I have been art journaling off and on for the past 20 years. Though it’s not quite as elaborate as some of the art journaling I have seen out there- I suppose it is more a visual journal. Mostly the art has just been inspired by an urge to create rather than an event or prompt. Perhaps that’s why it has been off and on.

What I have found is that when I have a prompt I am more motivated to do something. It becomes more of a routine (in a good way) and I have “more time” for my creativity. Essentially, having this routine gives me more time. There are lots of ways to generate prompts. Here are just a few ways to inspire yourself to break out the art journal and create:

April over at Blacksburgbelle.com shares 50 Art Journal Prompts to help you get started
Checkout these ideas from TheSmashbook.com

There are many more examples and ideas of how to get started with art journaling. In fact, you could get lost in searching the web for ideas including tutorials and how-tos. Personally I do not want to do that. I feel that we look outside ourselves enough for answers that are already within.

For me the best way to create an art journal or a visual journal page is by picking a prompt and going with my own interpretation rather than looking at what others have done. Once I practice this enough, then taking a peek at other visual examples is fine since I am already in the flow of my own creativity. But when I am stuck, sometimes it can get me more stuck because a part of me strives to do it the same way (usually that inner citric steps up and starts comparing and telling me I’m doing it wrong). But that’s just my process, you need to pick your own path and what works for you. I am curious to hear more about your process, so please share below in the comments.

Over on the Virtual Art Circle (a free Facebook group I created for anyone to join). I have noticed that having a weekly art prompt in the form of an inspirational quote, helps others focus their attention on some creative play time. We have a wonderful mix of creatives all at different stages of reconnecting with their creativity. Did I mention it’s free to join?