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Sketch Journal Maps

Sketch Journal Maps

by | Sketchbooks and Journals

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: January 2026

💚  This article is part of my Art as Self-care category.

Maps

I’ve always liked maps. In fact, I have a small collection of maps from places I’ve been. I enjoy drawing maps and usually in my travel journal, but also as fantasy maps in my sketchbooks. In this article I’m sharing how I source maps and draw them in my sketchbooks. I’m also going to be showing you some of my map books and a couple of special maps as well. Alison

Why Maps Are So Powerful

(and How to Create Your Own)

Sketchbooks and journals are often thought of as places for words, words and more words but some of the most revealing pages don’t read like sentences at all. They look more like maps.

Maps in sketchbooks, journals and travel journals, offer a way to explore your thoughts, emotions and ideas about a place or time without forcing them into neat lines. They allow for wandering, circling back, layering and taking a moment to pause.

For artists especially, to map or mapping can feel more honest than writing things out “properly.”

Why Maps Work So Well in Journals

Maps Make Inner Landscapes Visible

Some experiences are hard to explain but easy to place. A map lets you show what feels close, what feels distant, what overlaps and what remains undefined. Instead of describing your inner world, you can draw it with a map.

Maps Reflect How We Actually Think

Thoughts don’t arrive in paragraphs. They cluster, drift in, repeat and interrupt each other. I believe that mapping mirrors this non-linear way of thinking, making it easier to notice patterns and relationships without overanalyzing them.

Maps Blend Words and Images Naturally

Maps invite symbols, color, texture and gesture alongside language. A single shape can hold more meaning than a sentence. A line can suggest movement, tension, or connection without explanation.

Maps Reduce Pressure

A map doesn’t need to be tidy or finished. You can add to it over time, cross things out, redraw it, or abandon it halfway through. There’s no correct outcome, but rather only further exploration.

Maps Show Change Over Time

Returning to the same kind of map weeks or months later can be revealing.

 

  • What has moved closer?
  • What has faded?
  • What has expanded beyond the edges of the page?

 

Maps quietly record change without judgment.

How to Create Maps

Google Maps

When I draw the map of my city, Vancouver, I go to Google maps. I open the map and stretch it to fit the screen and make it the size I want.

Screenshot

Then I take a screenshot which becomes my reference drawing. At this stage I’m just looking for the main coastline and any important roads or landmarks.

Vancouver Art Map

In this example, I’m drawing my Vancouver Art Map, which is a map of the places I have already been to for some sketching in my city. On this map you can see the Canada Geese and the Inukshuk which I sketched last year.

Time

As I continue with my urban sketching in and around my city, I’ll mark the spots on the map where I’ve gone for an art date with myself to sketch.

Art Map Drawing

Pencil

I lightly sketch the coastline and anything else I need to start. At this point there is not much on the page.

 

Black Pen

Once I’m happy with the layout I’ll go over it with a 0.3mm black pen.

 

Sea and Ocean

I use a colored pencil in blue to shade the edge of the coast where the sea is. I usually do about 5mm from the black line. I don’t usually color all the water in blue, but rather just the edge.

pen-and-ink-maps

Fantasy Maps

Treasure Island

This is a fantasy map I drew of a place I’m calling “Treasure Island.” I started with a loose island outline in pencil. Next comes the black pen.

treasure-island-map

Map Symbols

I noted some things on the map. Some features are just me tinkering, like the little houses, and some are more traditional map symbols.

Compass Rose

I like to fill some empty space in the sea with a compass rose. This points north and is found on many maps.

Title Block

I usually draw a title block for the map in one corner. This information block can get fancy with a flourishing font if you like. Here you can add the cartographer’s name and the date and other interesting facts.

Border

Maps always benefit from a border around the outside. Your borders can be single line of a more complex affair. It’s up to you.

Lighthouse

There always seems to be a need for a lighthouse perched on some craggy rock either on land or on a rocky knoll.

Paths and Roads

Dotted footpaths show where things are on the island. Roads are usually a straight line. Railways have marks on them like train tracks.

Caves

Sometimes I’ll add a cave as perhaps the buried treasure in hidden in there. Who knows?

Beaches

Now and then around the island you can add a deeper sandy beach perhaps with some cliffs overlooking it.

Sea

In a black and white pen-and-ink map I like to suggest the sea with parallel lines running around the coast. I usually do three lines slightly further out from each other and the last line often is broken up with dashes and dots here and there.

 

 

treasure-island-map

Good Omens

Fan Map Art

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, is a book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. The story has been made into a TV mini-series as well. I’m a huge fan of this fantasy work. So for my fan art for this story I drew a map of Lower Tadfield, which is the imaginary village where the story is set. This piece I created as a digital artwork and you can see my copy below.

 

map-lower-tadfield

Old Maps

Ptolemy’s World Map

Ancient maps are fascinating subjects. They offer a window into how people once understood the world around them. Claudius Ptolemy, who lived from around 90 to 168 CE, worked at the great Library of Alexandria in Egypt. 

great-maps-book

Below is a photo of Ptolemy’s map in my favorite map book called Great Maps: The world’s masterpiece explored and explained by Jerry Brotton.

Mediterranean Sea

Ptolemy’s World map is centered on the Mediterranean Sea and shows all the lands known to the classical world at that time.

ptolemy-world-map

Modern Maps

Fuller’s Dymaxion Map

The dymaxion map by Buckminster Fuller is a brilliant design which shows the whole of the Earth as an icosahedron.

dymaxion-map-buckminster-fuller

Icosahedron

An icosahedron is a solid with 20 triangular faces. Fuller projected the Earth onto this shape and then unfolded it into a flat layout.

