The Benefits of Art Journaling for Children: Unlocking Creativity and Building Skills

Hey, parents! Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way to help your kids develop creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills? Look no further than art journaling! This simple, yet powerful form of art is a fantastic tool for children of all ages to explore their imagination and build essential life skills. Whether your child is younger or older, art journaling offers a playful space for them to express themselves while gaining confidence in expressing their own unique artistic voice.

I have recently discovered the joy of art journaling myself, and I think it is one of the best forms of creativity to engage in for SO MANY REASONS!

What is Art Journaling Anyway?

Art journaling is simply a creative way for kids (and adults!) to express themselves on paper using a combination of color, images and words in any way desired to create unique, personalized art within an art journal.

The emphasis is not on creating a “perfect” piece of art, but instead the focus is on the process, and the beauty of each child being able to create their own unique expressions of feelings, ideas, thoughts, emotions, desires, and story in a fun, playful artistic way that resonates with each child and allows them to be able to develop and nurture their own creative voice.

The best part? There’s no wrong way to do it. It’s all about fun and exploration!

So, what exactly is Sticker Story Art Journaling?

Sticker Story art journaling is simply focusing on predominantly using stickers, in addition to writing tools like paint pens or markers to bring your art journaling pages to life! Sticker story-style art journaling utilizes stickers to create unique art collages that combine color, images and words to create beautiful mixed media pages in an art journal.

One of the benefits of doing sticker story-style art journaling is that it is relatively easy to do, in that it does not require a lot of supplies. You simply need an art journal with blank pages, scissors, the stickers of your choice, paint pens or similar writing tools, and a small bag or container to collect the scraps when peeling stickers off the paper.

There is not a lot of mess because it is dry medium (except before paint pens or markers dry on paper), it can be cleaned up quickly, and it is portable, so you can do it at home, or you can take it with you if you want to do it other places.

I have really been LOVING art journaling, and I am excited to introduce this valuable creative art form to you, and I can’t wait to share with you the many benefits of art journaling. It is simply so creative, and SO MUCH FUN!!!

So, why should you encourage your kids to start art journaling? Let's dive into some of the amazing benefits it can offer!

1. Encourages Creative Expression

One of the most obvious benefits of art journaling is that it provides a safe, creative outlet for kids to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This freedom allows them to communicate things they may not be able to put into words, helping them express their inner world without the pressure of perfection.

Example: Your child might draw a picture of a superhero to represent how they’re feeling brave or create a colorful abstract page that mirrors their excitement. By using art to express emotions, children can begin to understand and process their feelings in healthy ways.

2. Boosts Emotional Well-Being

Art journaling isn’t just about creating fun art journaling pages — it’s a therapeutic process that allows kids to work through their emotions. Whether they’re feeling happy, sad, frustrated, or excited, journaling helps them process those emotions by putting them on paper. It’s a way for children to release stress and find calm, especially during challenging or overwhelming moments.

Example: A child who’s had a tough day at school might find comfort in filling a page with colors and shapes that reflect how they’re feeling. This kind of self-soothing activity can help them cope and feel more balanced emotionally.

3. Improves Fine Motor Skills

When children engage in art journaling, they’re not only exercising their creativity but also improving their fine motor skills. From holding a pen to using scissors for collage-making, the physical act of creating art involves hand-eye coordination and control. These actions help strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers, which are essential for tasks like writing and using tools in everyday life.

Example: Cutting out shapes from sheets of sticker paper to paste into their journal, or drawing small details in their artwork, encourages children to develop their fine motor skills in a natural, fun way.

4. Fosters Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Art journaling helps children tap into their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think critically about their work. From choosing materials to figuring out how to execute an idea, children are constantly making decisions and adjusting their approach as they create. These experiences help develop their ability to think flexibly and creatively — skills they can carry into other areas of their life.

Example: A child might start with a simple idea, like drawing a tree, but then decide to experiment by adding textures, using different colors, or incorporating different art elements of collage. As they work through these decisions, they’re practicing problem-solving in real-time.

5. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem

When children create art, they often feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. Art journaling is an excellent way to build that confidence, especially when they see the progress they’ve made over time. The process of seeing their art evolve helps them understand that effort and experimentation lead to growth — and that mistakes are part of the creative journey. Plus, art journaling is a space where they can truly be themselves, without the fear of judgment.

