Finding Freedom in Art Journaling: A Path to Self-Expression and Creativity

I sat down to write today because I knew I wanted to. I knew I had something to say, but what that was proved elusive. I allowed myself to sit and just be, and I was reminded of how this feeling contrasted with the feeling I get when I’m playing in my art journal. And so, it turned out, this was what I’d write about today. 

This is why I find doodling or playing in my art journal so appealing. When I feel the urge to sit down to draw or paint, I feel free from needing to make any particular decisions. I feel like I can be more intuitive about it. Perhaps this is how writing is for some people, but that's not it for me. Having this alternative way to journal, as opposed to the more well-known practice of writing, opens up a completely different way to express myself.

When I open up my art journal, I can grab whatever paint looks good to me in that moment. I’ll wet the first brush that I see, and make some completely random marks on the page. Sometimes, I'll come to a page with more intention than that. For example, I may have seen a leaf on the ground that had amazing colors, so I'll start with that in mind. But often, I come to the page completely open. Over time, I may notice a mark that looks like a flower, so I'll build on that. Or the colors may remind me of a sunset, and then I'll create the rest of a fictional scene from there. Other times, I will stay completely random the whole time, mixing colors, forming shapes, and stopping when I feel ready to.

My art journal gifted me with this feeling of freedom and open creativity. It is a space where I can choose to share what I've done or close it up and leave it there forever. I don't believe I've ever felt that sort of freedom in any other situation.

I know for some, like it used to be for me, the idea of art or painting feels intimidating. I believe that if you can get past that initial fear, you'll be able to open up to so many possibilities and this freedom that I’ve described. And as I mentioned above, that's why an art journal is so key as opposed to painting on a canvas. A journal is a private item that exists only for you. You have complete power over whether anyone sees it. You can even hide it from yourself by clipping pages together and starting from a blank page every time. Some day, you may choose to look back and reflect on your pages, and there may be an amazingly therapeutic experience in that. But even without ever looking back, art journaling allows you to take something that’s inside and help you release anything that may need to come out.

That’s why I’m here, sharing my experiences and insights about art journaling. I want everyone to experience the freeing feeling that comes from art journaling, so I'm doing what I can to help make it easier to get started. Maybe, together, we can create a ripple effect that creates more contentment in the world. Maybe, in our own small ways, we can be part of making the world a better place for everyone. One page at a time. 

I have two really exciting opportunities that I'd like to share with you. One (or both) of these could be the beginning of your own freeing art journaling practice!

First, I've just launched a new, free monthly event called Gentle Intentions. I’m hosting a call on the first of every month at 8 pm, and I'll offer prompts that invite you to reflect on the past month. You’ll also be invited to consider setting some intentions for the coming month. These monthly sessions are a safe and open space for beginners to try art journaling and for seasoned journalers to find community. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, ask questions, voice concerns, and share experiences. I'm so excited for this community to come together every month! Sign up here!

The second opportunity is something completely new that I'm trying out. In January, I'm launching New Year, New Layers: A 30-Day Art Journaling Journey for Beginners. What I'm really loving about this is that you don't need to be at a certain place at a certain time! Prompts will be posted every morning in January and you'll be able to respond any time you like. If you miss a day, you can come back to it the next day. Perfect for beginners, this experience is meant to help you tap into your creativity at your own pace, with no pressure or strict goals—just space for fresh perspectives, mindfulness, and personal reflection. Get on the waitlist to make sure you get all the details!

I hope you'll join me for one or both of these experiences so that you can see how fun and freeing art journaling can be. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments or contact me!