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Get Messy Art: The No-Rules, No-Judgment, No-Pressure Approach to Making Art - Create with Watercolor, Acrylics, Markers, Inks, and More
Getting messy is the best part of creating! Get Messy Art gives you the freedom, inspiration, and ideas to experiment and play with art techniques and projects to create perfectly imperfect art.
We’re always told that play and experimentation is the foundation of growing as an artist . But where do you start? Where to find new techniques to try? How do you bring them all together ? Get Messy Art has all the guidance, instruction, and inspiration you need. Based on the popular online class and community website Get Messy Art , this book brings together tons of creative art techniques and projects , including painting with watercolor and acrylic , mark-making, drawing with markers and pen and ink , sketching faces, and much more.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also learn how to make your own art journals and trendy junk journals —easy handmade books to work in that are personalized and one of a kind.
In Get Messy Art you’ll
Ultimately, art is all about creating for the sake of creating. It’s powerful, it’s cathartic, it’s messy—and it’s all yours . It’s time to get messy!
We’re always told that play and experimentation is the foundation of growing as an artist . But where do you start? Where to find new techniques to try? How do you bring them all together ? Get Messy Art has all the guidance, instruction, and inspiration you need. Based on the popular online class and community website Get Messy Art , this book brings together tons of creative art techniques and projects , including painting with watercolor and acrylic , mark-making, drawing with markers and pen and ink , sketching faces, and much more.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also learn how to make your own art journals and trendy junk journals —easy handmade books to work in that are personalized and one of a kind.
In Get Messy Art you’ll
Ultimately, art is all about creating for the sake of creating. It’s powerful, it’s cathartic, it’s messy—and it’s all yours . It’s time to get messy!
- GenresArtNonfictionCrafts
128 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2021
37 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Caylee Grey
4 books33 followersCaylee Grey is a South African artist who fills her journals with loads of mediocre art. Imperfect, heart-led, gloriously mediocre art. Caylee's the Fairy Artmother of Get Messy Art, the kindest art journaling community on the internet, and author of the book by the same name.
@cayleegrey on Instagram
@cayleegrey on Instagram
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 17, 2021
Loved it! That shouldn't be a surprise, as I've been a member of Get Messy since early 2018. The book is filled with ideas, inspiration, and support - my copy is bristling with mint green tape flags (in honor of Caylee, of course) marking all of the things I want to sit down and try in my art journal.
December 14, 2021
I've been a big fan of Caylee Grey and Get Messy Art Journal for years, so when I had the opportunity to snag a review copy of Get Messy Art from Quarry Books you better believe I jumped on it!
I mean, how could you not love a book that starts with saying it's "The no-rules, no-judgment, no-pressure approach to making art." Perfect right?
The book walks you through the Get Messy philosophy and the power of journaling with no rules or pressure. It also talks about how to build a creative habit, and really, how to get started with a messy journal of your own. Then the book is full of wisdom, inspiration, and wonderful projects from other amazing artists like @sweetashleyann, @felicitasmayer, @franciscanunes_heartmakes and many more.
With my own art book coming out soon I know just how much work goes into these beautiful books. The words, the projects, the photography, and art projects. It's an incredible effort and this book does not disappoint.
I mean, how could you not love a book that starts with saying it's "The no-rules, no-judgment, no-pressure approach to making art." Perfect right?
The book walks you through the Get Messy philosophy and the power of journaling with no rules or pressure. It also talks about how to build a creative habit, and really, how to get started with a messy journal of your own. Then the book is full of wisdom, inspiration, and wonderful projects from other amazing artists like @sweetashleyann, @felicitasmayer, @franciscanunes_heartmakes and many more.
With my own art book coming out soon I know just how much work goes into these beautiful books. The words, the projects, the photography, and art projects. It's an incredible effort and this book does not disappoint.
January 13, 2022
(Disclosure: I am one of the guest artists in this book). The Get Messy Art book is packed with practical steps and tips to start your art journal habit. Beginners will especially appreciate the explanations of what art journaling is, what kinds of supplies you can use and how to bind your own book. The book explores many styles and ways of making art journal pages, which means it would be especially good to use as a prompt: read a couple pages and then go make your art, then come back and repeat.
December 13, 2021
This was an intriguing and inspiring selection of ideas for an art journal. The accompanying text didn't really do anything for me -- it was too vague, repetitive and "motivational" in the specific way that I find annoying. However the ideas for art spreads were inspiring and made me itch to try some of them for myself. I've never tried art journaling but I think I may have to give it a try to see if it gets me back into the creative flow.
