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What if ten minutes a day could unlock your most joyful, creative self?

Life gets busy, and it’s so easy to push our creativity aside—waiting for that “perfect” moment to sit down and make something amazing. I used to do this all the time. I’d collect the cutest, most beautiful notebooks and tell myself I’d use them when inspiration really hit. But I wanted everything to be just right, so I kept putting it off. Those notebooks? They sat untouched for years.

Eventually, I realized I was letting perfection get in the way of simply playing and having fun. That’s when I started keeping a simple art journal—no pressure, no fancy rules. Just ten minutes a day to doodle, paint, scribble thoughts, or stick in a sticker that made me smile. It became a way to check in with myself, to stay creative without overthinking it. Now, it’s one of my favorite parts of the day.

Looking for a simple way to boost creativity, reduce stress, and stay mindful?
Starting a daily art journaling practice is a powerful, personal way to express emotions, track your day, and build a meaningful creative habit—even if you're short on time or totally new to drawing.

If you’ve ever found yourself saving your “nice” supplies or waiting for inspiration to strike, this is your gentle nudge: open that notebook. Make a mess. Play a little. You don’t have to be perfect to be creative. You just have to start.

Why Start a Daily Art Journal Habit?

I used to carry a constant weight in my chest—anxiety about everything that felt out of my control.

Where would we live? How would we ever afford a home? Could we really raise two kids on our own, far away from the village of family and support we once knew?

I couldn’t shake off the constant worries about what lay ahead. It felt like I was in a rut—overwhelmed and stretched too thin. On the outside, I tried to hold it together, but inside, I was quietly panicking.

That’s when I started consistently art journaling.

Initially, it started as a way to channel some creativity during a tough time. But as I continued, I realized it was about more than just drawing. It turned into a daily art journal practice that helped me slow down, take a breath, and process my thoughts and feelings without any pressure or judgment.

Drawing in my journal helped me release what I was holding in. I could pour my anxieties onto the page, give shape to my feelings, and lighten the mental load I was carrying. The simple act of doodling, coloring, or even just playing with lines and shapes gave me a break from the mental noise and helped me reconnect with myself.

Art journaling didn’t solve all my problems, but it provided me with something equally important: mental clarity, a way to express my creativity, and a sense of calm amid the chaos. It allowed me to tackle each challenge with a clearer mindset and a boost of confidence in myself.

And now, I want to share how you can start this healing habit too—no art degree required. Just five simple steps to help you create a space of your own to reflect, recharge, and play.

Why Drawing Every Day Helps Creativity Flourish

Creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill you can nurture. Just like a muscle, it gets stronger with regular use. Drawing in your art journal every day, even for just a few minutes, helps build a steady creative rhythm.

When you give yourself space to create without pressure or judgment, you begin to notice more ideas, feel more confident, and develop your unique voice. Daily journaling also removes the fear of the blank page. It becomes less about perfection and more about presence—showing up, exploring, and trusting the process.

Over time, small consistent acts of creativity unlock bigger breakthroughs. You begin to see that inspiration isn’t rare or fleeting—it’s something you can invite in by simply starting.

Creative Affirmation

Featured Positive Affirmation
I am committed to nurturing my creativity one day at a time.

Starting a daily art journaling practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This affirmation is a simple reminder that consistency matters more than perfection. Each day you make space to create, no matter how small, is a meaningful investment in your creative well-being. Trust that small steps add up and give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.

Click below to download your free affirmation phone wallpaper or printable mini poster! Featuring the empowering reminder: “I am committed to nurturing my creativity one day at a time.”

Keep it on your screen or hang it somewhere special to stay inspired every day.

I’ve made a handy infographic laying out the 5 simple steps to developing your daily art journal habit!

Step 1: Choose Your Time

The first step to building an art journaling habit is to choose a time that feels natural and easy to stick with. Think about your daily rhythm—when do you have a few quiet moments to yourself?

It could be:

During your morning coffee while the house is still quiet
As part of your bedtime wind-down routine to release the day
A creative lunch break escape in the middle of a busy day

The key is to keep it short and doable. You don’t need an hour of uninterrupted silence (though if you have it—amazing!). Just start with 10 minutes. Even a few mindful minutes of creative play can make a big difference for your mood and mindset.

💡 Habit stacking tip: Try tying your art journaling to something you already do each day. For example, "After I pour my morning coffee, I open my journal." This helps your new habit become part of your routine with less effort.

The more you honor this time for yourself, even if it’s just a little window each day, the more you’ll start to look forward to it as a calming, joyful part of your day.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

You don’t need a fancy setup or expensive supplies to start art journaling—just a few simple tools and a willingness to play.

Here’s what I recommend to begin:

A notebook or sketchbook—whatever you have on hand
A pencil and a pen—great for sketching, doodling, or writing
Optional: markers, colored pencils, or watercolors for a pop of color

If you already have an art supply stash, this is the perfect excuse to use it! But if not, don’t let that stop you. A basic notebook and pen are more than enough to get started. Some of my favorite pages have come from just doodling with a ballpoint pen during quiet moments.

✨ Remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s expression. Use what you have and let your creativity flow. You can always build your toolkit later.

Step 3: Find Inspiration

Feeling stuck on what to draw or journal about? Don’t worry—you don’t have to stare at a blank page and wait for a lightning bolt of creativity. There’s inspiration all around you—you just need to start noticing it.

Here are a few gentle ways to find ideas:

Daily life details: What made you smile today? What’s on your mind?
Moments of mindfulness: What did your coffee taste like this morning? What colors stood out on your walk?
Gratitude and reflection: What are you thankful for right now? What are you learning about yourself?

