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What Is Art Journaling & Resources

Over 10 years ago, I stumbled upon art journaling and boy was I thrilled. I used to watch artists Donna Downey and Julie Fei Fan Balzer's YouTube videos regularly and learned so much.  As I began this fun discovery, I found it to be surprisingly soothing, exciting and therapeutic. 
This was one of my first journal pages from 2013.
In this blog post, I will share with you my definition of art journaling, my experience and some resources for you to try.

What is art journaling?
This is a form of journaling that uses art supplies like inks, acrylic paints, markers, stamps or even patterned papers to express your feelings of the day.  Just use your supplies with or without words and have fun. Art journaling is about the process and not the outcome.  In the process is where you will find stress relief, joy, mindfulness and/or whatever you need in the moment.

I like to do faces but you can do whatever you want. Mark making, shapes, words, mandalas, or collage. You can use stencils, stickers or simple gestures like swatching paint on a page. 

If you would like to see my style of art journaling, watch one of my latest YouTube videos. Click Here

"Dream Girl" Journal Page December 2025
Can non artist do art journaling?
Yes! Anyone can play and get the therapeutic benefits. I found that art helps you release painful emotions and stress sometimes just through the mediums and colors you use. So I highly recommend everyone try it. 

I owe a lot to art journaling! It gave me a fun outlet for my emotions and stress as well as taught me how to play. Also, it helped me develop my artistic abilities. I had know idea I was an artist when I started. Journaling uncovered the hidden artist in me. Since I started making canvas art, I still use many of the techniques and themes I learned years ago in art journaling. Kelly's Art Gallery

Where can I get resources?
Here is one of my blog post from 2013 that has examples of my early art journaling start. Click Here

Check out my "Art & Art Journal" page  where I have lists of various inspiring artists. There are so many good artists listed and here are a few I recently discovered.

Amy of Mindful Art Studio (Easy Meditative Drawing & Courses)
Genna Blackburn (Fun Events, Courses & Resources)
Inner Magic Art Club (Patreon-Free & Paid Monthly Zoom Gatherings)
Jessica Swift (Self-Care Courses & Art Oasis Event)
Peggy Dean Pigeon Letters (Art Tutorials, Courses & Events)
Shelley Klammer (Art Therapy, Courses)

Love YouTube? Here are a few artists to watch. 
Kelly S. Roberts (Faces Watercolors & Acrylics)
Alisa Burke (Florals & Relaxing Designs)
Amber K. Creative (Mixed Media Great for Beginners)
Create with Christie (Digital Lettering)
Create & Meditate with Jayme (Art Meditation Therapy)
Caylee Grey (Mixed Media, Collage)
Get Messy Art (Inspirational Interviews, Mixed Media)
Helen Wells (Florals Abstract)
Jane Davenport (Inks, Watercolors & More)
Jenna Burne (Christian Themes)
Mommy Lhey (Word Lettering & More)
Dyan Reaveley (Mixed Media)
Willowing Arts (Mixed Media Fantasy & Events)

I hope you have a better idea of what this art form is as well as some resources to help you get started. Art journaling has been medicine and a joy for me. Try it and see how it enhances your life. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day!

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