Do you feel that little creative nudge inside? Like there’s something waiting to burst out—but you just… don’t? Maybe these excuses sound familiar:
- “I don’t have time to create.”
- “Life’s hectic; I’ll wait until things calm down.”
- “I’m saving up for art supplies.”
- “I’m not well enough right now.”
- “The kids are too young—I’ll do it when they’re older.”
- “I’m just not good enough.”
- “I need lessons.” aka “I don’t know where to start”
Sound like you? Sure, they feel valid in the moment, but deep down, you know they’re just excuses.
Ready to ditch them? Then art journaling might be exactly what you need.
Art Journals, Junk Journal and Smash Books
Before we dive in, a quick note: in my previous post I talked about junk journals—if you missed it, you can read it here.
And while we’re at it, let’s clear up some confusion: what’s the difference between an art journal, a junk journal, and a smash book? While these three styles of creative journaling often overlap, the main difference lies in their focus and structure:
| Feature | Art Journal | Junk Journal | Smash Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Practicing art techniques and self-expression | Repurposing items and creating tactile layers | Rapidly recording memories and “life bits” |
| Materials | Paints, inks, gesso, mixed media | Scraps, packaging, found ephemera | Photos, receipts, ticket stubs |
| Structure | Often a high-quality, blank sketchbook | Usually handmade from recycled cardboard or old books | Often a ready-made book with pre-patterned pages |
| Pace | Slower; focused on layering and finished pages | Variable; can be very detailed with pockets and tags | Fast; designed for “on-the-go” or low-effort entry |
Bring on my inner nerd—gotta love a good table!
Now… let’s break down those excuses I mentioned earlier one by one.
Excuse #1: “I Don’t Have Time”
Ah, time. The classic excuse. But here’s the thing: if you really want to do something, you’ll make the time for it. And the beauty of art journaling? It doesn’t have to take hours.
Got 15 minutes? Perfect! Sit down with the kids and create together. They’ll love it, and you’ll finally get a little you-time.
Stuck at the doctor’s office? Instead of reading a magazine from 1981 (that’s announcing Prince Charles and Lady Di are getting married), bring your art journal and doodle. Watching TV? Grab some markers and get creative during commercial breaks… or the sport.
Even the busiest person can squeeze in a few minutes here and there. Think of art journaling as self-care—because it is. And trust me, your future self will thank you.
Excuse #2: “Art Supplies Are Too Expensive”
Who said art journaling has to break the bank? You probably have everything you need lying around already!
- Cereal boxes make great journal covers.
- Old postcards, Christmas cards, or school notebooks? Instant pages.
- That forgotten acrylic paint on your shelf? Dust it off and use it!
- Even crayons, glue, and scrap paper work like magic.
- Those unloved, unused stamps and inks sitting in your craft room? Perfect for your art journal.
You don’t need fancy, high-end supplies to get started. In fact, turning everyday materials into art can be incredibly satisfying—and environmentally friendly too!
Excuse #3: “I’m Not Healthy Enough to Create”
I hear you. Managing health issues can be tough. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’ve struggled with several health issues including chronic sciatic pain, fibromyalgia, kidney stones, anxiety and depression. Some days, just getting out of bed feels like an achievement.
But that’s where art journaling can help—it’s therapy.
Creating triggers those happy little endorphins that boost your mood and help you cope with pain. Even if you’re stuck in bed or on the couch, you can keep it simple. Grab a small notebook, a pen, and doodle.
Remember, creativity thrives on limitations. If you can only use one hand, use that hand! If you’re feeling foggy, scribble your feelings or play with colours. Every tiny step counts.
Excuse #4: “I’m Just Not Good Enough”
Oh, the fear of failure. It’s a sneaky one. But let me tell you a true story.
When I was a kid, I lived to draw. My dad even brought home huge rolls of leftover newsprint paper so I could create giant masterpieces on the floor. It was my happy place.
Then one comment from a high school art teacher when I was 13 crushed my confidence. She told me I had “no talent.” I believed her. And for years, I stopped creating. Completely stopped!
Fast forward 15 years: during my pregnancy I decided to recreate an alphabet mural my mum had done for my pre-school on a quilt for my daughter. I hand-painted the alphabet on calico squares and my sister-in-law sewed them together.
Twenty-nine years on, that quilt is still a treasured possession. Whenever Paris was sick, she pulled it out of the linen cupboard and wraps herself in it. She said it’s like a warm hug. On days that I miss her dreadfully, I pull out that quilt and hold it close to my heart. (It helps.)
