If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week and you've blogged about it, or put it on flickr, please leave a link in the linky list at the end of this post. Thanks!
My big move day is coming fast. I'm busy packing and cleaning and saying goodbye to all my friends and all my favorite restaurants. For the next few weeks I have asked a bunch of different artists who I think are interesting and talented to provide guest posts to keep you entertained, educated, and inspired! (And to give me a little bit of space to pack, move, and then unpack.) I think you'll like what you see and maybe find some new artists to follow! (Always a good thing, right?) Be sure to let the artists know if you like their posts. I know they'll appreciate your kind words! During all the guest posts, I'll still pop in from time to time with updates for you. And you can always check in with Facebook, instagram, or twitter to get a peek at what's up with me during the madness!
Today's guest post is from Traci Bautista. This post originally appeared on her blog on August 18, 2015. You can see it here.
art.journal.PLAY:
art journaling inspiration series
<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>
Hello creative friends! Over the next month, I have a fun email/blog series planned where I'll be sharing a few posts to give you a peek inside my art journals through video tours and photos. I'll talk about inspiration, provide creative journal prompts and send you a few creative resources just for being an email subscriber. Thank you for allowing me to share my stories and hopefully inspire you to do something creative!
Today, I kick off the series with a short post about my art journal experience, a little about my process {I'll talk more in depth in a future post} and how art journaling has impacted my life.
The pages in my art journals and sketchbooks are inscribed with visual stories told through my personal graffiti…a combination of symbols, layers of vibrant color, doodles and images.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Since I was younger, I’ve always kept some kind of diary/journal.
I remember back when I was second grade, I had a small blue diary with lined pages that was secured with a gold lock and key. I would write about my life, what I wanted to be when I grew up and fill up the pages with pictures, poems, stickers {I was an 80's kid} and colorful stories about my dreams. I started making my own journals in 8th grade. Back then they were simple books made with brown paper bag pages with handmade paper covers tied together with tulle.
"My journals have always been my space to dream, play, write stories and create whatever I want."
In high school, I started working in sketchbooks where I would draw fashion designs and doodles. It wasn’t until college that I combined my art and journaling on a page. I studied architecture and graphic design and always carried around a sketchbook. I would sketch, write notes and observations, sometimes adding in magazine clippings and collage images that were inspiration for my design projects.
Fast-forward 25 years, I've created hundreds of one-of-a-kind artist journals for worldwide collectors and continue to PLAY in a variety of art journals/sketchbooks. Art journaling has been something I’ve always done for fun and to relax. I don't journal everyday and that's okay with me. My journals usually don't have any chronological order. I just open up the book and start painting. I work in multiple journals instead of filling up one from front to back. They are a space to PLAY..my happy place.
"there is never a plan…I work intuitively and allow what ever happens to unfold without question."
Sometimes I paint, sometimes I doodle, sometimes I write lists, sometimes I only draw or paint with black ink, sometimes I stamp, sometimes I stencil, sometimes I collage, sometimes I practice my lettering, sometimes I draw faces and sometimes I brainstorm ideas for my creative business. I don't worry if the pages look incomplete. It's my place to experiment with color..to be OPEN and have the freedom to try new things. Often times, I go back days or years later and add more layers to a previous painting. It's always an adventure!
I am blessed to make my living doodling, painting and sharing my love for journaling. This artform has connected me with artists from around the world. Since 2001, I've been teaching techniques through my videos, workshops and writings. I strive to encourage and inspire others to develop their creative spirit.
"Art journaling has impacted my life in a great way; I found a way to turn one of my passions into a successful creative business."
My journals have been published in several magazines and books. The techniques I develop are shared in numerous best-selling mixed media books and DVDs. And I'm so grateful that this creative practice has allowed me to travel the world to teach thousands of people.
My creative business has developed from my art journals…from brainstorming dreams and goals in them, to creating art to sell and developing product lines. The ideas, sketches and notes I scribble are used as a catalyst for my product designs in stationery, stencils, stamps, scrapbook papers, digital downloads, online workshops and Collage Pauge.
Again, this creative practice can be anything you want it to be…spend some time telling your art journaling story.
