Move over bullet journal, there’s a new trendy organizational craze in town. Project journaling is the perfect technique to help artists plan their next masterpiece or keep track of their progress. Start yours today!
MATERIALS:
- Mixed media sketchbook
- Fine line drawing pens
- Adhesive library pockets
- Coloured markers
- Acrylic paint
- Assorted yarn
- Various supplies related to the project
- Inspiration images
- Washi tape
- Glue
- Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to make an artist project journal
Step 1:
For this type of planner, a mixed media sketchbook is best as you’ll want a durable and versatile paper for writing, drawing, painting and more. You can begin your planner like you would a bullet journal and create an index where you will list the projects by page as you plan them. This is a fun list to look back on when you finish your project journal or at the end of the year. Drawing a monthly calendar at the front of your book is also helpful when planning deadlines for future projects, art shows or to chart your progress.
Step 2:
To create a project planning page it’s best to open your sketchbook flat and create a project plan over 2 pages. Begin with the title of your project and a few bullet points to describe it. What will it look like? How big will it be? What are your goals for this project? Who is it for?
Step 3:
Divide your planning page into 5 sections.
- Supplies: Make a list of everything you will need to realize your project. If you need to buy supplies, it can be helpful to make a shopping list with prices.
- Inspiration: Cut out images and glue them into your book to create a mood board to keep you on track with the visual and conceptual themes of your project. What inspires you?
- Swatches: As you plan your project, colour or paint the colour palette you are using. Write down the colour names and numbers under them. This is very handy when buying more paint or if you return to a project after a long pause. Use Washi tape to attach swatches, yarns or bits of material to your book.
- Budget: Glue a small envelope onto your project page to store receipts for materials related to your project. This is helpful for budgeting, calculating the price of your work when you sell it, and for your taxes.
- Timeline: When will you start your project? How long will it take? Make your project more manageable by breaking it up into sections. Draw a meter for measuring the progress of your project. Colour in sections to represent what percentage you’ve completed.
Step 4:
Now that you have made your project journal it’s time to use it! Project journals are helpful in two ways:
- On the go: Take your project journal with you every time you shop for supplies! Having a swatch of the paint you used (or the colour number) is going to come in handy when replenishing your stock. Be sure to store your receipts in the pocket!
- Reflect: Look back on completed projects at the end of the year and take in all you have accomplished or make a resolution to pick up an unfinished project where you left off. With this journal, it won’t be hard to find your place again.
Make a project journal a part of your art practice today!
TIPS:
Decorate your project planner with Washi tape, stickers and decorative paper