I also really appreciated the materials list at the beginning of each spread. I now have a nice list of things to get at my art store and experiment with.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.
I also really appreciated the materials list at the beginning of each spread. I now have a nice list of things to get at my art store and experiment with.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.
December 23, 2021
I've been interested in starting an art journal for the last few months. I have watched some videos, looked at art journals on Instagram and Reddit, and when I saw Get Messy by Caylee Grey on Netgalley I knew I had to request it.
Luckily I was picked for a free copy. I started reading it almost immediately. Although I haven't officially started an art journal, I have per Grey unofficially started as I have been doing something daily to inspire creativity and working on ideas on scraps of paper.
Get Messy doesn't present anything new but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Often I need to be reminded of the what, why, and how of art and creativity.
After going over supplies, she gets into the trails, spark, grow, and cultivate. Kinda like choose your own adventure but with art and creativity! Each trail offers several activities to help spark ideas and spreads in your art journal.
Her writing style is easy to read and feels like I'm talking with a friend. I also liked that there were several color photos to go along with each project. It really helps to have images to go along with the written instructions. Sometimes you read something and go huh? But having a photo to reference is extremely helpful
This would be a great book for those looking to start or very early in their art journal. Even though I'm a beginner, I don't know that this would provide much help for those that are more advanced art journalers. I may reference it as I start my art journal but I don’t see using it much once I get further into the hobby.
Luckily I was picked for a free copy. I started reading it almost immediately. Although I haven't officially started an art journal, I have per Grey unofficially started as I have been doing something daily to inspire creativity and working on ideas on scraps of paper.
Get Messy doesn't present anything new but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Often I need to be reminded of the what, why, and how of art and creativity.
After going over supplies, she gets into the trails, spark, grow, and cultivate. Kinda like choose your own adventure but with art and creativity! Each trail offers several activities to help spark ideas and spreads in your art journal.
Her writing style is easy to read and feels like I'm talking with a friend. I also liked that there were several color photos to go along with each project. It really helps to have images to go along with the written instructions. Sometimes you read something and go huh? But having a photo to reference is extremely helpful
This would be a great book for those looking to start or very early in their art journal. Even though I'm a beginner, I don't know that this would provide much help for those that are more advanced art journalers. I may reference it as I start my art journal but I don’t see using it much once I get further into the hobby.
March 27, 2023
Super cute guide for beginning your art journal. Filled with ideas and inspo. Will definitely be using some of these ideas!
July 31, 2023
Gave me some creative ideas and helped me recommit to my sketchbook. Would recommend if you're in an art slump.
September 5, 2021
This lovely book is full of encouragement to let go of any of your preconceived rules and regulations around creating art. It encourages you to let loose, jump in with both feet and just have fun.
There is a great tutorial on binding your own art journal and then a lot of lovely ideas for art journal pages. These ideas vary in range and mediums they use but they are each filled with joy and relatively easy to get your creative juices flowing.
If you've wanted to start art journaling and didn't know how, this book will be a fantastic start. If you're stuck, if you need a good pep talk, if you want a friend cheering you on, this is the book for you!
with gratitude to quarry books and edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
There is a great tutorial on binding your own art journal and then a lot of lovely ideas for art journal pages. These ideas vary in range and mediums they use but they are each filled with joy and relatively easy to get your creative juices flowing.
If you've wanted to start art journaling and didn't know how, this book will be a fantastic start. If you're stuck, if you need a good pep talk, if you want a friend cheering you on, this is the book for you!
with gratitude to quarry books and edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
January 6, 2022
This is a must read for anyone interested in art journaling. Caylee has jam packed this book with motivation and inspiration. The photographs are fabulous, and the information is very detailed. I can see why Caylee is referred to as 'Fairy Art Mother'. So glad I purchased this book!
January 11, 2022
Art without rules, judgment, and pressure
Caylee Grey is a South African artist, facilitator of the online Get Messy art journaling community, without any formal training, living in Germany, and likes action steps. She presents her book "Get Messy Art. The No-Rules, No-Judgment, No-Pressure Approach to Making Art - Create with Watercolor, Acrylics, Markers, Inks, and More" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Grey sees her book as the catalyst, but it is up to the readers to turn that spark into a blazing flame (p. 8). She states: "I, along with the incredible artists in this book, have done a massive chunk of the work. Almost all of it. We’ve learned the lessons, we’ve put in the time, we’ve articulated it all. There’s just a tiny bit of work left to do, and it is yours. It may feel big and insurmountable, but you can do big things" (p. 8).
