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.
Over the years I have doled out tons of art journaling advice. Today, I'm taking my three favorite advice filled Art Journal Every Day posts and combining them into one mega super awesome cool great rad advice filled post. Say that three times fast! ;)
I'm combining:
- August 26, 2011: Even When You Don't Want To
- January 20, 2012: Letting Go of Expectations
- June 20, 2014: 5 Tips on Making Time
I think that there are a few common barriers to bringing the practice of art journaling into your life and I'd like to remove them, if I can:
Fact: I'm not always in the mood to art journal.
Fact: I don't have the time to art journal.
Fact: I don't like how my pages come out.
Let's tackle each of those one-by-one, shall we?
In my opinion, being "in the mood" to create is myth. Just like I'm not always in the mood to be nice or wash the dishes. But I do those things nonetheless.
Making art is a discipline. And I know that I need to crack that art journal open every day, if only for two minutes, and even especially when everything I do looks like crap.
Here are some ideas to help motivate you when you don't particularly feel like art journaling. They work for me. I hope they'll work for you!
- Take your journal to bed. That's right. Lie in bed and read it. Look at a few pages. Let it be the last thing you look at before you fall asleep. You may find that you're ready in the morning.
- Write with the intention of covering it up. Take a blank page and just start writing — whatever is in your mind: your shopping list, your dreams, a list of people you hate, whatever. On another day, you can come through with crayons or gesso or whatever strikes your fancy and cover the whole thing up.
- Be a little kid. Take some bright colors and scribble on a piece of paper, an envelope, a napkin, whatever is close at hand. Awesome collage fodder for later.
- Make a tag. Tags are so compact and easy and achievable. Decorate one and stick it in your art journal later.
- Find a page you don't like and cover parts of it with paint. Sometimes it feels good to destroy something. And now you have a not-blank canvas for later when inspiration strikes.
- Add one thing to one page and call it quits. Doesn't have to be any good, but it's enough to check off "art journal" on your to do list.
- Change formats. It could be a journal in another size. It could be a journal with black pages instead of white. Just make a change to kick yourself out of your rut.
- Change locations. Take your journal with you to your office, in the car, to a coffee shop, or just into the living room. Never underestimate the power of your surroundings to change the way you feel. Sometimes your studio has too many distractions.
- Open your journal and prep a page, whether that's a wash of color or masking tape and gesso.
- Consider a supply break up. Break up with your normal art supplies and try some new friends on for size. It may be the creative kick in the pants that you need.
I say to you what I say to myself: It's the days that I least want to open the journal, that it gives the most back to me.
So what if you're looking at that list and saying, okay, but I just don't have the time to do any of that. Well, one of the things that I have said over and over again is that you just need ten minutes a day for art journaling. So let's talk about making those ten minutes happen. Here are five things that I think help:
Do it early in the day.
Every day starts with the best intentions, but it doesn't always end the way I expect it to. I've learned that it's best if I start my day with my art journal to ensure that it happens. The later in the day I wait for those ten minutes, the less likely they are to happen.
Don't try to create great art.
Pressure can be good. After all, they say that necessity is the mother of invention. But pressure can also be paralyzing. Don't let yourself stare at that page. Just plunge in and try something. If it doesn't work, great! That means that you've learned something. I think of my art journal as a place for experimentation and risk taking, not a place to create beautiful finished art. This really helps me just play and actually use my ten minutes for creating rather than thinking and staring and wondering.
Leave your art journal lying around.
I never put my art journal away. It's always sitting on my desk or the floor (in my studio the floor is like a really big extension of my desk — you can tell when I'm insanely busy because the floor starts to fill with stuff). By leaving my art journal out it (a) reminds me to open it up and play and (b) allows me to wipe off excess paint, glue in a torn piece of paper from another project, stamp off excess ink, test out a new stencil, etc. I'm always amazed at how quickly my art journals seem to fill. It's because I use my art journal as a place to collect everything that is excess in the rest of my art life. It's kind of an artsy trash can. And like any trash can, you want to have it out and ready for use at all times. Remember, the ten minutes in your journal doesn't all have to be in one block — two minutes here, five minutes there, it all adds up! Doodle while you're on the phone!
