For the last week I have been wanting to create fabulous art journal layout but was spending too much time lamenting over the work of others and not getting started myself. I call this “art envy” – where we are stopped with even getting started when we are overwhelmed by the work of others. Ironically, if we never get started, then we can never learn and improve our own skills.
To combat this “art envy” I took the plunge and got stuck into creating this art journal layout. Here are the key steps through the process:
Materials List:
- Homemade art journal
- Gel medium
- Ultra Fine Sharpie pens
- Black Sharpie pen
- White Sharpie paint pen
- Stazon Ink – Midnight Blue
- Twinkling H2Os
- Your imagination and creativity
I would love to hear more about how you combat art envy and your art journalling process – leave a comment below!
Happy creating!
That overload of ideas and visuals just triggers our natural tendency to compare ourselves with others.
I deal with it by having a break from the internet – no facebook, flickr, instagram – just take a day or so out to doodle and create without any plan in mind.
I read something somewhere recently that’s very apt here –
“Don’t compare your beginnings with other people’s middles”
I do struggle with how to start, I bought lots of supplies but I guess I am afraid of making a mistake or staring at a blank page but I will just try gluing stuff and inking on pages and see what I come up with. Thank you for the video.
@ Jane: Yes, Jane, I agree and thats a good idea. Sometimes I have a plan in my mind for creating something and don’t know how to start. I usually watch then some videos on Youtube. BUT, afterwards I am so confused because of the overwhelming input. I have then so much things and plans in my mind that I forgot what I primerly wanted to do. The result: I cannot start with anything. A few days without any input are needed until I have another idea.
@ Jaycee: In this case, which also happen to me (being afraid of ruin something) I always say to myself: “so what, the trash is right beside, I can do it again. Paper is not just yet a rare material” 🙂
Oh, I want to add: I wouldn’t name it “envy”. It is more a “regret” not to have the ability….
I am a newbie to Mixed Media art well actually to crafts in general and this is exactly my problem. I am forever sitting here looking at all the lovely projects that others have created or purchasing more supplies that I have no room for any more but when it comes down to it I have a fear of failure at attempting any project. Oh well, maybe just maybe one day I will come out of my closet and realize that art is not about comparing one person to another or to myself and create a project.
Your project is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas and tutorial along with your project.
Very nice, Thank you 🙂
I stumbled upon this quote today and wanted to share it with you:
Use all of the talent that you possess.
The woods would be very quiet if only the bird with the most beautiful song would sing.
By unknown
So let’s be brave and start creating!
I am encouraged. Thank you!!
I am encouraged. Thank you!! Looking forward to using my supplies for Mixed Media!