Some benefits of keeping a “Studio Journal”

  • First and foremost - to keep the work alive with thinking/reflection
  • To preserve unique moments of a discovery
  • To preserve equally unique moments of a struggle/crisis
  • To learn from one’s own story
  • To exercise an insight and self-recognition
  • To learn self-discipline and persistence
  • To develop skill in a creative/accurate writing
By “Studio Journal” I mean any form of a written record of one’s own progress/actions in an artistic studio (by ‘studio’ I mean an actual workplace - wherever thinking/working takes place; it can be a gallery, trip, workshop, library).

It can be kept in a form of a sketchbook, where drawings, work-samples, illustrations are included, however a special care should be taken for putting experiences into words… It’s slightly similar to maintaining a web-blog, however, more personal…

It’s best rewarding when the discipline of regular notes (based on everyday, each two/three days frequency) is applied consistently.

I’ve been sustaining my own ‘Journal’ for a month as for now and must say - it’s got a power to surprise. I mean - reading my own two-weeks-old thoughts is sometimes like flying on another planet…

But one important rule - one has to be honest - and a diary is a great lecture on honesty… On one day I wrote: “I’m not going to pretend that I have something interesting to say…” And sometimes is nothing more than that…

So, good luck with that - if you accept this challenge of mine…

Also of interest

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frater gymnos

frater gymnos’s avatar

this is a grreat way to begin.

the visual is on of th ways i communicate and reflect with myself, over teh years.

with the moon looking so full and pregnanttonight, i cannot but turn to my brand new Canson sketchbook and speak that other tongue (which I undeerstand a little, but have lages to go before i’m even passable!

THanks for all your work.

frater gymnos,
Thanks. It’s not only a great way to begin, but also to move on endlessly, until the very end (if there is any end). All the best with your work, too.
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