Wondering what you need to Art Journal? It couldn't be simpler. To begin Art Journaling all you need is Paper (or a Journal), some Writing Instruments and your creativity! Really. It just is that simple.
Paper/Journal
There are some considerations to make when deciding what kind of paper to use for your Art Journaling. First - what kind of mediums do you plan to use? If you plan to use any kind of paint you will want to work with thicker paper.
What size would you prefer to work with? Art Journals come in a variety of sizes. I started with a couple of smaller ones at first because a full 8 1/2" by 11 " page intimidated me!
What kind of binding: hard bound or spiral? Spiral bound journals lie flat but the coil can get in the way if you are trying to incorporate a 2 page design. One final important consideration is expense! It may cost less to make your own or alter an old book.
Main types of Art Journals: 1. Premade-Sketchbook,
Watercolor Book, Mixed Media Book, Moleskin, 2. Altered or 3. Handmade.
1. Premade
You can buy a premade Art Journal online or at an Art or Craft store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby (You can even use a coupon to save money). You can choose a Mixed Media Journal, a Watercolor Journal, a Sketch book or even some sort of Art Pad (and worry about binding it later). Some available brands include: Strathmore, Canson, Fabriano, Moleskin, and Hand Book.
2. Altered
If you are on a tight budget, consider altering a composition book or an old hardback book. There are some great tutorials online to show you how to alter a book for Art Journaling.
3. Handmade
You can make your own hand-bound Art Journal using File Folders, Sketching or Watercolor Paper, Patterned Paper or Found Paper. Jennibellie has a great tutorial on making a journal from recycled greeting cards here. Bind your papers together with binder rings, ribbon, fibers, string or thread.
Writing Instruments
Now you need something to use on the paper!
Pens, Pencils and Markers.
1. Pens
You will need a few pens to get started. I recommend a couple of black pens and at white pen. To be honest-I use whatever I can get my hands on! I am still figuring out what works and what doesn't. I usually use either my Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens or my Sigma Microns. Both come in a variety of sizes. But a Sharpie fine or ultra fine point would work too. I also really enjoy Sigma Jelly Roll and Permapaque Pens (these are great because traditional paint pens tend to explode on me!)
2. Pencils
Really just about any pencil will work. I use mechanical pencils and since I want to work on my drawing skills I have a variety of drawing/sketching pencils in graphite and charcoal. I would also recommend a basic set of colored pencils. I really like the Prismacolor colored pencils but I started out with a basic Crayola set.
3. Markers
Markers are not strictly necessary but they are a fun and easy way to add color to your Art Journals. When I first started out I was lucky to have a decent collection of Copic Markers from my stamping and card-making days. They definitely shade beautifully but they also can bleed on the back of a page-which can be a problem if you are using both sides of the page in your Art Journal. I usually use Faber Castell Pitt Pens, Tombows and Distress Markers. Some other possibilities are Pro-Markers, Aqua Markers, Spectrum Noir, and Prismacolor Markers. Don't forget about Crayolas, Sharpie and Bic Markers as less expensive options!
Before you dash off to your local art supply store-think about shopping your home first! Art Journaling can become an expensive hobby but it doesn't have to be. Borrow or steal supplies from your kids' craft supplies, your own office supplies or even your junk drawers. Do you have any other craft hobbies? If so, shop your stash. You can use fabric, thread or even buttons from sewing or embroidery. Just about anything used for scrapbooking or stamping can find a new life in your Art Journal.
Check back next week for Getting Started Part II: Supplies!
