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Raw Art Journaling
Meaning in life is made, not found. In a raw-art journal, you don't need to know how to draw; you don't need to know how to write well. You don't need worry about messing up techniques you've never attempted before inside your raw-art journal. You just need to be you because raw art is you and it thrives on creative play, on experimentation and even on making mistakes. Raw Art Journaling will teach you how to embrace your art, confront negative self-talk (a.k.a., your gremlin) and make meaning with your words and with your art. Inside Raw Art Journaling you'll discover how Quiet your gremlin, grab your permission slip (it's on page 19) and start making meaning in your own raw-art journal today!
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2011
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375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 14, 2015
I really liked this one - creative ideas to use in one's journal, without a lot of focus on expensive materials and fancy techniques. As the author notes, "...a journal is the place to be free and imperfect...the place where being 'you' is enough."
July 3, 2012
I found this book to be interesting and informative. It will give the reader a good starting point when breaking into the realm of art journaling. Seasoned art journalists may find the information contained a bit elementary, but the author does have some tips in the book that I haven't seen elsewhere.
Some reviewers felt this book was more about doodling and dressing up your writing. I can see why they felt this way; however, for a beginning art journalist any and all information about how to make magic on the blank page is a welcome and helpful resource. The author hits the nail squarely on the head in that respect -- giving you ideas of what you can add to your pages to help them shine.
This is not a book loaded with page after page of tricky techniques. It is a book that encourages the reader to embrace the art within them, even if they feel they can't draw or paint or create. It is a book that gives the creative person permission to let the inner child free -- and you need your inner child to come out and play sometimes...
Well written, clear and understandable. It is not laden with "tech talk" or a basket full of expensive art supplies you will need. With just the very basic things, you can begin to embellish your art journal pages and make them magnificent works of art for yourself.
Some reviewers felt this book was more about doodling and dressing up your writing. I can see why they felt this way; however, for a beginning art journalist any and all information about how to make magic on the blank page is a welcome and helpful resource. The author hits the nail squarely on the head in that respect -- giving you ideas of what you can add to your pages to help them shine.
This is not a book loaded with page after page of tricky techniques. It is a book that encourages the reader to embrace the art within them, even if they feel they can't draw or paint or create. It is a book that gives the creative person permission to let the inner child free -- and you need your inner child to come out and play sometimes...
Well written, clear and understandable. It is not laden with "tech talk" or a basket full of expensive art supplies you will need. With just the very basic things, you can begin to embellish your art journal pages and make them magnificent works of art for yourself.
December 6, 2012
Making Meaning with Quinn McDonald: A Review
I first ran into Quinn's work when I was perusing some websites for the #JournalChat Links Edition for all things journaling. I noted her mix of art, journaling, humor, and an authentic point of view. Quinn has a voice that simply wakes up the creative muse, gives you something to chew on and consider, and maybe laugh heartily at the same time.
When I learned of her book, Raw Art Journaling, I decided to check it out and see what she had to offer. Quinn's whole approach is relaxed, yet meaningful. Easy, yet profound.
She offers several approaches to creating pages in the art journaling genre while using text to add meaning and dimension to your experience.
The ones that stood out most to me where favorite and not-so-favorite words and using them in a context that really gives you something to think about; yet it's not at all heavy handed, just authentic and museful to you because they're your words.
I think what I love about Raw Art Journaling is Quinn's simplistic approach, step by step instructions, and ways to make meaning that will stay with you, even if you don't want anyone else to know about it. (She shows some clever ways to hide your message without eliminating what you say altogether.)
Whether you want to go deep or keep it simple, Quinn shows you her raw way of making art; you'll notice it doesn't feel intimidating or overwhelming. Just simple and meaningful.
I first ran into Quinn's work when I was perusing some websites for the #JournalChat Links Edition for all things journaling. I noted her mix of art, journaling, humor, and an authentic point of view. Quinn has a voice that simply wakes up the creative muse, gives you something to chew on and consider, and maybe laugh heartily at the same time.
When I learned of her book, Raw Art Journaling, I decided to check it out and see what she had to offer. Quinn's whole approach is relaxed, yet meaningful. Easy, yet profound.
She offers several approaches to creating pages in the art journaling genre while using text to add meaning and dimension to your experience.
The ones that stood out most to me where favorite and not-so-favorite words and using them in a context that really gives you something to think about; yet it's not at all heavy handed, just authentic and museful to you because they're your words.
I think what I love about Raw Art Journaling is Quinn's simplistic approach, step by step instructions, and ways to make meaning that will stay with you, even if you don't want anyone else to know about it. (She shows some clever ways to hide your message without eliminating what you say altogether.)
Whether you want to go deep or keep it simple, Quinn shows you her raw way of making art; you'll notice it doesn't feel intimidating or overwhelming. Just simple and meaningful.
October 17, 2011
This is an amazing book that somehow manages to make everything about journalling no-stress. I love the approach, and will adapt more of it when I'm leading my classes - esp with the adults, as there is more pressure/expectations on the end results instead of the process. The focus needs to be on the process and experience more - besindes that whole bit, there's a wealth of ideas in here. LOVE the book!! it could not be any better!