Prioritize your art time.
Don't help the neighbor. Don't look at other people's art online. Don't clean that spot on the counter. Don't watch those TV commercials. Make ten minutes in your art journal a priority. Those are your ten minutes to nuture your creative soul. Protect those minutes.
Find an art buddy.
Do you know how I manage to carve a stamp every single day in December? It's not because I have so much time in December. It's because I know that I'm part of a community and the expectation from my art buddies is that I will create and post a stamp. How do I manage to post a blog post every single day Monday-Friday? It's because I know that you, my art buddies, are waiting for it! Whether you join an online community, an online challenge, an online class, or grab some real life friends, having an art buddy (like a workout buddy, but less sweaty) can be a real motivator towards making the time to create. Spare time is like spare change. It doesn't exist. But you can choose to make time. Find the person or people who can help you make the time!
Great! So now you have the discipline and you've made the time, but you can't get your pages to look how you envision in your head.
Well, I can't either.
I'm sure somebody out there gets it "just right" every single time, but it's not me. And yet, I love my art journal and just keep creating!
My secret? I have learned to let go of my pre-conceptions of what it's supposed to be. And thusly, whatever it is, is awesome! Part of the reason ten-minutes-a-day works for me is because I have learned to let go of expectations. I just add another layer each time until my page decides what it wants to be.
Imagine that you have a date tonight. You've been thinking about this date. You have been planning this date. You've imagined all the ways it might go. What you will say, what you will do, what you will eat, what the other person will say and do and eat. This is a night that is going to make you happy. This is a night when you will laugh a lot. This is a night when you will have deep conversations. You will look perfect. Your date will behave perfectly….and so on. Well, that's a lot of pressure for a date. And if it doesn't go that way you'll probably come home quite disappointed.
Keep in mind, I'm not telling you to lower your expectations. I'm telling you to let go of your expectations. They are different statements.
- Lowering your expectations is about expecting (and accepting) less.
- Letting go of your expectations is about assuming nothing and embracing whatever may come.
I promise you that even if nothing about your art journaling changes, changing your attitude about it will make the process and the outcome much more pleasurable.
Here are some ways to help you let go of expectations:
- Narrow your focus. Instead of thinking of the end result, think about what you want to accomplish in the next few minutes. For example: I want to use this stencil.
- Follow the shiny ball. What does that mean? When something interesting flits across your line of sight or through your mind, follow it. Take that detour.
- Walk away. I often find that the pieces I hate the most are the ones where I was relentlessly pushing and pushing and pushing and overworking my art. Sometimes taking a break and coming back another day with fresh eyes is just the ticket.
- Do something to purposely ruin it. Rip it. Cover it with paint. Ruin it. Gasp. It works. It makes you less afraid. And forces you to let go of your expectations.
- Don't compare yourself to others. Maybe I should say that again: don't compare yourself to others. As Dr. Seuss has taught us, "No one is youer than you." Art journaling is not a competition.
- Make art every day. When making art becomes part of your daily routine it really takes the pressure off. Release that valve by taking ten minutes a day to do something artistic.
The next time you sit down to create, try not to think about where you're going. Focus on where you are right now and enjoy it! Whatever's next will come. Exist in the moment, being true to yourself. Kind of works for life too, don't you think?
I love my art journal. I know that art journaling every day has made me a much better artist over time. How about you? Do you art journal every day? What kind of barriers do you face?
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. All of the photos from this post are from my instagram feed. :)
You totally nailed it. (Hey, have you been wandering around in my head???). My best method for procrastination is wandering the internet looking at other people’s art and then sighing heavily. Great post!
You totally nailed it. (Hey, have you been wandering around in my head???). My best method for procrastination is wandering the internet looking at other people’s art and then sighing heavily. Great post!
You totally nailed it. (Hey, have you been wandering around in my head???). My best method for procrastination is wandering the internet looking at other people’s art and then sighing heavily. Great post!
You totally nailed it. (Hey, have you been wandering around in my head???). My best method for procrastination is wandering the internet looking at other people’s art and then sighing heavily. Great post!
You totally nailed it. (Hey, have you been wandering around in my head???). My best method for procrastination is wandering the internet looking at other people’s art and then sighing heavily. Great post!
