Materials to Use in Your Visual Journal

Visual journaling is an art form that involves combining words and images to create a record of personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. This process of self-expression can be enhanced by incorporating mixed media products into your journaling practice. Mixed media refers to the use of multiple art materials or techniques in one artwork, and this can include anything from paint and paper to fabric and found objects. In this blog post, we will explore some mixed-media products that can be used in visual journaling.

1. Paint: Paint is an essential medium for visual journaling. Acrylics, watercolors, and gouache are popular choices as they are easy to use and versatile. Paint can create backgrounds, add color and texture, and create interesting effects. Experimenting with different paint techniques, such as splattering or dragging, can add an extra layer of interest to your journal pages. I tend to use acrylic paints and products as they work well when creating layers.
2. Pens and markers: Pens and markers can be used to add detail, texture, and definition to your journal pages. Fineliners, gel pens, and permanent markers are all excellent choices. Black pens can create bold outlines and shading, while colorful markers can add pops of color and create interesting effects when layered over other materials.
3. Collage materials: Collage involves combining different materials, such as paper, photographs, and magazine cutouts, to create a cohesive image. Collage materials can add texture, interest, and depth to your journal pages. Some popular collage materials include vintage ephemera, patterned paper, washi tape, and stickers.
4. Stamps: Stamps can be used to create patterns and backgrounds and add interesting details to your journal pages. Rubber stamps, foam stamps, and clear stamps are all excellent options. Experimenting with different types of stamps, inks, and color combinations can add an extra layer of interest to your journal pages.
5. Stencils: Stencils can help create consistent shapes and patterns in a visual journal. They can also be used to add layers and depth to your pages and can be used with various media such as paint, ink, or spray. Experimenting with different stencil designs can bring a new level of creativity to your journaling.
6. Altered Images: Altered images are one of my favorite things to use in my Visual Journal and can add a unique twist to your visual journaling. They involve taking an existing image and manipulating it in some way, such as cutting it up, collaging it onto a new background, or adding mixed media elements. This process can lead to unexpected and interesting results, allowing for a new level of self-expression and creativity in your journaling.
7. Texture mediums: Texture mediums, such as gesso, modeling paste, and gel medium, can add depth and texture to your journal pages. These materials can be used to create texture on the page, add dimension to images, and create interesting effects when layered with other materials.
8. Fabric: Fabric can be used to add texture, color, and interest to your journal pages. You can use fabric scraps, lace, ribbon, and other materials to create interesting backgrounds, collages, and mixed media effects. Fabric can also be used to create interesting textures and effects when combined with other materials, such as paint or ink.
9. Found objects: Found objects, such as buttons, beads, and other small trinkets, can add an extra layer of interest to your journal pages. These objects can be glued onto the page to create a unique mixed-media effect. You can also use found objects as stamps or to create interesting textures and patterns on the page.
10. Digital elements: Digital elements, such as printed images or text, can be incorporated into your journal pages. You can print out photos, quotes, or other images and collage them onto the page. You can also use digital brushes or patterns to add interesting effects and details to your journal pages.

When starting out, pick 2-3 mediums you’d like to experiment with.  As you create new pages, add a new mixed-media product and see how that changes things up.

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