by Julie Ann Shahin

You may have heard of Art Journaling and have wondered “what is all the fuss? Why should I Art Journal? What will I get out of keeping an Art Journal? I’m already a ( ____”insert noun here such: as scrapbooker or a card-maker or an artist or a photographer___), why should I try this as well?”  Let me give you 3 reasons to Art Journal.

“Creativity often consists of merely turning up what is already there.  Did you know that right and left shoes were thought up only a little more than a century ago?”

-Bernice Fitz-Gibbon

2011 Art Journal Caravan Itinerary #20: Understand by Julie Ann Shahin

1. ART JOURNAL TO  EXERCISE YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLES

I believe anyone who wants to exercise their creativity muscles can benefit from keeping an art journal. Just like any other muscle, if you don’t use it often, it will get weak.  If you don’t have time to work on your normal project, you can whip up a quick art journal page just for the fun of it to keep your creative juices flowing.

If you have been scared to try a new technique, an art journal is  the place to do it.

2011 Art Journal Caravan Itinerary: Reinforce by Jo aka Spunmonkey

Where a scrapbook or a card may have a certain style to it, an art journal can get as messy and as ugly as need be as you explore in it. This is the place to experiment if there is no other place.  One such resource for encouraging you to try new things is the book Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith.

If you are interested in learning new techniques in both digital and hands-on art journaling via online video instruction by Tangie herself, you will be treated to such delights by joining the Art Journal Caravan.  Also, you can watch Tangie on YouTube here .

2.  ART JOURNAL TO GIVE YOURSELF A VOICE

Some people like to write in their art journals as a diary and add illustrations to it.  Some like to use their art journal for their favorite affirmations or quotations.  Some like to use their art journal for cathartic emotional healing.  

2011 Art Journal Caravan: Itinerary - Paused by JoAnn aka joannknnrd

Often it is helpful to find creative prompts that will jump-start your journaling in this process. Whether you google art journaling prompts or decide to join and use the Art Journal Caravan Itinerary Prompts that are part of the weekly deliveries.

3. ART JOURNAL TO PLAY

If I haven’t convinced you so far, then perhaps just the sheer joy of  “PLAY!” is a good reason to crack open an art journal, and just have at it.

• Do you have scheduled “Me” time?
• Is your scrapbooking or other craft-time really “Me” time or are you doing it for others, are the pages about you or about the ones you love? Is it really “PLAY”?
• When was the last time you totally lost track of time in free play?

2011 Art Journal Caravan Itinerary: Travel by Jo aka spunmonkey

Art journaling gives you PERMISSION TO PLAY! Yes, we, as adults, have a need to play just as much as children do in the goal of living a balanced life. “Grown ups forget to play. But play, it turns out, is just as important for adults as it is for children. Adults spend too little time at play according to research, and would benefit greatly from spending more time at it.” (Source: Dr. Tian Dayton)

2011 Art Journal Caravan Itinerary #2: Thrive by Julie Ann Shahin

Play gives you a chance to have a break from your everyday “role” as a businessperson, Mommy, Daddy, etc., and have a chance to take on a different role – here for example, as an artist.  Plus you get to experience such positive feelings as:

 (chart from http://www.helpguide.org/)

Art journaling gives you a chance to practice new techniques, speak your mind, and just have fun.  If this sounds like something you would like to start now, you can join us at the Art Journal Caravan.