You totally nailed it. (Hey, have you been wandering around in my head???). My best method for procrastination is wandering the internet looking at other people’s art and then sighing heavily. Great post!
I am soooooo enjoying your blogiversary posts. Terrific info we all need to know and be reminded of daily. it really is the journey. Thanks for taking us with you!
I am soooooo enjoying your blogiversary posts. Terrific info we all need to know and be reminded of daily. it really is the journey. Thanks for taking us with you!
I am soooooo enjoying your blogiversary posts. Terrific info we all need to know and be reminded of daily. it really is the journey. Thanks for taking us with you!
I am soooooo enjoying your blogiversary posts. Terrific info we all need to know and be reminded of daily. it really is the journey. Thanks for taking us with you!
I am soooooo enjoying your blogiversary posts. Terrific info we all need to know and be reminded of daily. it really is the journey. Thanks for taking us with you!
I am soooooo enjoying your blogiversary posts. Terrific info we all need to know and be reminded of daily. it really is the journey. Thanks for taking us with you!
Thank you for sharing your blog-iversary. As artists, we sometimes lose sight of the actual “fun” in creating and sometimes just feel the need to “do.” At least that sometimes happens to me! I love your inspiration and talent! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your blog-iversary. As artists, we sometimes lose sight of the actual “fun” in creating and sometimes just feel the need to “do.” At least that sometimes happens to me! I love your inspiration and talent! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your blog-iversary. As artists, we sometimes lose sight of the actual “fun” in creating and sometimes just feel the need to “do.” At least that sometimes happens to me! I love your inspiration and talent! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your blog-iversary. As artists, we sometimes lose sight of the actual “fun” in creating and sometimes just feel the need to “do.” At least that sometimes happens to me! I love your inspiration and talent! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your blog-iversary. As artists, we sometimes lose sight of the actual “fun” in creating and sometimes just feel the need to “do.” At least that sometimes happens to me! I love your inspiration and talent! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your blog-iversary. As artists, we sometimes lose sight of the actual “fun” in creating and sometimes just feel the need to “do.” At least that sometimes happens to me! I love your inspiration and talent! Thank you!
This is such good advice!
This is such good advice!
This is such good advice!
This is such good advice!
This is such good advice!
This is such good advice!
I know that you’ve said all this before but having it all in one post and said so concisely makes it a “keeper” for my art journaling file. Thanks for the good advice…
I know that you’ve said all this before but having it all in one post and said so concisely makes it a “keeper” for my art journaling file. Thanks for the good advice…
I know that you’ve said all this before but having it all in one post and said so concisely makes it a “keeper” for my art journaling file. Thanks for the good advice…
I know that you’ve said all this before but having it all in one post and said so concisely makes it a “keeper” for my art journaling file. Thanks for the good advice…
I know that you’ve said all this before but having it all in one post and said so concisely makes it a “keeper” for my art journaling file. Thanks for the good advice…
I know that you’ve said all this before but having it all in one post and said so concisely makes it a “keeper” for my art journaling file. Thanks for the good advice…
Thank you so much for posting this. I love your blog and I read it everyday. Does that count as art journaling everyday? Just kidding. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art with the world. Your art is so beautiful. Your ideas and thoughts seem to answer what ever questions I am struggling with at the time.
Yes thanks to you and your encouragement and your journal classes, I art journal everyday. The two barriers I face are time and living in the South. My job gets in the way, but I do something each day in one of my journals. Also, I live in the South and it takes forever for things to dry so I’m usually working in several journals at one time.
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!!!!!
P.S. Please keep those Art Foamie designs coming. I love them!!
Thank you so much for posting this. I love your blog and I read it everyday. Does that count as art journaling everyday? Just kidding. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art with the world. Your art is so beautiful. Your ideas and thoughts seem to answer what ever questions I am struggling with at the time.
Yes thanks to you and your encouragement and your journal classes, I art journal everyday. The two barriers I face are time and living in the South. My job gets in the way, but I do something each day in one of my journals. Also, I live in the South and it takes forever for things to dry so I’m usually working in several journals at one time.
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!!!!!
P.S. Please keep those Art Foamie designs coming. I love them!!
