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. 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, use the hashtag #artjournaleveryday so that we can all take a peek. Even if you're not on social media, you can see everything (from twitter, pinterest, instagram, and facebook) that uses that hashtag here.
This is a journal page blast from the past. In 2012 I shared a video of this art journal spread coming together:
What I'd like to talk about today is the quote I used on the spread:
Man, is that ever a true statement. And it's really, really, really hard not to compare. I will raise my hand high in the air and tell you that I suffer from journal envy.
What is journal envy? It's what happens when you compare your art journal to someone else's and find yours sorely lacking. Then the questions start swirling: Why can't I do pages that cool? Why do I stink at this? Should I just stop trying? How does she do that? Aaaaaaaaaaaargh!
So what can you do about journal envy?
1. Stop comparing.
This is really really really hard. But I think the keys are confidence in yourself and self-love. And remembering that just because someone else is awesome, it doesn't take anything away from you. The world has room for millions of awesome people to co-exist. Also, remember that you may be comparing apples to oranges, as they say. Different styles and different skill levels. Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle or end. And if that doesn't work…
2. Stop looking.
Turn off the internet. Unsubscribe. Don't look at all the pretty journals. I'll admit that there are a few people's blogs or instagram feeds that make me feel terrible about my abilities. So I don't follow them anymore, even though they're so pretty. Why torture yourself?
3. Copy what you like.
While my other two suggestions were very passive (stopping doing something), this is a very active way to deal with the problem. Of course, let's remember that there is "good copying" and "bad copying." "Good copying" always involves giving credit. Giving someone else credit for an idea never takes anything away from you. The other thing about "good copying" is that you are using the copying in order to learn so that after a while you can find your own way and don't need to copy anymore.
A perfect example of copying what you like is taking a class. Whether it's online or in-person you generally take a class because you like the instructor's style and would like to try creating in that style. During class you will often make an exact replica of the instructor's project. But the hope is that you will go home and integrate those techniques and ideas that worked for you into your own work in a unique way. You copy to learn and then you find a way to make it your own.
4. Make art.
There is no substitute for doing the work. No shortcut to magical pages. All of the journal artists I admire are diligent about practicing and experimenting. I can see the changes and advancements in my own artwork over time, especially when I increased the frequency of creating.
Take a peek:
2007
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
There's a reason they call it the "practice of making art." As the Nike ads say, "Just Do It."
What do you think? Have you experienced Journal Envy?
Thanks for stopping by!
Omg yes!!! This is totally one of my all time fave quotes – comparison is the thief of joy – so bloody true! We can get so tied up in what everyone else is doing but I totally think if you put that energy into your own practice you will benefit greatly ❤️
Omg yes!!! This is totally one of my all time fave quotes – comparison is the thief of joy – so bloody true! We can get so tied up in what everyone else is doing but I totally think if you put that energy into your own practice you will benefit greatly ❤️
Omg yes!!! This is totally one of my all time fave quotes – comparison is the thief of joy – so bloody true! We can get so tied up in what everyone else is doing but I totally think if you put that energy into your own practice you will benefit greatly ❤️
Omg yes!!! This is totally one of my all time fave quotes – comparison is the thief of joy – so bloody true! We can get so tied up in what everyone else is doing but I totally think if you put that energy into your own practice you will benefit greatly ❤️
Omg yes!!! This is totally one of my all time fave quotes – comparison is the thief of joy – so bloody true! We can get so tied up in what everyone else is doing but I totally think if you put that energy into your own practice you will benefit greatly ❤️
Omg yes!!! This is totally one of my all time fave quotes – comparison is the thief of joy – so bloody true! We can get so tied up in what everyone else is doing but I totally think if you put that energy into your own practice you will benefit greatly ❤️
I envy you!!! But you are right, if using the art I see on blogs makes me keep trying in my own journal, then that is a positive thing. I am now more apt to work in layers, not hesitate to cover something up. In large part, thanks to you, Julie. Love this blog!
I envy you!!! But you are right, if using the art I see on blogs makes me keep trying in my own journal, then that is a positive thing. I am now more apt to work in layers, not hesitate to cover something up. In large part, thanks to you, Julie. Love this blog!
I envy you!!! But you are right, if using the art I see on blogs makes me keep trying in my own journal, then that is a positive thing. I am now more apt to work in layers, not hesitate to cover something up. In large part, thanks to you, Julie. Love this blog!
I envy you!!! But you are right, if using the art I see on blogs makes me keep trying in my own journal, then that is a positive thing. I am now more apt to work in layers, not hesitate to cover something up. In large part, thanks to you, Julie. Love this blog!
I envy you!!! But you are right, if using the art I see on blogs makes me keep trying in my own journal, then that is a positive thing. I am now more apt to work in layers, not hesitate to cover something up. In large part, thanks to you, Julie. Love this blog!
