Sunday, September 5, 2010

Journal Junkies Workshop

The style of art journaling presented in The Journal Junkies Workshop by Eric M. Scott and David R. Modler has a strong graphic element that I really like. This is not the way I naturally work so it has been a bit of a stretch for me and I'm seeing elements of it creeping into my journals. I say, yeah! and thank you for expanding my visual vocab!

I picked the above journal page to illustrate this book review for two reasons:
* I'm so danged happy that I put an arrow on that page!
* I used a sharpie to write (very un-Diana-like)
* oh make that 3 reasons ... I'll probably come back to this page and add something more.

The Journal Junkies credit the work of Dan Eldon as their inspirational jumping off point. If you don't know Dan's work and life story, here it is. He lived large in a short period of time.

Back to the book, these two guys gave me some great ideas for using watercolors and watersoluble media that are inspiring me. I like their examples for using text, stencils and tracing. I'm enjoying their prompt section very much. There is not a single beautiful vintage-looking girl in sight; instead think: sharpies and lettering and stencils. Sharpies and lettering were not a "go-to" for me and it's exciting to work with these new elements.
I like opening this book randomly for an bit of inspiration. I think the visuals here are very appealing to teens, twenty-somethings and guys. And let's face it: most of what is out there in the art journaling world has been largely aimed at women so this is very refreshing.

One of the things I look for in craft and art books is the aesthetic. I've been around for a while so it's hard to spring new techniques on me. But great new ways to present the techniques is something that draws me in for a second (and more) look. I'm excited when I see something different.

{notes on my journal page}
I photocopied some fabrics recently and have been using them in my collages and journals. This page was originally a bunch of doodles and I stuck a piece of the fabric copy on top.
Gesso.
Pencil doodles.
Portfolios smooshed in.
Writing on paper glued in
Flower on book paper glued in.

16 comments:

Kym said...

You have inspired me to order this book. I can't wait to get it. Also, I love your idea of photocopying fabric. Very cool. I am going to do that as well!!! Yes.

giddy up said...

I just bought that book and yours too! I have only gotten to glance through them.... can't wait to try some of yours and their techniques!

becky said...

I just saw that book yesterday & added it to my wish list. I was inspired just flipping through it. Will be getting it very soon.

Jane LaFazio said...

fun stuff! I always forget to photocopy and it's such a good way to add and save images.

Anonymous said...

Oh I am soo lovin this page! I love purples!

iHanna said...

Great review, this book is on my wish list already! :-)

Cassie Shella said...

This book sounds facinating. I'm going to have to add it to my Christmas wish list for the hubby. Thanks so much for sharing it! Have a Blessed week.

Cassie Shella said...

Your journal pages are frame worthy! I'm still working on my journaling, I do like to sketch future embroidery projects but I haven't had quite the time to really journal. I will try to do that soon...

Anonymous said...

Top site, I had not come across dianatrout.blogspot.com before during my searches!
Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

I seldom leave comments on blogs, but the ideas really rocks, also I have a few questions like to ask, what's your contact details?

-Johnson

Anonymous said...

I seldom leave comments on blogs, but you really impress me, also I have a few questions like to ask, what's your contact details?

-Johnson

Anonymous said...

Well after your own inspirational book, I am ready to branch out, so ordered this tonight for the UK price is fantastic. Sounds fun ... but you were the catalyst, Diana (a year ago, when my friend from North Carolina sent it to me for a birthday gift.)

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I am am excited too with this question. Tell to me please - where I can read about it?

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