June 9, 2016
I love love LOVED this book. I've been wanting to do more visual art and it was jam-packed with great ideas for how to incorporate that into journaling, which is something I already do a ton of. One of the things I particularly liked about the book was that it was very encouraging, reassuring the reader that they don't have to be the most skilled artist ever (which I'm not) to make art. I've already used some of the ideas from this book and it's been lots of fun!
March 4, 2018
A good introduction to basic but creative art journaling techniques. You can't keep an art journal unless you know how to make the art!
September 20, 2022
I found this book quite inspiring. Found poetry. Structured noodling. Found art. These and many other ideas are ones that anyone can use in their journaling activities.
Although I got this from the library, I might consider buying a copy. We will see
Although I got this from the library, I might consider buying a copy. We will see
June 19, 2017
Lovely! I really felt inspired by this!
June 20, 2017
I bought this book half a decade ago now and have read it several times since then. It feels inspiring and makes me feel less conscious about my lack of artistic talent.
Thank you. Jackeline64.
Thank you. Jackeline64.
September 3, 2018
Enjoyed the easy banter of the various strategies and little notes and tidbits for overcoming the gremlins blocking your creative flow.
Read
March 16, 2020Nope.
Read
April 13, 2020not for me
June 26, 2020
I think I have read this one before. Gave me some great ideas
January 4, 2022
it was fun to try new things
June 8, 2012
I really love the work of Quinn McDonald and I was really excited to read this book, as I am an avid art journaler. And while this is an excellent book for those who are totally new to art journaling and/or really afraid to start making art journals, it was very remedial for me. This book covers the very beginning basics of art journaling and seems to be geared to people who are very fearful about "letting go" or "messing up." Obviously, there are folks who need this kind of encouragement and basic instruction, so I am very glad it is out there to recommend to people, but if you are already very comfortable with art journaling and looking for new and inspirational ideas, you won't find that here. Even the design and layout of the book is extremely plain and very (to me) boring and uninspiring.
October 28, 2020
I picked this up on a whim from the library because I was craving something I could just dip in and out of; a book that would help me light a renewed fire of motivation under my creative butt. I typically have a hard time with these kinds of books, because I don't find the projects inspiring, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Unfortunately, I was right... the projects weren't for me. Most were extremely basic or things I'd done dozens of times (found poetry, anyone?). I am clearly not the target audience for this book. I needed something more motivational, inspirational, and relevant to where I am in my art-making. And this, sadly, wasn't it.
May 6, 2014
4-13-13 There are techniques in this book that I discovered on my own, and some that I've read about elsewhere. But there are quite a few that are new to me, and I will definitely try some of them in the future.
5-5-14 I didn't realize until I came here to rate this book that I had already read it last year. My thoughts this time were that while there are some good ideas, most of them don't really fit my style of art journaling.
5-5-14 I didn't realize until I came here to rate this book that I had already read it last year. My thoughts this time were that while there are some good ideas, most of them don't really fit my style of art journaling.
August 10, 2016
I found this book rather remedial. It would, for example, be useful in organizing a summer camp class for kids.
There is so much emphasis on letting go of self-doubt and yet there's a chapter devoted to concealing your entries.
The aim of the book seems more like it wants you to pretend you're creating art loaded with meaning, instead of letting you actually put down your own thoughts and ideas.
There is so much emphasis on letting go of self-doubt and yet there's a chapter devoted to concealing your entries.
The aim of the book seems more like it wants you to pretend you're creating art loaded with meaning, instead of letting you actually put down your own thoughts and ideas.
September 2, 2011
I highly recommend that those who practice the art of keeping a journal or diary add raw art journaling to their inspiration. This book gives a way to express oneself through all types of activity or when thoughts are stalled. This book could easily become the journaling group handbook.
March 13, 2012
When I expressed an interest in art journaling, the art teacher at my school encouraged me and showed me lots of examples that were creative and profound and waaaay beyond my skill. This book is no fault, no artistic skills required--just what I needed.
December 24, 2014
very interesting ideas
I don't normally come across a paper craft book with fresh ideas. This book included some ideas that inspired me and some that made me think of alternate uses.
I don't normally come across a paper craft book with fresh ideas. This book included some ideas that inspired me and some that made me think of alternate uses.
July 30, 2021
I keep coming back to this refreshing and accessible guide to both journaling and fast, spontaneous art. Its accessible to artists and non artists who want to add color and expressiveness to their journal. Also love the section on how to keep your writing private. Highly recommend.
August 21, 2011
a fabulous book one of the best on art jounraling I have come across
December 5, 2013
Quite enjoyed this. It incorporates a lot of basic art journaling info in one place, and has a very encouraging viewpoint.
Read
February 16, 2015Loving this so far!
February 1, 2014
Gives the reader some interesting ideas on how to work with the Art Journal format.
January 15, 2016
Neat Book
There are certainly some fun ideas in this book. I'll never look at a wall stain the same again, that's for sure!
There are certainly some fun ideas in this book. I'll never look at a wall stain the same again, that's for sure!
April 1, 2017
Not bad. I really liked the section Hiding in Plain Sight, and Making Art of Your Words. Some clever techniques and prompts in this book.
January 14, 2014
Lots of good journaling ideas for teens.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews