Journaling for artists
Journaling for artists: Words, drawings, and paintings: use this tool to grow your creativity and find joy
Journaling is the practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal. I’ve journaled all my life and I want to share some tips because journaling has been such a positive routine for me.
This doesn’t need to be a big deal. Journaling can be done in a variety of ways: in a traditional journal, a digital journal, an app. Write about anything you want, and there are no rules about how often or how long you write. Journaling can also be visual or auditive. You can record voice memos to yourself or videos and combine them into a collection. This is a great way to journal if you prefer to express yourself creatively through other mediums besides writing.
You can also use Instagram as a journal. That is what I do. I imagine my feed may be boring for non-creatives but it works for me and that is all that matters! I post photos and videos of pantings and drawings, often not finished. I document my process and also share the finish pieces. I also share about the mistakes and not so good looking paintings. (I have another blog post on how to use Instagram in a way that works for you.)
Journaling is a powerful tool for artists of all levels. It can help you to:
Explore your creativity in a light way. Journaling is a space where you can experiment with different ideas and techniques without judgment. You can use your journal to sketch out new ideas, try out different mediums, and develop your artistic style. I often use my journal to create a big mess with paint. Honestly it doesn’t look the best but who cares. For me that is part of the joy. It is one of the few things I can do that has no consequences whatsoever on anything.
Process your thoughts and emotions. Journaling can help you to process your thoughts and emotions about your art, your life, and the world around you. It is essential, because it helps to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your work.
Reflect on your progress. Journaling is a great way to reflect on your artistic progress. You can look back at your old journal entries to see how your skills and techniques have developed over time. I find doing this is very satisfying.
Here are some tips for journaling as an artist:
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are no rules when it comes to journaling. You can use your journal to write, draw, paint, collage, or anything else that you like. Experiment with different formats and mediums to find what works best for you. Let’s be playful!
Be honest with yourself. Journaling is a private space where you can be completely honest with yourself about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your work.
Journal regularly. The more you journal, the more benefits you will experience. Try to set aside some time each day to journal, even if it's just for a few minutes.
No matter what medium you work in, and if you’re a creative person or not, journaling is a personal tool where you can think, reflect and plan for the future. I believe it’s a valuable free tool for artists of all levels!
My recommendations on how to start journaling:
Choose a journal or notebook that you love.
Find a time and place where you can journal undisturbed.
Start by writing whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar or spelling.
Be honest with yourself. It’s the one place where you can express yourself without judgment.
Journal as often as you can. Even a few minutes each day can make a difference.
You might feel silly the first few time. This is the case when you start anything new so don’t worry and don’t stop!
If you're new to journaling, don't be afraid to experiment. Find what works best for you and stick with it.
Now let’s connect on Instagram!
