Interested in seeing my art journal process videos on my YouTube channel? If I receive enough favorable responses and comments below, I totally will.
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I was that kid, teen, and young adult who had many unused journals and notebooks. It’s not because I didn’t know what to write or doodle, I just loved the book so much I didn’t want to ruin it (the horror!).
As an older young-adult (it’s a thing), I still have unused journals but I’ve learned to let go…a bit. I actually use some of the journals for doodles, lists, ideas, and my to-dos.
But here’s the thing, I’ve taken up a new hobby. Yep, another hobby. And I’m just coming out with it today. I’ve started art journaling. The other night, I was in my office and I started playing with my acrylic paints. In the blink of an eye it was 2 a.m. and I had no interest in sleeping (sleeping is my life). The next day, I couldn’t wait to get back at it.
Here’s my thoughts on art journaling. I am hooked. And for the most part, it’s relatively affordable. I incorporate many of the supplies I use for dot grid journaling into my art journals.
The stamps, stamp ink, stencils, colored pencils, and pens are quite versatile for both types of journaling.
Now, for the affordably expensive part – the acrylic paints. I use the $0.65 bottles from Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. Although the bottles are only $0.65, those suckers add up. And of course I want all the colors. But because I am okay with delayed gratification, I only buy a 3-4 bottles at a time. I don’t buy all the same brands of paint either. I mix and match depending on the colors and if it’s on sale. I’m a fan of these Dylusion Paints too, a little goes a long way.
Then there’s the journal part of the art journal. I contemplated using one of my journals. But with all the layers of paints and mediums I was using, I believe the journal had zero chance of survival. Then I considered buying this art journal. It seems sturdy and receives many positive reviews, but I just didn’t want to spend the money. So I made my own journal with 140lb. watercolor paper (it’s cheaper too). I trimmed the paper to the size I wanted and used an office binding machine to put it together. It totally works and I’m happy with it. As I finish the layouts, I’ll just add them to the bind.
Before creating, I add gesso to all sides of the paper. I apply a thin coat with a plastic card – similar to a gift card, credit card, or hotel key card. Gesso is a primer for various surfaces, making it easy for paint to stick. In my opinion it makes the paper thicker and stronger. I’ve seen gesso in white, black, and clear. I’ve used this gesso but I’m currently using this one (I recommend it too). Just an FYI, not all gessos are the same. Some are watery and some are thick. On a side note, instead of always using white gesso to prime my paper, I’ve experimented with mixing in acrylic paint and it turned out well!
When I apply the paint, I will apply it with either fingers, baby wipes, or those cheap kid paint brushes. Although I don’t care for paint stained fingers, I like using my hands when applying paint, I have the most control that way. I also like using baby wipes. The end result – a smooth well blended appearance. The kid brushes work well too and provides a neat texture when applying or splattering paint. At some point soon, I need to invest in some slightly better brushes but for now kid brushes it is.
Last, I use this medium as a form of glue. I like it because it’s easy to use and not sticky when I apply it. Most importantly, the medium doesn’t act as a resist, in other words, I can easily add color pencil, marker, and paints and the “glue” won’t reject it.
