art journal
Visual expression notebook
An art journal is a personal notebook combining visual art with written reflection—drawings, collages, paint, and mixed media alongside diary entries or creative writing.
Unlike a sketchbook focused purely on drawing practice, an art journal emphasizes self-expression and process over technical skill: I work through my feelings in my art journal.
The practice blurs boundaries between visual art, journaling, and scrapbooking.
Recorded life in images
- chronicleOrdered historical record
- scrapbookBook for preserving mementos
- photographsLight-captured images
- memoriesStored past experiences
mementos · captions · annotations · clippings · polaroids · tickets · postcards · pressed flowers
Assembled mixed-media artwork
- layeringForming successive strata
- texturesSurface feel and appearance
- gessoAbsorbent primer for canvases
- acrylicsSynthetic quick-dry paints
stamping · stenciling · decoupage · embossing · inks · papercraft · found objects · ephemera
Examining one's own mind
- word associationsLinked mental concepts
- seasonal themesRecurring time-based concepts
- goal settingIdentifying desired outcomes
- affirmationsPositive self-directed statements
visual storytelling · intention setting · creative exercises
Marks forming a picture
- doodlesCasual, aimless drawings
- sketchingMaking rough drawings
- pencilGraphite writing instrument
- inkWriting fluid
illustration · studies · linework · shading · graphite · charcoal · watercolors · gouache
Bound paper for illustrations
- blank pagesSheets without content
- spiral-boundJoined by continuous wire
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
- watercolor paperAbsorbent surface for aqueous pigments
kraft paper · glue stick · scissors · washi tape · stickers · stamps · markers · brush pens
visual diary
Recorded life in images
- chronicleOrdered historical record
- scrapbookBook for preserving mementos
- photographsLight-captured images
memories · mementos · captions · annotations · clippings · polaroids · tickets · postcards · pressed flowers · memorabilia
collage
Assembled mixed-media artwork
- layeringForming successive strata
- texturesSurface feel and appearance
- gessoAbsorbent primer for canvases
acrylics · stamping · stenciling · decoupage · embossing · inks · papercraft · found objects · ephemera · tissue paper
self-reflection
Examining one's own mind
- word associationsLinked mental concepts
- seasonal themesRecurring time-based concepts
- goal settingIdentifying desired outcomes
affirmations · visual storytelling · intention setting · creative exercises
drawing
Marks forming a picture
ink · illustration · studies · linework · shading · graphite · charcoal · watercolors · gouache · brushwork
sketchbook
Bound paper for illustrations
- blank pagesSheets without content
- spiral-boundJoined by continuous wire
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
watercolor paper · kraft paper · glue stick · scissors · washi tape · stickers · stamps · markers · brush pens · palette
- magazinesmagazine, issue, periodical, publication, design magazine
- student mediastudent newspaper, school newspaper, campus paper, school paper, student press
- art references
- art therapycollage, drawing, finger painting, self-portrait, mask making
- collagecollage, paper collage, photo collage, digital collage, cutout
- notebooksnotebook, notepad, composition book, spiral notebook, exercise book
art journaldaily planner
Book for scheduling days
diary · blog · letter writing · memoir · logbook
art journalledger
Financial record book
logbook · spreadsheet · lab notebook · technical manual · financial statement
art, journal, arts, arty, artful, artless, artist, artistry, artistic