15 Mixed Media Techniques for an Engaging Art Journal
Resources:
Mixed Media Art Supplies Kit – The perfect starter kit to dive into mixed media journaling.
Watercolor Brush Pens – A must-have tool for adding fluidity to your mixed media pieces.
Gesso Primer – The essential primer that prepares your pages for layering and creates texture.
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15 Mixed Media Techniques for an Engaging Art Journal
If you're like me, your art journal is your safe space—a place where you can experiment, play, and express yourself freely. And while a simple sketch or painting can be beautiful, there’s something incredibly engaging about combining different materials and techniques to create a mixed media art journal.
I remember the first time I ventured into mixed media. It felt a little intimidating at first—like I was breaking the "rules" of traditional art. But the more I played with textures, layers, and various materials, the more I fell in love with how alive my art journal pages became. It was like discovering a new dimension to my creative process!
If you're ready to elevate your art journal with some mixed media magic, here are 15 techniques you can try. Each of these will add depth, texture, and intrigue to your pages.
1. Layering with Gesso
Gesso is a game-changer in mixed media. It’s a primer that prepares your page for other materials and adds texture and a smooth surface. I like to use gesso as a base layer before applying watercolor or acrylic paints.
For example, I use gesso to create a textured background on a page where I wanted to incorporate both painting and collage. The gesso gives the page a slightly raised surface, which added a wonderful tactile quality to the journal.
2. Collage Elements
Collage is one of my absolute favorite ways to add variety and richness to my art journal. Whether you're using old magazines, photographs, or textured paper, collaging adds layers of meaning and interest.
On one page, I cut out pieces of old postcards and layered them over a watercolor background. It created a beautiful juxtaposition between soft colors and strong, vintage imagery. Collage is especially fun because it allows you to tell stories in a visual and literal way.
3. Watercolor + Salt Texture
Watercolors are a staple in my mixed media work, but adding salt to wet watercolor paint? That’s a technique that truly blows my mind! When you sprinkle salt over wet watercolor, it creates stunning, organic texture as the salt absorbs the pigment and creates little blotchy patterns.
I used this technique on a page where I was painting a sky. The salt made the background look like a stormy, dynamic scene. It’s such a simple and magical way to add interest to your pages.
4. Acrylic Paint and Stencils
Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile materials in mixed media. Combine it with stencils, and you have a technique that can create both bold and subtle designs.
One of my favorite spreads used a stencil to create a patterned background with acrylic paint, then I layered a delicate watercolor floral illustration on top. The contrast between the two mediums made the page feel balanced and intriguing.
5. Adding Texture with Fabric
If you're into texture, fabric is an incredible addition to your art journal. I often use scrap pieces of fabric, lace, or burlap to add dimension to my pages. It’s especially lovely if you’re creating a page with a theme of nature or the outdoors.
On one page, I used a piece of lace to create a soft, dreamy background and then layered ink and acrylic paint on top. The fabric gave the piece a vintage, worn feel, which I loved.
6. Embossing
Embossing adds such a rich, tactile element to mixed media art. Use embossing powder and a heat tool to create raised, shiny designs on your pages. It’s a fun way to add a little sparkle and dimension.
You can try using a flower stamp with embossing powder to add a textured, shiny element to a page that was mostly watercolor. The contrast can be striking.
7. Ink + Water for Fluid Effects
Sometimes, I like to add unexpected fluid effects to my pages. Using ink and water creates beautiful runs, drips, and splatters. The unpredictability of it adds excitement to the process.
One page I created had a messy, dynamic ink drip effect that I then complemented with detailed linework. The contrast between the loose, fluid ink and the structured lines made the page come to life!
8. Spray Paint for Bold Backgrounds
Spray paint isn’t just for street art! It’s a fantastic medium for creating bold, vibrant backgrounds in your journal. I’ve used spray paint as a quick way to create a colorful backdrop, allowing me to work on top of it with other materials.
I remember using spray paint to create a sunset effect in my journal. The layers of orange, yellow, and pink were so striking, and I added a silhouette of a tree with ink over it. It created an atmospheric, dream-like feel to the page.
9. Gold Leaf for a Touch of Luxury
Adding gold leaf to your pages is a simple way to make them feel special and elevated. I love the way gold leaf catches the light and adds that little extra “wow” factor.
I used gold leaf once on a page about the stars and night sky. The metallic shimmer looked like twinkling stars when combined with dark blues and purples.
10. Drawing + Watercolor Wash
There’s something magical about combining delicate linework with a soft watercolor wash. This technique works especially well if you want to add a focal point to your page, such as a portrait or an object.
Use this technique to draw buildings and then color just some of it with watercolors.
11. Textured Paste
Textured paste is a thick, creamy medium that adds both texture and dimension to your journal pages. It’s perfect for creating raised elements or patterns that feel almost sculptural.
For example, I used textured paste on a page to create an abstract design with geometric patterns. The paste dried with a raised surface, which I then painted with watercolor. It added a really interesting 3D effect to the spread.
12. Oil Pastels for Soft Layers
If you want to add a soft, buttery texture to your pages, try using oil pastels. These are perfect for blending into other materials or creating smooth gradients.
I often use oil pastels to blend colors into backgrounds, especially when I want a more subtle, smoky effect. The pastels blend easily, and when I layer them with acrylics or ink, they create a wonderful sense of depth.
13. Handwritten Journaling
Text is an integral part of any mixed-media journal. I love to handwrite my thoughts, quotes, or even random musings alongside my artwork. Handwritten journaling adds a personal touch that no typeface can replicate.
Pair a quick ink sketch of a street scene with a poem. The hand-lettering gives the page a sense of intimacy and warmth.
14. Adding Found Objects
One of the best parts of mixed media art is the freedom to incorporate found objects into your journal. I love adding little things I pick up during my travels or random items that inspire me.
On one page, I attached a small key I found at a vintage market, layering it over a textured paint background. It was a fun, unexpected touch that made the page feel like a little treasure chest.
15. Creating a Wash of Pastels
Pastels are perfect for creating soft, dreamlike backgrounds in your journal. I love using pastel-colored chalks and blending them with my fingers to create smooth, soft washes of color.
I’ve used pastels on pages where I wanted to capture the feeling of dawn or a hazy sunset. The pastel tones were perfect for evoking that gentle, calm mood.
Resources:
Complete Mixed Media Set – The ultimate set for all your mixed media needs.
Professional-Grade Acrylic Paint – A trusted brand I use for vibrant, high-quality results.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!
I hope these 15 mixed media techniques give you the tools to take your art journal to new heights! Whether you’re layering, embossing, or just playing with different materials, there’s always something new to discover. So grab your journal, get messy, and start experimenting—there’s no limit to what you can create!
