Journal It!: Perspectives in Creative Journaling

by Jenny Doh

Journaling and collage come together in Journal It! , where 19 mixed-media artists showcase their signature techniques, tips, and creativity boosters. The featured work ranges from lettering expert Jill K. Berry's beautifully calligraphied travel journals to Jeannette Sclar's whimsical gardening books, and the techniques include everything from toner-based transfer to stitching with fabric and paper. With over 200 inspirational photos to guide them, even beginners can create works of art right from the start.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Journaling, Reference, How To

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2012

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous and inspiring words and images on keeping an art journal from 19 artists. Since I had to take a break in the middle of reading it to go art, I'd definitely recommend it for those looking for inspiration.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been journaling since the 7th grade, so the concept is not new to me. Journaling has progressed since then and my knowledge of it didn't. I follow the worlds of art and crafts, so I had heard of certain techniques, but from afar and not in an inspiring way. I am an avid scrapbooker, but need inspiration to change things up or try new things. Something I struggle with is feeling confident about journaling for a permanent record. I know that my handwriting will be a treasure to someone in my family and when I am no longer around, but have not had instruction in changing it up.
Journal It has the instruction and inspiration I've been looking for to try new techniques in my journals, but also in my scrapbooks. I have been wanting to watercolor again and have seen wonderful examples on Pinterest. This book has given me the know-how to try it again, but for a different reason than just as art. I was excited to find art supply recommendations that were paired down and basic in order to get things started. Pleasantly surprising was that I already have many of them. I have recently purchased oil-based crayons, better brushes and am learning about different paper weights for different projects.
I don't think all the techniques will be useful to me, but gravitated toward the ones that inspired me. I read and re-read those pages over & over, even renewing the book twice in order to pour over those. I am looking at contributions from two of the artists; I don't have much in common with either, but their "scribbles" and blending several techniques in one entry were wonderful. Their examples prove that a personal journal doesn't have to be neat, legible or even "art"; it just has to be an outlet for creative thoughts.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these “artists” really suck lol

But several share excellent ideas, techniques, and styles that I’d like to try. I made lots of notes and plan to start my own art journal project tomorrow!

[JiEun Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book has many differnet authour's workpieces. Some of them I liked, some I didn't. However, it was a good collection to see how different medias are used to create beautiful and individually unique pieces.

I wish I could be more creative and have skills to create artful products, but I enjoyed and appricated their sharing of their works.

[Shamekia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just okay, more in-depth than I was looking for. I prefer the more simplistic doodles and lettering to full blown, fancy 'ahhhrt'.

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are things I liked and also disliked when it came to this book.

It was definitely inspiring. I loved the fact it encouraged people to not be scared of a blank page and the constant reminders from all contributors, that no matter how much you try to make your journal look like someone else’s, you’re always going to have your own style. So it’s better to appreciate and try those inspiring new tools/techniques, knowing it’s going to turn out naturally the way you draw/create. I’m also super happy to have discovered ‘Bruce Kremer’, whilst I know I’ll never have a journal look anything like his, I fully adored his work best 💕

What I found quite frustrating was the way the pictures were set out on the page. I love getting the chance to admire other peoples journals and in here you mostly have parts of a page/spread. I wanted to see the whole book open, not just parts, pieces and a page and a half of a layout.

All in all, it’s a good book, but more for art journaling people who have a little more than the basic supplies or the funds to acquire them.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly inspirational. Art journals, illustrated diaries, and doodle-filled planners are precious and interesting, and this book is a window into many different creators, their must-have supplies, and a few techniques.

[Vivian Wiltshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a lot of information of techniques and beautiful layout images. I gathered a lot of great ideas to try and looking forward to trying them. I really enjoyed this book and I gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars!

[Lil · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay to flip through, nothing really stood out for me.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good inspiration even if some of the artists’ private journaling is pretty intimidating art in and of itself lol

[MyOnly · Rating 3 out of 5]

While some of it felt like the same thing I've seen in every other journaling how-to, this one featured artists with unusual approaches. I also appreciated that a few of the artists were men. Nicely put-together with a reference section at the end if you're looking for more info.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love well done books about journaling and art journaling-especially when they do not have a lot of useless directions or how-to-instruction. I loved the art work and the artists reveal of why it was important to them and their thoughts about their art process.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book showcases many beautiful styles for journaling and provides step by step instruction. Yet, many readers might find the stunning artistic journals displayed daunting. Websites for the artists are included for further examples if one does find inspiration.

[Emily Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh SO good for the creative process. each artist had so many encouraging and inspiring advice to give that I finished reading this book feeling hungry to create. these pages were so helpful I practically took a photo of every page before returning it to the library

[Elizabeth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book profiles various artists and gives us a peek into some of their journals and journaling styles.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked looking through this book for inspiration although not alot I can use. It's a creative idea book. More painting and watercolors than journaling.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! I'm inspired! My 14 year old is inspired! Bring on the paints and pens!

[Shila Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK, but it definitely isn't the most creative one from this author. She has better ones.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty but didn't inspire. Too arty that appeals to the individual.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book for artists who want to get started with journaling.

[Mom2triplets04 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginners who want to add more art to their journals. Love how they included different art styles from 19 different artists and included instructions on how to make some of the pages.