JOURNALING GUIDE

30 Art Journal Prompts for Relaxation and Creativity

Looking for fresh art journal prompts to spark your creativity? You're not alone. Some of us have spent years staring at blank pages in our journals, feeling stuck and unsure where to begin (wishing for empty notebook ideas).

That's exactly why we collected these prompts from our most creative journaling experts. Whether you're working through creative blocks or simply wanting to develop a more mindful art practice, these journaling prompts will help you transform blank pages into beautiful expressions of your inner world. The best part? These ideas work beautifully for both journaling beginners and seasoned art journalers looking for fresh inspiration.

30 Art Journaling Prompts to Inspire Your Creative Process

1. Create a Page Inspired by Your Favorite Color.

Begin by selecting a color that brings you joy. Use different shades and tints of this hue to create patterns, shapes, or abstract designs. Try incorporating various textures and techniques—perhaps watercolor washes, colored pencil details, or even collage elements in your chosen color family.

2. Use Only Shades of Blue to Create a Calming Abstract Design.

Blue has long been associated with tranquility and depth. Experiment with various blue tones to create a flowing, abstract composition. You might start with light, airy cerulean at the top of your page and gradually work your way down to deeper, richer navy hues.

3. Draw or Paint with Your Non-Dominant Hand to Embrace Imperfection.

Switch to your non-dominant hand and create simple shapes or patterns. This practice helps release perfectionism and embrace a more playful, experimental approach. The resulting lines might be wobbly—that's part of their charm.

4. Draw or Paint a Landscape that Makes You Feel Peaceful.

Think of a place—real or imagined—that brings you a sense of calm. It might be a misty mountain range, a quiet beach at sunrise, or a secluded garden. Focus on capturing the feeling of serenity rather than perfect technical accuracy.

5. Journal about a Dream You Had Recently, then Illustrate It.

Write down the key elements of a recent dream, focusing on the imagery and emotions it evoked. Then, use your artistic tools to bring these dream images to life. Don't worry about making it look exactly as it appeared in your dream—dreams are fluid and abstract by nature.

6. Create a Gratitude Page Using Doodles to Express Your Favorite Things.

Transform your gratitude practice into visual art by creating simple drawings of things you're thankful for. Each doodle becomes a symbol of appreciation—perhaps a cup representing your morning coffee ritual, or a small heart for someone special. Add words, patterns, or decorative elements to connect your drawings and create a cohesive page of thanksgiving.

Learn more with How to Start a Gratitude Journal.

7. Experiment with Soft Textures to Create a Tactile Page.

Incorporate materials with interesting textures—tissue paper, fabric scraps, or natural elements like pressed leaves. Layer these materials thoughtfully, creating a page that's interesting both visually and to touch.

8. Sketch a Scene from a Place that Brings You Comfort.

Think about a space where you feel completely at ease—perhaps your reading nook, favorite cafe, or garden bench. Use simple lines to capture the essence of this place, adding details that make it special to you.

9. Make a Collage from Magazines that Represents Relaxation to You.

Flip through your favorite magazines and collect images that speak to your idea of relaxation. Look for peaceful colors, serene scenes, and words that resonate with tranquility. Layer these elements on your page, creating connections between different pieces.

10. Illustrate a Peaceful Moment from Your Week.

Reflect on a calm moment you experienced recently. Use your art supplies to capture not just the visual aspects, but the feeling of that peaceful time. Add journaling around your illustration to preserve the memory.

11. Use Watercolor to Create a Serene Sunset or Ocean Scene.

Start with a light wash of warm colors for a sunset, or cool blues for an ocean view. Let the colors blend naturally on your page, embracing the fluid nature of watercolor. Add layers gradually, allowing each to dry before applying the next.

12. Create an Art Page Inspired by a Relaxing Memory.

Think back to a particularly peaceful moment in your life. Use your art supplies to capture the colors, shapes, and feelings of that memory. Add small details that help transport you back to that calm state of mind.

