We tend to over complicate things… especially when we want to learn something new. We compare our work with others’ masterpieces and quickly feel disillusioned.
Our over-achieving, critical side kicks in, telling us we have to buy the best art materials and write down perfect, inspirational phrases in our journal.
We squash the fun-loving, curious part of ourselves that just wants to create and play with child-like freedom. The part of us that laughs, splashing paint on the page.
There’s no real need to over-think.
Art journaling can be as simple as giving yourself the freedom to unload your feelings, to fully express yourself.
You don’t need to master the arts to enjoy and benefit from art journaling.
Imagine using your journal as a daily practice of learning to let go.
Imagine releasing the need to compare yourself to others.
Imagine embracing your inner artist and being kind to her, rejoicing in your creative process, without worrying about the end product.
Simplify.
Do it for yourself.
And just begin where you are with what you have today.
Why make it more complicated than that?
Don't miss a single, inspiring thing!
Subscribe to my Museletter for inspiration and practical tips to keeping on track with this scary journey of reclaiming yourself and your creativity. You’ll also get VIP access to my new goodies, freebies, special offers, and more!
P.S. We value your privacy and will protect it. Read our Privacy Policy for all the details.
Your quote to ponder is applicable to the world of creativity, whether you’re an artist, musician, writer, craftsman, etc.
Thanks for sharing this worthy reminder of.. Be yourself! … And EVERY endeavor takes work. Just begin anywhere. As you say, it’s so freeing.
I think sometimes that’s one of the hardest challenges we have, because we live in fear.
You are leading others out of that fear.
thanks, THANKS SO MUCH for this “go ahead” to be me…..I really really have shunned my journal and why……..expectations can ruin so much……..thanks,
I definitely need to simplify! I could myself shopping for a cobweb stamper. Really! Who can’t freehand a cobweb???? Luckily my common sense kicked in before I bought anything!
Kristal, you have done more for getting me started on my journaling journey than anyone else. You continue to inspire me and I am super grateful. I am still working on my confidence, but at least I am working. Thank you!
Funny how I stumbled across your blog the day before I posted my first “Art Journal Challenge” creation on my blog…which so happened to be a complicated venture that ended in simplicity! LOL!
I will be checking out more of your blog cuz know I feel like I was destined to find it!;o)