How to Start Art Journaling Without Art Skills

You don’t need to be “good at art” to start art journaling, especially when you’re not an artist. In fact, the people who gain the most from it often believe they’re the least creative. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. Often, when people look at my work today, they say, “You must have always been artistic” or “You must have been very creative as a child”. And while that’s true for many artists, it is distinctly not true for others, like me.

As a child, I didn’t draw, paint, or even color with crayons. A few painful early experiences shut that door before it could ever open. In kindergarten, I was told I couldn’t draw. I was told cats aren’t purple. I was scolded for coloring outside the lines. These may seem small, but they planted deep roots that became beliefs I carried for years. Overcoming them took time.

But I did it. And you can too.

This practice isn’t for “artists.” It’s for humans.

And if you’re human, then you can do this.

Think You’re Not Artistic Enough to Start Art Journaling?

I often remember a line from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter is speaking to Alice and tells her:

“You’re not the same as you were before. You were much more… muchier. You’ve lost your muchness.”

Somewhere along the way into adulthood, most of us lose our “muchness”. It gets drilled out of us through negative comments or experiences that linger and fester within us. Journaling is a way to rediscover our own unique “muchness”. By allowing yourself the space and freedom to express through color, form, and scribbly mark-making, you give yourself permission. Permission to be, to experience, to have, and to heal. You deserve a space for yourself, and the art journal can be that space.

Maybe someone told you that you couldn’t draw. Perhaps you’ve just always believed that creative talent was something you either had or didn’t. Or you think you’re not artistic enough for art journaling. But art journaling isn’t about artistic talent. It’s about expression and freedom.

That’s why learning how to start art journaling when you’re not an artist can be so freeing. Starting an art journal shifts the focus from skill to self.

It’s for noticing, feeling, and making a mark in the world that’s yours alone. You don’t need a background in art. You need a willingness to try.

This is not a place to perform or polish. It’s a space for emotional expression, reflection, and personal growth. I actually encourage you not to share your art journal, at least not at first. Let it be private. Protect it while it’s still tender.

Later, when you realize you’re good at this (because you are), then share, if it feels right.

But for now, keep it just for you.

You’re not trying to be an artist.

You’re learning to be yourself again.

How to Begin Art Journaling—Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start

Starting is the most challenging part because we overthink it. We carry within our minds an idea of how something “should be”, even when we have never tried it. Social media does not help this. Beautiful, curated images of art journals, sketchbooks, and bullet journals create a false sense of reality. Of what life and art look like. We don’t see the ugly, the private, the throw-aways. Only the best is shown, leaving the rest of us feeling less than.

I understand this because I was afraid to start, too. I was not “artistic enough,” and did not know how to begin. When what everyone else is sharing seemed lightyears ahead of where I was, it seemed unattainable, impossible, and ridiculous even to try.

But here are a few tips. Just start.

Begin with what’s already around you: a pen, a pencil, the back of an envelope, a thought from this morning. Tear up paper and tape it down in a fun way. Smudge a few colors together with your kid’s crayon. Draw a lopsided heart. Make it wonky on purpose. Let your hand move and doodle incomprehensible lines. When you’re done, look at it, admire your attempt, and say, “This is good.” Because you started, you did something new, something scary, something brave. And that is good.

Begin where you are: You don’t need a kit, a subscription, a video, or a workshop to start. You need a page and a moment. Don’t try to “make” anything. Just allow yourself the freedom to play and scribble. If you can write letters, you can do this. Move the pen or pencil across the page. Let go and let it flow.

The first time can be messy. It should be. That’s not failure. That’s beginning.

Afraid to Start Art Journaling Because You’ll Mess It Up?

You will think you’ve “messed it up” and that’s exactly when I encourage you to remember that this practice has no right or wrong.

An art journal isn’t meant to be polished; it’s meant to be honest. It’s meant to be fun. A place to explore and play. There’s no grade. No performance. No plan. Just a space for your spirit to stretch. A few moments to breathe, to move your hand, to delight in color and shape. No rules, just right. Whatever happens on the page is exactly what needed to happen for you. That is the purpose of all of this. That’s how you know you can do this. You can not mess it up, because just the act of scribbling on the page is a win.

Stakes are low, but rewards?

Sky-high!

Rethink What Art Journaling Can Be for Beginners

In closing, I suggest a renaming. The names of things matter. Names create ideas and perceptions of a thing. And these preconceived notions can be hard to shake off. So if it helps you, don’t start an “art journal.” Instead, start a “scribble journal,” a “splash journal,” or “page-plays.” This practice should serve you and your needs. Keep it fun.

If you’ve ever said “I’m not creative,” this is your invitation to challenge that voice. Art journaling isn’t about making art. It’s about making space.

Let this be your moment to start art journaling when you’re not an artist, and discover the joy of simply making something that’s yours.

One mark. One page. One quiet practice to remind yourself you’re still here, and you’re allowed. You’re allowed to play, to have fun, to enjoy the process.

Want More Encouragement? Let’s Stay Connected

💌 Want more?
Want a few simple prompts to get started? Sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll send you fresh encouragement and creative ideas every month, no experience needed. Just a willingness to try.

✨ You were born to create. Let’s start something beautiful together.