13. Write Down an Inspiring Quote, then Illustrate It with a Peaceful Image.

Choose words that move you—perhaps from your favorite book, a poem, or a meaningful saying. Write these words in a style that reflects their meaning, then surround them with illustrations that complement the message.

14. Create a Self-Care Page that Shows How You Take Time to Relax.

Document your favorite self-care practices through a combination of words and pictures. Include small illustrations of things that help you unwind—a steaming tea cup, comfortable socks, or your yoga mat. Add color to emphasize the nurturing quality of these activities.

15. Draw an Animal that Makes You Feel Calm.

Select an animal that brings you a sense of peace—perhaps a sleeping cat, a graceful deer, or a soaring bird. Use soft pencils for fur texture or flowing lines for movement. Add details that highlight what makes this creature calming to you.

16. Use Pastels or Soft Pencils to Create a Gentle, Flowing Design.

Let your hand move freely across the page, creating curved lines and soft shapes. Layer colors lightly, allowing them to blend where they meet. Don't worry about defining specific objects—focus on the soothing process of making marks.

17. Illustrate a Calming Mantra or Affirmation You Love.

Choose words that center you—"breathe deeply," "peace begins within," or your own personal mantra. Design your page around these words, using colors and images that reinforce their meaning.

For those on a spiritual journey, you may also enjoy Exploring Faith Through Journaling.

18. Journal about a Place You Find Relaxing, then Paint It.

Begin by writing about a place where you feel at peace. Describe the sensory details—what you see, hear, smell, and feel there. Then translate these written impressions into a painted scene, using colors and techniques that capture the essence of your description.

19. Draw a Simple Mandala to Focus Your Mind.

Start at the center of your page and work outward, creating concentric circles of patterns. Use simple shapes that repeat around the circle—dots, petals, waves, or whatever feels natural. The systematic process of creating a mandala can help quiet busy thoughts.

20. Doodle While Listening to Your Favorite Calming Music.

Put on music that helps you relax, then let your hand move in response to what you hear. Your doodles might follow the rhythm, express the melody, or capture how the music makes you feel.

21. Write a Calming Poem or Short Story, then Illustrate It.

Let words flow onto your page first—perhaps a haiku about morning dew or a short paragraph about a tranquil moment. Then add illustrations that complement your writing, creating a visual story that enhances your words.

22. Use Stencils to Create a Repetitive, Calming Pattern.

Select a stencil with a design that speaks to you, or create your own simple shape to trace. Repeat this pattern across your page, perhaps varying colors or overlapping elements.

23. Make a Worry Jar Page Where You Can Release Your Thoughts.

Draw a large jar shape on your page. Inside it, write or illustrate your current worries—but do so with the intention of releasing them. Decorate the jar with patterns or colors that represent transformation and peace.

24. Draw Patterns or Shapes that Create a Relaxing Rhythm.

Begin with a simple shape—perhaps a circle, wave, or leaf—and repeat it across your page. Focus on the meditative quality of creating recurring patterns. Vary the size or color slightly as you go, allowing the pattern to develop organically.

25. Create a Scene that Represents Quiet to You.

What does quiet look like to you? Perhaps it's a snow-covered landscape or an empty beach at dawn. Use your art supplies to capture this vision of silence, focusing on creating a sense of stillness.

26. Paint or Draw Natural Elements that You Find Peaceful.

Focus on organic shapes and forms—leaves, flowers, shells, or stones. Observe their natural patterns and try to capture these details in your art.

27. Use Muted, Earthy Tones to Create a Serene Nature Scene.

Choose a palette of gentle earth tones—soft browns, mossy greens, warm grays. Use these colors to build a peaceful landscape or abstract nature-inspired composition. Layer colors thoughtfully to create depth and interest while maintaining a calm feel.

28. Design a Page Inspired by a Place You Want to Visit.

Let your imagination transport you to a destination you dream of experiencing. Research images of this location for inspiration, then create your own interpretation using your art supplies. Add details that capture what draws you to this place—the colors, the architecture, the natural elements.