When opened out it looks like a connected pattern of triangles rather than a rectangle. If you draw it out carefully and cut it out you can make your own 3D globe map which I find so very interesting. Fuller’s idea was to show the world with much less distortion and without putting any continent at the top or bottom.

The dymaxion map can be folded in different ways which was part of Fuller’s point which is that there is no single correct orientation of the world north/south wise.

My Copy

Above is the dymaxion map I ordered and which now adorns the wall in my art studio (lounge). I love it and I spend frequent moments looking at the details in this drawing.

Antarctica Map

Digital Art

A while ago I had a phase of drawing all the continents on Earth and this is my Antarctica map. I simply made it by opening Google Maps, zooming Antarctica into the frame and taking a screenshot.

Procreate

Next, I copied the screenshot into Procreate, where I do my digital art, and here I simply drew the outline of the continent and added just one or two of the major features. The most important of which is, of course, the South Pole and the fact that all the lines of latitude emerge from this point.

 

Antarctica-map

The Life of Christ

Original by: Reverend Clarence Larkin 1892

This is a particularly interesting map. It was originally drawn by Reverend Clarence Larkin way back in 1892 and this is a revised Copyright edition 1894 by the Reverend I.N. Earl.

This is a combination of map and a chart, and it shows, by the black line where Christ went in his lifetime. It’s the path he took throughout his life and the main people and places he visited.

Palestine in the Time of Christ

As a combination chart, there is the map of Palestine at the time, there is also the timeline, literally, of where Jesus went from his birth to his death and resurrection.

There is a more detailed inserted sketch map of Jerusalem depicting the city during the last week of his life.

Below is a table the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John showing at which periods in his life they wrote about by time.

At the bottom is a details key to the chart highlighting all the major events of Christ’s life.

Matt Baker

I was put onto this chart by Matt Baker from Useful Charts on YouTube and he, too, lives here in Vancouver. You can check out his video about this particular map and the life of Jesus.

 

life-of-christ-map

My Dream Residence

Dream on… , Alison

My dream residence is a map of how I would like to perhaps live my life one day. My idea was if I came into money or won the lottery, I would like to buy a piece of ground somewhere within 100 km of Vancouver, perhaps in Kelowna or somewhere, or up in Horseshoe Bay.

If I had enough land probably an acre or two, I would be able to establish my dream residence.

If I had a dream home, it would contain a main house where I live with my cat. It will also have a place to be as a retreat, perhaps for as a writing retreat, a yoga retreat, music, art or astrology retreat or some kind of craft family retreat.

This retreat would be as a place where people (just like you) could come perhaps for the weekend and do some creative or artistic endeavors.

A-frame Cabins

I had an idea to create some A-frame cabins. I think I’ve got three there highlighted in yellow. These cabins would be where my guests would drive up, come and stay and there’s room to park your car with slight privacy from the hedges.

Great Hall

We would then have the Great Hall where things could get done, where events could be held and this build includes a kitchen and so on, so lunches could be served and whatnot.

my-dream-residence-map

Garden Room Features

Additionally, on this map. I have an herb garden which I love.

I’ve got a labyrinth garden as well as a maze.

There’s a small pond. I would assume there’s fish in there or is it a wildlife pond? I’m not quite sure.

I’m also planning to grow a dying garden and what that means is growing plants so I could use their colours to dye yarn with. These would be plants like indigo and woad to dye yarns and fabrics. You could grow the plants and then work them down and create actual natural dyes, and or inks which could be used in the local craft industry as well.

The Lodge

And because I dream big, I’ve also got what I’m calling The Lodge for staff residences. I see this as a place where, perhaps, the cleaning staff or the cooks, or the gardeners where could stay and attend to the whole residence.

The Ideal

Yeah, this is a dream residence I have in my mind. It would be ideal. A place where I could live, my children could live, my extended family could come and visit.

It would also be a way that I could give back to the artistic and creative community. This is my dream with family and community, and this is the map I drew so I could visualize it as well.

 

Overarch

Inspiration

I’m sharing these maps with you to give you some inspiration. Many of these maps I drew myself. Some are from the real world which I copied straight from Google Maps and others are fantasy ideas from my head. There are also the travel maps I did when we went to Mexico and to Tofino and you could check those out as well.

What Maps are Not

I like maps because they don’t have to be massive, they don’t have to be highly detailed. They could be a short, small little vignette, if you will, on your sketchbook page. Just to clue everybody in as to where you were and what you did.

Over to You

Let me know if you’d like me to share any of these maps with you in greater detail and whether they are worthy of their own independent article.

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you. Read more about Alison’s story. Get her newsletter.
Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

Don’t Let the Old Lady In

Don’t Let the Old Lady In

by | Third Age Art

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: January 2026

💛 Third Age Art

This article is part of my Third Age Art series where I celebrate the joy of making art later in life. These posts are all about starting fresh or continuing your creative journey as a mature artist with curiosity confidence and plenty of heart.

Don’t Let the Old Lady In

The Old Man

A Thought Worth Noticing

In a recent interview, Clint Eastwood, now 95 years old, said that every morning as he woke up and felt a little creak or twinge in his body that he says to himself, “Don’t let the old man in.” This refers to how easy it would be to just give up and let the old man in.

