Don’t get caught up in what kind of journal or tools you need (obsessing over this stuff is a form of procrastination); it doesn’t have to be perfect. That being said, if you are planning on using a lot of glue, paint and/or water, it would be a good idea to get a journal with heavier paper (or make your own – I use 120lb watercolor paper). You can also use a regular sketchbook and glue pages together for sturdiness.
Have fun & don’t panic.
At the end of the day, it’s just paper with some stuff on it. It’s not a reflection of your worth as a human being. So if it looks like crap, just throw it out (you are allowed to do that) and try again later. I see too many people agonizing over their journals which in my opinion defeats the purpose – it’s a place of letting go.
Since it’s a place of letting go, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a new medium or technique.
Be kind to yourself!
Water & walk your journal every day.
If possible set aside a regular space and time for journaling.
It’s a process – even if you hate what you just made, realize that it’s just another step along the way and mistakes are necessary to figure out what will work.
You can’t use gesso if you can’t pronounce it.
stuck? try this.
Many writing teachers, including Julia Cameron and Natalie Goldberg, suggest just writing for 3 pages or 15 minutes (respectively) without stopping and without regard to the quality of what you’re doing. The benefit of this exercise (which took me 9 months to truly appreciate) is that you get all the nervous energy, mundane thoughts and negative thoughts down on the page – which clears the channel for the good stuff. I think this method can be applied to painting or drawing (just doodle randomly), or whatever else you choose. It also helps you get into a creative mindset as it becomes somewhat of a ritual.
Consider how you feel – physically and emotionally – and try to illustrate it.
Limit your tools – try using just one black pen.
What did you dream about last night (or whenever you last remember)? What were the main symbols or colors?
Use everything but a paintbrush to get paint on the page.
Go outside and take note (or write down) the first thing you hear somebody say (not necessarily to you). Journal it.