Example: As your child looks back through their art journal, they can see how much they've improved, and they’ll feel proud of their creativity. It boosts their belief in their abilities and motivates them to keep exploring and creating.

6. Enhances Communication Skills

While children might not always have the words to express what they’re feeling or thinking, art journaling gives them an alternative way to communicate. When kids engage in art-making, they can also develop the language needed to talk about their work. Whether they’re explaining their choice of colors, describing a character they created, or telling a story through pictures, art journaling encourages verbal expression and vocabulary building.

Example: After completing a journal page, your child might want to share it with you, telling you about the inspiration behind their artwork. This sparks communication and storytelling, allowing them to practice articulating their thoughts and ideas.

7. Encourages Calm and Focus

In today’s world, kids often have so many distractions vying for their attention. Art journaling offers a peaceful, calming activity that allows children to slow down and focus on the present moment. As they engage in their creative process, they can tune into their thoughts and find joy in the act of making something with their own hands. This vital practice can help children develop patience and attention span — skills that are valuable in all areas of life.

Example: Sitting down with a blank page and simply allowing your child to doodle, sketch, or collage without rushing helps them practice being in the moment and building focus.

8. Promotes Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

Art journaling provides children with a personal space to reflect on their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Over time, their journal becomes a visual record of their growth and development. Kids can look back through their journals to see how their skills have improved, or even revisit artwork that reflects past emotions and experiences. This self-reflection promotes self-awareness and helps kids better understand who they are and how they’ve changed.

Example: A child might start their journal by drawing pictures of things they love, like their family or favorite animals. As time goes on, their artwork might evolve to include more complex themes, such as their dreams or goals. Their journal becomes a mirror of their personal journey.

9. Inspires a Love for Art and Creativity

Lastly, one of the greatest benefits of art journaling is that it nurtures a love for art and creativity that can last a lifetime. The more children engage in creative activities, the more they learn to appreciate the value of self-expression. By making art a regular part of their routine, kids build a deep connection to the creative process, which can inspire them to pursue other artistic endeavors as they grow older.

Example: By regularly working in their art journals, children may develop a lifelong interest in art, leading them to explore painting, sculpture, photography, or other creative outlets as they mature.

How to Get Your Child Started with Art Journaling

Ready to get started? Here’s a quick guide to help your child begin their art journaling journey:

Get a Journal: Find a journal with blank pages that’s the right size for your child. The journal should have plenty of space for them to draw, write, and collage with stickers.

Gather Supplies: Collect basic art supplies like paint pens, markers, scissors, sticker paper, and stickers for collaging. Feel free to add washi tape or any other self-adhesive element to stick with the sticker story-style of art journaling.

Create a Fun Environment: Set aside a time and space where your child can comfortably work on their art journal. It can be a dedicated art station or simply a cozy spot at the kitchen table.

Let Them Lead: Encourage your child to take the reins and let their creativity flow. Don’t worry about making it "perfect" — the goal is to have fun and experiment!

Embrace Comfort & Joy Art Classes! I have an entire new round of sticker story style art journaling art classes on video coming up, including The Love Art Club for tween and teen girls, but also, for boys and girls ages 5 and up, and I can’t wait to share them with you! In the meantime, I will be sharing inspiration and tools you can use to get your child started with sticker-story style art journaling in the weeks ahead. I hope you will join me on this delightful exploration of this unique art form!!

Final Thoughts: Art Journaling is a Creative Adventure for Kids!

Art journaling is more than just a craft activity — it’s a powerful tool for your child’s emotional, cognitive, and creative development. By giving kids, the freedom to create, express, and reflect, you’re helping them build essential life skills that will serve them for years to come.

So, whether your child is creating their very first art journal page or adding to an ongoing project, embrace the journey and celebrate their creativity every step of the way. After all, every page they fill is a new adventure in their imagination!

Happy journaling, and happy creating!🎨✨

Reference: This blog post was written with the help of Chat GPT, an AI assistant by Open AI, and thoughtfully edited by Jennifer Kilburn to match the heart and style of Comfort & Joy Art.