An Artist’s Journal: A Creative Habit for Wellbeing
Starting an artist’s journal is like opening a quiet little window between your inner world and the page. It’s a space that’s just for you—no rules, no pressure, just permission to explore, play, and reflect. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who hasn’t picked up a pencil since school, keeping an artist’s journal is a powerful way to nurture your creativity and your mental wellbeing.
What is an artist’s journal?
An artist’s journal is part sketchbook, part diary, part creative playground. It’s a place where you can combine drawing, writing, collage, colour, texture, and whatever else you feel drawn to. Some pages might hold detailed illustrations, while others might just be smudges of colour and a few words that capture your mood. The beauty is: there are no rules.
The wellbeing benefits
Journaling has long been known to reduce stress, improve mood, and support emotional clarity. When you combine that with visual creativity—drawing, doodling, painting—you activate even more areas of the brain linked to processing, mindfulness, and self-expression.
According to studies, creative journaling can help:
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Reduce anxiety and overthinking
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Improve focus and memory
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Boost self-esteem
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Provide emotional release
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Encourage play and exploration—things adults often forget they’re allowed to do
Even 10 minutes with your journal can act as a reset button for your nervous system.
Choosing your journal: What to look for
Starting with the right journal makes a huge difference. Here are a few things to consider:
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Paper weight: If you plan to use paint or mixed media, choose a sketchbook with thick, high-GSM paper (ideally 160gsm or more).
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Binding: Spiral-bound journals lay flat and are easier to work in. Hardcover journals are more durable and feel special to use.
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Size: Pick a size that feels inviting—not too big to be intimidating, but big enough to give you space to play.
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Design: Choose one that feels beautiful or meaningful to you. This helps build a bond with your journal and makes you want to return to it.
Making it a habit: How to get started
Don’t worry about filling pages perfectly—just focus on showing up regularly. Keep your journal somewhere visible and easy to reach. Try these simple ideas to build the habit:
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Set a small daily or weekly ritual—like a cup of tea and 10 minutes of quiet journaling
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Keep a pencil case with favourite pens, crayons, or glue nearby
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Give yourself themes or mini challenges for the week
Prompt ideas to get you going
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Draw the view from your window right now
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Fill a page with your favourite colours and textures
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Make a collage of how you feel today using magazine cutouts
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Sketch something from a dream or memory
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Write a single word in the centre of a page and illustrate around it
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Create a “mood map” using colours, shapes, and symbols
Remember, your artist’s journal isn’t about being “good” at art—it’s about being curious, honest, and kind to yourself. Every mark you make is a step toward self-discovery and emotional calm.
Start small, keep going, and let the pages become a visual diary of your inner world.
This post is a collaborative effort between AI and myself in order to provide the most up to date information.
