This section will include 10 step-by-step formulae for making art journal spreads to take the overwhelm out of art journaling.
Art Journal Catalysts
Prompts
5 elements to meaningful journal pages
This workshop gives you a run down of 5 simple things to strive to include in your journal pages to ensure you are filling them with meaning, purpose, story telling and emotion. How to successfully encapsulate the significance of a moment no matter how small it may be.
The Voice of this Moment: Using Journaling to Find Meaning and Hope
Connect with your deepest self in your journal, and discover a vantage point on the current crisis that offers meaning and hope.
Fifty Two Portraits
Fifty Two Portraits is a photography class in self-discovery; a way to document your life right now and uncover your creative self using self-portraiture and reflection. Inspired by a year-long creative project she embarked upon when she turned 40, Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd leads you on a path of self-discovery towards better knowledge of yourself as a person and as an artist. The class includes 52 prompts, 1 for each week of the year, centered on 1 of 7 themes: you, places, family, style, work, life, and friends, plus Vanessa’s photos for reference and inspiration. With Vanessa as your guide, embark on a journey in using photography and words to reflect inward and capture who you are at this phase in your life.
A Zillion Ways to Fill a Sketchbook
Play There are a zillion ways to fill a sketchbook. Danny and Koosje share tips to push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow your sketchbook into a work of art. After...
Reflection Prompts + Sidekick
Reflection Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.Prompt #1 “Nothing of me is original. I am...
Habit Prompts + Sidekick
Habit Download your habit tracker Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal. Tick off each day that you were creative. Prompt #1 Make some art on Monday. No...
Documenting Prompts + Sidekick
Documenting Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas. PROMPT #1 - HE(ART) BY CINDY Document...
Creativity Prompts + Sidekick
Creativity Season of Creativity Art Journal Challenge:Create an art journal based on a book, movie, podcast, tv show, music, etc that makes your artist soul soar. Think about...
More Prompts + Sidekick
More#gmseasonofmoreDownload the season sidekick Save this PDF to your computer, print it out, and let it accompany you on your artistic journey this season. This PDF is curvy in all...
Affirmation Prompts + Sidekick
Season guest artist Connie Solera embraces showing up to your art journal with honesty, vulnerability, and fearlessness in the Season of Affirmation. Through intuitive painting, Connie helps you embrace every mark you make as a part of a conversation and to follow the first ideas, gut reactions, and little whispers that won’t leave you alone. Hold your art journals close to your heart as a safe sanctuary to affirm all the feels you are feeling, all the fears you are experiencing, and all the hope you can muster for a brighter future ahead.
Less Prompts + Sidekick
Less#gmseasonofless Download the season sidekick Save this PDF to your computer, print it out, and let it accompany you on your artistic journey this season. This PDF is curvy in...
Prompt Generator
Keep clicking to receive a new art journal prompt.
Freedom Prompts + Sidekick
Freedom Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas. Inspiration
Ubuntu Prompts + Sidekick
UbuntuPrompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Seasons Prompts + Sidekick
Seasons Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Starting Prompts + Sidekick
Starting Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Story Prompts + Sidekick
Story Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Play Prompts + Sidekick
Play Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Class Bonuses + Prompts
The Minimalist Art Journal > BonusClass Bonuses + PromptsOh man do I have presents for you! Just click on the image to be taken to the download link.
Kindness Prompts + Sidekick
Kindness Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Nature Prompts + Sidekick
Nature Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Connections Prompts + Sidekick
Connections Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Fairy Tales Prompts + Sidekick
Fairy Tales Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Colour Prompts + Sidekick
Colour Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Contrast Prompts + Sidekick
Contrast Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Art 101 Prompts + Sidekick
Art 101 Prompts Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Gifts Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Dreams Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Music Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Introspection Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Lists Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Happy Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Magic Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Words Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Serenity Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Adventure Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Brave Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Love Prompts + Sidekick
Download the prompts for the season Save this file to your computer, print it out, and keep it inside your journal to spark journal ideas.
Bloom Prompts + Sidekick
Bloom#gmseasonofbloomDownload the season sidekick Save this PDF to your computer, print it out, and let it accompany you on your artistic journey this...
Pocket Goodies
Add a pocket to hold tags or other created goodies in any art journal.
X Prompts + Sidekick Part II
X#gmseasonofXDownload the season sidekick Save this PDF to your computer, print it out, and let it accompany you on your artistic journey this season. This PDF is...
Rooted
New#gmseasonofnewYour challenge, should you choose to accept it: Go back to your roots.I went back to my roots by going back to old journals. Here are some more ideas: copy one of...
Messy Recipes: The Overthinker’s Guide to Making Art
Workshop Replay Messy Recipes: The Overthinker's Guide to Making ArtThe workshop is for the perfectionist who chooses mess instead. It’s the perfect, practical antidote to overthinking. I’m a recovering perfectionist myself. Embracing the mess is a...
The Listening Path
invitation to join the Listening Path
Color Interactions
Explore how colors interact with each other. Experimenting with color in your journal helps you find brush strokes and color combinations you may never have thought to try before! Make rainbows, mix colors, and see which new colors you can make from the tubes of paint you already have!
Stop. Collaborate. And Listen…
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationGrab your supplies and create as you listen to Char and Claudette talk about everything that goes into a successful collaboration. Then...
X Prompts + Sidekick Part I
X#gmseasonofXDownload the season sidekick Save this PDF to your computer, print it out, and let it accompany you on your artistic journey this season. This PDF is...
