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Writer's pictureAngie Mason

How to Keep an Art Journal

Updated: Feb 22, 2021


How to Keep an Art Journal

Keeping a sketchbook journal is a wonderful way to grow as an artist and a human. We can explore ideas privately to work out ideas and grow them into bigger projects. We can practice new methods or just simply scribble off a days tensions and stress...it’s a great release.

Journals are a perfect place where we can allow ourselves the space to explore and expand our ideas. We can express our emotions releasing all the pain and joy onto paper through words and mark making. They can be as abstract or representational as you choose to be.This is your home—create the place where your ideas live and thrive. DON’T HOLD BACK.


Feeling stuck on how to get started—the act of making repetitive shapes on paper helps loosen my brain to move forward with releasing other thoughts. Try it. I like circles but have also played with squares and triangles. It’s a drawing meditation that will leave you feeling relaxed and help open you up to further exploration.


So to start get yourself a 5x7 or 8.5x11 blank book (whichever size feels the most comfortable and less daunting), then grab anything to make marks—crayons,pens, pencils, watercolors, anything you have, it is all game is here!



There are no rules, no wrong ways, it’s a place for you to learn and make marks without hesitation. I like to think of my art journals as personal encyclopedias of myself. They are books that document my life and help me remember moments with greater clarity when I return to old journals. They are great tools of reflection.


This book is for:

  • Dreaming

  • Making mistakes

  • Getting messy

  • Exploring

  • Big ideas

  • Little ideas

  • Doodles

  • Scribbles

  • Masterpieces

  • Words

  • Pictures

  • Anything you want to put into this book is ALLOWED

Just keep going—keep doing, and let yourself be lost and enjoy the process this will get you to a place you need to be.


Humans are messy creatures. All of our lives are not perfect and our sketchbooks should be a reflection of that. Our journals are our humanity they are a mirror of our authentic selves. Embrace this and go make a mess while dreaming yourself awake.


Materials List: (See Direct Links Below to Purchase).

  • Blank book

  • Pencils (any kind no.2, hb whatever you find laying around)

  • Pens ( ballpoint, felt, gel)

  • Markers ( sharpies, colored markers)

  • Crayons

  • Watercolor

  • Highlighters

  • Post it notes

  • Tape

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

*Don’t worry about brands or quality here just make marks and get your thoughts on paper and out of your head! Now go on and make your ideas new home!


Angie Mason Art - Amazon Affilate Links:

Buy the below products using these links and you help support my art projects.

Products I have used that you can purchase at Amazon.


HIMI Gouache Paint Set 24 Vibrant Colors Non Toxic Paints Jelly Cup Design with Palette Paint Brushes Portable for Artist Canvas Painting Watercolor Papers, Rich Pigment, 30ml/Cup BUY HERE






DUGATO Watercolor Detail Paint Brushes Set

12 PCS Premium Synthetic Hair Round Tip for Watercolors Acrylics Inks Gouache Oil Tempera Miniature BUY HERE







Elmer's Jumbo Disappearing Purple School Glue Stick

  • Disappearing purple glue formula

  • Goes on smoothly and dries clear

  • Nontoxic, and acid-free

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  • Ideal for school projects, crafts, and more BUY HERE




Custom Logo Embosser Seal Stamp Your Design

  • Custom Logo Embossing Stamp, Logo or Emblem Embosser

  • Click on “Customize Now” to enter your details and upload your design BUY HERE




Pentalic Sketch Book, Hardbound, 5-1/2-Inch by 8-Inch

  • Hardbound textured black embossed cover

  • Perfect for all dry media

  • Classic sketch book

  • Bright white 70-pound paper

  • Acid free BUY HERE




Uni Ball Signo Um-153 Gel Impact Pen White

Ballpoint pen gel ink that over smooth, smudge-proof! Bold type of ball diameter 1.0mm. 10 Pens per pack. BUY HERE




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