Stay tuned for more insight into my art journaling process, my favorite supplies and more INSPIRATION!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
journal prompt: what does art journaling mean to you?
how has it impacted your life?
It doesn't matter when you started art journaling or how you work in your journal. Everyone's process is different and we all use this art form for many reasons, there is no right or wrong way. What matters is that your practice is uniquely YOU and it fulfills your creative spirit.
Your journals can be anything you want them to be.
It's great to learn and experiment with techniques but the ultimate goal is to create a space to PLAY, share your thoughts, dreams, fears and ideas.
Spend 20-30 minutes writing, doodling or drawing in your journal.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
creative prompt: color photocopy collage
{above} This page is a collage created with color laser prints of my artwork and doodles with paint pen
- photocopy your art journal pages in black and white or color.
- cut out shapes from the photocopies.
- collage shapes onto a painted page in your journal using Collage Pauge or dry adhesives. let dry.
- doodle over the top and edges with a black Sharpie paint marker and various Sakura Gelly Roll pens.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
always be inspired…PLAY. dream. be FREE! xo~Traci
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
art.journal.PLAY
mixed media lab + creative business incubator
creative IDEAS and online courses that encourage you to infuse your own style, create unique artwork and build a successful business on your terms.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Here is this week's linky list:
Traci Bautista is a mixed media artist, designer, teacher, creative business strategist and best selling author. She's the creator of art.journal.PLAY mixed media lab + creative business incubator, an online learning academy and membership community. Through her e-coures and live stream workshops, she inspires artists, designers and makers to unleash their creative spirit and build creative confidence. Her mission is to guide artists to shift their mindset from “starving artist” to creative business visionary. For details and to join the membership community visit www.artjournalPLAY.com
what a great post! Love your art (have your books) Traci. And wishing you all the best with your move Julie.
what a great post! Love your art (have your books) Traci. And wishing you all the best with your move Julie.
what a great post! Love your art (have your books) Traci. And wishing you all the best with your move Julie.
what a great post! Love your art (have your books) Traci. And wishing you all the best with your move Julie.
what a great post! Love your art (have your books) Traci. And wishing you all the best with your move Julie.
what a great post! Love your art (have your books) Traci. And wishing you all the best with your move Julie.
Great article – I love your ART!
Great article – I love your ART!
Great article – I love your ART!
Great article – I love your ART!
Great article – I love your ART!
Great article – I love your ART!
I just discovered you through Strathmore Paper tutorials. They are fabulous
and I look forward to your posts.
I just discovered you through Strathmore Paper tutorials. They are fabulous
and I look forward to your posts.
I just discovered you through Strathmore Paper tutorials. They are fabulous
and I look forward to your posts.
I just discovered you through Strathmore Paper tutorials. They are fabulous
and I look forward to your posts.
I just discovered you through Strathmore Paper tutorials. They are fabulous
and I look forward to your posts.
I just discovered you through Strathmore Paper tutorials. They are fabulous
and I look forward to your posts.
Gorgeous work (as usual)! Question: How in the world do you get orange and purple and yellow to show up on a laser printer? I was told I had to make copies on a laser printer that had more than 4 colors and it would cost about $10 per page! I can get beautiful copies from a laser printer that has the 4 colors inside, BUT never a clear orange nor beautiful purple and hardly ever a nice yellow. HELP!
Gorgeous work (as usual)! Question: How in the world do you get orange and purple and yellow to show up on a laser printer? I was told I had to make copies on a laser printer that had more than 4 colors and it would cost about $10 per page! I can get beautiful copies from a laser printer that has the 4 colors inside, BUT never a clear orange nor beautiful purple and hardly ever a nice yellow. HELP!
Gorgeous work (as usual)! Question: How in the world do you get orange and purple and yellow to show up on a laser printer? I was told I had to make copies on a laser printer that had more than 4 colors and it would cost about $10 per page! I can get beautiful copies from a laser printer that has the 4 colors inside, BUT never a clear orange nor beautiful purple and hardly ever a nice yellow. HELP!
