More play, less pressure
Starting an art journal
2025 is coming to a close, which means it’s time to start thinking about my goals for 2026.
One resolution I keep coming back to is to introduce more “play” into my life. I guess I’ve always told myself that writing is playtime and creative time. In a way, it is—but it’s also hard work, and I treat it like a job, not a hobby that’s just for fun.
Many years ago, I used to be just as into art as I was into writing. Somewhere along the way, I decided I wanted to put all my focus on writing and basically gave up art, telling myself I wasn’t allowed to waste time on it anymore. These days the most art I’ll do is the occasional colouring book page.
A few years ago, T bought his mother The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait as a gift. I was absolutely fascinated by this book (and still am), and it got me thinking about starting my own art journal. Obviously I’m no Frida Kahlo, but absolutely anyone can start an art journal.
The years passed, and I never got around to it—and honestly I had no idea where to even start.
I’ve kept physical journals in the past, but I gave them up for the convenience of a digital journal. Going back to a physical journal felt daunting, not to mention the idea of incorporating artwork when I don’t even doodle anymore.
But I’ve kept coming back to this art journal idea, and now that I’ve watched a few videos and collected a bunch of images on Pinterest for inspiration, I feel motivated to finally give it a try!
I’ve bought myself a few supplies—a small set of water-soluble crayons, gel matte medium for collaging, some cheap paintbrushes, and a white paint marker—but I don’t want to fall into the over-consumption trap, so I plan to mainly use what I already have, as well as collecting ephemera from packaging, brochures, and magazines for collaging. I’ve asked T for a fancy notebook for Christmas.
I’m hoping this new hobby will introduce some much-needed creativity back into my life and provide a fun activity to keep me away from screens.
Congratulations and best wishes