I envy you!!! But you are right, if using the art I see on blogs makes me keep trying in my own journal, then that is a positive thing. I am now more apt to work in layers, not hesitate to cover something up. In large part, thanks to you, Julie. Love this blog!
You’ve done it again! A lovely blog. You have such a generous, enthusiastic, loving spirit and it comes through in every thing you say and do. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you.
You’ve done it again! A lovely blog. You have such a generous, enthusiastic, loving spirit and it comes through in every thing you say and do. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you.
You’ve done it again! A lovely blog. You have such a generous, enthusiastic, loving spirit and it comes through in every thing you say and do. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you.
You’ve done it again! A lovely blog. You have such a generous, enthusiastic, loving spirit and it comes through in every thing you say and do. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you.
You’ve done it again! A lovely blog. You have such a generous, enthusiastic, loving spirit and it comes through in every thing you say and do. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you.
You’ve done it again! A lovely blog. You have such a generous, enthusiastic, loving spirit and it comes through in every thing you say and do. I’m so glad I found you. Thank you.
I’m experiencing Journal Envy right now! Lovely to see the progression through the years. Thanks for sharing.
I’m experiencing Journal Envy right now! Lovely to see the progression through the years. Thanks for sharing.
I’m experiencing Journal Envy right now! Lovely to see the progression through the years. Thanks for sharing.
I’m experiencing Journal Envy right now! Lovely to see the progression through the years. Thanks for sharing.
I’m experiencing Journal Envy right now! Lovely to see the progression through the years. Thanks for sharing.
I’m experiencing Journal Envy right now! Lovely to see the progression through the years. Thanks for sharing.
YOu are giving the voice of reason to my recent inner struggles. thank you for posting. Yes, to all that you have mentioned. The message is a powerful reminder. Thank you! I continue to be inspired by your intelligence, authenticity creativity and ability to teach or guide on many levels. Taking your Junque Journal video class has been on my wish list 😉
YOu are giving the voice of reason to my recent inner struggles. thank you for posting. Yes, to all that you have mentioned. The message is a powerful reminder. Thank you! I continue to be inspired by your intelligence, authenticity creativity and ability to teach or guide on many levels. Taking your Junque Journal video class has been on my wish list 😉
YOu are giving the voice of reason to my recent inner struggles. thank you for posting. Yes, to all that you have mentioned. The message is a powerful reminder. Thank you! I continue to be inspired by your intelligence, authenticity creativity and ability to teach or guide on many levels. Taking your Junque Journal video class has been on my wish list 😉
YOu are giving the voice of reason to my recent inner struggles. thank you for posting. Yes, to all that you have mentioned. The message is a powerful reminder. Thank you! I continue to be inspired by your intelligence, authenticity creativity and ability to teach or guide on many levels. Taking your Junque Journal video class has been on my wish list 😉
YOu are giving the voice of reason to my recent inner struggles. thank you for posting. Yes, to all that you have mentioned. The message is a powerful reminder. Thank you! I continue to be inspired by your intelligence, authenticity creativity and ability to teach or guide on many levels. Taking your Junque Journal video class has been on my wish list 😉
YOu are giving the voice of reason to my recent inner struggles. thank you for posting. Yes, to all that you have mentioned. The message is a powerful reminder. Thank you! I continue to be inspired by your intelligence, authenticity creativity and ability to teach or guide on many levels. Taking your Junque Journal video class has been on my wish list 😉
Just shared this on FB. Thank you for writing what everyone needs to know!
Just shared this on FB. Thank you for writing what everyone needs to know!
Just shared this on FB. Thank you for writing what everyone needs to know!
Just shared this on FB. Thank you for writing what everyone needs to know!
Just shared this on FB. Thank you for writing what everyone needs to know!
Just shared this on FB. Thank you for writing what everyone needs to know!
