How to Start an Art Journal

Learning how to start an art journal is something many decorative painters wonder about, even if they’ve been painting for years.  It’s both a practical question about supplies and steps, and an invitation to explore a new, playful side of creativity.

I get asked regularly about how to start an art journal. And it’s easy to see why decorative painters and creative souls like us are drawn to journaling as a playful, low-pressure way to mix images, color, words, and texture.

A creative journal becomes a space to explore new ideas, tap into our emotions, and try new techniques on a simple piece of paper. For decorative painters, it’s a true “playground” where brushwork, pattern, stenciling, and color experiments can live freely without finished surfaces or large blocks of time required. 

What is an Art Journal?

An art journal is simply a blank book where you mix visual art with personal notes, quotes, lists, photos or reflections.  Pages might include painted backgrounds, collage, doodles, decorative borders, and a few handwritten thoughts or a favorite saying.

Unlike a traditional sketchbook, an art journal embraces a mixture of mediums like acrylic paints, watercolors, permanent markers, stencils, rubberstamps, and of course decorative painting techniques.  When you think about how to start an art journal, it helps to remember that any sturdy notebook or sketchbook can become your first “play space” once you begin adding color and marks.

Why are people so drawn to it?

Mostly because it’s a private experience. Art journaling gives you a space that’s yours alone... a no-pressure space to create. This helps reduce stress and encourages mindfulness because you’re focused on the simple act of making marks and adding color. 

And best of all, it helps you grow as an artist because you can try new color combinations, patterns, and brush techniques without worrying about “ruining” a more expensive surface. You can truly let go!

Over time, your journal becomes a visual record of your creative journey, capturing how your style, confidence, and skills evolve.  This is why so many creatives type “How to Start an Art Journal” into a search bar when they feel stuck or uninspired. It’s because they sense that this kind of ongoing visual practice will gently pull them forward. And it does!

How does decorative painting fit in?

If you already love tole and decorative painting, art journaling is a natural extension of what you do. You can bring your familiar techniques like comma strokes, C-strokes, floating, dry-brushing, stenciled borders, stylized roses, scrolls, and flourishes… just to name a few things…right onto your journal pages. 

Think of your journal as a practice ground for future projects. Use the pages to test color mixes for a floor cloth, try a new rose pattern, or design a border for a tray or a sign. And do it all in a safe, playful space.

When you wonder how to start an art Journal that truly reflects your decorative painting style, the answer is simple: start by lifting the very same motifs you already love and letting them live smaller and looser on paper. It’s an amazing experience!

What supplies do I need to start?

You can begin with very little:

• a sturdy mixed media or watercolor journal, 
• a few brushes, 
• some acrylic or watercolor paints, and 
• a permanent marker you enjoy writing with.  

Many decorative painters already have everything needed.

• A favorite brand of acrylic paints, 
• a round and flat brush, 
• maybe a stencil or two, and 
• some washi tape or scrapbook papers for collage.

The key is choosing paper that can handle the mediums you love; mixed media or watercolor paper stands up better to acrylics, water, and layering. 

If you’re asking yourself how to start an art journal without buying a lot of new supplies, begin by looking into the nooks and crannies of your studio or rummage through your crafting supplies. You’ll be amazed what you’ll find. You’ll have more than enough basics to sit down and get started.

What if I’m afraid of the blank page?

Ah yes… the dreaded blank page. It’s incredibly common to be a little nervous before starting, especially for beginners. My advice is to start by “breaking” the page. Simply paint it your favorite color or apply a loose wash or make random marks, or glue down a scrap of patterned paper and then build around it.

You can also begin on the second page or in the middle of the journal instead of on the first page. Why? Because it removes the pressure to create something perfect right away. 

Remind yourself that this is not a gallery piece. It’s your private playground, and it’s allowed to be messy and experimental.

Whenever the blank page feels intimidating and you forget how to start an art journal, choose one tiny action. Do something like stenciling a border or writing today’s date in a funky font and let that be “enough” for that session.

What do I actually put in an art journal?

There are no rules so there is no correct subject matter. Do whatever you want!

Popular ideas include:

• Seasonal pages (colors and motifs inspired by spring, autumn leaves, winter berries, etc.). 
• Mood or gratitude pages, using color and decorative motifs to reflect how you feel or what you’re thankful for.
• Practice pages where you repeat a single element, like daisies, scrolls, berries, ribbons, or simple florals. A great way to practice and develop amazing brush control.

You can also incorporate quotes, song lyrics, or a few lines about your day, framed by painted borders and decorative elements. 

If you ever draw a blank about how to start an art journal page, pick one simple theme. Maybe something like “what the cat did today” or “my mood today,” or “why coffee rocks my world”, and let that guide your colors and brushwork.

Need more inspiration? You can join my Facebook Group for even more ideas! Journal with Cheryl – Artsy Daily Prompts and Decorative Painting

How often should I journal, and for how long?

There is no rule, but small, regular sessions tend to be more satisfying than infrequent marathon-length sessions. Even ten or fifteen minutes of mark-making, basecoating a background, or practicing a stroke style can bring a sense of calm and accomplishment.

For many people, art journaling becomes a gentle daily or weekly ritual. It becomes special time set aside just for you, your brushes, and your imagination.  When people talk about how to start an art journal habit, they usually mean exactly this: frequent, short, pressure-free sessions that fit easily into real life.

How can a community help me get started?

Sharing the journey with other like-minded creatives is one of the best ways to stay inspired and accountable. In my friendly Facebook group, you can see how others approach their pages, pick up new ideas, ask questions, and celebrate each small step in your own journal.  You can join my free Facebook Group here.

This is a dedicated journaling group where painters and creative folks can experience the fun and excitement of art journaling together, by sharing prompts, tips, and lots of encouragement. It’s a perfect place to dip your toes in and feel supported as you start.  Being part of a community also helps on the days you feel stuck, because other members’ posts and photos, prompts, and shares can be inspiring and an offer ready-made jumping-off points.

What’s the next step if I want to go deeper than just knowing how to start an art journal?

Once you’ve had a taste of how relaxing and rewarding art journaling can be, you may want more structure, lessons, and ongoing inspiration. That's where a guided creative membership shines. In a creative membership you can explore step-by-step projects, themed journal challenges, decorative painting techniques adapted for journals, and community support all in one place.

If developing your skills, building confidence, and keeping your creativity alive are important to you, be sure to join my FREE Facebook group for immediate inspiration.

Even better... join fellow painters and creatives in my online Earmark Creative Studio. That's where I provide everything needed to allow painters at all levels to become the best painters they can be.

I open the doors and invite new members to join my online studio a few times each year. So, you may be able to join immediately or if not, you can add your name to the wait list and be first to know when the doors open again. 

When you join Earmark Creative Studio will ignite the next phase of your art journaling and decorative painting journey and fuel your growth as a painter. 

When you’re ready to truly claim your wild creativity and turn it into an ongoing, joyful, artistic practice, that next important step can make all the difference.

Click Here to learn more about how Earmark Creative Studio can help you love becoming the painter of your dreams.

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