5 ways art supplies can influence your art journaling

Art journaling is a powerful therapeutic practice that lets you to express your thoughts, emotions, and creativity through a combination of words and visuals.

The supplies you choose for this practice can significantly influence your art experience and its therapeutic benefits. Here are some ways it can do that.

Materials and textures

The materials you use in your art can evoke different sensory experiences and emotions. For instance, working with smooth, creamy paints can create a soothing and calming effect, while using textured materials like sand or fabric can add depth and tactile interest, promoting mindfulness and grounding. Experimenting with various textures can also encourage you to explore different techniques and push your creative boundaries.

In her book, “How to paint without a brush” artist Red Hong Yi experiments with a variety of materials in her art. An easy one you may want to try yourself is painting with instant coffee. You can get a variety of effects by rubbing the coffee grains onto your damp paper.

Color choices

Colors can profoundly affect our moods and emotions. Bright, vibrant colors can energize and uplift, while muted, earthy tones can promote a sense of tranquility and introspection. Choosing colors intentionally can help you express specific emotions or create a desired atmosphere within your art journal pages. For example, using cool blues and greens can evoke a sense of serenity, while warm reds and oranges can convey passion or intensity. While it’s not set in stone, colours and emotions is an interesting debate in art exploration.

Quality of materials

Investing in high-quality art supplies can enhance the overall art journaling experience. Working with materials that blend smoothly, maintain vibrancy, and allow for layering can be deeply satisfying and encourage you to immerse yourself in the creative process. High-quality supplies can also inspire confidence and a sense of pride in your work, further contributing to the therapeutic benefits. Go ahead and spend a little bit on yourself.

Familiarity and nostalgia

Incorporating familiar or nostalgic materials into your art journaling practice can evoke comforting memories and emotions. For example, using old photographs, ticket stubs, or fabrics from cherished clothing can create a sense of connection to your past and promote self-reflection. These materials can serve as powerful prompts for exploring personal narratives and processing emotions tied to specific memories.

There are many artists who use collage to express their ideas. Check out the collage works of Lorna Simpson for a taste of how expressive collage can be for personal storytelling.

Experimentation and play

Art journaling is a safe space for experimentation and play. Incorporating unconventional materials or trying new techniques can foster a sense of curiosity, creativity, and freedom from constraints. This playful approach can reduce stress, promote self-expression, and encourage you to embrace imperfections, which can be incredibly therapeutic in our often perfectionistic society. Remember process over product. By mindfully choosing your art journaling supplies, you can create a personalized and meaningful experience that supports your emotional well-being, self-discovery, and creative growth.

Whether you prefer vibrant colors, textured materials, or nostalgic elements, the right supplies can enhance the therapeutic benefits of art journaling and make the practice even more rewarding.