Introduction to Visual Journals: Learning a Range of Art Techniques (Weeks 1-4)

This 4-week art-focused class introduces students to visual journals, also called altered books or junk journals. Students will take a used hardback book and create works of art on the pages. Through this class, they will learn how to select their book, prepare the book, and start working in it. No art experience is needed to jump into visual journaling. I recommend taking this course before my other visual journal courses, as this is the introduction class. 

This art class is ideal for middle and high-school-age students. When I taught high school art this was often my students' favorite project. It's a space for students to learn and experiment with new art materials and techniques while expressing themselves creatively. This art project is all about personal taste, style, and aesthetic. It's perfect for students wanting to test out a range of art styles and materials. 

4 lessons are included in this pack over the course of 4 weeks. The lessons focus on starting your visual journal, getting ideas and inspiration, collaging tips, and tips to incorporate text. 

THIS VISUAL JOURNAL COURSE INCLUDES:
WEEK ONE: INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL JOURNALS
Students will get an overview of what visual journals are, how to select a book, prepare the book, and start on their very first mixed media art page. The following is included in the first lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Introduction to visual journals slide presentation
-Starting guide with examples
-20-minute demo video
-First page checklist

Required materials for this assignment include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue

WEEK TWO: IDEAS AND INSPIRATION
Students will learn how to find inspiration for their visual journal pages. 10 tips are included on how to get an idea for their art page. Using an inspiration guide they will select one technique to include in their visual journal this week. The following is included in the second lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Ideas and inspiration guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
- Page checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what inspiration the student chooses to focus on):
-Sharpies and/or pens
-Watercolor or other types of paint
-Printed photographs

WEEK THREE: COLLAGING TIPS
Students will learn 6 tips to create a successful collage. This is an important technique for creating mixed media works of art in their visual journals. They will practice at least one (if not multiple) collaging technique on their page. The following is included in the third art lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Collage guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Visual journal page checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what technique the student chooses to focus on):
-Additional book you can pull book pages from
-Xacto Knife (with adult supervision)

WEEK FOUR: HOW TO INCORPORATE TEXT
Learning how to balance text in a visual image can be tricky. This week students will learn 9 tips to successfully incorporate text into their works of art. The following is included in the lesson pack:
-Instruction sheet
-Text guide with examples
-15-minute demo video
-Project checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what technique the student chooses to focus on):
-Sharpies
-India ink
-Calligraphy pen
-Letter stamps
-Masking tape and/or packaging tape

Every week students will receive the lesson materials on Monday. They will see how I used the material or technique introduced in my personal visual journal that week. Students can work at their own pace during the week to complete their visual journal page. On Friday I will touch base with students to check their progress. If a student chooses to share their finished page I will send a video message back with comments about their work of art. 

Visual journaling offers a space for students to express themselves. This is incredibly important, especially for developing tweens and teens. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are pushed in every assignment. I hope students continue to work in their visual journals long after this course. 

ABOUT THE TEACHER: 
I can't remember not having art in my life. I was raised by an art teacher, got my bachelor's and master's in art education, taught art-focused summer camps, volunteered in art classrooms, and taught high school art for over 12 years. Now I develop art lessons and curriculums for other teachers or homeschool parents to implement in their art classrooms. I love the flexibility virtual teaching offers me while still allowing me to be involved in education. Please reach out anytime with questions or comments!