Hi John!

Did you know art journaling is a helpful tool for self-care, reflection, sparking creativity, and improving technical art skills?

Today I'm sharing 24 easy ways to spark creativity in your sketchbook, art journal, or any paper!

Before I jump into this, I want to alert you to a quick update we are now enrolling for TinkerLab Schoolhouse, the online art school for kids 3-11.

If you've been thinking about joining, now is the time, and I don't want you to miss out!

If you join this week, you'll be able to see all of the January activities before February activities are uploaded next week.

The Schoolhouse Art Club can help you:

• Connect with your child
• Watch your child gain creative confidence
• Feel more organized and less overwhelmed
• Never be at a loss for art ideas
• Save time and money with simple materials that won’t cost a fortune

Okay, back to art journaling...

Art journal exercises are a great way to help boost creativity. Whether you're a beginner who's just getting started or a seasoned maker, I have 24 exercises for you to play with, on your own or with kids.

I've tried them all, and my suggestion would be to start with one that sounds like fun. If just one inspires you, my work here is done :)

Here's a sample of four of the exercises...

⓵ Art Journal with a theme:

This theme can be anything from a color palette to subject matter such as nature or portraits. Once you've chosen a theme, try to think of different ways to explore it within your sketchbook. Check out the blog post to see an example with a theme of rectangles.

② Get in touch with your inner child:

Scribble, doodle, draw with your non-dominant hand, hold a marker in your mouth, finger paint, make hand prints, and don't be afraid to make a mess.

⓷ Illustrate quotes:

Find a favorite quote and recreate it in your journal with flourishes, color, or doodles.

⓸ Create a mood board:

Cut out words and images from magazines, newspapers, and other sources that evoke strong emotions and feelings. Glue them onto a blank page and use it to inspire your next art journal entry.

20 more Ideas for Art Journaling:

Read the rest of this post on our blog: Art Journal Exercises for Self-care and Creativity​

Warmly,

Rachelle

Founder, TinkerLab

p.s. In case you missed it, we are now enrolling for TinkerLab Schoolhouse, the online art school for kids. Enrollment closes February 10.