Even though I painted the quilt because I really wanted her to have something that connected her to both me and her Nana, I was still reluctant to draw. I’d doodle absentmindedly during phone calls, but I refused to sit down and create properly.
Years passed. I spent years watching YouTube videos and flipping through magazines, learning techniques I never actually tried. Fear paralysed me. I was so afraid my creations wouldn’t be worthy or good enough. Soul-consuming, debilitating fear. Fear of failing.
Then everything changed.
Thanks to my daughter, I discovered scrapbooking and paper crafting and realised it was like following a recipe. If you follow the step-by-step instructions or a sketch, you can create something beautiful. As my confidence grew, I began to deviate from the “recipe,” experiment, and play.
Slowly, I moved past my fears. I put the focus back on the process and started having fun. Then I was able to add my own drawings to my art journal.
Now my art journal goes with me everywhere. It contains sketches, doodles, collages… and yes, a few pages that make me cringe. But they’re mine.
And honestly? That’s the point.
(Did you know FAIL is an acronym for First Attempt In Learning?)
Excuse #5: “Life Is Hectic—I’ll Wait Till Things Calm Down”
Spoiler alert: life never calms down. There will always be work deadlines, family obligations, and an endless to-do list. If you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll be waiting forever.
Instead, think of art journaling as a way to create calm within the chaos. Even five minutes can feel like hitting the reset button. And when life is at its busiest, that’s when you need a little creative escape the most.
Start small. Doodle while your coffee brews. Write a quick note or sketch during lunch. Or add a couple of stamped images or sentiments as you walk past your craft space. Treat it like a pocket of peace that’s just for you.
Because here’s the thing: the busier you are, the more you deserve that time.
Excuse #6: “I’ll Wait Until the Kids Are Older”
Here’s the thing about kids: they’ll always need something. Waiting until they’re older often turns into waiting until they’re teenagers… and then waiting until they’re out of the house. Before you know it, you’re still waiting, and your creative time has been pushed further and further away.
Instead, get them involved! Kids love to create. Sit down together with markers, crayons, or paints, and let them work on their own masterpieces while you add to your art journal. Or if drawing isn’t their thing, They can be decorating with all those big brown boxes that your orders arrive in – think castles, space ships, forts, cars, pirate ships and so much more.
It’s messy? Probably. Fun? Absolutely.
Not only do you get some time to create, but you’re also modelling creativity for your kids (or grandkids), showing them that making art isn’t just for “kids” or “special” people. Grown-ups can make art too!
Some of my most cherished moments with my daughter was when she was sitting quietly beside me sticking things in her little travel journal or drawing in her sketchbook, while I made something. I loved seeing how her style evolved as her confidence grew.
Who knows? This could even become a family tradition. Imagine looking back years from now and seeing how your creativity grew together.
Excuse #7: “I Need Lessons”
No you don’t! There are heaps of YouTube tutorials, online guides, and beginner videos out there to help you get started.
I’ll let you in on a little secret—art journaling is not rocket science. There’s no rule book, no “right” way to do it, no test to pass, and definitely no certification required.
Not sure where to start?
Start with one page: pick a colour, add a few scraps, stamp something, and scribble a sentence. That’s it. Done.
Art journaling is about freedom—freedom to experiment, to make a mess, and to create without judgment. You don’t need a plan. All you need is the willingness to grab a journal, pen, paintbrush, stamps and ink, or even some glue and pictures, and play.
And let’s be real—those “perfect” art journals you see online? They’re curated. You’re not seeing the ripped pages, smudges, or half-finished spreads that didn’t make the cut. That’s real life, and it’s messy—and that’s okay.
Your art journal is your space. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours. Trust the process. Over time, you’ll find your groove and learn naturally. Creativity isn’t about doing it “right”—it’s about letting go.
What’s Really Holding You Back?
When you think about it, the only thing standing in your way is you. Fear, excuses, and that little voice saying, “I can’t” are just speed bumps—not roadblocks.
Flip the script: instead of “impossible,” try reading it as two words: I’m possible.
Overcoming fears and negative self-talk isn’t easy (trust me, I know this first hand). The first and most important step is simply to acknowledge the fear… and show yourself compassion and grace.
Start by being honest with yourself:
- What is your fear?
- What’s holding you back from starting to create?
And remember—these fears can be overcome.
You’ve got this. You are more than “good enough.”
Take a moment right now to practice courage and share with me what’s holding you back from creating in the comments below. What’s the saying…”A problem shared is a problem halved.”? Maybe by sharing what’s holding you back, might lighten the load.
Until next time… happy creating.
Chrissy
