Keeping an art mixed media journal is basically the best way to get over that annoying "artist's block" that hits when you're staring at a blank canvas. There is something incredibly liberating about a book that isn't meant to be perfect. Unlike a standalone painting that you might feel pressured to frame, a journal is a private playground. You can splash paint, glue down old receipt scraps, and scribble your darkest thoughts without worrying if it "looks good."
I started my first journal a few years ago when I felt like my creativity was totally stuck. I was trying too hard to make "real art," and it was making me miserable. Switching to a mixed media format changed everything because it shifted the focus from the result to the process. If a page looks like a disaster, you just flip it over and start a new one, or better yet, paint right over the mess and see what happens.
Choosing the Right Book for Your Mess
Before you dive in, you need to think about the paper. Since an art mixed media journal usually involves a lot of "wet" stuff—like acrylics, watercolors, and heavy glues—you can't just use a standard notebook from the grocery store. The pages will buckle, bleed, and probably tear.
I usually look for journals that specifically say "mixed media" or "watercolor" on the cover. Brands like Canson or Strathmore make some great, affordable options with thick, 140lb paper that can take a beating. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even make your own by repurposing an old hardcover book. You just have to prep the pages with a little gesso first so the old text doesn't soak up all your paint. There's something really cool about seeing bits of old book text peeking through your layers of color.
The Basic Supply Stash
You don't need to spend a fortune at the craft store to get started. Honestly, half the fun is using stuff you already have lying around the house. That said, there are a few basics that make the experience a lot smoother.
Gesso is your best friend. It's basically a primer that makes any surface ready for paint. If you're working on thin paper, a layer of gesso will give it some "tooth" and keep your markers from bleeding through. I prefer white gesso, but clear is great if you want to see the background, and black gesso can make neon colors absolutely pop.
Then you've got your paints. Acrylics are a staple because they dry fast and you can layer them indefinitely. If you mess up, you just wait five minutes and paint over it. I also love using watercolors for soft, flowy backgrounds, but keep in mind they don't always play nice if you put them on top of shiny acrylics.
For the "mixed" part of the mixed media, start collecting "junk." I have a literal shoebox full of old postage stamps, tea bag tags, magazine cutouts, and scraps of lace. Anything that has a cool texture or an interesting pattern is fair game. You'd be surprised how much a random piece of corrugated cardboard can add to a page once it's hit with a little dry-brushing.
Breaking the Fear of the Blank Page
The hardest part is always the first mark. It's that "first-page syndrome" where you don't want to ruin a beautiful new book. My trick? Make it ugly on purpose.
Sometimes I'll take a big brush, dip it in a color I don't even like that much, and just scribble a giant "X" across the page. Or I'll flick some watery paint across the white space. Once the page is no longer pristine, the pressure is gone. You've already "ruined" it, so now you're free to play.
Another great way to start is with a collage background. Just grab some old book pages or some patterned tissue paper and glue them down randomly. It gives you a base of texture and color so you aren't starting from zero. You don't even have to have a plan. Just follow the "ooh, that looks cool" instinct and see where it leads you.
Layering is Where the Magic Happens
The secret to a rich, professional-looking art mixed media journal page is almost always layering. Beginners often stop too soon. They put down some paint, maybe a sticker, and call it done. But the real depth comes when you keep going.
Think of it like building a sandwich. You start with your base layer (paint or collage), then you add some mid-tones, maybe some stenciling for texture, and finally, your "hero" elements like a focal image or some bold lettering.
I love using stencils and modeling paste to get some 3D effects. If you spread the paste through a stencil and let it dry, it creates a raised pattern that you can then rub with ink or metallic wax to make it stand out. It's super tactile and looks way more complicated than it actually is.
Don't forget about mark-making, either. Once your paint is dry, grab some pens, crayons, or even a piece of charcoal. Adding little scribbles, dots, or crosses around the edges of your focal point helps tie everything together. It's those tiny details that make the page feel finished.
Finding Your Personal Style
It's easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing on Pinterest or Instagram, but your art mixed media journal should feel like you. If you love bright, neon colors and chaotic splatters, go for it. If you prefer a vintage, grungy look with lots of browns and old photos, that's cool too.
I spent a long time trying to make my pages look "neat," but I eventually realized I'm just a messy person. My journals are full of smudges, fingerprints, and crooked lines. And honestly? I like them better that way. They feel more honest.
Use your journal to document your life, too. It doesn't all have to be abstract. Glue in a movie ticket, a leaf you found on a walk, or a recipe your grandma wrote down. Over time, these books become a visual diary that's way more interesting to look back on than a standard written journal.
Letting Go of the Results
The most important thing to remember is that there are no rules in an art mixed media journal. If you want to use a hot glue gun to attach a bottle cap to the page, do it. If you want to use coffee instead of watercolor paint because you like the smell, go for it.
The whole point of this hobby is to give yourself a break from the "real world" and the constant need to be productive or successful. Sometimes, a page ends up looking like a mud puddle because you mixed too many colors together. That's fine! It's all part of the learning process. You learned that those two colors make mud, and that's a win in itself.
Whenever I feel frustrated with a page, I remind myself that it's just paper. It's not a permanent monument. It's a place to experiment, fail, and occasionally stumble upon something beautiful. So, grab a book, some messy supplies, and just start. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel once you start letting those creative juices flow without any judgment.
At the end of the day, your journal is for your eyes only (unless you want to share it). It's a safe space to be loud, quiet, messy, or organized. There is no "right" way to do it, which is exactly why it's so much fun. Happy journaling!