In the chapter "The Messy Movement" Grey talks about "The Messy Manifesto" and "How to be a messy Artist." The chapters that follow treat topics such as "The Power of the Journal," "The Magic of Habit," "The Anti-Supply List," and "Creating Your Messy Journal." The second part of the book is entitled "The Trail" and includes four parts: 1) Sparks, ") Grow, 3) Cultivate, and $) Connect. The book also includes some additional information (e.g., "Tips for swatching," "Have fun with pen and brush lettering," or "Dyeing paper with coffee"). Furthermore, Grey present s guest artist from various parts of the world with some of their take on art as well as one project from them. The index and the list of resources at the end of the book are helpful. I highly recommend this book to beginning and advanced artists who are open to creative ideas which are outside of "the normal". The book might be nothing for artists who see their art well organized or it could be a challenge to them to "go beyond their borders."
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#GetMessyArt #NetGalley
Caylee Grey is a South African artist, facilitator of the online Get Messy art journaling community, without any formal training, living in Germany, and likes action steps. She presents her book "Get Messy Art. The No-Rules, No-Judgment, No-Pressure Approach to Making Art - Create with Watercolor, Acrylics, Markers, Inks, and More" which was published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Grey sees her book as the catalyst, but it is up to the readers to turn that spark into a blazing flame (p. 8). She states: "I, along with the incredible artists in this book, have done a massive chunk of the work. Almost all of it. We’ve learned the lessons, we’ve put in the time, we’ve articulated it all. There’s just a tiny bit of work left to do, and it is yours. It may feel big and insurmountable, but you can do big things" (p. 8).
In the chapter "The Messy Movement" Grey talks about "The Messy Manifesto" and "How to be a messy Artist." The chapters that follow treat topics such as "The Power of the Journal," "The Magic of Habit," "The Anti-Supply List," and "Creating Your Messy Journal." The second part of the book is entitled "The Trail" and includes four parts: 1) Sparks, ") Grow, 3) Cultivate, and $) Connect. The book also includes some additional information (e.g., "Tips for swatching," "Have fun with pen and brush lettering," or "Dyeing paper with coffee"). Furthermore, Grey present s guest artist from various parts of the world with some of their take on art as well as one project from them. The index and the list of resources at the end of the book are helpful. I highly recommend this book to beginning and advanced artists who are open to creative ideas which are outside of "the normal". The book might be nothing for artists who see their art well organized or it could be a challenge to them to "go beyond their borders."
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#GetMessyArt #NetGalley
November 4, 2023
"Get Messy Art: The No-Rules, No-Judgment, No-Pressure Approach to Making Art" by Caylee Grey promises a liberating and uninhibited approach to artistic expression. Unfortunately, the book falls short of delivering on its premise. While the concept of encouraging creative freedom is commendable, Grey's execution leaves much to be desired.
One of the book's major drawbacks is its lack of substantial guidance or techniques. Instead of providing meaningful exercises or practical tips for readers to experiment with, Grey's approach feels scattered and lacking in depth. The book leans heavily on generalized statements about artistic freedom, leaving readers searching for tangible tools to implement in their creative practice.
Furthermore, the book's content may come across as repetitive and lacking in substance. Grey's writing style tends to circle around the same concepts without offering meaningful insights or actionable advice. This can leave readers feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, longing for a more substantial and enriching exploration of artistic expression.
In conclusion, "Get Messy Art" is a missed opportunity to provide readers with a truly transformative and liberating approach to making art. Caylee Grey's lack of concrete guidance and depth of content leaves much to be desired. While the idea of embracing artistic freedom is admirable, the execution in this book ultimately falls short of providing a meaningful and enriching artistic experience for readers.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the book's major drawbacks is its lack of substantial guidance or techniques. Instead of providing meaningful exercises or practical tips for readers to experiment with, Grey's approach feels scattered and lacking in depth. The book leans heavily on generalized statements about artistic freedom, leaving readers searching for tangible tools to implement in their creative practice.
Furthermore, the book's content may come across as repetitive and lacking in substance. Grey's writing style tends to circle around the same concepts without offering meaningful insights or actionable advice. This can leave readers feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, longing for a more substantial and enriching exploration of artistic expression.