Day 01 New
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create a new, dedicated home for your Messy May journey by binding an imperfect,...
Ways to Document Your Days
This lesson focuses on ways to document your days, whether in monthly, daily, weekly, or quarterly formats.
Day 28 Self
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create a 1 page zine with the theme of your current self. My best advice for...
Starting Points
Select one simple starting point from nature and recreate it several times in different ways in your sketchbook.
Day 31 Un/finished
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May: What is finished when it comes to art, anyway? Celebrate all the finishing you...
Day 26 Scraps
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Do you have a tidy desk? I certainly don’t. Hey, there is no shame in it! 😉 The...
Day 16 Clusters
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May: Use old morning pages and masterboards to create interesting journaling clusters...
Day 15 Reimagine
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create with as few distractions as possible to achieve a State of Flow.
Day 07 Garner
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Build a database of colors, patterns, designs, and subject matter that you...
Day 02 Expand
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Let’s explore how we can use Messy May as a catalyst to expand our creative ideas...
Messy May 2023
Welcome to Messy May 2, you beautiful tropical fishHere are three ways to make the most of your month: 1. Bring your messy self - As imperfect as you are and as glorious as you are. Your whole-ass messy self. Remember that "get messy" is an invitation.2. Take what YOU...
Day 31 Celebration
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Celebrate your creative month! Write a list of small achievements, add confetti,...
Day 30 Awe
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Grab a sheet of paper and collage anything onto it that reminds you of the things...
Day 29 Serenity
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Make your practice today meditative. Some ideas: light a candle, drink some fruit...
Day 27 Mindfulness
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Use a monochromatic color palette to help bring your mind into a calm and present...
Day 26 Failure
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Go back to your unfinished or "failed" pages and rework them. Cover them up, pain...
Day 25 Bloom
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Let it bloom: cultivate your creativity through an expressive floral zine. Don't...
Day 24 Magic
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Take a moment to look around you and find the magic in your surroundings. This...
Day 23 Contrast
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Explore contrast through value, complementary colors, and paradoxical subject...
Day 22 Love
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Use gesso, black paint, a pencil, watercolors, and a vintage image to express the...
Day 21 Words
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Add journaling to your art journal page. What are you thinking? How are you...
Day 20 Nature
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Take your supplies outside and create inspired by the world around you! Follow the...
Day 19 Less
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Using a base of neutral collage, add a single block of color to create impactful...
Day 18 Documenting
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:How do you document your days? What are you learning about yourself as each day...
Day 17 Yes
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:What was the last creative impulse you felt? Was it to try a new medium? Attempt a...
Day 16 Belonging
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:"Belonging is being your authentic self and knowing that no matter what happens,...
Day 15 Flow
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create with as few distractions as possible to achieve a State of Flow. Just....
Day 13 Home
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create a collage house with images filled with the comforts of home. Creating art...
Day 12 Habit
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create a habit of seeing possibilities for using recycled materials in your art...
Day 11 Imperfection
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Make a list of five ways to practice and embrace imperfection in your art. If you...
Day 10 Connection
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create a page that connects you to your art process. You can do this by including...
Day 03 Happy
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Carefree fun. Create with the joyfulness of a child. Don't take your artwork too...
Day 01 Starting
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May: Start. Either by opening your journal to a new page or by binding a journal just...
Messy May 2022
Welcome to Messy May 2022, you rainbow-infused space unicorn Here are three ways to make the most of...
Micro Challenges
Showing Up#gmseasonofshowingupMicro Challenge 1 What is your WHY? Why do you art journal? Why is it important to you and why do you keep coming back to it even when life is...
A Guide to Collaborating
Collaboration#gmseasonofcollaborationThis season we are partnering up with another artist. You can find the partner with Get Messy’s help or on your own. Here are some tips...
Day 14 Kindness
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May: Create a journal spread that encourages you to share kindness with others and...
Day 30 Favourite
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Life is too short to hoard your favourite supplies! Take some time today to use...
Day 29 Sunburst
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:I’ve been noticing a trend in my journal pages lately… things are BURSTING with...
Day 28 MissTakes
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Let’s explore what we can do with supposed mistakes and learn how they can help...
Day 27 Archive
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Often times when I look back at my journals, it’s the smaller mundane moments that...
Day 25 Collaboration
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Work collaboratively to help overcome many of the obstacles we all face as...
Day 24 Palette
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Do you ever struggle with selecting the perfect color scheme? Well, not today! We...
Day 23 Play
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Let go of expectations and tap into playfulness and possibility! Download Ingrid's...
Day 22 Identity
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Create three distinct background pages to represent three different aspects of...
Day 21 Lifelines
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Let´s see how one continuous line can break the blank page and lead us intuitively...
Day 20 Trust
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Journaling is the perfect way to rediscover your inner child and have fun. Nothing...
Day 19 Gratitude
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Did you take too many photos? Don't forget them in your digital storage. Print...
Day 18 Extensions
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Delve into page extension possibilities.
Day 17 Explore
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May:Set forth on a Creative Exploration with limited supplies.
Day 14 Let Go
Remember: Bring your messy self, take what you need (no such thing as being behind), and remember that more than zero is enough. Here's the prompt for today's Messy May: Create a journal spread that encourages you to share kindness with others and...