Who Is the Old Man

A Door Left Ajar

The old man is who you can easily turn into if you are not careful. 

Don’t Let the Old Lady In

A Quiet Promise to Yourself

As a woman, I see this phrase from my perspective. Not the old man, but the old woman or as we are now saying, the old lady. The old lady may try to come in to me on some days, not all the time, but certainly on some days.

  • The days when I’m feeling tired.
  • The days when I wake up and feel creaky.
  • The days when I’m feeling beaten down by life. 
  • The days when I feel weak and my body is letting me down.
  • The days when I give up.
  • The days when I’m too weary to go on.

Those are the days that the old lady comes in. 

The days I let the old lady in. 

Hobby Artist

The Voice In Your Head

As a hobby artist you may feel that you’re not very good at art. You may think what’s the point of doing art because even your children poke fun at you. You feel your grandkids can draw better than you. 

Fear not. It is your God given right to be creative and make something every day. To create something that was not there when you woke up, but which you created, by yourself, during the course of that day. 

Art Practice

Small Daily Devotions

Do not let a single day pass without touching your art in some small way. It does not have to be big or impressive. It only has to be done.

⠀

  • If you are a writer write 100 words.
  • If you are a singer sing one song.
  • If you are a weaver weave ten rows.
  • If you are a knitter knit ten rows.
  • If you are a crocheter crochet ten rounds.
  • If you are a watercolorist paint with one color.
  • If you are an acrylic artist add one more color to the page.
  • If you make wooden bird houses cut sand or glue a little wood.

 

The list goes on.

⠀

Daily Habits

Just Show Up

The habit to focus on right now is simply showing up. Pick up your pen brush hammer needle or hook and do a little art. That is enough for today. Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman reminds us that our brains are flexible and always learning. Through simple daily habits we gently create pathways that support being the kind of person we want to be such as an artist.

Twenty-Nine Days

Learning by Repetition

It takes 29 days to establish a habit. That is how long the Moon takes to orbit the Earth. When you were born, you could not tie a shoelace, but with practice you learned. Now you can whip out a bow lickety-split without even thinking about it because you’ve created the learned pathway in your brain.

Old Lady Days

When Energy Slips away

When you let the old lady in a few things may happen:

⠀

  • You stop doing creative work.
  • You let the pain overwhelm you.
  • You stop taking a walk in nature for your mental health to relieve your stress and anxiety. 
  • You stop making stuff.
  • You stop creating your art. 
  • You don’t eat properly.
  • You get lax with your personal grooming. 
  • You forget to do the housework. 
  • You avoid your family and friends. 
  • You kind of give up on life. 

⠀

There may be other things which happen to you specifically, but these are the things I am wrangling with all the time.

Who Are You?

A Choice Each Day

Will you be the person who stays on the couch barely moving through the day? Or will you be the person who goes to bed and can softly say, “Yes, today I created, I am an artist and I did not let the old lady in.” Then you can sleep. The deep satisfying sleep of the creator

What I Wish for You

To Keep Creating

If you are reading this then please let me tell you what I wish for you. 

I want you to create every day.

God is a creator. The first sentence in the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and earth.” We are made in his image and so we are naturally creative beings. 

Lean into your creative side. 

Your cat or dog are not creative. The chimp in the zoo, who has the closest DNA to us humans, is not creative, but we are.  We are inherently creative. 

It is your talent to be creative every day. 

Creativity as Companionship

Always Beside You

As we move through life there are times when people drift away, routines change or the days feel a little quieter. Creativity does not leave.

Your art can be like a steady companion who meets you exactly where you are without judgement or expectation. It does not care how old you are, how fast you work or how good the outcome is. It simply sits with you hopes you will begin and it keeps you company while you do.

On days when the world feels cold, hard and distant, your creative practice can feel like a trusted friend reminding you that you are still here, still capable and still creating.

don't-let-the-old-lady-in

Your Future Self

Already Cheering

Before you reach the end imagine yourself a few months from now. Perhaps there is a small pile of sketches, pages, rows or finished pieces beside you. These gorgeous creations exist only because you kept showing up.

That future version of you feels calmer, steadier and quietly proud. She is cheering you on reminding you that every small creative act you did mattered.

Overarch

Is She Visiting?

Have you let the old lady in? When you let her in does she hang about for days at a time? Or do you consciously not let the old lady in? 

P.S.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to do everything at once. As you go about your day, be creative in some way, so you can tell yourself, when you tuck yourself in tonight, “Yes, today I created.”

More Resources

Shop Don’t Let the Old Lady In Merch

Original Artworks

Enjoy a Don’t Let the Old Lady In mug featuring my original artwork. Each art piece is created by me and printed on everyday items you can actually use and enjoy. It is a simple way to bring a little Don’t Let the Old Lady In energy and handmade art into your daily life. Alison

 

don't-let-the-old-lady-in-mug-redbubble
Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you.

Read more about Alison’s story.

Get her newsletter.

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

What I Learned as a Hobby Artist This Year

What I Learned as a Hobby Artist This Year

by | Living a Creative Life

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Published: December 2025

Introduction

Pause Days

Today I want to share some gentle reflections from my year as a hobby artist. As the days grew quieter between Christmas and New Year, I found myself slowing down and giving my creativity the space it needed to breathe. These pause days always help me look back on what the year taught me and look ahead to what I hope to shape in the next one.