In conclusion, "Get Messy Art" is a missed opportunity to provide readers with a truly transformative and liberating approach to making art. Caylee Grey's lack of concrete guidance and depth of content leaves much to be desired. While the idea of embracing artistic freedom is admirable, the execution in this book ultimately falls short of providing a meaningful and enriching artistic experience for readers.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2022
Well, I wish I’d jumped into this book sooner rather than waiting until almost the end of my library checkout. My bad! Totally. So, many art books are about perfect technique and understanding the rules. Those things *are* important but making art should be about more than doing everything the way the masters did. This book embraces the idea that art (and life) are sometimes messy and ugly but doing it anyhow makes us better.
I tend to get sucked into trying to perfect a technique or a skill or really understanding how and why something works. Good stuff that feeds Mt* brain but it can also lead to frustration when things just aren’t working. (Note: that should have been my, but Mt. Brain is just too good to change.) The Messy Recipes leave lots of room for interpretation and gives you the freedom to make art, good, bad or ugly. I wish there were more recipes included! Perhaps a Messy Art Recipe book in the future?
Haven’t joined the Messy community, but I’m sorely tempted if only money was unlimited I would have joined already.
Now…I’m back in line to check it out again.
I tend to get sucked into trying to perfect a technique or a skill or really understanding how and why something works. Good stuff that feeds Mt* brain but it can also lead to frustration when things just aren’t working. (Note: that should have been my, but Mt. Brain is just too good to change.) The Messy Recipes leave lots of room for interpretation and gives you the freedom to make art, good, bad or ugly. I wish there were more recipes included! Perhaps a Messy Art Recipe book in the future?
Haven’t joined the Messy community, but I’m sorely tempted if only money was unlimited I would have joined already.
Now…I’m back in line to check it out again.
June 6, 2024
This is a wonderful book exploring creativity within art journals. Perfect for beginners and more advanced artists alike, it encourages growth, habit, repurposing, and getting messy! I especially appreciated the author's words on the importance of establishing a consistent practice, and how the hard work of creating is what brings the magic. My favorite art class in college was bookbinding, so the sections on creating and repurposing books and journals were right up my alley. There are several projects for artists to experiment with various techniques, and the work of guest artists is featured, providing a wider variety of styles and inspiration. I'm excited to start creating some messy art!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
January 12, 2022
I didn't realize until sitting down to read this that it was specifically about art journaling. The most useful part to me was information about the different tools and paints to use, and creative ideas about materials I hadn't thought of using before. The pictures throughout the book are beautiful but they actually might be a little too beautiful if you are really trying to follow along with each step of the projects. Sometimes the number of pictures and the amount of object / paints / tools in each picture can be a little overwhelming, but that's just my personal style. My favorite project was the one about minimalist art! Thank you to Carlee Grey, Quarto, and NetGalley for this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
Challenge: Reading Goal Posts/Creative Bookshelf - Artist Recommendations/IRIS FRITSCHI-CUSSENS of Iris Impressions Art. The latest installment of many books that recognize the creativity we all are capable of and the need to break from the ideals of perfectionism or that art is for the talented few. A truly fun book to pick up to start your creative day, to jump-start a create slump or hiatus, or to introduce anyone who wants to dedicate time in their day to creativity. Excellent shares by guest artists throughout the book narrative. Especially good for those aspiring artists and creatives without any art training and freeing for those who want to try something a bit more emotionally expressive.
December 17, 2021
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting guide.
The book really focuses on the Messy Art movement and incorporating making art into your daily routine. There's information on choosing supplies, setting up your art journal, and getting out of an art rut. The book is broken down into three parts to introduce you to an art routine, find your voice, and build on that experience.
It's fairly high level in some places, but focuses on helping you create more art and be creative regularly.
This is an interesting guide.
The book really focuses on the Messy Art movement and incorporating making art into your daily routine. There's information on choosing supplies, setting up your art journal, and getting out of an art rut. The book is broken down into three parts to introduce you to an art routine, find your voice, and build on that experience.
It's fairly high level in some places, but focuses on helping you create more art and be creative regularly.
December 28, 2021
This is a very creative art journaling how to book. It starts with the basics of the necessary tools, and how to use them. Then, it begins with binding, and works through various techniques. It's astounding how many unique art techniques the author demonstrates. Everything is clearly illustrated with color pictures, and it's very inspiring! I can't wait to try some of the techniques myself! I'm going to try using an existing book, and turning it into an art journal. If you're a scrapbooker, you will likely have most of the products on hand. This is an excellent reference book.
