An Artist’s Journal: 28 May 2020

In order to be creative, you need to make time. It is difficult to be creative when ideas and everyday tasks become an overwhelming mess. Having a system of prioritizing tasks and saving ideas is important. You can read about setting up an adaptive bujo in Part I, HERE.

I am not a perfect example of having a system. I get close, sometimes, but I get distracted. That is okay. Sometimes I don’t need my system. But when I do need it, it is there waiting for me. And, when I look back at my bullet journal, there are so many inspiring artistic tidbits.

Here are some of the artistic elements in my BuJo:

Other people’s words are inspiring to me. Maybe you are a poet - all the more reason to carry a journal. I collect words that say susinctly what I feel. Maybe someday, looking back through my journal, these inspiring words will speak an image to me.

Give your ideas room to grow by sketching out different compositions. They don’t have to look good, but sketches can take a good idea to a great idea.

You know you have strong feelings about life and what is going on in the world. Incorporate your beliefs and thoughts into your creative work. If you write it down, doodle, sketch while you think… you won’t have to force thematic elements into your art. They will naturally develop.

I’m not against electronics, but SOME of the time there has to be other options. When you offer a page or two of your journal to a child it is very special to them. Even if they do not want to draw, they will be intrigued seeing your journal or watching you work in it. Trust me, try it. It is often magical.

Our lives and our memories are unique. If you are looking for ‘your style’ you need to start with YOU. What do you appreciate? How do you priortize your time? What is meaningful and personal in your life? It is too easy to take the little things for granted. Try making note of them.

I flip back through my BuJo’s often. Sometimes looking for a bit of info, but sometimes looking for inspiration. I don’t always use it. It isn’t something to get ‘right’ or maintain. It is something to consider and have available.

If you are interested in my artwork, I recommend becoming a Studio Update member.

Monthly Studio Updates include:
* What is currently on my easel,
* Artwork that is available for purchase,
* Upcoming exhibitions and events,
* Recent Artist Journal blog posts.
Studio Update Members also get gifts by snail mail, friends and family pricing, and access to purchase work even when my online shop is closed.

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Today’s Resources 2020:

• Bullet Journal - Learning - Official Bullet Journal System