Here are 22 beautiful art journal ideas to take inspiration from for your own art journaling!
We have gathered 22 different and unique art journaling spreads to get your creative juices flowing. Every art lover will appreciate the artisan in each of these spreads.
But first, what is art journaling? Art journaling is a creative and expressive practice that brings together visual art with written journaling. Using a journal or sketchbook as a blank canvas for self-expression. In art journaling, individuals create a visual diary or journal by combining various artistic techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, and even writing within the pages of the journal.
what is art journaling?
Visual Art: Art journaling incorporates various visual art techniques. This can include sketching, drawing, painting, watercolour, acrylics, pastels, and more. Artists use these mediums to create images, patterns, and designs in their journals.
Mixed Media: Art journaling often embraces a “mix and match” approach, where artists combine different materials and elements. This might involve adding found objects, photographs, magazine clippings, fabric, or any other items that can be adhered to the pages.
Writing and Text: While visual art is a prominent aspect of art journaling, it also includes a written component. Artists may include personal reflections, thoughts, poems, quotes, or stories alongside their visual creations. These written elements add depth and context to the artwork.
Themes and Prompts: Some art journalers choose to work with specific themes or prompts for each journal entry. These themes can be personal, inspirational, or related to current events, and they can serve as a source of creative inspiration.
Emotional Expression: Art journaling is often used as a means of expressing emotions and processing thoughts and feelings. The combination of art and writing allows for a unique way to explore one’s inner world.
Experimentation and Play: Art journaling encourages experimentation and a willingness to play with different techniques and materials. It’s a space where there are no rules, and artists can freely explore their creativity.
Personal Growth and Reflection: Over time, an art journal can become a visual representation of an individual’s personal journey. It can track changes in perspective, growth, and evolving interests.
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art supplies
Here are some art supplies to help you with your art journaling:
Sketchbook – This Moleskin Art sketchbook, is hardcover 5”x8.25 and has 104 pages. This is what all the ‘artists’ use and is great because the paper isn’t too thin, it can handle ink and sketches.
This black spiral soft cover sketchbook, has 100 pages and 100gsm weight paper, slightly more thicker paper and durable for more.
Paints – These Dr Ph Martins Bombay Ink, 12 bottles has gorgeous to use. They have the most vibrant colors and won’t wear out to sunlight.
Ph Martin’s Hydrus Watercolor Set, pack of 6 are also one of the finest watercolor sets out there. They blend easily together and make the most beautiful art.
If you prefer acrylics then try these Pheobe Fine Studio Acrylics, set of 30 paints. This set has a lot of colors so you won’t have to do much mixing.
Other art supplies – If you’re looking for brushes, then this set of 15 Brushes with a palette knife and sponges will be great to get all those lovely textures in your art journal.
This set of 96 Sheets of Textured and Patterned scrapbook paper will be great for all the lovely collages and mixed media.
We all need a good paint palette, and this large paint palette with 20 wells is great for your art needs.
Hold up! Get your hands on 100 FREE art journal prompts to help you with your journaling!
Let’s get into the 22 inspiring art journal spreads!
Numer one
Source: eb_mixedmedia
This art journal is on a kraft paper journal, what I like about this spread is the different collage elements. Drawing in a sketchbook, and then cutting out motifs to stick in an art journal is one way of artistic expression.
number two
Source: art_journal_page
Lots of different mixed media used for this journal, from fabric stitching to watercolour painting and collage. I also love that they have put a nice quote on the page to gather their thoughts together in one quote.
number three
Source: my_shiru
Such a funky art journal spread, with a different vibe and graffiti. This looks like a travel type spread, sometimes journaling can be a good way to document a memorable trip. Keeping old travel tickets can be a good way to collage!
number four
Source: soul_positive
A colourful and vibrant spread using different mark making techniques. Mark making with different tools can be a very freeing experience, it can be a practice to loosen up and let go.
number five
Source: eb_mixedmedia
A very vintage style art journal spread using old paper, colouring it and tearing it to create such a stunning affect. Little quotes have been incorporated discreetly and topped off with embroidery embellishments.
number six
Source: barbapapa_bramble
More of a simpler art journal, with layered collage and thoughts written down, Combining both written words with art can be impactful as well.
number seven
Source: julias_junkjournal
Lovely inspiring autumn/fall art journal spread with lots of collage and layering, a cohesive colour palette to match the theme. My favourite part is the pumpkin and flower patterned paper!
number eight
Source: craftymue
Such a freeing spread with this one, you can see the artist has truly let go and gone with the flow, drawing whatever comes to them. A mix of pastels and watercolours have been used on-top of scrap old book paper, this effect can be be easily re-created.
Number nine
Source: art.and.junk.by.hd
This is definitely more of a ‘junk journal’ where everything is thrown into the mix instead of just art mixed media. Mesh and lots of textiles with stitching has been added to create such a full on look with hidden quotes in between the spread.
number ten
Source: nazuri.journal
A very carefully thought out spread, with a lot of layering with stickers and collage. The colours and all the elements all work together so perfectly even though they are all so different, my favourite part is the 3d butterfly!
number eleven
Source: saricastudio
A very sophisticated and minimal travel journal page, with not much going on but the simplicity makes it look beautiful. Sometimes not much has to be put on a page to remember a memory and be impactful.
numver twelve
Source: reddragonflystudio
This spread caught my eye because of the heavy focus on collage, and I’m here for it! Cutting up lots of small pieces of paper to create an abstract, colourful spread looks like a very therapeutic practice to me.
number thirteen
Source: margashappycraft
A beautiful simple yet complex spread which is very pleasing to the eyes. A pastel coloured theme on kraft paper, something which I wouldn’t have thought would work but does so wonderfully.
number fourteen
Source: wingsofjournal
The quote in this spread is something we can all relate to! A simple spread with what looks like paper mache on the left side, something a bit different.
number fifteen
Source: yeonius_art
A nature themed spread which gives such serene vibes. The different sides compliment each other well and the artist has used layering with collage and stickers to create this.
number sixteen
Source: amandascrapbookjournal
Using stencils to create a decorative look is also a very fun and simple way to art journal, which this artist has done. She has also burnt ripped paper to give an old look and use it as background paper.
number seventeen
Source: the_art.buzz
Another simple spread, but this time with a dried flower! Keeping flowers and leaving them to dry, can be a great way to keep hold of a memory for years to come.
number eighteen
Source: soul_positive
A colourful and very artistically free spread. What I love about this spread is that the artist has used lots of different mediums, such as chalk and watercolour, white liners. Everything just works!
number nineteen
Source: lisagoddardart
Finishing off with this small but fabulous spread. Not every sketchbook has to be a big one, this is such a small sketchbook yet so much has been fitted on and so much mixed media used, I love it!
I hope this blog post inspired you on your art journaling journey! Be sure to check out my other journaling posts:
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