When I first started journaling, I thought it was always about written words on paper or inside a journaling app. I did not realize that art journaling was even a thing.
If you are new to this, this post will walk you through simple art journal ideas and beginner-friendly art journaling prompts to help you know how to start without feeling overwhelmed.
Sometimes all we need is one small idea to begin.
Table of Contents
What Is an Art Journal?
An art journal is a place where you mix art and journaling together. Instead of writing long diary entries, you use colors, collage, doodles, photos, and short words to show how you feel or what you are thinking.
Your art journal can be:
- a notebook
- a sketchbook
- loose pages
- even printed templates
There are no rules about how it should look.
Some pages will be colorful. Some will be messy. Some will only have a few marks or words. All of that still counts.
Think of art journaling as creative self-expression using images, collage, and words.
If you already enjoy junk journaling, you can even use elements from a junk journal kit to build your art journal pages. Printable ephemera, backgrounds, and layering pieces make it easier to experiment with different art journal ideas without starting from a blank page.
How to Start an Art Journal
Starting an art journal is simple. You only need:
- something to write or draw on
- something to make marks with
- something to glue if you like collage
That can be paper, a pen, and old magazines.
If blank pages make you nervous, using pre-designed printable elements or a junk journal kit can remove that pressure. It gives you structure while still letting you be creative.
And that’s it.
Once you have your journal, the next question becomes, “What do I put on the page?”
That is where art journal ideas and art journaling prompts become helpful.
What Are Art Journaling Prompts?
Art journaling prompts are short ideas or questions that guide what you create on a page. Each prompt may invite you to use colors, shapes, collage, photos, or a few words.
They are not strict instructions. They are starting points.
When you search for art journaling prompts, what you are really looking for is direction. Prompts simply give you that direction so you can begin instead of overthinking.
Art Journaling Prompts for Creative Pages
Here are some simple art journal ideas you can try anytime you feel stuck. Each one includes why it works.
- Create a page using only two colors. Limiting your colors makes starting easier. Instead of choosing from many options, you focus on how just two colors work together. This reduces pressure and helps you stay playful.
- Make a collage from random scraps. Use any paper you have nearby. Old book pages, packaging, or magazine pieces all work. This is one of the easiest art journaling prompt because you are working with what already exists instead of trying to draw something from nothing.
- Use one photo as your starting point. Glue a photo onto your page and build around it. A photo already holds a feeling or memory, so it gives your page direction naturally.
- Fill the page with words first, then add colorWrite thoughts, song lyrics, or short reflections. Then paint or color over and around them. If you enjoy guided reflection, pages like this pair beautifully with something like the Gentle Focus Mindfulness Journal, where emotional check-ins meet creative expression.
- Create a page inspired by one emotion. Choose a feeling like calm, joy, anger, or sadness. Show it with colors and shapes. This is a powerful art journal idea because emotions are often easier to express visually than with long explanations.
- Use only one shape: Pick circles, lines, or squares and repeat them across the page. This removes pressure to be realistic and helps you focus on rhythm and flow.
- Make a page using only found items. Use things you normally throw away like wrappers, tickets, or labels. This keeps art journaling playful and reminds you that creativity does not require expensive supplies.
- Create a “right now” pageAnswer the question “How do I feel right now?” using color, marks, or collage instead of full sentences. For deeper emotional processing, especially if anxious thoughts are involved, you can combine this page with structured reflection from something like the Calm Mind CBT Journal.
- Mix three elements on one page. Use at least three of these: color, collage, photos, and words. This helps you experiment and reminds you that your page does not have to follow one style.
- Create a page with no theme. Start gluing, painting, or writing without deciding what the page is about. Some of the best art journal ideas come when you stop trying to control the outcome.
Do you love journaling? Here are thedefinedlife’s collection of journaling topics.
How to Use These Art Journaling Prompts
You can start with any of these art journal ideas today. Use whatever supplies you already have. Paper, glue, pens, and old magazines are enough.
You might create visually in your art journal, reflect mindfully in your Gentle Focus journal, or work through anxious thoughts in your Calm Mind CBT journal. Each one supports a different part of you.
Final Thoughts on Art Journaling Prompts
Think of these art journaling prompts as creative starting points. They help you begin when you feel stuck and give your imagination somewhere to go.
Your page does not need to look impressive. So the next time you open your journal and feel unsure, choose one idea and begin.
Which of these art journaling prompts feels easiest for you to try first?
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