Thank you so much for posting this. I love your blog and I read it everyday. Does that count as art journaling everyday? Just kidding. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art with the world. Your art is so beautiful. Your ideas and thoughts seem to answer what ever questions I am struggling with at the time.
Yes thanks to you and your encouragement and your journal classes, I art journal everyday. The two barriers I face are time and living in the South. My job gets in the way, but I do something each day in one of my journals. Also, I live in the South and it takes forever for things to dry so I’m usually working in several journals at one time.
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!!!!!
P.S. Please keep those Art Foamie designs coming. I love them!!
Thank you so much for posting this. I love your blog and I read it everyday. Does that count as art journaling everyday? Just kidding. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art with the world. Your art is so beautiful. Your ideas and thoughts seem to answer what ever questions I am struggling with at the time.
Yes thanks to you and your encouragement and your journal classes, I art journal everyday. The two barriers I face are time and living in the South. My job gets in the way, but I do something each day in one of my journals. Also, I live in the South and it takes forever for things to dry so I’m usually working in several journals at one time.
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!!!!!
P.S. Please keep those Art Foamie designs coming. I love them!!
Thank you so much for posting this. I love your blog and I read it everyday. Does that count as art journaling everyday? Just kidding. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art with the world. Your art is so beautiful. Your ideas and thoughts seem to answer what ever questions I am struggling with at the time.
Yes thanks to you and your encouragement and your journal classes, I art journal everyday. The two barriers I face are time and living in the South. My job gets in the way, but I do something each day in one of my journals. Also, I live in the South and it takes forever for things to dry so I’m usually working in several journals at one time.
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!!!!!
P.S. Please keep those Art Foamie designs coming. I love them!!
Thank you so much for posting this. I love your blog and I read it everyday. Does that count as art journaling everyday? Just kidding. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your art with the world. Your art is so beautiful. Your ideas and thoughts seem to answer what ever questions I am struggling with at the time.
Yes thanks to you and your encouragement and your journal classes, I art journal everyday. The two barriers I face are time and living in the South. My job gets in the way, but I do something each day in one of my journals. Also, I live in the South and it takes forever for things to dry so I’m usually working in several journals at one time.
Thank you for your continuous inspiration!!!!!
P.S. Please keep those Art Foamie designs coming. I love them!!
I want to be your friend! Everything you said is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing and for all your encouragement.
I want to be your friend! Everything you said is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing and for all your encouragement.
I want to be your friend! Everything you said is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing and for all your encouragement.
I want to be your friend! Everything you said is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing and for all your encouragement.
I want to be your friend! Everything you said is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing and for all your encouragement.
I want to be your friend! Everything you said is definitely something I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing and for all your encouragement.
This is just WOW!
The same things could apply to so many things in life. I don’t consider myself an artist. I am more of a sewist/fiber and needle lover. But, I followed you for scan n cut in the beginning…. Now it is just for the wonderful inspiration you dish out all the time! Thank you for all of it Julie! So Much
Kim
This is just WOW!
The same things could apply to so many things in life. I don’t consider myself an artist. I am more of a sewist/fiber and needle lover. But, I followed you for scan n cut in the beginning…. Now it is just for the wonderful inspiration you dish out all the time! Thank you for all of it Julie! So Much
Kim
This is just WOW!
The same things could apply to so many things in life. I don’t consider myself an artist. I am more of a sewist/fiber and needle lover. But, I followed you for scan n cut in the beginning…. Now it is just for the wonderful inspiration you dish out all the time! Thank you for all of it Julie! So Much
Kim
This is just WOW!
The same things could apply to so many things in life. I don’t consider myself an artist. I am more of a sewist/fiber and needle lover. But, I followed you for scan n cut in the beginning…. Now it is just for the wonderful inspiration you dish out all the time! Thank you for all of it Julie! So Much
Kim
This is just WOW!
The same things could apply to so many things in life. I don’t consider myself an artist. I am more of a sewist/fiber and needle lover. But, I followed you for scan n cut in the beginning…. Now it is just for the wonderful inspiration you dish out all the time! Thank you for all of it Julie! So Much
Kim
This is just WOW!
