Ideas & Inspirations for Art Journals & Sketchbooks

By Suzanne McNeill

If you have been thinking of creating an art journal --or if you've already started one--you'll find valuable inspiration here. Packed with creative ideas and encouraging words, this book will get you going with inspiring examples, helpful information, and meaningful techniques. Artist and author Suzanne McNeill reveals everything you need to know to become an accomplished sketch journalist. She shares insightful tips on choosing a subject, sketching from life, layouts, lettering, covers and much more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Design Originals
• Release date: Dec 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781607650935

Suzanne McNeill

Suzanne McNeill is the author of 230 craft & hobby books and 15 Zentangle books, Suzanne McNeill has been called "the Trendsetter" for arts and crafts. Dedicated to hands-on creativity, she constantly tests, experiments, and invents something new and exciting. Suzanne is the woman behind Design Originals, a publishing company dedicated to all things fun and creative. Winner of the Craft and Hobby Association's Industry Achievement Award, she is a designer, artist, columnist, TV personality, publisher, art instructor, author, and lover of everything hands-on.   

Book preview

The Basics

Basic Supplies

To begin you won’t need a hoard of expensive supplies. Paper and any pen or pencil will get you started... the important thing is to record the memories in your life. You can always keep loose papers in a box, or glue them in a sketchbook later.

To get started, I suggest using whatever inspires you... pens, pencils, markers, crayons and/or paints. What is important is that your kit is assembled so it is always ready to take with you. Inspiration is like lightning—you never know when or where it will strike.

Sketchbooks

I encourage you to use any Sketchbook or Journal you like. I have lots of sketchbooks—many of them are spiral bound and others are hardcover. My favorite sizes range from approximately 5x8 (12.7x20.3cm) and 7x9 (17.8x22.9cm) to 8x12 (20.3x30.5cm). All work well as long as the paper is sturdy... 90 pound (mixed media) to 140 pound (watercolor) weight.

Don’t Forget

First thing, add your personal information in the front of your book. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, email address and the year. This is so-o-o important in case your book is ever lost... surely someone will find it and return it to