Gorgeous work (as usual)! Question: How in the world do you get orange and purple and yellow to show up on a laser printer? I was told I had to make copies on a laser printer that had more than 4 colors and it would cost about $10 per page! I can get beautiful copies from a laser printer that has the 4 colors inside, BUT never a clear orange nor beautiful purple and hardly ever a nice yellow. HELP!
Gorgeous work (as usual)! Question: How in the world do you get orange and purple and yellow to show up on a laser printer? I was told I had to make copies on a laser printer that had more than 4 colors and it would cost about $10 per page! I can get beautiful copies from a laser printer that has the 4 colors inside, BUT never a clear orange nor beautiful purple and hardly ever a nice yellow. HELP!
Gorgeous work (as usual)! Question: How in the world do you get orange and purple and yellow to show up on a laser printer? I was told I had to make copies on a laser printer that had more than 4 colors and it would cost about $10 per page! I can get beautiful copies from a laser printer that has the 4 colors inside, BUT never a clear orange nor beautiful purple and hardly ever a nice yellow. HELP!
Hi, Traci–I’ve always wanted to take a class with you. I’ve seen you at Art & Soul Virginia a couple of times but just never made it to one of your classes. Maybe someday!
I love your use of color and your stencils. I’m going to be buying some from Stencil Girl quite soon. Lately I’ve been on an organic kick. My art has changed over the past several years. I started out with the Victorian/Edwardian vintage photo look, and now I’m much more free-form. Still love old photos and looking for a way to incorporate them into my new work.
Hi, Traci–I’ve always wanted to take a class with you. I’ve seen you at Art & Soul Virginia a couple of times but just never made it to one of your classes. Maybe someday!
I love your use of color and your stencils. I’m going to be buying some from Stencil Girl quite soon. Lately I’ve been on an organic kick. My art has changed over the past several years. I started out with the Victorian/Edwardian vintage photo look, and now I’m much more free-form. Still love old photos and looking for a way to incorporate them into my new work.
Hi, Traci–I’ve always wanted to take a class with you. I’ve seen you at Art & Soul Virginia a couple of times but just never made it to one of your classes. Maybe someday!
I love your use of color and your stencils. I’m going to be buying some from Stencil Girl quite soon. Lately I’ve been on an organic kick. My art has changed over the past several years. I started out with the Victorian/Edwardian vintage photo look, and now I’m much more free-form. Still love old photos and looking for a way to incorporate them into my new work.
Hi, Traci–I’ve always wanted to take a class with you. I’ve seen you at Art & Soul Virginia a couple of times but just never made it to one of your classes. Maybe someday!
I love your use of color and your stencils. I’m going to be buying some from Stencil Girl quite soon. Lately I’ve been on an organic kick. My art has changed over the past several years. I started out with the Victorian/Edwardian vintage photo look, and now I’m much more free-form. Still love old photos and looking for a way to incorporate them into my new work.
Hi, Traci–I’ve always wanted to take a class with you. I’ve seen you at Art & Soul Virginia a couple of times but just never made it to one of your classes. Maybe someday!
I love your use of color and your stencils. I’m going to be buying some from Stencil Girl quite soon. Lately I’ve been on an organic kick. My art has changed over the past several years. I started out with the Victorian/Edwardian vintage photo look, and now I’m much more free-form. Still love old photos and looking for a way to incorporate them into my new work.
Hi, Traci–I’ve always wanted to take a class with you. I’ve seen you at Art & Soul Virginia a couple of times but just never made it to one of your classes. Maybe someday!
I love your use of color and your stencils. I’m going to be buying some from Stencil Girl quite soon. Lately I’ve been on an organic kick. My art has changed over the past several years. I started out with the Victorian/Edwardian vintage photo look, and now I’m much more free-form. Still love old photos and looking for a way to incorporate them into my new work.
Traci, I just love your style, your books, and your videos! I have been and continue to be a big fan! I wish I new you when I lived in Dublin, CA and spent time in San Ramon, 8 years ago. Thank you for all that you do and offer!