The same things could apply to so many things in life. I don’t consider myself an artist. I am more of a sewist/fiber and needle lover. But, I followed you for scan n cut in the beginning…. Now it is just for the wonderful inspiration you dish out all the time! Thank you for all of it Julie! So Much
Kim
Nice combo of inspiration today Julie. Don’t compare yourself to others is big for me.
Nice combo of inspiration today Julie. Don’t compare yourself to others is big for me.
Nice combo of inspiration today Julie. Don’t compare yourself to others is big for me.
Nice combo of inspiration today Julie. Don’t compare yourself to others is big for me.
Nice combo of inspiration today Julie. Don’t compare yourself to others is big for me.
Nice combo of inspiration today Julie. Don’t compare yourself to others is big for me.
I’m a day behind in reading this blog, as I am traveling—but none the less I enjoyed every word the next day—–and your advice I always take away something !!! Thank You Julie—Thank You !!!!
I’m a day behind in reading this blog, as I am traveling—but none the less I enjoyed every word the next day—–and your advice I always take away something !!! Thank You Julie—Thank You !!!!
I’m a day behind in reading this blog, as I am traveling—but none the less I enjoyed every word the next day—–and your advice I always take away something !!! Thank You Julie—Thank You !!!!
I’m a day behind in reading this blog, as I am traveling—but none the less I enjoyed every word the next day—–and your advice I always take away something !!! Thank You Julie—Thank You !!!!
I’m a day behind in reading this blog, as I am traveling—but none the less I enjoyed every word the next day—–and your advice I always take away something !!! Thank You Julie—Thank You !!!!
I’m a day behind in reading this blog, as I am traveling—but none the less I enjoyed every word the next day—–and your advice I always take away something !!! Thank You Julie—Thank You !!!!
Girl, you totally said what I needed to hear!!! Thank you for that:)
Girl, you totally said what I needed to hear!!! Thank you for that:)
Girl, you totally said what I needed to hear!!! Thank you for that:)
Girl, you totally said what I needed to hear!!! Thank you for that:)
Girl, you totally said what I needed to hear!!! Thank you for that:)
Girl, you totally said what I needed to hear!!! Thank you for that:)
OMG this is exactly what I needed to read and be reminded of today!
OMG this is exactly what I needed to read and be reminded of today!
OMG this is exactly what I needed to read and be reminded of today!
OMG this is exactly what I needed to read and be reminded of today!
OMG this is exactly what I needed to read and be reminded of today!
OMG this is exactly what I needed to read and be reminded of today!
This is such good advice. Thanks for sharing. These things plus not comparing my work/play with anyone else’s helps me focus on MY art!
Thanks so much.
This is such good advice. Thanks for sharing. These things plus not comparing my work/play with anyone else’s helps me focus on MY art!
Thanks so much.
This is such good advice. Thanks for sharing. These things plus not comparing my work/play with anyone else’s helps me focus on MY art!
Thanks so much.
This is such good advice. Thanks for sharing. These things plus not comparing my work/play with anyone else’s helps me focus on MY art!
Thanks so much.
This is such good advice. Thanks for sharing. These things plus not comparing my work/play with anyone else’s helps me focus on MY art!
Thanks so much.
This is such good advice. Thanks for sharing. These things plus not comparing my work/play with anyone else’s helps me focus on MY art!
Thanks so much.
Hi Julie!
I may need to print this and stuck it on my fridge or something 😉 I’ve started following you more intensely (not just watch your awesome art pop up on my social media feed) and I am learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Some of the things you mention in this post, I’ve managed to take to practice, but there are definitely some new ones to add. I have recently started a daily “to do” list, that I make just before I go to bed (so I can leave all those plans on paper and clear my had so it will shut up and I can sleep 😛 ). Some “tasks” return every day, so I am thinking of making a structural to do list too, so all things I want to do daily are included. I love your philosophy of taking just 10 minutes. How many 10 minutes are wasted doing nothing, like watching stupid tv commercials. Like you, I love many ways to express myself in art and I’m in doubt if I should throw them all on the same pile of “did art this day” or make a difference in the things I want to do daily. Like, does it count for me to only go out with my camera and take pictures? Does it count to only edit pictures? I think I need to separate those from making arts with my hands, like drawing a sketch or splashing some paint on a page. Editing feels more like a necessity and photography doesn’t feel creative enough (though of course I love doing it and am learning things I can later use in my art journal or sketches). I think I, at least, have to hold (and use) a pencil or brush for 10 minutes a day.
