Art journaling has been one of the most constant and steady parts of my creative practice for years. I’m always amazed by how much learning can happen in a very short period of time. This post will go over 7 art journaling tips you can put into practice today!
In the video in this post, I play with the brand new Bold Botanical 3 foam stamps that I designed for Art Foamies.
The experience reminded me just how much we can learn from simply playing. You can watch the video for more or check out the highlights below:
1. Your Art Journal is a Playground
One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had over the years is seeing my art journal not as a place to create perfect, finished work, but as a sketchbook for ideas, experiments, and play. It’s where I try new tools, test compositions, and make glorious messes. It’s a place for learning.
Tip: Let go of perfection. Your art journal is a place to explore—not impress.
2. Start with Play, Then Respond
When I get new art supplies — like these foam stamps I designed or new pens or new paints — I immediately test them out in my journal. There’s no pressure. Just color, shape, and response.
Tip: Approach your art journal like a sandbox. Let your materials guide you at first, then refine as you go.
3. Repeat with Variation
Using the same floral stamp in three sizes gave the page a visual rhythm without being monotonous. Repetition makes things feel cohesive. Variation makes them interesting.
Tip: Try using the same motif in different sizes or colors across a spread.
4. Fix “Off” Moments with Color
At one point, the vase just wasn’t working. The shape was fine, but the color felt flat. Rather than scrapping it, I reached for a bold, dark hue and added contrast.
Tip: Don’t panic when something feels wrong—adjust the color or value before tossing the idea. Learn more about color in my Practical Color for Painters online class.
5. Create a Sense of Place
Floating objects can feel disconnected. Creating a sense of place helps to make your artwork stronger. For my art journal page in the video, I added stems, leaves, and the hint of a table. In this example, you can see that just the hint of a table is enough to ground the composition.
Tip: Think about how your subject interacts with its space—even a hint of background can add depth and cohesion.
6. Leave Some Underpainting Peeking Through
When painting the background blue on my art journal page, I deliberately left some pink visible. That underpainting gives the piece life, texture, and history. This is an old technique that many artists use, across multiple mediums – pastels, oil paint, watercolor, acrylic paint, and even printmaking. You can see it here in my oak leaf print:
Tip: Let early layers show through. It adds dimension and richness to your work—even subconsciously.
7. You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind
Throughout the process, I made tweaks—adding more flowers, switching colors, changing direction. That’s part of the beauty of art journaling: it evolves with you. And through the process of letting go in my art journal, I learn how to let go when I move over to canvas or big sheets of paper. If you’re only going to take one of my art journaling tips, this should be it. Flexibility is the best artistic muscle you can develop.
Tip: Be flexible. The best ideas often stem from mid-process pivots.
Final Thoughts
This vase page might seem simple at first glance, but it holds so many lessons about trusting the process, embracing imperfection, and responding to your materials. Whether you’re playing with stamps, collage, paint, or pencil, these art journaling tips are here to help you loosen up and lean into your creativity.
Do you art journal? What’s one thing you’ve learned from a “simple” page? Leave a comment and let’s share tips.
For more art journaling inspiration, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes peeks, make sure to subscribe to this blog or check out my YouTube channel. And if you want to learn more about the Bold Botanical 3 stamps I used, you’ll find them HERE. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh Julie, this was such fun. I need to dig out my art foamies and play. You have always been my favorite teacher. Back when Whimsodoodle was alive and well, I’d take all your classes that I could. Sure miss that. Thanks for this perspective. You actual artists just have that gift. I mean, knowing to place the large stamp on the top of the jar is just one more artistic touch. You’re the best.
I play with art. I have a zillion art journals in various stages of development. Thank you for inspiring me.
I’m so delighted that you’re feeling inspired! I miss Whimsodoodle too…
Really love this—your art‑journaling tips from a simple vase are so insightful! As someone who guides creative process through visual prompts, I appreciate how you blend technique with inspiration in such an accessible way. Love from Designe Gallerie !