How to Keep a Daily Art Journal: 15 Tips to Stay Consistent
Product Resource List
Before diving in, here are some recommended tools to help you kick-start your art journaling journey. These are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase:
Moleskine Art Journal: Perfect for smooth, durable pages. Buy here.
Tombow Dual Brush Pens: Great for vibrant colors and blending. Buy here.
Winsor & Newton Watercolors: Compact and ideal for journaling on the go. Buy here.
Micron Fineliners: Reliable for fine details and sketches. Buy here.
Acrylic Gesso: Use it to prep your pages for mixed media. Buy here.
Why Keep a Daily Art Journal?
Art journaling isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a way to reflect, process emotions, and document your days.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, creating consistently can foster personal growth and inspire new ideas. But how do you make it a daily habit?
Here are 15 tips to help you stay consistent and enjoy the process.
1. Start Small
Use a small journal or limit your art to a single page each day.
This reduces pressure and makes the practice feel more achievable.
2. Create a Cozy Workspace
Set up a designated corner for your art supplies.
Keeping everything within reach can remove barriers to starting.
3. Schedule It
Pick a specific time of day for journaling—like during your morning coffee or before bed.
When it becomes part of your routine, you’re less likely to skip it.
4. Embrace Imperfection
Your journal doesn’t have to be a masterpiece.
Focus on expressing yourself rather than achieving perfection.
5. Experiment with Prompts
Use daily prompts to spark ideas. For example:
"Draw what you’re grateful for."
"Sketch something you saw today."
You can find free prompts online or create your own.
6. Limit Your Supplies
Too many options can be overwhelming.
Stick to a handful of favorite tools to keep things simple.
7. Prep Your Pages
Apply gesso or create simple backgrounds ahead of time.
This makes it easier to jump into creating when you sit down to journal.
8. Keep Inspiration Nearby
Save images, quotes, or sketches that inspire you in a folder or mood board.
Flip through them when you feel stuck.
9. Mix Media
Combine watercolors, ink, and collage elements to keep things exciting.
Experimentation can reignite your enthusiasm.
10. Share Your Work
Post your journal pages on social media or share them with a friend.
Community encouragement can motivate you to keep going.
11. Use a Timer
Set a 10- or 15-minute timer to create daily.
Knowing you only need to dedicate a short amount of time can make it easier to start.
12. Reflect in Writing
Jot down a few sentences alongside your art about how you’re feeling or what inspired the piece.
This adds depth and meaning to your journal.
13. Reward Yourself
Set small goals, like completing a week’s worth of entries, and treat yourself when you hit them.
It could be as simple as indulging in a fancy coffee or getting a new art supply.
14. Make It Portable
Choose a compact journal and a pencil case with essentials for on-the-go creativity.
This way, you can journal anywhere, anytime.
15. Be Kind to Yourself
Missed a day? No worries.
Your journal is for you, so enjoy the process without guilt or pressure.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my work and keeps this content free. Thank you for your support!