This past year brought surprises, lessons and plenty of small shifts that guided my art life in steady, meaningful ways. What follows is a look at what I learned, what I’m leaving behind and what I’m carrying forward into a new creative season. 🎨 Alison

What I Learned as a Hobby Artist

Reflections on a Year of Growth

Creativity and Seasonal Rhythm

In my art life I like to take the days off between Christmas and New Year without self-imposed deadlines, clients and meetings. It used to be that I’d push on through, but nowadays I gleefully color out the time in my calendar as days in which I’m to do nothing. This gives me time to think. To think about what I have been doing and what I’d like to be doing next year.

 

Repeats

If you are not careful, a year can easily just become a carbon copy of the last year’s creative work. I try to move forward with some clear thoughts about what I’m going to be doing and, perhaps more importantly, what I’m definitely leaving behind in the old year. This year was a full, shifting, surprising year and sometimes gentle, sometimes challenging, but always creative.

Reflection

When I look back, I can see how my creative process guided me, nudged me and occasionally demanded that I change direction entirely. Here are the lessons this year taught me as hobby artist.

Creativity Comes in Seasons

And That’s a Strength

This year, I truly embraced organizing my creativity seasonally.

Each season has three months.

  • Winter: January, February and March
  • Spring: April, May and June.
  • Summer: July, August and September.
  • Autumn: October, November and December.

 

If you live south of the equator, as I did for thirty years in Africa, then the seasons are reversed. On a side note, I actually follow the solar year as the Sun moves from one solstice to the next equinox and back. Using the four seasons of the year I chopped by year up into chunks of about 90 days of creative hobby artwork. But let’s be clear here I did not know exactly what I was going to be doing at the state, but as opportunities arose, I took them. 

Winter

Winter became a time of inward focus, sharpening pencils, journaling with morning pages, and plotting and planning.

 

Spring

Spring brought experimentation and a fabulous writing retreat with my good friend.

 

Summer

The warmer summer days offered expression, expansion and more grid artwork.

 

Autumn

Autumn encouraged pushing through. My focus was on handmade Christmas cards for my children. Additionally, I had my daughter’s destination wedding in Tofino.

 

Lean In

Instead of resisting the natural ebb and flow of my energy, I learned to trust it.

Being in tune with the seasons helped me avoid burnout, stay more closely accountable to my goals and maintain a more sustainable creative rhythm.

Showing Up Matters

More Than Being Inspired

In the past, I waited for inspiration to strike. This year, I made a shift and I began showing up whether I felt inspired or not and surprisingly, inspiration often followed.

 

Calendar

I worked from my freshly hatched content calendar. The plan was one article every two weeks. I began writing my Artzlife newsletter in January 2025 and I almost got a newsletter out every fortnight. I say almost because I did miss once and if you were following closely, you’d have noticed that too.

The real problem with missing one little Friday posting is that it is ever so easy to miss another, and another and before you know it it’s all over bar the shouting.

 

Show up

I learned that creativity is a practice, not a mood. Some days, all I could manage was a doodle, a sketch, a color test, or a written idea, but those small acts were like it kept my artistic door open.

I do have a life and there are many other things on the go at the same time. I have four grown children, friends to see and other craft and creative project interests.

My Art is Better…

When I Allow It to Breathe

In 2025 I slowed down. I gave articles more space to develop, sit, rest and evolve. Letting ideas “age” for a few days before finishing them helped me see my thoughts with fresh eyes. I believe the work became more thoughtful, layered and emotionally grounded. And clearly, creativity doesn’t always respond well to being harried along or rushed.

Tools Don’t Make the Artist…

But the Right Tools Help

I experimented with new materials this year: different papers, brushes, digital tools and color palettes. I learned that while new toys in my art box of tricks won’t fix a weak idea, they can open doors to new techniques and textures. I also learned that I don’t need every color in my pencil box, but rather just the ones that spark curiosity or support the direction I’m already heading. 

I leant into caput mortem by purchasing just one colored pencil this year in the purple brownish color. I still love this color.

Nature Remains My Deepest Teacher

Coastal Living

Living near the coast and getting down to the beach now and then reminds me of subtle shifts in color, light and mood. This year, I used more of these natural elements like shells, pebbles and sed pods into my work. The practice of simply observing nature (often with a sketchbook in hand) became a grounding art date with myself, especially in moments when I felt creatively scattered. I did often draw the same things again and again, particularily in my grid art sketchbook, but now I call in my “art practice.”

Sharing My Process Matters

People

This year I got the notion that people connect with the process, and not just finished pieces. When I shared my works-in-progress, studio notes or small personal reflections, readers just like you responded warmly. This reminded me that art is a form of communication and that by opening my cretor studio door a crack it can create community.

Growth Isn’t Always Visible…

But It’s Always Happening

Some years of life bring dramatic, obvious artistic leaps and for me this year felt a bit more subtle. But beneath the surface, I was learning to:

  • Trust my stylistic instincts (I like flat and simple)
  • Let go of perfection (quirks add something)
  • Revise my workflow (one hour a day)
  • Respect my energy (if I’m tired, I’ll take a nap)
  • Give myself permission to evolve (read more art books)

 

Growth isn’t always loud, but rather it’s like a gentle hum which you only notice at the end of the year.

Looking Forward

with Purpose

What I will take into 2026 is a renewed appreciation for slow growth, thoughtful creation and working with the seasons rather than against them. I feel steadier in my process than ever before.