29. Make a Serenity Page Using Soft, Calm Colors.

Choose a palette of gentle, soothing hues—soft blues, muted greens, pale lavenders, or warm beiges. Create a composition that flows naturally across your page, perhaps incorporating peaceful symbols or calming patterns.

30. Create an Abstract Art Page that Reflects Your Current Feelings.

Close your eyes for a moment and tune into your emotions. What colors represent how you're feeling? What kinds of lines or shapes emerge? Let your current emotional state guide your hand as you create an abstract expression of your inner landscape.

How to Choose a Notebook for Art Journaling: Finding Your Perfect Creative Companion

When choosing the right book for your art journal pages, your journal choice can make a huge difference in your creative process. Look for a journal with paper that can handle your preferred media, whether that's watercolor, markers, or collage materials from your favorite magazines. Consider factors like paper weight, texture, and binding style.

A lay-flat journal will make your creative process so much more enjoyable, while one with mixed media paper gives you the freedom to experiment with different techniques and ideas.

What Supplies Do I Need to Start Art Journaling? Your Essential Tool Guide

Here are some essential tools to help bring your creative ideas to life:

A quality softbound journal, spiral notebook, notepad, or book with paper that can handle mixed media
Basic art supplies: watercolors, brushes, and various colorful writing tools
Adhesive for adding images and creating collages
Your favorite magazines for finding inspiring pictures and words
Simple drawing tools for adding meaningful words and illustrations

The beautiful thing about this process is that you can start with just a few basic supplies and expand your collection as you discover what inspires you.

What Are the Benefits of Art Journaling for Mental Health? A Self-Awareness Journey.

The process of art journaling offers a powerful path to both creative expression and emotional well-being. Here's what makes this practice so valuable:

It provides a safe space to process thoughts and emotions through images and words
Creating art helps reduce stress and anxiety
Your blank pages become a playground for exploring new ideas
The creative process naturally boosts mood and self-awareness
Each completed page builds confidence in your artistic voice
The combination of words and images creates deeper self-expression
Your journal becomes a tangible record of your creative growth

Whether you're documenting daily moments or exploring deeper emotions, each page offers a fresh opportunity for discovery.

Learn more about Journaling for Mental Health + Where to Start.

Making Time for Your Practice: A Guide to Consistent Creativity.

One of the most common questions our journaling experts hear is about finding time to maintain an art journaling practice. Here's what we've learned works best:

Start small. Even 15 minutes of creative time can be meaningful.
Keep your favorite supplies easily accessible.
Consider making your art journal part of your morning or evening routine.
Don't wait for inspiration. Sometimes simply opening your book and adding a few marks can spark creativity.
Remember that not every page needs to be a masterpiece. Some of the most powerful entries are the simplest.

Creating a Comfortable Creative Space: Set Yourself Up for Success.

Your environment can significantly impact your art journaling process. Consider setting up a dedicated area where you can leave supplies out and return to works in progress. Some elements that can enhance your creative space:

Natural light for accurate color work
Comfortable seating that supports good posture
Easy access to your most-used supplies
Inspiration boards or favorite images nearby
A surface that's easy to clean
Storage solutions that keep materials organized but visible

Having a welcoming space makes it more likely you'll engage with your practice regularly. Even a small corner of a room can become a powerful creative sanctuary.

Make Your Art Journal Process Your Own.

Remember that art journaling is a deeply personal journey. Some days you might follow these prompts exactly, while other times they'll simply inspire new ideas for your creative practice. Don't worry about making perfect images or following strict rules. Instead, focus on what brings you joy and helps you express your favorite things.

The simple act of putting marks on paper can become a form of moving meditation, helping you process emotions while nurturing your creative voice. As you develop your own unique art journaling process, you'll discover favorite techniques and creative rhythms that work best for you.

Ready to start your art journaling journey? Explore softbound journals and custom notebooks that provide the perfect book for your artistic exploration, and let your creativity flow!