercolors. Otherwise, the lower the gsm, the more the paper will buckle as it dries. Sometimes what I do is I paint my artwork on separate watercolor paper and then I cut it and paste it into a blank journal page.

Blank

A blank journal is just like having a blank canvas, allowing you to create anything you want on a page. Just be mindful of the paper weight depending on what materials you are using. When using pens, gel pens, markers, and highlighters, a thicker paper works better so color doesn’t show through on the opposite page. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are creating art on a page spread.

Final Thoughts

You can also make your own journal, but that’s a post for another day. So are you ready to get yourself a nice little journal and start creating? Or maybe you are already journaling and want to try some of the other formats I mentioned above? I hope my suggestions were helpful, but please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.