Art Journal Every Day

Video: What is the Purpose of YOUR Art Journal?

In the new class, Art Journaling: 10 Minutes a Day for 30 Days, I do a lot of talking about the philosophy of making art — the philosophy of WHY art journaling is important.

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This class is both educational AND inspirational — as it should be!  I'm so excited to share this little snippet all about how everybody gets to decide what the purpose of their art journal is.

Some common reasons people keep art journals include:

  • Self-expression: It provides a safe space for free expression, as there are no rules or judgments about how the art should look.

  • Creativity and exploration: You can explore different art techniques, materials, and styles without the pressure of creating a polished final piece.

  • Reflection and mindfulness: It's a spot to brain dump.

  • Improving artistic skills: Regularly practicing in an art journal can help you be a better artist.  It's the secret to my growth over the years.

There are lots of other reasons you might keep an art journal.  For instance, when I first got divorced a decade ago, it was a tool of healing for me.  I poured my heart into those pages when I didn't have another outlet to express how I was feeling. Here are some pages from that period:

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All of that is to say, the reasons may change over time.  There may be multiple reasons at any given time.  The important thing to note is that if you can figure out what the purpose is of your art journal, then it gets easier to figure out what to do each day.

The purpose of my art journal – at this moment in time – is to play safely and comfortably.  It's a place that I can worry less about outcomes and simply mess around. I want something that I can let evolve over time — that's where the 10-minutes-a-day comes from. I think of it like letting my brain wander with artwork.

If you're interested in developing a daily art habit —

If you're interested in making better art – 

If you're interested in process over product — I hope you will check out Art Journaling: 10 Minutes a Day for 30 Days.  You can begin your journey today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a mixed-media artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops, her online classroom www.balzerdesigns.com, and through monthly membership at www.MyArtPractice.com.

14 thoughts on “Video: What is the Purpose of YOUR Art Journal?

  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply
  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply
  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply
  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply
  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply
  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply
  • Listening to you every day in the morning, while drinking my coffee, makes me so happy.
    I am visiting daughter in Maryland this weekend (Professor/Director of Resident and Fellowship Training (1400 people) at JohnsHopkins) and decided to join/pay for your class on STAMP CARVING when I return.
    You are an engaging speaker Julie.
    Georgia Browne

    Reply

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