& Beginner’s Checklist

© - Copyright & Licensing
All artwork and digital resources on cosmicmoon.co are my original creations or thoughtfully composed mixed-media pieces. While I love sharing free and affordable downloads for your personal creative use, please respect these terms:
• You may use these files for personal projects, handmade crafts, and art journaling.
• You may not resell, redistribute, or claim the digital files or images as your own.
• You may print the collage papers as many times as you wish for your projects, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, mixed media etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage papers “as is" in either print or digital formats.

If you wish to share the downloads on your own website, please do not make the files available to download directly from your website. Instead, please include an image with a link back to cosmicmoon.co.

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TERMS + Reader Etiquette

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How to Start An Art Journal: A Beginner's Checklist

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Freebies

Art Journaling Steps, Creative Journaling Process and Junk Journal for Beginners

Art journaling is one of the most freeing, expressive ways to explore creativity. Whether you are a beginner or just stuck, these 5 simple steps will help you build beautiful, meaningful pages. Please enjoy the below graphic I have compiled to help you on how to start an art journal for beginners.

5 illustrated steps for starting an art journal, including prepping, layering, and adding mixed media and journaling.

Step 1: Prep Your Page

Start with gesso or clear primer to seal your page; especially if you’re using wet media.

Step 2: Create a Background

Use watercolor washes, acrylic paint, or paper collage to build mood and tone.

Step 3: Add Texture & Layers

Layer with stamps, stencils, washi tape, or old book pages. Don’t be afraid to make a mess.

Step 4: Add a Focal Point

Choose a photo, drawing, or quote that anchors your page emotionally.

Step 5: Final Touches & Journaling

Add handwritten notes, doodles, or borders. Sign and date your spread if it feels finished.

✨ Enjoyed The Post? Here’s How You Can Support & Stay Inspired! ✨

If you love these resources, here are a few easy ways to keep the creativity flowing and help me continue making free designs for you:

💖 Buy Me a Coffee – Fuel my creative process by buying me a coffee! Every little bit helps me create more goodies for you.

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Your support means the world to me and keeps this creative community thriving. Thank you for being here!

🌟 With gratitude, thank you for supporting independent artists!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Download?

The free printable collage papers are easy to download.
Click on the download button, a new window will open, the PDF file with the high resolution artwork is ready for you to print. {PDF is formatted to print on 8.5″X11″ paper}

What if I have never created art before?

Mixed media collage papers are a great way to get started as a newbie! Everyone started their creative journey somewhere! Be kind to yourself and practice. Remember mistakes are good, it means you're growing. Have compassion and trust yourself. The key is in the process not the end result (albeit inspiring if we like the final piece). Relish in the journey!

How are the designs made?

Some of the visual elements featured in the designs may include artwork partially generated using artificial intelligence tools. These elements are used as creative components and are combined with hand-drawings, paintings, gelli plates, photographs (unsplash) and digital work in Procreate. All final compositions are original and curated by cosmicmoon.co as the artist. The use of artificial intelligent-generated assets is disclosed in the interest of transparency and creative integrity.

What supplies do I need?

I encourage you to work with the supplies you have and be flexible to adapt to your own needs. There is nothing better than experimenting with different materials! Some of the basics are: good quality paper, mod podge or gel medium, and either watercolor or acrylic paint, Caran D'ache watercolor wax pastels, and a mix-sized bunch of brushes.