 

Winter

Winter will soon begin, on December 21st, and with it a fresh creative season. I’m ready to welcome it with curiosity, intention, a sharp pencil and an open sketchbook. And to you, reading this I wish to thank you for being here.

Thank you for supporting my work, following along and sharing this creative journey as a hobby artist in later life with me. Your presence truly matters and I’m grateful for every reply, email, comment and quiet moment you spend with my art. 

Here’s to another year of growth, beauty and of making things that matter.

More on Living a Creative Life

Some of my gentle deas and practices for living your life with a “create first” mindset to help you, as a hobby artist, keep going.

 

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you. Read more about Alison’s story. Get her newsletter.
Freebies

Freebies

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published:  January 2023   -   Revised:  February 2024 Gifts for You As a strong creative and arty person, for many years, I have generated countless free resources on Alison Hazel Art. These guides, lists and templates are to help you get...

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

How to Start a Sketch Journal

How to Start a Sketch Journal

by | Sketch Journal

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: December 2025

Recently, one of my readers posed the simple question, “How do I start with sketch journaling?” It was at this time that I realized that whilst many of you read my writing for the ideas to put into your journals and sketchbooks, there are still many people who just need a little guidance on how to get going in the first place. So, today I’m going to share my thought with you on getting started with sketch journaling. – Alison

How to Start a Sketch Journal

Sketch Journaling

What Sketch Journaling Is

Sketch journaling is a simple practice that blends small drawings with a few thoughtful words. It gives you a quiet place in your sketchbook to notice what is happening around you and inside you. When you put pen to paper with both images and text you slow down. You become more present. You let your mind and hand move together in a calm and natural way.

 

Why it Matters

This approach matters because it helps you see your life with fresh eyes. A quick sketch anchors a moment. A short note captures a feeling. Together they form a gentle creative space where your ideas can grow and your inner voice can settle. Sketch journaling is not about perfect art. It is about paying attention, building awareness and enjoying the process.

 

Who Sketch Journaling is For

Let’s first talk about who sketch journaling is for. I believe that it is for everyone. You do not have to be a great artist, I’m certainly not, nor do you nedd to be a trained artist and have been to art school or college for art lessons. 

No, sketch journaling is for anyone who wants to bring a creative component into their lives. I think it maybe you. If you are reading this then you probably have an interest in sketch journaling to start with and that is all you need.

 

Permission

If you’ve been told that “your art is rubbish” or “you can’t draw” then you may have an inner dialogue which prevents you from doing any type of art at all.

Let me disabuse you of that notion and give you permission right here and now to start creating art today.

Pick up that pencil find your journal and start sketching by sunset.

Benefits of Sketch Journaling

Small Rewards

Noting your day-to-day activities can give your brain a steady lift because it offers small or micro moments of reward. Each time you jot down something you did, your mind gets a clear signal that you followed through on an action. This sense of completion sparks a gentle rise in dopamine which supports your motivation and feelings of wellbeing.

 

Positive

Documenting your day with sketch journaling also helps you notice progress that you might otherwise miss. When you see small steps written down you feel encouraged to keep going. You can go back and see how your art was at the beginning of the month and see the improvement. This builds a positive feedback loop which keeps your creative energy steady.

 

Calm Focus

Another benefit is that regular sketch journaling and daily recording brings is structure to your thoughts. Your brain likes patterns and clear steps. When your day is set out on the page you feel more grounded and your nervous system can settle. This calm focus will help your brain chemicals work in a natural and balanced way.

 

Personal Relationship

Overall, capturing your daily life in a simple sketch journal or written note supports a kinder internal relationship with yourself. It gives your mind little wins and keeps your creative spirit engaged.

What You Need

It’s Already There

You already have what you need to begin. Most people think they must gather a pile of special tools and go on an art supply mega haul before they can start creating, but that activity can grind the whole process to a stop. Your creativity does not depend on perfect art supplies.  It depends on your willingness to show up.

 

Paper and Pen

A small notebook a pen or a pencil is enough. If you have a few colored pencils even better, but they are not required. What matters is the moment you sit down and make a mark. Simple tools help you stay present and keep the practice easy. They also remove the pressure to produce something polished.

 

Having Enough

When you trust that what you have is enough you free yourself to explore. You focus on the experience and not the equipment. This gentle approach keeps the door open for your ideas to flow and lets you enjoy the process from the very first page.

Over To You

Finding Your Own Style and Rhythm

Now it’s your turn. Sketch journaling is not about rules or perfect results, but rather it’s about discovering the way that art feels right for you. Some days you may want to write more, letting words carry your thoughts and feelings. Other days you might be drawn to colour, texture, or a few simple doodles to capture a mood or moment.

 

Experiment

The heart of this practice is personal expression. There is no right or wrong way to do sketch journaling. Your pages can be loose and playful, quiet and reflective, or a mix of everything. By experimenting with different approaches, you will learn what nourishes you creatively and keeps you engaged.

Your Art, Your Way

Trust your instincts. Let your hand move freely, follow your curiosity, and allow each page to be a reflection of your own unique expression. This is your space, your process, and your creative voice so I urge you to embrace it fully.

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you.

Read more about Alison’s story.

Get her newsletter.

