When it comes to art journaling styles, the sky is the limit! It is truly a means of self expression and creative exploration. It is defined by your own tastes and emotions. One distinguishing feature that separates art journaling from traditional scrapbooking is the purpose for which it is done. In art journaling we are seeking not so much to capture a memory as to define an emotion. If you are new to art journaling, you may be wondering where to start. I like to springboard off an emotion I may be feeling… the fear of growing older, love for my family, frustrations, personal struggles, changes in my life…etc. Often a piece of word art will capture my emotion, so I use that as the focus of my page. If I include a photo, it is usually one of the person, place or thing that may be causing the emotion. However, a photo is not always necessary. This is why art journalers will often use illustrated faces or vintage images to embody the emotion. Let's take a look at a few art journaling styles you may want to explore on your journey in creativity. There are many more than those listed below, but it will give you a great place to start! Why not try your hand at a few of these just for fun! -------------------------- -------------------------- ABSTRACT ART - The art on the page does not relate directly to real life but rather serves to represent emotions, people, places or events. Colours and journaling or word art are used to express emotion. Characters (if present) are either non-human or a kind of hybrid human mix. My Life by @dvhoward tired by @Cath_ Family Raven by @dotcomkari IMAGERY - Similar to abstract art, but the focus of the page embodies the message. Little journaling is necessary. Delight - by @peppapig The start of something wonderful by @lorryfach Raindrops by @Alegna EPHEMERA ART - Vintage images make up this art journaling style. They may be combined with scribbles and paint or other artistic touches. Passion by @designbylime Peculiar Happy Child by @mimisgirl Change the World by @lorryfach COLLAGE - This style may include ephemera images, but not necessarily. It involves the use of clippings from books, magazines or newspapers, both vintage and modern. Again, they may include scribbles, paint or other artistic mediums. layout by @dvhoward Quiet Memories by @wombat146 I am by @mimisgirl WORD ART - The focus of the page is on the title or quote. acceptance by @chigirl Time is Nothing by @Jeanet Positive by @livelys REALISM - This style of art journaling is grounded in a real-life situation with related photos and is closer to traditional scrapbooking. However, it includes the use of artistic mediums to convey emotion and aesthetic features. fav by @marnel If this isn't love by @Cristina Fun by @MiekSter YOUR TURN: Try one of these styles, preferably one you have never tried before, and post your layout here pointing out which style you tried and how you enjoyed the creative process. Be sure to link it to the gallery so we can comment on your layout! Have fun!
I'll start: Here's one of my favourite layouts using the Wordart focused style: and yet another: Do you have a layout that demonstrates one of these styles? Post it below!
Abstract done today. Maybe I should go down the list. That would get it all out! Thank for this. Lots of good ideas and where to start for different things.
okay, THIS is what I needed! Thank you for sharing ways I can get my journal on in some other fancy ways ♥
Interesting because some of these styles are SO NOT me. And some are. And some are neither yet and I will probably try out. I like that this place leaves the interpretation of AJ open. I have an ex-colleague that gives paper AJ classes but she only focusses on one specific style and it always kind of annoys me when I see that. My style is not hers. My style may be nobodys style. But that's ok. That's the whole point of Art Journaling, that it's YOU.
Oh, my! This IS a good article! Excellent work on your examples, too! I have been art journaling for a while and have some insight that may bode well for someone else. As an artist, before I got into Photoshop and scrapbooking, as a platform in which to learn the program, I kept a journal. Both a written and a drawing journal. I've always had one, but, my art journal was basically just full of ideas. I suppose it was a sketchbook of sorts. But, either way, I journaled. I wrote about relationships, children, work, my disabilities, my feelings, my insanity, etc. Some days, I ranted with large bold writing; some days, I wrote in my most elegant handwriting. Some days, two or three lines; some days, full pages. Some days, I cried so hard, I couldn't see to write or draw; some days, I was so elated, I couldn't sit down at all! No one told me to do this or how to do it. I think I started when someone gave me one of those little bound 'My Diary' books with the little lock and key. I wrote about my first crush and pimples and all that stuff adolescent girls make a fuss about. It would be my bet that I am not alone! Now, just transfer this concept on to a page, but, use images AND type. Not necessarily photos, though they are fine, too. Maybe you saw an image of something that you just loved. Place it in there. A cool font you saw? Use that here. A quote? Yep, they are good to incorporate in to an artsy page. I'm sure this is no problem for many. Sharon's (sbpoet) challenge for Art Journaling this month is a fabulous way to start! That thread here! Or, on her blog, "Watermark". Ideas, and 'prompts', are abundant (Google 'Art Journal prompts'), as are articles like this! There are a gazillion tutorials for 'real life' Art Journaling, videos where you watch an artist sketch, paint, bray, and glue a masterpiece. I can watch those for forever! I don't have the funds for all those supplies, though. Digital works wonderful because you can change anything you want, anytime you want! If you aren't too keen on sharing your inner-most thoughts, simply turn that layer off before you make your copy for the gallery. It is my humble opinion that Art Journaling is extremely therapeutic! I have gotten up from some sessions on a particular piece, or two, totally exhausted! A good exhaustion! Try it!
Thank you for the bump! Very informative. I found one layout that I want to scraplift. SOmetimes that helps me with a style and learn how to do it.