Top Reasons to Start an Artistic Journal

About 4 years ago I decided to try and immerse myself in art again after a long hiatus. I always regretted having stopped painting and drawing and honestly didn't know if I still had it in me. I didn't even know where to start. One day as I was surfing the internet I came across this online community on Livejournal called Jr__nal. The community was (and still is) dedicated to people's daily journals and the different ways in which they use art to express themselves. It was a different way of seeing a typical diary where you would just write about your day. These people didn't just write, they visualized and created they're most intimate thoughts into beautiful mixed media pieces. All of the sudden my Muse was back.

Below you will find my top reasons for starting your own mixed media journal.

Art Therapy. Life can be stressful. There are so many challenges that people face every day and sometimes we just need to vent. Rather than just writing about your day, take it a step further. Let your creative juices flow and envision your day through artistic lenses. Let ink, paint, glue, magazine clippings, ect. be your words. Artistic journaling also allows you to have some much needed time to yourself, which all you busy moms out there definitely deserve.

Thinking outside the box. All of us artistic types love to push ourselves to the next level. We like to experiment and come up with new ideas. Sometimes this is much easier said than done and every once in a while we hit the inevitable road block. If you are committed to your journal it can keep you on your toes creatively. It forces you to keep creating beautiful things. Furthermore, you can be rather surprised with what you can come up with. You may even find yourself experimenting with new styles.

Chronicling your life and artistic progress. I started art journaling a few years ago, now when I look back on what I have created I feel two things. First, I reminisce on great memories and milestones. Second, I can physically see how I have matured artistically.

It doesn't get any more personal than an art journal. Your art journal is solely you and no one else. It is the inner workings of your soul poured out through art. Everything you embody as a person can be found within the pages of your journal.

So what are you waiting for? Buy yourself a Moleskine (I highly recommend these as they can take a lot of abuse and they hold paint well) and start journaling today!