Now I’ll move on to more editing while I listen another one of your podcasts 🙂
So happy and thankful you are sharing this all with us! Oh and your stamp carving book is definitely on top of my wish list 😀 I know how to carve stamps, but I just think your book will be of great inspiration!
xx Michelle
Hi Julie!
I may need to print this and stuck it on my fridge or something 😉 I’ve started following you more intensely (not just watch your awesome art pop up on my social media feed) and I am learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Some of the things you mention in this post, I’ve managed to take to practice, but there are definitely some new ones to add. I have recently started a daily “to do” list, that I make just before I go to bed (so I can leave all those plans on paper and clear my had so it will shut up and I can sleep 😛 ). Some “tasks” return every day, so I am thinking of making a structural to do list too, so all things I want to do daily are included. I love your philosophy of taking just 10 minutes. How many 10 minutes are wasted doing nothing, like watching stupid tv commercials. Like you, I love many ways to express myself in art and I’m in doubt if I should throw them all on the same pile of “did art this day” or make a difference in the things I want to do daily. Like, does it count for me to only go out with my camera and take pictures? Does it count to only edit pictures? I think I need to separate those from making arts with my hands, like drawing a sketch or splashing some paint on a page. Editing feels more like a necessity and photography doesn’t feel creative enough (though of course I love doing it and am learning things I can later use in my art journal or sketches). I think I, at least, have to hold (and use) a pencil or brush for 10 minutes a day.
Now I’ll move on to more editing while I listen another one of your podcasts 🙂
So happy and thankful you are sharing this all with us! Oh and your stamp carving book is definitely on top of my wish list 😀 I know how to carve stamps, but I just think your book will be of great inspiration!
xx Michelle
Hi Julie!
I may need to print this and stuck it on my fridge or something 😉 I’ve started following you more intensely (not just watch your awesome art pop up on my social media feed) and I am learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Some of the things you mention in this post, I’ve managed to take to practice, but there are definitely some new ones to add. I have recently started a daily “to do” list, that I make just before I go to bed (so I can leave all those plans on paper and clear my had so it will shut up and I can sleep 😛 ). Some “tasks” return every day, so I am thinking of making a structural to do list too, so all things I want to do daily are included. I love your philosophy of taking just 10 minutes. How many 10 minutes are wasted doing nothing, like watching stupid tv commercials. Like you, I love many ways to express myself in art and I’m in doubt if I should throw them all on the same pile of “did art this day” or make a difference in the things I want to do daily. Like, does it count for me to only go out with my camera and take pictures? Does it count to only edit pictures? I think I need to separate those from making arts with my hands, like drawing a sketch or splashing some paint on a page. Editing feels more like a necessity and photography doesn’t feel creative enough (though of course I love doing it and am learning things I can later use in my art journal or sketches). I think I, at least, have to hold (and use) a pencil or brush for 10 minutes a day.
Now I’ll move on to more editing while I listen another one of your podcasts 🙂
So happy and thankful you are sharing this all with us! Oh and your stamp carving book is definitely on top of my wish list 😀 I know how to carve stamps, but I just think your book will be of great inspiration!
xx Michelle
Hi Julie!
I may need to print this and stuck it on my fridge or something 😉 I’ve started following you more intensely (not just watch your awesome art pop up on my social media feed) and I am learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Some of the things you mention in this post, I’ve managed to take to practice, but there are definitely some new ones to add. I have recently started a daily “to do” list, that I make just before I go to bed (so I can leave all those plans on paper and clear my had so it will shut up and I can sleep 😛 ). Some “tasks” return every day, so I am thinking of making a structural to do list too, so all things I want to do daily are included. I love your philosophy of taking just 10 minutes. How many 10 minutes are wasted doing nothing, like watching stupid tv commercials. Like you, I love many ways to express myself in art and I’m in doubt if I should throw them all on the same pile of “did art this day” or make a difference in the things I want to do daily. Like, does it count for me to only go out with my camera and take pictures? Does it count to only edit pictures? I think I need to separate those from making arts with my hands, like drawing a sketch or splashing some paint on a page. Editing feels more like a necessity and photography doesn’t feel creative enough (though of course I love doing it and am learning things I can later use in my art journal or sketches). I think I, at least, have to hold (and use) a pencil or brush for 10 minutes a day.