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

7-Day Grid Art: Autumn Theme

7-Day Grid Art: Autumn Theme

by | Grid Art Journal

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: November 2025

Art Practice

This time I am sharing with you my simple seven-day grid art practice as a guide for you toward a creating a slower creative rhythm in your life. With just one small square a day you can build a soothing habit which nurtures both your art and your inner world. I hope you can let this be a peaceful invitation for you to pause, notice and create with a soft heart. Alison

7 Day Grid Art Autumn

The Art of Slowing Down

Moments of Calm

I want to consider now as we are in Autumn that as the days shift and the season settles around us this is a lovely time to slow down and to make some space in life for gentle creativity. I believe that your sketchbook can hold more than drawings, but rather it can hold from in your day of calm, reflection and joy. 

It is as thought that when you create in small daily pieces, you almost invite ease into your art practice which can open the door to mindful noticing. To pay attention to the small details around you.

 

More on Grid Art Journals

 

Grid Art

Grid art sketching is a simple and mindful creative practice that I often share with my readers. It begins by dividing your sketchbook page into small squares, often in a grid, which offers a gentle structure for the art to come. Each square becomes a mini canvas for an idea, some colour, a few lines or to explore texture.

The grid holds your ideas in a calm and organized way so the blank page feels less intimidation and overwhelming. This micro approach to daily sketching encourages you to show up for just a few minutes at a time and notice the small details of your day.

Over time the filled grid can tell a beautiful visual story of your creative journey for that week or months depending on how many squares you have..

Visual Story

No Rules

With a grid page there are no rules and no need to hurry. You can give yourself permission to move slowly and with ease. Let each small block become a tiny window for one moment from your day. It may be a colour that caught your eye a soft pattern you noticed or a feeling you want to remember.

Light and Peaceful

Keep your marks simple. Soft colour gentle lines or loose abstract shapes are all welcome. As you draw take a few slow breaths and let your mind to settle. This is your time for you to connect with your creativity in a light and peaceful way.

Gentle Record

By the end of the week your page will possibly hold a tender visual story of your days. Each square will carry presence and meaning and together they will form a light record of your mindful creative journey for that week.

7 Gentle Prompts

An Autumn Week

Here are my gentle grid art prompts I compiled for myself, and for you, to do a sketchbook page in Autumn. These prompts lean into the seasonal changes and natural outdoorsy changes that we can all see.

Sunday: Morning Light

Notice how the early light enters your space through your windows. Capture its warmth or glow or the feeling it brings. Let the colours you choose clearly reflect the mood of your morning.

Monday: A Cozy Corner

Sketch or lightly suggest your favorite resting spot. It could be a comfy chair by a window or a bench in your garden. Think about the textures or colours that say comfort to you and let them guide the marks you make.

Tuesday: Falling Leaves

Take a moment outdoors or by an open door if its really chilly. Watch the leaves in motion as the twirl down or study one up close. Slow down and record what you truly see.

Wednesday: Quiet Moments

Illustrate a touch of calm from your day. It could be a warm cup of tea, a candle, a breath of silence or even a mindful pause. Draw where you found peace today.

Thursday: Soft Textures

Consider texture. Wool, like knitting or crochet blankies, mist, clouds or anything that feels gentle to the touch or to the heart. Notice how soft things influence your colour choices and line work.

soft-texture

Friday: Evening Glow

Later in the day you can observe how the world softens as the day ends. Sketch the twilight colors, a warm lamp, or the glow of a home candle. Let the evening mood shape your color palette.

Saturday: Gratitude in Colour

For your final square of the week choose one thing which you are thankful for this week and express it through colour. Notice the emotion that your colour choices carry and let it fill the square space.

Weekly Practice

You can start this practice every week in Autumn if you like. And if you do, your sketchbook will reflect the slowly changing season and your mood as well. These pages can serve you as a reminder of one week, one season or, if you continue for all 52 weeks, for the whole year. This simple seven-day practice can help you create a calmer rhythm and reconnect with your creative heart. With one small square at a time you can build a gentle habit which nourishes your art and your wellbeing.

Setting Up Your Sketchbook Page

Gift

My gift to you is a simple 7-day grid art journal page. Download your free 7-Day Grid Art page here.

Click Here

How to Use This Page

  • Print or draw a 7-square grid (one for each day).
  • Use paint, pen, collage, or mixed media or whatever feels intuitive.
  • Keep it simple and only spend 5–10 minutes every day.
  • At the end of the week, look back at your grid and notice the shift in tone, mood, and rhythm.

Overarch

Mindful Making

 

“Small acts of creativity are quiet prayers to the present moment.”

 

My seven-day grid art practice is a gentle way to slow down and let you connect to your creativity. By filling in just one small rectangle a day you give yourself space to notice the beauty in simple moments and you can express them with softness. There is no pressure to produce perfect art, but rather I see this as an invitation to show up with presence and joy. Over the week your grid will become a visual story of your days and also a reminder that small creative acts can bring a certain grounding and peace to your life. I hope that this practice will support your art your wellbeing as you develop the quiet magic of mindful making.

 

Send me pics of your finished grid to alisonhazelart@gmail.com. I’d love to see how your week unfolded.

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you.

Read more about Alison’s story.

Get her newsletter.

Freebies

Freebies

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published:  January 2023   -   Revised:  February 2024 Gifts for You As a strong creative and arty person, for many years, I have generated countless free resources on Alison Hazel Art. These guides, lists and templates are to help you get...

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

Travel Journal: Tofino

Travel Journal: Tofino

by | Travel Journals

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: October 2025

Introduction

I’ve often said that I don’t travel very much, yet here I am again on my second weekend getaway this year. Earlier I spent a few days in Whistler and shared that experience with you, and now another adventure has found its way into my sketchbook. This time I’m opening my travel art sketchbook from a weekend getaway which I took in October 2025 to Tofino.

I traveled with some close family members in their cars. The journey began in downtown Vancouver, where we made our way to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. We docked at Nanaimo, and from there the road carried us across the island’s width until we reached the little coastal village of Tofino, perched halfway up the coast and looking out over the wild Pacific Ocean.

Drawing the Map Beforehand

Journey Map

Because I knew I was travelling from Vancouver over to Tofino. I was able to prepare the map beforehand. I open Google Maps and set the image to display both Vancouver and Tofino so that I could capture the coastline as a silhouette beforehand. Because it’s basically a horizontal trip, if you will, I decided to put it all horizontally across the bottom of a two-page spread slap bang on the first page of my Tofino weekend sketchbook.

Once I’d lightly sketched out the coastline in pencil, I went over it with my 0.3mm black pen just to get an idea of the shape of Vancouver Island and the mainland as well. I put the path we’re actually going to take in red, because we’re going to be driving in the car, going down to the ferry at Horseshoe Bay, catching the ferry across the sea to arrive in Nanaimo and then back driving in the car all the way on the drive across the island to Tofino.

Lakes

I added a couple of the lakes that were quite big on the map. And really, I haven’t traveled this road so I’m not exactly sure, but it seems that the road runs along the side of a couple of lakes, so the big lakes like Sprott Lake I put in.

Guide

Now this map is only a guide because I haven’t left home yet, but if we stop at some of the villages along the way I can mark them on the map. I note what we did, or the snacks we had, or if we had coffee, at these places and I can do this because I’ve already got the map laid out. You really can only put the map in if you are exactly sure which route you’re going to be taking before you leave home. I always love to put a map in my travel journal because you can put so much information into this type of chart. And it makes a great addition to your travel journal pages.

Distance

As I spent a couple of hours working on this map, I realized that the distance from Vancouver to Tofino is actually going to be 285 kilometres (177 miles). Additionally, I noticed the longitude in Vancouver is 123°12′ West. Whereas Tofino is 125°54′ West and this was interesting because when I visit Tofino, it will be the most westerly I have ever been on Earth in my life, so I thought that was interesting as well.

Compass Rose

Many maps have a compass rose which is the circular pointer that points north. If you look at old maps, they have very ornate and stylized compass roses and I like to do this myself. You could just simply put in an arrow with an “N” below it pointing to north, but I thought this time I do something a little fancier because I can. I created a more lavish compass rose on this particular map to Tofino.

Setting Off

Packing My Sketchbook

When I tucked my sketchbook into my bag that morning, I promised myself I’d try to capture more than just what I saw. I wanted to record the mood of the day, the rhythm of the streets, and those fleeting little details that slip away too quickly.

Packing Art Supplies

With a few pencils, a couple of pens, some colored pencils, an eraser, some beach themed washi tape and a small pair of scissors, I set off feeling both curious and ready to let the pages unfold like a quiet companion to my journey.

Arriving

Tofino First Glimpses

Once we were settled into our log cabin we went exploring and down to the nearest beach. This was at about noon and the Sun was beaming down highlighting the trees and the ocean.

Beaches

Seascapes

The beaches were a definite draw for me.

Not only did they draw me in, but I attempted to draw them as well.

Bear in mind that I was travelling with several family members and the days were pretty filled up with brunches, lunches and dinners all together, although I did manage to get some pics of the beaches.

Chesterman Beach

This image shows a little fog starting to roll in from the Pacific Ocean at Chesterman Beach.

tofino-beach

Sea Stars

I was fortunate to happen upon this couple of bright orange sea stars clinging to the lower rocks just after the tide had gone out.

Sea stars always interests me and you may know I wrote and illustrated a whole children’s book titled “Fun at the Rock Pool with Sandy Sea Star and Friends” for ages 3-7 years which is available on Amazon.

sea-star-tofino

Long Beach Sunset

Because Tofino faces west you get to see the sunset every evening. Here is a shot of the sun setting at Long Beach.

tofino-long-beach-sunset

Sketch not Travel…

Let’s face it, this isn’t a travel article per se, but I’m meant to be focusing on the travel sketchbook pages which I created while I was there and completed once I got home, so enough with the nature shots.

When I Sketched

Timing

For me, this was not just me going away on a sketching weekend, or a writing weekend, as I did with my friend when we went up to Whistler recently. It was a family escape weekend where there was actually a beautiful wedding-on-the-beach involved. The days were bursting with activities and although I took lots of family photos, they are not suitable for here. So, it was really only when I got into bed at night that I was able to whip out my sketchbook and sketch what happened that day.

 

Evenings

I started with the first day which was the actual journey to get to Tofino from Vancouver, with my 2H pencil I lightly sketched out the double spread that was to be for Day 1.

First Spread: Left Side

Ferry

I noted the ferryboat’s name, Queen of Cowichan, and that I unexpectedly bumped into a friend from work, Mike, who was travelling to Vancouver Island that day too.

Goats

At the village of Coombs, we stopped to explore the “Goats on the Roof” Old Country Market and general store which was a fun place to stop and pick up a souvenir. Their slogan is, “If you don’t need it, we have it!” Who knew I needed a goat ornament for my tree this year? 🐐

Tofino-sketchbook-1

First Spread: Right Side

Cathedral Grove

The journey in the car continued and we stopped for a break at Cathedral Grove. This is a protected park which boasts the oldest trees in British Columbia. Some of the redwood specimens are over 300 years old. Their diameter was around 4m (13 feet) for the big ones and possible more. You walk over a raised boardwalk to preserve the nature and not stomp on the undergrowth.

