What to do when you make an ugly page...

I know I've talked about this before...ugly pages. I've shared my thoughts before. But it bears repeating. We all do it. We all make art journaling pages that we don't like. I do it all the time! This page started out as the bullseye inspiration (from a few posts ago), and it has turned into a hot mess. I did too much to it, and the page lost focus and got muddled.

But I'm okay with that. Really, I am.

Here's my "ugly page" philosophy:

• You're working in your journal. You're not making art to go on museum walls. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to make ugly pages. I often call them "puke on a page" pages.
• You learn artistic lessons from every page you do. How can you learn and grow as an artist without making mistakes? You can't make amazing art every single time, that's unrealistic. If anything, you learn what not to do again. Or you learn when to stop. Or you learn not to use certain colors together.
• The process is just as important (or even more important) than the finished result. Expression, play, experimentation is the name of the game here. Play and see what happens. If it ends up ugly, oh well. They'll make more paper. Turn the page and start again.
• Sometimes happy accidents happen that you turn around and use to your benefit. You can refine technique, style and try it again and make it work in a different way.

No matter what, don't give up. Keep journaling. Fill up those pages with your soul.

Comments

[Carol E]

I'm so loving this post about ugly pages. I was just there in my AJ and just said what the heck and just started writing on it anyway. I learned what not to do on the next page! Thanks for reminding us to just keep on filling up those pages!

[Marina Haddad]

One day I'll learn how to do the things that you do. It is true that ugly pages happen to happen, it certainly does with me all the time. But I simply cannot believe that you have ugly pages... I love all your art!

[Carol P]

Absolutely love your philosophy about creating art! Totally agree. Thanks for the ideas on using those "puke on a page" < love that phrase. lol

[amie]

I really have tried to adopt this philosophy. I just started art journaling, drawing faces and playing with color this year. Looking back at the journal I've almost filled, I can see my progress. There are still some "ugly" pages or really poorly shaded faces, but for me, it really is about the creative process and the warmth in my heart when i'm noodling about in there

[Sandra]

Love your encouragement, keep telling it to me, you are amazing!:D x x x

[Clare H]

Love how you put it, puke on a page, always makes me laugh and I think of that every time I make puke on a page LOL! Was fabulous to say hi on Friday! We miss you over here

Clare

[Cleo]

ugly...well I know this feeling in front some of my projects. but as you said : it's personnal work, and sometimes it drives to good surprises (not so ofte,n !)
thanks for all your advice and funny posts !

[Lauren]

I'm framin' this!!! You are wise... & funny... & totally inspiring! (as usual!) :)