14 Reasons Why Artists Keep Visual Journals

1. Keeping a visual journal helps the artist develop a sense of self–discipline.
2. The chronological nature of the journal means that you are automatically recording your personal improvement.
3. A journal can become for you a ‘place’ where you can work out themes as they develop on the journey.
4. It is always good when you are presenting your work to be able to fit it into a theme.
5. Style is a process of evolution.
6. As you develop the 'habit of creativity' you will also develop an intuitive awareness.
   Regard your journal as your personal safe place.
7. It is also a means of communication, a holding place for ideas to share with other artists and students who wish to learn.
8. Your journal is your note-takers paradise … a place where ideas can be kept in the written form as well as visually…
9. Keep technical notes - make sure you are learning about mixing colours and learning theory.
10. Set your self - 'paced learning tasks' of a specified nature.
11. Have a particular learning outcome in mind.
12. Your journal is a safe place where you can experiment with abstractions. It will facilitate an unveiling of ways to express emotions and feelings.
13. Above all this safe haven of personal expression can become for you (if you let it) a source of relaxation.
14. As an artistic venture your journal will naturally evolve into your precious planning tool.