Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: December 2025

Recently, one of my readers posed the simple question, “How do I start with sketch journaling?” It was at this time that I realized that whilst many of you read my writing for the ideas to put into your journals and sketchbooks, there are still many people who just need a little guidance on how to get going in the first place. So, today I’m going to share my thought with you on getting started with sketch journaling. – Alison

How to Start a Sketch Journal

Sketch Journaling

What Sketch Journaling Is

Sketch journaling is a simple practice that blends small drawings with a few thoughtful words. It gives you a quiet place in your sketchbook to notice what is happening around you and inside you. When you put pen to paper with both images and text you slow down. You become more present. You let your mind and hand move together in a calm and natural way.

Why it Matters

This approach matters because it helps you see your life with fresh eyes. A quick sketch anchors a moment. A short note captures a feeling. Together they form a gentle creative space where your ideas can grow and your inner voice can settle. Sketch journaling is not about perfect art. It is about paying attention, building awareness and enjoying the process.

Who Sketch Journaling is For

Let’s first talk about who sketch journaling is for. I believe that it is for everyone. You do not have to be a great artist, I’m certainly not, nor do you nedd to be a trained artist and have been to art school or college for art lessons. 

No, sketch journaling is for anyone who wants to bring a creative component into their lives. I think it maybe you. If you are reading this then you probably have an interest in sketch journaling to start with and that is all you need.

Permission

If you’ve been told that “your art is rubbish” or “you can’t draw” then you may have an inner dialogue which prevents you from doing any type of art at all.

Let me disabuse you of that notion and give you permission right here and now to start creating art today.

Pick up that pencil find your journal and start sketching by sunset.

• How many sketchbooks do you need?

Benefits of Sketch Journaling

Small Rewards

Noting your day-to-day activities can give your brain a steady lift because it offers small or micro moments of reward. Each time you jot down something you did, your mind gets a clear signal that you followed through on an action. This sense of completion sparks a gentle rise in dopamine which supports your motivation and feelings of wellbeing.

Positive

Documenting your day with sketch journaling also helps you notice progress that you might otherwise miss. When you see small steps written down you feel encouraged to keep going. You can go back and see how your art was at the beginning of the month and see the improvement. This builds a positive feedback loop which keeps your creative energy steady.

Calm Focus

Another benefit is that regular sketch journaling and daily recording brings is structure to your thoughts. Your brain likes patterns and clear steps. When your day is set out on the page you feel more grounded and your nervous system can settle. This calm focus will help your brain chemicals work in a natural and balanced way.

Personal Relationship

Overall, capturing your daily life in a simple sketch journal or written note supports a kinder internal relationship with yourself. It gives your mind little wins and keeps your creative spirit engaged.

What You Need

It’s Already There

You already have what you need to begin. Most people think they must gather a pile of special tools and go on an art supply mega haul before they can start creating, but that activity can grind the whole process to a stop. Your creativity does not depend on perfect art supplies.  It depends on your willingness to show up.

Paper and Pen

A small notebook a pen or a pencil is enough. If you have a few colored pencils even better, but they are not required. What matters is the moment you sit down and make a mark. Simple tools help you stay present and keep the practice easy. They also remove the pressure to produce something polished.

Having Enough

When you trust that what you have is enough you free yourself to explore. You focus on the experience and not the equipment. This gentle approach keeps the door open for your ideas to flow and lets you enjoy the process from the very first page.

Over To You

Finding Your Own Style and Rhythm

Now it’s your turn. Sketch journaling is not about rules or perfect results, but rather it’s about discovering the way that art feels right for you. Some days you may want to write more, letting words carry your thoughts and feelings. Other days you might be drawn to colour, texture, or a few simple doodles to capture a mood or moment.

Experiment

The heart of this practice is personal expression. There is no right or wrong way to do sketch journaling. Your pages can be loose and playful, quiet and reflective, or a mix of everything. By experimenting with different approaches, you will learn what nourishes you creatively and keeps you engaged.

Your Art, Your Way

Trust your instincts. Let your hand move freely, follow your curiosity, and allow each page to be a reflection of your own unique expression. This is your space, your process, and your creative voice so I urge you to embrace it fully.

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you.

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