Second up for review: Journal It, by Jenny Doh

One of the things I love about holiday weekends is momentum. There’s something about having that extra day that makes all the difference, especially when it comes to being creative. Either you started early and you have that extra day to keep going or you finished all of your other business that you usually do and voila, an extra day just for you?!

Either way, whatever you’re up to on this holiday Monday. I thought it would be fun to share this book with you today, because it’s inspiring and happens to be a perfect kickstart to getting momentum going in the first place. Which if most of us are being honest, is always the hardest part to getting any kind of creative-ness happening.

I’ve often mentioned that I’m not a journaler. Something about keeping such intimate thoughts on record in what feels like a permanent way has always felt odd to me. I judge. I do. I judge myself and have a very hard time going back and reading what I wrote. Sometimes, not even remotely as personal as an actual pen on paper journal, I even cringe at old blog posts I’ve written. But then there are those moments that I actually like re-reading what I’ve shared and I’m so glad I took the time to record it. I remember that journals are for expression in the moment, for working it out. They are the perfect place for evolving our voice and our art.

I forget that the expression of the written word combined with all kinds of creative mediums in such a raw form is so alive. That’s when beautiful books like 'Journal It' remind and inspire me to explore more of my artistic evolution in this format. Because sketchbooks I keep. I love looking back at old drawings, seeing how my art has evolved, and re-discovering old ideas.  I actually really enjoy working out an idea with pencil, pen, paints and photographic imagery, and only wish I took the time to do more of it. That’s where the some of the best ideas make an appearance, by the willingness to keep putting pencil to paper.

I think ultimately the  goal here, for all of us, is to find and practice what keeps our creative juices flowing. One of my favorite parts of 'Journal it' is seeing how all of the contributors approach this art form so differently. Getting a glimpse into their process gives the reader so many ideas on how to get started. {please note that photos were taken with the Iphone and filtered, so the actual imagery is even richer}

I love the vibrant and contrasting use of black ink and watercolor that is Bel’s specialty.

I also really like this idea of developing your own alphabet through your journaling, the way that Debra has done. I’ve been exploring more with my hand lettering lately too. My Creative Thursday logo from the very beginning has always been my handwriting. In fact my first logo came straight from the pages of one my sketchbooks. The newest version is also the title on the cover of my book.

And using needle and thread in your journal, as shown by Roben’s gorgeous example. Of course! I never thought of adding that element to my sketch book, even though combining sewing with fine art is one of my newest obsessions, that I can’t wait to explore more.

Jenny put together another wonderful collection of art and artists that is bound to get you creating within moments of breaking open the cover. Seriously. Filled with all the resources, techniques and ideas you could hope for, reviewing the imagery alone is all you need to get started.