Now I’ll move on to more editing while I listen another one of your podcasts 🙂
So happy and thankful you are sharing this all with us! Oh and your stamp carving book is definitely on top of my wish list 😀 I know how to carve stamps, but I just think your book will be of great inspiration!
xx Michelle
Hi Julie!
I may need to print this and stuck it on my fridge or something 😉 I’ve started following you more intensely (not just watch your awesome art pop up on my social media feed) and I am learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Some of the things you mention in this post, I’ve managed to take to practice, but there are definitely some new ones to add. I have recently started a daily “to do” list, that I make just before I go to bed (so I can leave all those plans on paper and clear my had so it will shut up and I can sleep 😛 ). Some “tasks” return every day, so I am thinking of making a structural to do list too, so all things I want to do daily are included. I love your philosophy of taking just 10 minutes. How many 10 minutes are wasted doing nothing, like watching stupid tv commercials. Like you, I love many ways to express myself in art and I’m in doubt if I should throw them all on the same pile of “did art this day” or make a difference in the things I want to do daily. Like, does it count for me to only go out with my camera and take pictures? Does it count to only edit pictures? I think I need to separate those from making arts with my hands, like drawing a sketch or splashing some paint on a page. Editing feels more like a necessity and photography doesn’t feel creative enough (though of course I love doing it and am learning things I can later use in my art journal or sketches). I think I, at least, have to hold (and use) a pencil or brush for 10 minutes a day.
Now I’ll move on to more editing while I listen another one of your podcasts 🙂
So happy and thankful you are sharing this all with us! Oh and your stamp carving book is definitely on top of my wish list 😀 I know how to carve stamps, but I just think your book will be of great inspiration!
xx Michelle
Hi Julie!
I may need to print this and stuck it on my fridge or something 😉 I’ve started following you more intensely (not just watch your awesome art pop up on my social media feed) and I am learning so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Some of the things you mention in this post, I’ve managed to take to practice, but there are definitely some new ones to add. I have recently started a daily “to do” list, that I make just before I go to bed (so I can leave all those plans on paper and clear my had so it will shut up and I can sleep 😛 ). Some “tasks” return every day, so I am thinking of making a structural to do list too, so all things I want to do daily are included. I love your philosophy of taking just 10 minutes. How many 10 minutes are wasted doing nothing, like watching stupid tv commercials. Like you, I love many ways to express myself in art and I’m in doubt if I should throw them all on the same pile of “did art this day” or make a difference in the things I want to do daily. Like, does it count for me to only go out with my camera and take pictures? Does it count to only edit pictures? I think I need to separate those from making arts with my hands, like drawing a sketch or splashing some paint on a page. Editing feels more like a necessity and photography doesn’t feel creative enough (though of course I love doing it and am learning things I can later use in my art journal or sketches). I think I, at least, have to hold (and use) a pencil or brush for 10 minutes a day.
Now I’ll move on to more editing while I listen another one of your podcasts 🙂
So happy and thankful you are sharing this all with us! Oh and your stamp carving book is definitely on top of my wish list 😀 I know how to carve stamps, but I just think your book will be of great inspiration!
xx Michelle
Thank you thank you!!!Your words of wisdom warm my heart! I just love reading your blog. It is like you are listening to my head and saying it out loud LOL. I love when you say 10 minutes in your journal can be in 2 minute intervals. That is usually what takes place in my journal…snippets of time which affords no time to be critical. Thank you Julie for all that you share, taking the time and energy to share your thoughts, process and creative practice. You make my day !
Thank you thank you!!!Your words of wisdom warm my heart! I just love reading your blog. It is like you are listening to my head and saying it out loud LOL. I love when you say 10 minutes in your journal can be in 2 minute intervals. That is usually what takes place in my journal…snippets of time which affords no time to be critical. Thank you Julie for all that you share, taking the time and energy to share your thoughts, process and creative practice. You make my day !
