Pages From My “Bad Art” Sketchbook / Art Journal ✨
Sometimes I draw realism and stick to the techniques I’ve been taught, other times I need to let myself have the freedom of experimenting and making “bad” art.
I spent a long time being hard on myself and wanting each piece to either be “perfect” or a significant contribution to my art skill level. I realized a few years ago that mindset completely killed my motivation as an artist. It took a while to let myself make art without the pressure (and it’s something I’m still working on), so from time to time I dedicate an “art journal” to try out random ideas, new art mediums or styles, or to get heavy emotions off my chest without needing to put them into words.
At some point I noticed that since I started giving myself the freedom to make “bad” art, the “good” art I put my effort and skills into has gotten so much better and the process more enjoyable—and I had slowly started regaining that motivation. On top of that, I’ve discovered new art mediums and styles I never thought about, and continued to use them in other works.
The pages in this post consist of the best pages in this bad art sketchbook, and the ones I feel most comfortable showing to the internet, but most pages don’t look like this. I make these with the thought that they’re only for me to see, because that helps me let go of the idea that the end result determines my worth as an artist.
I hope this inspires some of you guys to look into starting your own version of an art journal, or anything else that helps you create without pressure. I think that’s really needed sometimes.
#sketchingjourney #artjournal #sketchbooktour #artideas #mixedmedia
Creating a dedicated art journal or "bad art" sketchbook can be a transformative practice for artists of all levels. This approach encourages freedom and experimentation without the pressure to produce perfect pieces, ultimately enhancing overall creativity and skill development. Mixed media techniques, as mentioned with oil pastel, colored pencil, and acrylic paint markers, provide unique textures and interactive experiences that can rejuvenate artistic interest. Experimenting with such media allows artists to discover new styles and methods that they may incorporate into more polished works later. Furthermore, sketching through emotions and mental states, like depression or frustration, can serve as a therapeutic tool. Drawing chaotic or abstract elements helps externalize feelings that might be difficult to verbalize, aligning with the concept of art journaling as an emotional outlet. This method supports mental health while building a personal narrative within the sketchbook. The quoted inspiration, "from my rotten body flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity" by Edvard Munch, symbolizes growth and transformation arising from decay or hardship, a powerful thematic resonance when engaging in self-reflective art practices. By removing the expectation of perfection, artists can rebuild motivation, gain pleasure in the creative process, and reflect deeply within their work. Sharing selectively chosen pages from such a journal online can provide encouragement to others hesitant to embrace imperfection and experimentation. Keywords such as art journal, sketchbook tour, bad art, mixed media, and sketching journey collectively emphasize a mindset shift essential for creative growth. Embracing this practice empowers artists to explore, express, and evolve authentically and enjoyably.
Could I used your art work as a reference?