Create your own Studio Journal

For many years I have been using commercially available year planners and diaries. However, I found that they did not exactly suit my needs. In 2024 I decided to create my own bespoke STUDIO JOURNAL. I'm sharing some of the ideas and resources that went into making this journal with you here. There are downloadable pdfs and some thoughts about how to reduce overwhelm by 'triaging' your activities using the Covey Matrix.

Here is my 2024 Studio Journal.

You can see some videos of me flicking through it here.

It was created using a spiral-bound A4 sketchbook. It has 100 pages of white cartridge paper. I found it in a local bargain store (Home Bargains in the UK). The paper is just the right quality, but not as good as you would find in a more expensive sketchbook.

If you can't find a sketchbook with 100 pages, you can always spread your journal across more than one book.

It is useful to have paper that can be drawn on, as this book can also serve as somewhere where you can sketch ideas for future projects.

I added some words and an image to the front cover of the journal. I chose words that would help to motivate me and keep me focused on my goals for the year.

Perhaps most importantly, I arrange my journal so that the planning pages are mixed with blank pages. These are the pages where I jot down ideas, stick in notes or images, and keep a record of my ideas.

I created my printed pages in CANVA. If you are not familiar with CANVA, it is a graphic design app that can be used on a laptop or a phone. There is a free version that has lots of templates for you to customise (I have the PRO version as I use it extensively in my various work roles).

I print out the pages that I require using my inkjet printer. I add the printed pages to the journal a few at a time. I don't create the whole journal at once - I let it evolve as the year progresses and arrange the pages to suit my needs.

I trim the paper so that it fits on to the A4 page of the sketchbook. I have a Tonic paper trimmer that I use a lot in my art practice and this works really well for the purpose. Other paper trimmers will work just as well though.

I use a glue stick, such as a UHU Glue Stick to attach my printed pages to the sketchbook page.

I use coloured felt pens such Crayola SuperTips as to create bold text and diagrams on the blank pages of the sketchbook.

DOWNLOADABLE PDFS

I have added 5 downloadable pdfs below. Please feel free to use these for your own Studio Journal.

You can also make pages for yourself using an app such as CANVA - or Microsoft Word.

The most important thing is that you make the BESPOKE journal that works for you.

Other pages that you can add include:

A review of the previous year in terms of
- your art practice
- your art business
- your life outside of work

Specific goals and plans for the coming year regarding
- your art practice
- your art business
- your life outside of work

Things that you like doing that you would like to do more of in
- your art practice
- your art business
- your life outside of work

Covey Time Management Matrix

This Matrix was created by Steven Covey, author of 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'.

The model uses a 4 quadrant system to help people categorize their activities based the URGENCY & IMPORTANCE of each activity (at that moment). I find this tool extremely helpful - not so much for the important & urgent stuff - but for the NOT URGENT & IMPORTANT stuff.

When faced with constant deadlines, and communications that require you to do something, it is easy to forget about the non-urgent activities that contribute to your art practice and art business. (I find myself signing up for online courses and then forgetting to do them...). So I keep a list of these activities in a Covey Matrix in my Studio Journal. When my URGENT activities have been completed, I can look at the list of non-urgent activities and think about what I would like to do next.

Here is a downloadable pdf of a blank Covey Matrix for you to use in your Studio Journal.

blank covey time management matrix.pdf