January 31, 2022
I'm trying to be more creative but didn't know where to start. So I was excited to read Get Messy Art! Caylee provides enough structure to get started with the tools and techniques, but isn't so instructional that you're boxed into a corner. My favorite is working with watercolors! I've seen beautiful art journals that my coworkers makes before, and now I can make my own! It's hard accepting the imperfections in my work but it helps to know I'm in the same boat as the whole Get Messy Art community. I would recommend this book!
December 27, 2021
This is a lovely, enthusiastic guide to journaling. The difference here is that the author promotes the enjoyment and regularity of your journaling as opposed to perfection, hence the title. The idea is to just keep building on your skills. It is full of suggestions and has several ideas from guest artists. This would be a super gift for any keen to try journaling but not sure where to start. Thank you to Cayley Grey, Net Galley and Quarto for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2022
I've been journaling for awhile and was interested in adding to artistry to my journals. Something to really express how I was feeling in that moment. Problem is that I'm a perfectionist. Errors are usually what has made me stop exploring my artistic exploits. But the book is more about making messy art. I enjoyed reading it and will use some of it's suggestion.
I received this book for free from netgalley.
I received this book for free from netgalley.
February 4, 2022
Get Messy Art... this book is ALL about creative art journaling, experimentation in journals, and finding your voice through visual art in journals. The title misled me a bit; I expected general art for many types of mediums. This book focused mostly on mixed media watercolor applications within an artist's personal journal. Creative artists, loose designs, and inspiring projects featured toward the end of the book.
June 7, 2022
You will like this book if you are a fan of the author's style. Caylee is a casual, irreverent artist, and her personality is reflected in her writing. Be prepared for a lot of rah-rah, go-you, you're-grand encouragement. You won't find project directions here, as much as ideas to build your confidence in making. Disappointed with the guest artist pages, not much meat there. The only new information I got was a quick way to bind a book, which I'll try. Easy read, some interesting concepts.
January 6, 2022
It is so wonderful to have this permission and guidance to make messy art, beautiful art, healing art, connecting art. Even if you’ve never picked up a paint brush in your life, this book will help you discover art journaling, which is a precious tool of self-discovery. Caylee Grey has given the world a generous gift.
April 25, 2022
This book gave me more understanding on the thought process of actioning on inspirations, the ability to truly develop artistic freedom. It helps ease anyone into being an artist, someone who creates at the most fundamental without boundaries and perfection. It's a good book to give you drive and get started, including the basic tools you might want to consider in your journey.
December 1, 2025
I gained a lot of creative ideas from the beautiful examples of Messy Art! Loved how this book was divided by “Trails”: Spark, Grow, Cultivate and Connect”. My favorites were “painting as affirmation” and “Artists Dates: Woo your Artist Heart”. Planning to schedule artists dates for myself this week!
December 28, 2021
Free Netgalley book for review ~
I enjoyed reading this! To anyone who thinks they can’t draw a straight line… but they do like to write and are visual persons—this book is for you. This book embraces making fast art and sitting down and making marks on a page. They don’t have to be beautiful; they don’t even always have to be meaningful. Just draw or paint something, be there to write and draw. and it’ll already be truer to yourself than copying perfectly some Pinterest image. :-).
This book is definitely geared more to art journalists but I could also see it appealing to the same set of folks who liked Keri Smith’s “Wreck this Journal.”
I enjoyed reading this! To anyone who thinks they can’t draw a straight line… but they do like to write and are visual persons—this book is for you. This book embraces making fast art and sitting down and making marks on a page. They don’t have to be beautiful; they don’t even always have to be meaningful. Just draw or paint something, be there to write and draw. and it’ll already be truer to yourself than copying perfectly some Pinterest image. :-).
This book is definitely geared more to art journalists but I could also see it appealing to the same set of folks who liked Keri Smith’s “Wreck this Journal.”
March 25, 2022
Quite an interesting concept in art journalism, one that gives you permission to let oneself go and just experiment with feelings and art..
It certainly is messy and all over the shop, but I can see that the more one the does more one develops ones style and creativity.
Nice idea
It certainly is messy and all over the shop, but I can see that the more one the does more one develops ones style and creativity.
Nice idea
November 17, 2021
Pictures of stone really beautiful projects, but the rest was 🤷🏿♂️
February 15, 2022
Perfect book for anyone wanting to get more creative. This book gives you permission to express yourself without being too serious. You don’t need expensive materials to create.
March 9, 2022
I’ve been a Get Messy fan for years and there’s some great stuff in this book for art journalers of all levels!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews