Desiring to draw and actually beginning has an element of procrastination that lingers far longer than I would like..selecting a sketchbook was equally daunting…so I started drawing small sketches on envelopes from mail that arrived at my home, I used the reverse side of grocery receipts and the unused side of my grocery list…even small ‘sticky’ notes and junk mail with sufficient white space….trying this for a month…my way of launching a drawing habit :)

Hollie talks about the "need to create" and I totally get that. Drawing, sewing, knitting, writing; I'm always creating. My husband on the other hand? Couldn't care less. It's so interesting to me how some of us just _need_ to create while others don't feel the urge whatsoever!

I kept an illustrated journal during the pandemic when we still lived in Phoenix. I sketched every room in our house from multiple angles, exterior views of our house, self-portraits, sketches of my husband, zoom mtgs from work and lock down meet ups, our dogs, the feral cats, and pretty much anything. I typically made notations of whatever was on my mind. It was very therapeutic.

I have not long started my “later in life” art journal. Years ago, I had started one of what I could remember of my childhood. The sketches I did, were fun. I attempted to keep my vignettes upbeat, even though it was written about the years after the second world war. In the end, the local newspapers approached me to put them in the paper every week. which seemed to go down well with their readers. I wrote and sketched for them for seven years. Such fun.

I tried to bullet journal in 2020 for the first time, but not like others. It ended up being more a record of what happened that year. I drew face masks, prisoners being let out of jail, murder hornet's, lightning, forest fires, etc. Crazy year.

"Sharing is a boomerang, & you get stuff back when you put it out there." 🧡

I started this recently, so far it mainly consists of different coffee cups, lol. Great way to record your daily life 😊☕️

While I was watching this, I picked up a Pentel gel pen and small notepad from my desk and did my first drawing! A cafetiere next to me on my table. It's recognisable at least, so I'm going to do my damnedest to do a small drawing every day, until I find a nice journal to work with. Thankyou!

This is an awesome interview, I love more people talking about the variety of ways that there are to keep a journal. There are no rules, but sometimes we forget that. If you are more word strong, go that route. If you are more of a visual person, try a "glue book" route. If you can't help but draw, grab the tools you are most feeling and go to town! I happen to have one book that I do all three in! One day I'm more of a writer, other days I just want to brain dump my images. You do you, it's for your eyes anyway.

I really enjoyed this video. I am still fairly new to "illustrated life" journaling. I've kept a written diary for close to 50 yrs. Often little sketches appeared within, but not often. I've never really seen a purpose to drawing my meals, etc. Drawing nature is the exception. I wish I still had many of the little "zine" style drawings ( trace a credit card and draw within) little wonders I find on hikes. My dragabout has a mixture of writing and art, even atrocious art. LOL! I am a constant motion type person, my hands are rarely still, too. Thank you, Hollie, really enjoyed your share of sketches!

My daughter wants to be an artist but I didn't know how to support her as classes aren't readily available in our area. This is a great idea to start where you are and easy to gain inspiration from as no same day is the same for a little girl . Thanks !

I liked this video. It was nice to see a regular person talk about their art journey and share. I would like more of these type of interview videos 😁.

It's funny, Hollie mentioned picking up a journal and never being able to finish it and I've always been the same way with both journals and sketchbooks. I've always kept to independent drawings and keeping them in a binder. Over Covid though, I began keeping a sketch journal after discovering junk journaling while diving into sketchbook tours. Now I keep a sketchjournal that is exploding at the seams with ephemera. I keep mine personal unless I'm showing off specific pages. I journal about relationships, and very deep emotions while I'm working through things, but I also sometimes draw what I've been eating. It's a tossup whether the next page is going to be a drawing of a chocolate bar or maybe a sex pun. Maybe the chocolate bar is involved IN the pun? You never know LOL. But I'm two books in and I've never felt more comfortable than I do in the illustrated journal experience.

I'm just starting my Journey at 46. I have taken one drawing fundamentals course and am registered in Drawing II. I'm excited to see where this goes, because I am still not sure what it is I'm "supposed" to be doing.

Everyone of your videos is like a fireside chat. Thank you for these 🎨

Thank you! I have started drawing because of your videos , its not good but I do pick up the pen everyday

I love watching this channel while I eat. Your voice is so comfortable and the conversation is so entertaining, the type you just sit back and listen to.

I have a separate sketchbook for my art and a scrapbook journal, but this is a really interesting approach to documenting your life! I also love your insight about sharing and creating connection!

I still remember when I stumbled upon your book so many years ago. It truly inspired me. And I’m about to take it up again. ❤

I started doing this a month ago, on a vacation. I'm trying to keep going (although back at home life is a bit less dramatic than a vacation). It's really fun and interesting.

Dear Danny ! I cams across YOU by accident or….was it an “accident” my life has changed ! I feel I have an anchor now in my life! I had a journal like that when I was a teen! My mother through it away when we moved here from Italy long ago! I never forgot my lost loved journal! Now I have a new one that keeps me happy at last!!! Thank you you are a great soul!!!!

Thank you, Danny - loved watching this chat with Hollie, she is wonderful :)

I always enjoy listening to you and seeing your art.

Very inspiring! Looking forward to sampling the Spark two week trial soon as I recover from eye surgery and can see again.

Here we go again…another wonderful reminder. I love to write and to draw and I’ve done it when nite taking at conventions but why didn’t I do this years ago as a journal? I think this is my ticket too, it will feel good on so many levels. Infinite thanks 🙏🏻 ❤

I started watching your videos yesterday and was wondering if you had made one of these videos. Thank youu 🤍

How inspiring!! I’ve needed a kickstart in a way. I already do this in ballpoint pen, but I love pen & ink, watercolor, gouache, color pencils, brush pens, etc. Thank you!!

Those sketches are beautiful. Wow!

Really inspiring video. As a solitary artist I love to see/hear how others make art. :)

This is a particularly inspiring video/interview. Just love it and feel like I want to get started right away. Lots of ideas too. Wish I could afford Spark but I still manage to get lots from your videos and am exceedingly grateful for them. ❤

this is amazing !!!thank you so much for sharing this

This reminds me of Edith Holden's 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady'. Though that was a nature journal, it is the same concept. Great idea that I think I'll try!

Loved this interview...

Great video! I’ve always wanted to create a journal like this 😊

Terrific video. It inspired me to create. I love the way Danny interviews guests. I always learn so much.

Thank You Danny I have enjoyed you sharing your knowledge and talents with us. You are so inspiring to me in my life and my experiences with sketching. I now have the habit of getting to sketch something each and every day. It's wonderful. Kassandra

This was a great video! I journal, I draw/paint but really never put the two together! 😂 Now, I will be doing this, it makes much more sense to me to have the best of both worlds in one.

So good to see you Hollie!! (And you too Danny!) Missing you guys and Spark!

I used to draw crudely done houses and horses. I was kind of good at flowers. I'm thinking of beginning a sketchbook of items in each room of my apartment. All 4 rooms. Kind of like Becky Cao.

What great video. You reminded me how much I enjoyed spark and how much I miss you all

Thank you for the inspiring videos

Just venturing into illustrated journaling. I have tried the old school writing journal but I can't seem to continue it. This feels interesting!

This is truly interesting.❤ I shared this video on Pinterest. Thank you so much for posting this video.

Fun and inspirational! Thanks for sharing!

I think it's great want you do art has always been in my life keep it up

Neat! I literally had a random thought about zines pop into my head the other day and looked up videos about making them

Love this! Can you please share what art journal Hollie is using. I really like it, size, paper that holds ink and watercolor, etc. Thank you for all the inspiration! ☺️

Really loved this video.

I started my drawing journal last year and have improved more than I thought possible. I kept the first few crude entries to show myself and others how I’ve improved. I’ve been told that my entries are very emotional. In a good way of course. One of my latest entries was when I purchased my new truck. I was very excited to paint and journal but not too excited to draw it. Yes, I can draw very well but just not in the mood to draw a truck. So I “cheated” and using the pamphlet that Toyota gave me along with carbon paper, I traced it. Then I used watercolors and it looks fantastic. My sister is not artistic but loves my journal and was here when I traced out the truck photo. She was so encouraged (she can’t draw) that she went out to buy her own journal and supplies (including carbon paper)

Thanks for explaining 'pop ups"! Please could you give more definitions of other artists terms andideas? Thanks, God bless!

I love this discussion. Hollie do you make some of your own journals (watercolor). I’ve been journal writing but only a little sketching. Looking back years later give me personal joy.

I don't know how to draw.. I'm super bad at being creative but I want to try to do so and be good at it while organising my thought. But plain writing is uhhhh so boring. Killing two birds at once I decided to do art journal whilst writing it along my journal/diary. Would love to stay consistent a journal a day goals.

Hollie Rose is absolutely delightful and very inspiring! Thank you for interviewing her on your channel! Did I hear her correctly when she mentioned that she started her journey with art just 6 years ago? If so, she's come a long way! I started making art 6 years ago as well, and I still consider myself to be a beginner. Here's a question for you, Danny.... where can we get a sketchbook that has paper suitable for watercolor? I'd love to have one that lies flat, like Hollie's. I have looked on Amazon to no avail. Maybe I have used the wrong search term? Thank you SO much for ALL of your videos! I watch you almost every day on KZfaq. 😃👍

I love, love this so much! I've always wanted to have this as an everyday, joyful activity. I've been able to scrapbook, follow directions with watercolor tutorial videos, and bullet journal. My only problem is that I can't draw at all. Stick figures are about all I can really do...but not even in the fun, cute way. My dream is to be able to create journals like this. Do you have any suggestions on how I can tackle trying to start an illustrated journal when I'm not able to draw something that I'm seeing in front of me? Also, Hollie, which type of journal do you use? I love the shape and size of the square one that you shared in this video. Thank you so much!! 🥰❤🌈📘

The noteboook used for the sketchbook is made of any special material (paper)? I've this doubt specially for the use of watercolor

I totally identify with Hollie's need to create things with my hands, including I think, writing.

