Hi friends, my name is Bethany Michaels — owner of Content Social Media Queen and published artist in Stampington & Company’s Take Ten Magazine. Today I want to share a few pages from my art journal (and a friend’s) in hopes to inspire your own creativity and ignite some passion as I invite you into the wonderful world of art journaling. Whether you’ve never heard of it, or you’re a seasoned pro, I hope you’ll read on to discover how much it’s helped me address some inner emotions I have been avoiding. Especially during such a vulnerable and anxiety ridden time in our lives — now more than ever is the perfect time to pick up your paintbrush and start allowing your ideas flow through your fingertips.
How Art Journaling Can Help You
Before I dive right in, I’d like to eclipse this post with a little backstory to shed light about my trauma and anxiety. About five years ago I experienced a tragic loss when my fiancé passed away from cancer, just months before our wedding date. I still have the dress and decorations stored at a friend’s house. Since then, my deep affinity for creative outlets like art journaling has waned immensely. When he died, part of me died too. And it wasn’t until recently when a friend encouraged me to write again that I rekindled my love of art journaling. Now that I’m back on my path of self-expression, I’ve been refreshed with how cathartic and moving it is to simply draw and write my feelings with colors and whimsy. And today I want to nudge you to pick up a pen, paper, and brush to do the same. Even if you wouldn’t call yourself creative or an artist by any means — I want to share some pages from my journal as a jumping off point for you to start on your own journey. I hope it helps you get in touch with your thoughts and feelings to face the things that Netflix and chilling can’t quite evoke.
What Is An Art Journal?
An art journal is typically created by using a notebook to record thoughts and ideas through visual writing and media. Artists use mixed medias including watercolors, acrylic paint, waterproof pens, gesso, washi tape, paper, etc. It’s really up to the artist what materials they want to work with to create the look and feel they desire. Nothing is right, and nothing is wrong — just go with the flow.
How To Journal
Go on a Nature Walk and Write What You See and Feel
I recently endured a difficult relationship and wrote about my feelings. I also took notes on my phone while I went on a nature walk and gathered some little plants around me to add to my journal page. You can do something similar. Go out in nature, find a quiet place to observe the beauty around you, and write your thoughts. You may want to turn your phone on airplane mode to block out any distractions and really get in touch with your surroundings and what they evoke within you.
More Art Journal Inspiration From My Friend Mary Wangerin
I met Mary Wangerin while working at Stampington & Company as their blog writer. Naturally, I would pore over their 40 publications every day for inspiration on my next topic. One day I came across Mary’s art journal pages in their Mixed Media Magazine, and totally fell in love. I’d like to share a few of my favorite bright and beautiful pages to give you more ideas on how to craft your own:
Obviously the goal is NOT perfection. Even as you begin your art journaling journey, you may not be 100% happy with how certain pages turn out. That’s totally okay! Have grace with yourself and embrace the process. The whole intention is not to achieve perfection — it’s to go deeper within yourself to express what’s inside. After spending time writing and journaling, you’re guaranteed to experience inner healing. Many times when we are grieving, we just want to push the emotions away. Although that’s one possible way to deal with hurt feelings, in my experience, it will not lead to freedom. You will stay enslaved to the very thing that hurt you in the first place.
“After spending time writing and journaling, you’re guaranteed to experience inner healing.“
My challenge for you is to spend the next month writing, drawing, and expressing yourself. If you’re angry, write a poem about it — or write the words that you’re feeling. If you’re sad, lament and cry and allow your tears to fall upon your paper. Use art journaling as a method to heal your wounds and watch how your life changes as you brush new colorful strokes across the blank space before you.
If you forgot, my hope is that you will remember:
You are strong and beautiful — and YOU are the only one who paints her beautiful life the way she wants it to look. Now pick up that brush, or get out those scissors and let’s release what needs to be brought to the light. It’s time dear friend — enjoy every moment.
Do you practice art journaling? What are some of your favorite ways to get inspired? Let us know in the comments!
For More About Self-Care, You Should Read:
How To Overcome Anxiety Through Spirituality
Roses, Buds, And Thorns: Our Favorite Way To Practice Mindfulness Every Day
