Unlocking Your Creativity with Mark Making

I recently wrapped up teaching my Paper, Paint, Play class, and I couldn’t be happier with the enthusiasm and progress of my students. Their creativity and dedication were truly inspiring!

While I always keep various journals—including one specifically for this class—I decided to take things a step further and go larger. Right now, I’m working in an 11x14 mixed media journal, using it as a space for mark making and layered spreads. These are techniques I teach and continue to practice even when I’m not in the classroom.

Mark making is one of my favorite tools for nurturing creativity. It encourages exploration and provides a sense of freedom in the artistic process. Creativity thrives when we let go of expectations, and both mark making and art journaling offer the perfect space for self-expression, experimentation, and the pure joy of creating without pressure.

Whether you're an experienced artist or just beginning your creative journey, incorporating mark making into your art journal can open up a world of inspiration. So grab your journal, experiment with different marks, and enjoy the process—there’s no right or wrong way to create!

What are your favorite mark-making techniques? I’d love to hear about your creative process in the comments!

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out my YouTube videos, where I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative practice. Let’s explore the joy of mark making together!