Hi, Danny, I've followed you since Everyday Matters came out and did some of the prompts for a while. Lately I've seen a lot on keeping an art journal. I'm currently 65. I began with a written journal at about age 8. A few years ago I mostly stopped. My written journal went deep, into emotions and spirituality. I tried to find what I could learn from events in my personal world. But especially since covid, my life stopped, and I don't see it getting too active again. I WANT to draw/paint. I just don't know what to do when life is uneventful. I often eat the same food several days in a row, or similar frozen meals - hate to cook and live alone so I usually heat 'n eat. Nothing to draw. Cash eraser the same clothes 2 days in a row. Don't go many places - life has shrunk. Again, not whining, but how can a person with such a mundane, boring life, draw it? I read a lot - on a kindle. So, basically my nutshell question.

Wow 70 sketchbooks in 4 years! I couldn’t hope to finish 7 in that time. Never mind I’ve never finished a single one. I think I have 7 that I’ve actually started. My inner critic is my worst enemy. Can’t seem to shake it. 😔

Does Hollie have any free content, on YT or elsewhere? I am so interested in her zine making.

What are the best black pens for an art journal? I’ve been inspired to start an art journal and can’t wait to make that happen

I just recently came upon your material. Great material and plan to dig in. Do you often work from photographs for those subjects that are apt to move . . . or leave . . . or otherwise impractical to draw live?

Yeah

How do you sketch the nature or the food you ate? Take a picture and try to sketch before bed or you just do it at that time in a few minutes??

I'm looking for a pen to make illustrations like the ones showed in this video at around 01:39, does anyone in the comments have any recommendations?:)

Wow..this really good knowledge. It seems this is my problems too..hard to start😏 When you find something interesting..are you taking a pic first or directly make sketch?

Do you make your own scetchbooks= I saw they were with a coptic binding that lays so beautifully flat.

What kind of sketchbooks are used? I can't seem to find ones that don't bleed through to the next page. Suggestions?

I keep a commonplace journal and want to draw my day. My drawing though doesn’t have the design or composition that I see in her work. My journal doesn’t have the look of balance and focus I see here

When compiling a journal are things always drawn from life or do you use photos? Say for instance you are out at a restaurant with friends, it's hardly the time to sketch your meal so taking photos means you are able to work with them later, yes...?

Can the Illustrated Journaling class be purchased as a stand alone or do you have to be a monthly subscriber to get the class?

Hi Daniel, I would love to upload my picture but I dont know how to do it. Do you have any suggestions on doing via apple iphone?

Does Hollie have an IG page where we can follow her work?

5:41 Chihoohoos rule!

I’m confused…Lamy Safaris and watercolors? How does the Lamy ink not wash when the watercolors are added?

💜

What note books do you use.

What’s a “zine”?

How do we find Hollie's classes?

❤❤❤❤❤

Warw, beautiful book. About 3.5…..

I get too scared to draw in a journal and ruin it but last year i started just drawing on printer paper, cutting it out, and sticking it in my sketchbook 😂😂🤣🤣

Inchies & twinchies.... got me started

Hello. I started creating journals then self publishing them on amazon. In some of the community posts they are calling them junk low content books. I thought that that is so wrong. My art work takes time to create then I have to color every piece too. Then I have to make them into digital. It's very time consuming. I don't know why people are calling journals, and sketch books junk. Do they even know the time it takes to draw these characters then draw them. 😮

Gonna have to explore this more because I don’t know what a “zeen” is.😊

What is a Zaine?

I loved this video. I was inspired to check out the sketchbook skool, but wow, a 130 dollars a month, A MONTH! Totally off the table. Totally unaffordable. Guys we are heading into a recession, gas is $5.00 a gallon. Milk almost $5.00. Rents are tripling. Please can you be more afforable?????

I'm intimidated by the artistic regular stylized handwriting of a lot sketchbook artists like you guys and James Gurney. I have dreadful handwriting, ugly and messy. I feel like I need to learn to letter first.

What is spark?

Thanks for sharing,l Life is Tree , Including old age , Experience Ida.vizlition, Every day, Skching drawing, notes.thanks you Teacher info point, head, Hand, Eyes ❤🎉😮😊

Wonderful. You have inspired me. Holly, do you have a KZfaq channel for us to follow please?

❤❤👍🏻👍🏻😍😍

I like these videos but I am looking for some more concrete how to videos.

😳 ░p░r░o░m░o░s░m░

This is still too intimidating, we need someone with zero skill like me showing off their work.

"School," not "skool." 🤨

What the point just use Ai

Everyone's "Journal" looks the same. sigh.