If you have ever opened a brand new sketchbook and instantly felt pressure to “get it right,” you are not alone. Many artists, beginners and professionals alike, find blank pages surprisingly intimidating. That is where illustrative journaling can help. It is a simple, creative sketchbook habit that blends drawing, doodling, and journaling in a way that is relaxed, personal and completely pressure free.
Whether you are studying our general illustration course, our children’s books illustration course, or any one of our painting and drawing courses for enjoyment. Keeping an illustrated journal is a fantastic way to boost creativity, build confidence and reconnect with your love of drawing.
A Lovely Video to Start With
If you are not sure how to begin, this inspiring video by artist Jordan Clark is a perfect introduction:
In just ten minutes, Jordan walks you through the basics of starting your own journal. From simple prompts and page layout ideas to how to approach it with a relaxed mindset. It is ideal for anyone feeling stuck or unsure where to begin.
What Is Illustrated Journaling?
Illustrated journaling is a creative blend of drawing and writing. It might be a page of doodles from your morning walk, a few sketches of what you ate today, or a quiet memory from the weekend with a little bit of handwritten text alongside.
You can be as playful, detailed, minimal or messy as you like. Think of it like a visual diary — not for anyone else’s eyes but your own.
Some days it might just be a drawing of your mug and a scribbled sentence: “Too tired to paint today. More tea.” Other days you might fill a page with colourful drawings of tulips you found on a walk. There are no rules and that is the beauty of it.
Why It Works (Especially for Students)
Here are just a few reasons why we think illustrated journaling is a brilliant creative habit for art students:
- It removes the pressure to be perfect. Sketchbooks should be a place to explore, not perform.
- It helps you observe your world more closely. Drawing everyday objects sharpens your eye.
- It builds a consistent drawing habit. Even 10 minutes a day makes a difference.
- It boosts storytelling and composition skills. Perfect for illustration students in particular.
- It is a visual time capsule. One you will enjoy flipping through years later.
What You Will Need
You do not need expensive materials. Here is a simple list to get you started:
- Any sketchbook or notebook you enjoy using
- A pencil, fineliner or pen
- Optional: watercolours, coloured pencils, markers, washi tape, stickers
Tip: If you feel nervous about “ruining” a nice sketchbook, try starting with a cheap one. When the pressure is off, the pages often turn out better anyway.
Prompt Ideas to Fill Your First Few Pages
If you are stuck for ideas, try one of these:
- My Morning Routine – illustrated step by step
- Today’s Outfit – including shoes, accessories, or even weather notes
- What I Ate Today – a fun way to practise drawing everyday items
- Things I Saw on My Walk – leaves, dogs, postboxes, clouds
- A Song I Love Right Now – with doodles that capture the mood
- 5 Things I’m Grateful For – combine objects and text
- A Self Portrait – serious or silly
- The View from My Window – as detailed or simple as you like
- A Page About My Pet – perfect if you are a future pet portrait artist!
Try This: One-Page Weekly Summary
If a daily habit feels like too much, try creating a weekly illustrated page instead. Pick a few small highlights or moments from your week and sketch them with a short caption. It is a great way to build consistency without pressure.
Illustrated Journaling and Our Courses
Students on our Children’s Book Illustration, Drawing and Painting, and Illustration Diplomas often find that illustrated journaling helps them develop a more personal voice in their artwork.
It is also a great warm-up tool for artists of any level, especially on days when you are short on time or motivation.
If you would like structured support and feedback as you explore sketchbook work, take a look at our full range of courses here – Explore our Art Courses
We’d Love to See Yours!
Have you started your own illustrated journal? If so, we would love to see a page or two! Share your work with us by email and perhaps we can make a collation blog post with everyone’s together. Your sketchbook might inspire someone else to start their own.
Happy journaling!
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