Where Creative Passions Become Life-Changing Journeys

Last week, over 10,000 of you showed up for the Art of Expression Summit — and I'm still sitting with how beautiful that is.

Ten thousand people carving out time in their week to learn, create, and just be in their craft. That's not a small thing. Thank you for being part of it.

One of the themes that kept coming up during the summit — in the workshops, in the chat, in the questions people asked — was art journaling. Specifically: how do I actually start? So this week, I wrote you a full beginner's guide to mixed media art journaling, and I want to walk you through the heart of it here.

THIS WEEK'S CREATIVE GUIDE · MAY EDITION

How to Start an Art Journal: A Beginner's Guide to Mixed Media Expression

An art journal is part sketchbook, part diary, part creative playground — a place where nothing has to be finished, polished, or shared. Mixed media takes it even further, layering paint, collage, ink, handwriting, and found papers into pages that are as much about the process as the result.

Here's what I love most about this medium: it's genuinely forgiving. If the paint isn't capturing what you feel, collage over it. If a page gets overworked, it becomes a background for the next layer. Nothing is ever ruined — it's all just material for what comes next.

To get started, you really only need a handful of things: a mixed media or watercolor sketchbook (at least 90lb paper), gel medium, a few basic acrylic paints, a waterproof pen, and collage scraps — old magazines, book pages, wrapping paper, whatever you have on hand.

The full guide walks through your first page step by step — from prepping the surface with gesso, to building up background layers, to adding collage and mark-making — plus practical tips for building a consistent practice without pressure or perfectionism.

📖 Read the full beginner's guide to mixed media art journaling →

LAST CHANCE · CART CLOSES TUESDAY, MAY 26

Still Want Everything From the Art of Expression Summit? Grab the VIP Pass.

The Art of Expression Summit wrapped last Thursday — and if you missed any sessions (or want to revisit your favorites), the VIP Pass gives you lifetime access to every workshop recording, including the Mixed Media Vision Board session and the junk journal and zine-making class.

This is the only way to keep those workshops in your hands once the free replay window closes. And the cart shuts down Tuesday, May 26 — so if you've been on the fence, now's the time.

NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION · JUNE 16–18

Creator Summer Camp Summit Is Coming — and Spots Are Open Now

Our next big event is already on the horizon — the Creator Summer Camp Summit, happening June 16–18. Registration is officially open, and we'd love to see you there.

Three days of creative workshops, community, and inspiration to carry you through the summer. Secure your spot now before it fills up.

Until next Sunday — open a notebook, tear something up, paint something over it. The best art journal pages are the ones that happen when you stop waiting to feel ready.

Warmly,
Destini