Thank you thank you!!!Your words of wisdom warm my heart! I just love reading your blog. It is like you are listening to my head and saying it out loud LOL. I love when you say 10 minutes in your journal can be in 2 minute intervals. That is usually what takes place in my journal…snippets of time which affords no time to be critical. Thank you Julie for all that you share, taking the time and energy to share your thoughts, process and creative practice. You make my day !
Thank you thank you!!!Your words of wisdom warm my heart! I just love reading your blog. It is like you are listening to my head and saying it out loud LOL. I love when you say 10 minutes in your journal can be in 2 minute intervals. That is usually what takes place in my journal…snippets of time which affords no time to be critical. Thank you Julie for all that you share, taking the time and energy to share your thoughts, process and creative practice. You make my day !
Thank you thank you!!!Your words of wisdom warm my heart! I just love reading your blog. It is like you are listening to my head and saying it out loud LOL. I love when you say 10 minutes in your journal can be in 2 minute intervals. That is usually what takes place in my journal…snippets of time which affords no time to be critical. Thank you Julie for all that you share, taking the time and energy to share your thoughts, process and creative practice. You make my day !
Thank you thank you!!!Your words of wisdom warm my heart! I just love reading your blog. It is like you are listening to my head and saying it out loud LOL. I love when you say 10 minutes in your journal can be in 2 minute intervals. That is usually what takes place in my journal…snippets of time which affords no time to be critical. Thank you Julie for all that you share, taking the time and energy to share your thoughts, process and creative practice. You make my day !
Hello Julie–Thanks for this post. I’ve kind of fallen off the art journal wagon. It didn’t happen all at once, just a little at a time. I do “draw the weather” every day in my Hobonichi, and then write a page’s worth of what happened that day. But I haven’t collaged in a while, or painted (the idea of the mess of acrylics kind of repulses me at the moment). I did complete a travel journal of my recent trip to London, and am working on another for an upcoming trip (YAY!).
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
Hello Julie–Thanks for this post. I’ve kind of fallen off the art journal wagon. It didn’t happen all at once, just a little at a time. I do “draw the weather” every day in my Hobonichi, and then write a page’s worth of what happened that day. But I haven’t collaged in a while, or painted (the idea of the mess of acrylics kind of repulses me at the moment). I did complete a travel journal of my recent trip to London, and am working on another for an upcoming trip (YAY!).
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
Hello Julie–Thanks for this post. I’ve kind of fallen off the art journal wagon. It didn’t happen all at once, just a little at a time. I do “draw the weather” every day in my Hobonichi, and then write a page’s worth of what happened that day. But I haven’t collaged in a while, or painted (the idea of the mess of acrylics kind of repulses me at the moment). I did complete a travel journal of my recent trip to London, and am working on another for an upcoming trip (YAY!).
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
Hello Julie–Thanks for this post. I’ve kind of fallen off the art journal wagon. It didn’t happen all at once, just a little at a time. I do “draw the weather” every day in my Hobonichi, and then write a page’s worth of what happened that day. But I haven’t collaged in a while, or painted (the idea of the mess of acrylics kind of repulses me at the moment). I did complete a travel journal of my recent trip to London, and am working on another for an upcoming trip (YAY!).
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
Hello Julie–Thanks for this post. I’ve kind of fallen off the art journal wagon. It didn’t happen all at once, just a little at a time. I do “draw the weather” every day in my Hobonichi, and then write a page’s worth of what happened that day. But I haven’t collaged in a while, or painted (the idea of the mess of acrylics kind of repulses me at the moment). I did complete a travel journal of my recent trip to London, and am working on another for an upcoming trip (YAY!).
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!
Hello Julie–Thanks for this post. I’ve kind of fallen off the art journal wagon. It didn’t happen all at once, just a little at a time. I do “draw the weather” every day in my Hobonichi, and then write a page’s worth of what happened that day. But I haven’t collaged in a while, or painted (the idea of the mess of acrylics kind of repulses me at the moment). I did complete a travel journal of my recent trip to London, and am working on another for an upcoming trip (YAY!).
Thanks for the boost of inspiration!