You can also use journal prompts to spark ideas—whether it’s drawing your favorite outfit from the week, illustrating a recent mood, or capturing a quiet moment from your day.

✨ The key is to let inspiration be gentle and joyful, not overwhelming. You’re not trying to create a masterpiece—you’re just capturing a moment, a feeling, or an idea in your own creative way.

Step 4: Start Drawing

This is the part that can feel the most intimidating—but I promise, it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to be a “good” artist to start art journaling. You just need to begin.

Start small and simple:

Doodle your coffee mug
Sketch the view from your window
Draw how you’re feeling as a shape, a color, or even a scribble
Trace your hand and fill it with patterns or words
Turn a memory from your day into a little cartoon

Let go of the pressure to make something perfect. Your art journal is your personal, safe space—not a gallery. It’s where you get to explore, experiment, and express yourself freely.

💡 Tip: If you’re stuck, set a timer for 5–10 minutes and just make marks on the page. Draw circles, lines, or messy shapes. Sometimes movement unlocks creativity.

And remember: the act of drawing is the win. Every page, every scribble, every sketch—it’s all part of your journey.

Step 5: Be Mindful

One of the most powerful things about a daily art journal is how it connects you with the present moment. When you’re focused on drawing, painting, or even just scribbling, you’re not worrying about tomorrow or rehashing yesterday—you’re here, now.

That’s what makes it such a beautiful mindfulness tool.

As you create, try to:

Notice your breathing. Let your breath slow down and settle. You might find that your lines and colors start to mirror the calmness you’re cultivating.
Observe how your body feels. Are your shoulders tense? Is your jaw relaxed? Tuning into your body helps bring you fully into the moment.
Stay curious about what’s showing up on the page. You don’t need to plan or control it. Let your hand lead and see what unfolds—sometimes the page will surprise you in the best way.
Let go of the idea that it needs to look a certain way. This is not about being polished. It’s about being present. Let your art journal be messy, emotional, joyful, silly—whatever it needs to be.

Keeping a daily art journal can be a valuable way to take care of yourself and work through your emotions. When life feels overwhelming, creating art allows you to express some of that burden instead of keeping it all inside. Sometimes, colors can convey what words fail to express, and the shapes and lines can help you process your feelings in a different way.

If you feel inclined, consider jotting down a brief reflection on the page—just a word, a sentence, or maybe something like “today was tough” or “I feel lighter.” There's no need to overanalyze it. Sometimes, simply recognizing your feelings can help change how you see things.

Consider each page of your daily art journal as a way to check in with yourself. It's a space to let go, have fun, observe your thoughts, and take care of that inner voice that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Your Daily Art Journal Can Be a Gentle Anchor

Starting a daily art journal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just a few minutes of creative expression each day can help you feel more grounded, less stressed, and more connected to your inner self.

Whether you’re doodling a teacup, capturing a feeling with watercolor, or simply letting your pen move freely across the page—this little habit can become a quiet, powerful anchor in your life.

And the best part? You get to make it your own.

Daily Art Journal Motivation: Tips to Keep Going

Starting a daily art journal isn't about being perfect—it's simply about making the effort to do it regularly. Like any habit, it becomes easier and more fulfilling over time if you stick with it and treat yourself with kindness. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your momentum:

Set a Tiny, Achievable Goal

Start small so it feels doable. Instead of committing to every single day, try something like:

“I’ll art journal 3 times this week”
or
“I’ll spend 10 minutes a day with my journal for the next 5 days.”

Small goals build confidence and when you meet them, you feel encouraged to keep going.

Make It a Date

Staying motivated can be a real challenge, especially when you’re going it alone. That’s why it’s a fantastic idea to reach out to a friend who shares your passion for art, journaling, or any creative outlet. Establish a regular check-in routine where you can catch up on each other's projects, share your latest creations, or just chat about what’s inspiring you at the moment. You might even find that simply knowing someone is in it with you helps you stay committed—just think: even if you only dedicate ten minutes a day to your craft, that little bit of connection can make all the difference.

Want to shake things up a bit? Why not plan some fun journaling dates? You can meet up at your favorite cozy café, each armed with your notebooks and a collection of colorful pens, or if you’re miles apart, hop on a video call and create together from your own spaces. It’s a great way to combine creativity and camaraderie! Remember, the goal here isn’t perfection—it’s about showing up, having fun, and keeping that creative spark alive together. So grab a friend and get started! The creative journey will be a lot more enjoyable when you’re sharing it!

Make It Yours

Your daily art journal is your world. Let it reflect your personality and what brings you joy. Don’t be afraid to decorate the pages with:

Stickers you love
Washi tape
Photos or Polaroids (You can use a Canon ivy or a HP Sprocket!)
Magazine clippings
Handwritten quotes or affirmations
Bits of your day like receipts, ticket stubs, or leaves

These little additions not only make your journal more visually fun—they also deepen your connection to it. The more you it feels, the more you’ll want to return to it.

Set a tiny goal: “I’ll do this 3 times this week”
Join a challenge or art journaling community
Make it yours: add stickers, tape, photos, quotes, etc.

Remember, you don’t need to be perfect. Art journaling is all about self-expression and mindfulness—just show up, have fun, and let your creativity flow. You’ve got this!

I’d love to see your pages and how you’re getting started with your daily art journal habit. Feel free to share your journaling journey with me by tagging @HamlettaStudios on Instagram! I can't wait to cheer you on as you explore your artistic side.

Art Journaling for Beginners: Create a Mindful Daily Art Journal Habit in 5 Simple Steps