Traci, I just love your style, your books, and your videos! I have been and continue to be a big fan! I wish I new you when I lived in Dublin, CA and spent time in San Ramon, 8 years ago. Thank you for all that you do and offer!
Traci, I just love your style, your books, and your videos! I have been and continue to be a big fan! I wish I new you when I lived in Dublin, CA and spent time in San Ramon, 8 years ago. Thank you for all that you do and offer!
Traci, I just love your style, your books, and your videos! I have been and continue to be a big fan! I wish I new you when I lived in Dublin, CA and spent time in San Ramon, 8 years ago. Thank you for all that you do and offer!
Traci, I just love your style, your books, and your videos! I have been and continue to be a big fan! I wish I new you when I lived in Dublin, CA and spent time in San Ramon, 8 years ago. Thank you for all that you do and offer!
Traci, I just love your style, your books, and your videos! I have been and continue to be a big fan! I wish I new you when I lived in Dublin, CA and spent time in San Ramon, 8 years ago. Thank you for all that you do and offer!
Julie…thanks for keeping your fans in mind as you transition into a new stage and life. Moving can be stressful. We really get to see how much “stuff” we accumulate! Have an easy move and a fun time setting up a new environment. Best wishes in your new home!! Thank you for taking care of your viewers too!
Julie…thanks for keeping your fans in mind as you transition into a new stage and life. Moving can be stressful. We really get to see how much “stuff” we accumulate! Have an easy move and a fun time setting up a new environment. Best wishes in your new home!! Thank you for taking care of your viewers too!
Julie…thanks for keeping your fans in mind as you transition into a new stage and life. Moving can be stressful. We really get to see how much “stuff” we accumulate! Have an easy move and a fun time setting up a new environment. Best wishes in your new home!! Thank you for taking care of your viewers too!
Julie…thanks for keeping your fans in mind as you transition into a new stage and life. Moving can be stressful. We really get to see how much “stuff” we accumulate! Have an easy move and a fun time setting up a new environment. Best wishes in your new home!! Thank you for taking care of your viewers too!
Julie…thanks for keeping your fans in mind as you transition into a new stage and life. Moving can be stressful. We really get to see how much “stuff” we accumulate! Have an easy move and a fun time setting up a new environment. Best wishes in your new home!! Thank you for taking care of your viewers too!
Julie…thanks for keeping your fans in mind as you transition into a new stage and life. Moving can be stressful. We really get to see how much “stuff” we accumulate! Have an easy move and a fun time setting up a new environment. Best wishes in your new home!! Thank you for taking care of your viewers too!
Great post about journaling and my favorite part is knowing you just use any page and do anything in them… I am exactly like that and have several on the go at a time…I needed the affirmation!!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks Julie for having guest bloggers!! Very enjoyable and have a great move!! As best you can anyway!!
Great post about journaling and my favorite part is knowing you just use any page and do anything in them… I am exactly like that and have several on the go at a time…I needed the affirmation!!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks Julie for having guest bloggers!! Very enjoyable and have a great move!! As best you can anyway!!
Great post about journaling and my favorite part is knowing you just use any page and do anything in them… I am exactly like that and have several on the go at a time…I needed the affirmation!!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks Julie for having guest bloggers!! Very enjoyable and have a great move!! As best you can anyway!!
Great post about journaling and my favorite part is knowing you just use any page and do anything in them… I am exactly like that and have several on the go at a time…I needed the affirmation!!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks Julie for having guest bloggers!! Very enjoyable and have a great move!! As best you can anyway!!
Great post about journaling and my favorite part is knowing you just use any page and do anything in them… I am exactly like that and have several on the go at a time…I needed the affirmation!!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks Julie for having guest bloggers!! Very enjoyable and have a great move!! As best you can anyway!!
Great post about journaling and my favorite part is knowing you just use any page and do anything in them… I am exactly like that and have several on the go at a time…I needed the affirmation!!
Hugs Giggles
Thanks Julie for having guest bloggers!! Very enjoyable and have a great move!! As best you can anyway!!
Wonderful Traci.
Wonderful Traci.
Wonderful Traci.
Wonderful Traci.
Wonderful Traci.
Wonderful Traci.