Dreamboard Art Journal: Creating a Vision for Moving Forward

Creating a Vision for Moving Forward

Sometimes a journal page begins with a clear idea. I find that my pages usually begin with background colors that I may have added from extra paint, or a collection of papers on the page, waiting for me to begin.

I returned to a page that already contained layers of paint. I have several pages in my art journal waiting to be worked on and this is useful for when you have a fixed time to create.  I also had a bag filled with words and phrases collected from newspapers, magazines and I started to select encouraging and motivating words and phrases:

The words became the next layer of the page. and I thought that rather than creating a traditional vision board, I used the journal spread as a place to explore my intentions, hopes and creative direction.

You do not have to finish the page today

I find that one of the most freeing things about art journaling is that you don't have to finish a page in one sitting. You can prepare a background one day, add collage another day and return later with words, paint, stitching, texture or reflections. Each layer tells a different story.

When you are short of time, ask yourself 'what is the one small thing that I can add'? It can be a shape, extra paint/collage or some words that have meaning for you. It is a small step and helps keep you connected, especially when time is limited. 

The Page Can Continue to Grow

The journal page is a starting point not the final destination and you can return to it, you might later decide to write about why you chose the words and what they mean to you.  Use what you already have, one of the best things about this activity is that you do not need expensive materials.

You can use:

• · An existing art journal page

• Newspaper and magazine words

• Old newsletters or brochures

• Scrap paper

• Glue or matte medium

• Gesso

• Water-soluble pencils or crayons

• Acrylic paint

• Stencils or sequin waste

• Metallic paint

• A paintbrush or palette knife

Here are specific supplies I used (do check what you have before buying something else)  

Inktense Pencils - https://amzn.to/4wNCfOC 

Gesso - https://amzn.to/3TkIDyb 

Shimmer Misters - https://amzn.to/4fFGG8d 

Gold Paint - https://amzn.to/3TFdUfj 

Sequin waste or your favorite stencils - https://amzn.to/4bt1I7A

Now, go see what you have in your creative space to start your own page and have fun!!