Julie this is a great post! Just what I was talking to Seth Apter about and Robenmarie Smith. It is huge! I love how you have put it forward – so vulnerably, so openly and to hear it from someone such as yourself – makes it all so normal for someone like myself…a person who dabbles for fun. Thanks for your honesty and willingness to talk, blog, relate on the level that I (as one voice only) can truly hear and relate to all that you say. LUV. S
Julie this is a great post! Just what I was talking to Seth Apter about and Robenmarie Smith. It is huge! I love how you have put it forward – so vulnerably, so openly and to hear it from someone such as yourself – makes it all so normal for someone like myself…a person who dabbles for fun. Thanks for your honesty and willingness to talk, blog, relate on the level that I (as one voice only) can truly hear and relate to all that you say. LUV. S
Julie this is a great post! Just what I was talking to Seth Apter about and Robenmarie Smith. It is huge! I love how you have put it forward – so vulnerably, so openly and to hear it from someone such as yourself – makes it all so normal for someone like myself…a person who dabbles for fun. Thanks for your honesty and willingness to talk, blog, relate on the level that I (as one voice only) can truly hear and relate to all that you say. LUV. S
Julie this is a great post! Just what I was talking to Seth Apter about and Robenmarie Smith. It is huge! I love how you have put it forward – so vulnerably, so openly and to hear it from someone such as yourself – makes it all so normal for someone like myself…a person who dabbles for fun. Thanks for your honesty and willingness to talk, blog, relate on the level that I (as one voice only) can truly hear and relate to all that you say. LUV. S
Julie this is a great post! Just what I was talking to Seth Apter about and Robenmarie Smith. It is huge! I love how you have put it forward – so vulnerably, so openly and to hear it from someone such as yourself – makes it all so normal for someone like myself…a person who dabbles for fun. Thanks for your honesty and willingness to talk, blog, relate on the level that I (as one voice only) can truly hear and relate to all that you say. LUV. S
Julie this is a great post! Just what I was talking to Seth Apter about and Robenmarie Smith. It is huge! I love how you have put it forward – so vulnerably, so openly and to hear it from someone such as yourself – makes it all so normal for someone like myself…a person who dabbles for fun. Thanks for your honesty and willingness to talk, blog, relate on the level that I (as one voice only) can truly hear and relate to all that you say. LUV. S
Excellent post. I really like seeing the progression of your art journaling over the years. This reminds me of something Ali Raisman posted recently when someone complimented her floor exercise routine and said she can’t believe anyone can perform so well. Ali stated that she started training/laying the groundwork for this routine when she was 14 — she is now 22. Time + practice, baby!
Excellent post. I really like seeing the progression of your art journaling over the years. This reminds me of something Ali Raisman posted recently when someone complimented her floor exercise routine and said she can’t believe anyone can perform so well. Ali stated that she started training/laying the groundwork for this routine when she was 14 — she is now 22. Time + practice, baby!
Excellent post. I really like seeing the progression of your art journaling over the years. This reminds me of something Ali Raisman posted recently when someone complimented her floor exercise routine and said she can’t believe anyone can perform so well. Ali stated that she started training/laying the groundwork for this routine when she was 14 — she is now 22. Time + practice, baby!
Excellent post. I really like seeing the progression of your art journaling over the years. This reminds me of something Ali Raisman posted recently when someone complimented her floor exercise routine and said she can’t believe anyone can perform so well. Ali stated that she started training/laying the groundwork for this routine when she was 14 — she is now 22. Time + practice, baby!
Excellent post. I really like seeing the progression of your art journaling over the years. This reminds me of something Ali Raisman posted recently when someone complimented her floor exercise routine and said she can’t believe anyone can perform so well. Ali stated that she started training/laying the groundwork for this routine when she was 14 — she is now 22. Time + practice, baby!
Excellent post. I really like seeing the progression of your art journaling over the years. This reminds me of something Ali Raisman posted recently when someone complimented her floor exercise routine and said she can’t believe anyone can perform so well. Ali stated that she started training/laying the groundwork for this routine when she was 14 — she is now 22. Time + practice, baby!
Yes yes yes!
I just could not ‘get started’, until I stopped looking, it so killed my mojo!
….and ditto what Julie said in above comments! X
Yes yes yes!
I just could not ‘get started’, until I stopped looking, it so killed my mojo!
….and ditto what Julie said in above comments! X
Yes yes yes!
I just could not ‘get started’, until I stopped looking, it so killed my mojo!
….and ditto what Julie said in above comments! X
Yes yes yes!
I just could not ‘get started’, until I stopped looking, it so killed my mojo!
….and ditto what Julie said in above comments! X
Yes yes yes!
I just could not ‘get started’, until I stopped looking, it so killed my mojo!
….and ditto what Julie said in above comments! X
Yes yes yes!
I just could not ‘get started’, until I stopped looking, it so killed my mojo!
….and ditto what Julie said in above comments! X
Wow! What an amazing journey through your art journal…maybe there IS hope for me. IF I get past the expectation that first tries always have to be perfect!
Wow! What an amazing journey through your art journal…maybe there IS hope for me. IF I get past the expectation that first tries always have to be perfect!
Wow! What an amazing journey through your art journal…maybe there IS hope for me. IF I get past the expectation that first tries always have to be perfect!
Wow! What an amazing journey through your art journal…maybe there IS hope for me. IF I get past the expectation that first tries always have to be perfect!
Wow! What an amazing journey through your art journal…maybe there IS hope for me. IF I get past the expectation that first tries always have to be perfect!
Wow! What an amazing journey through your art journal…maybe there IS hope for me. IF I get past the expectation that first tries always have to be perfect!