Lillies

Once we arrived at the cabin the bride-to-be placed some lilies in a vase on the rustic table which I captured in my sketchbook. Technically as an artist, this subject is a bit trickly as the blooms are white, so you tend to need a light green or pistachio color to bring forth the beauty in these flowers.

2nd Spread: Left Side

The Shed

First evening and dinner at the patio of “The Shed” burger bar.

 

Shed Burger

I sketched the Shed Burger which I had with fries.

Tofino-sketchbook-2

Shed Red Wine

The “Shed Red” is a red wine that comes in a can and it was quite good. I’ll be looking out for canned wines when I get back to the big city. Next to our table was a massive outdoor heater that became scorching during the evening fortunately our lovely waitress, Emily, turned the blast down for us.

 

Chesterman Beach

There are countless surfers at Chesterman beach as shown on the coffee cup side which I glued into my sketchbook. I always travel with a glue stick to add receipts or papers, or now coffee cup sides, into my travel sketchbook.

tofino-beach

Jellyfish

Strolling for a long time on the beach we came across a large translucent jellyfish. It had four milky main chambers which and been beached. The creature was clearly waiting for the next tide to whisk it away. The jellyfish was about 40cm across (15″) and glistening with moisture in the sunlight. I believe they can still sting, so we just took photos.

jellyfish

Tofitian Café

On the next day, and after the wedding, the other women and I drove and to have a snack at the Tofitian café. I sketched a simple latte in a cup and saucer and the vegan brownie which I chose for my snack. This brownie had large chunks of beets, carrots and fruits which made it quite substantial and chewy indeed.

2nd Spread: Right Side

Temperature

It’s always a good idea to note the temperature when you develop the pages in a travel journal. For the weekend the temperature was a high of 15°C (59°F) which I drew in a circle like the sun. For an autumn day it was not too hot nor was it freezing either.

 

Happy Couple

To commemorate why I went to Tofino I the first place, and it was not just for a travel journal piece, I did a small heart shaped sketch of the happy couple. I’m not naming them either. I don’t want to give away anymore than that, as it is their place to share their wedding experience with the world, and not mine.

 

Crystal Cove

The wedding was presided over by Barbie the local marriage commissioner. We got to meet a fabulous photographer, Chelsea Gray who was great and gave positive direction for the multiple groups shots, poses and lineups against varied backgrounds, in the waves, at the beach and surrounds. She captured the important details like the rings, the family dog and the special moment when the couple tied the knot. It was a pleasure to have met her.

Bouquet

The pink, green and white bouquet combined king proteas and olive sprigs to commemorate the combining of the two families. I sketched this with quite a close up to add interest.

Tacofino

One lunch was at the famous Tacofino hut where you can line up for half an hour before you get to place your order. I sketched my fish tacos and water bottle which we consumed outdoors at wrought iron tables painted in their signature orange.

Wolf in the Fog

The main family celebration dinner was held at Wolf in the Fog restaurant in the heart of Tofino village. It seems the top predators in the area are wolves, not bears, so that was something of interest in itself. 

The fog refers to the grey thick fogs which roll in from the cold Pacific Ocean and creep into the village at certain times of the year. I mean, imagine seeing a wolf in the fog as you go about your day. Something to think about right there.

The restaurant’s mantra is fish, forage and feast and it was fantastic. I’ve tried to capture the meal in my sketchbook. We wolfed down (see what I did there), deep-fried cheese balls with toasty bread, firm and meaty catch-of-the-day halibut, creamy mashed potatoes and garden-fresh greens, followed by sticky toffee pudding ice-cream. I sipped on a rich golden chardonnay which was smooth and exquisite. Simple food but fabulously prepared and presented. I recommend this restaurant.

10 Tips for Your Travel Sketchbook Spread

Page Title

Start with a light pencil sketch. Draw the title of the pages. In my case the page heading was “Tofino” which I created in an interesting font.

 

Composition

Look at the composition of your page and try to have an odd number of mini sketches on each page. Five or seven is a great start so the images can be staggered across the page and not just plonked in a grid.

 

Collage

Glue in small cutouts, receipts and images whch relate to the page. For example, I added the sea tides table for the days we were in Tofino. This detail made sense because we explored the beaches.

 

Natural

If possible, add something natural. Perhaps a leaf, petal, seeds or flower head to the page for interest. Alternatively, glue in some ribbon or colored string which relates to the visit.

 

Map

Always draw a map to set the stage because maps provide context to your journey. Simple diagrams can show where you came from and where you are going. Charts could be of the area, or the inside the place in which you stayed or even of your room.

 

Weather

In travel journals it’s always fun to add the daily high temperature for the time you were there. Noticing the weather forever adds interest to your spreads. If it was snowing or sunny you’d want to include those details as well.

 

Dates

Make sure to add the dates which you arrived and the days when you travelled somewhere on the page. As a legacy, your travel sketchbook will give so much information surrounding what you were doing at that particular time in your life. Others who come after you will have the opportunity to understand more about you and your life during these years.

 

Meals

Food and drinks are always a suitable topic for your travel journal. When you look at the pages later, the plates and glasses will remind you what you ate and perhaps more importantly, with whom you shared the feast. 

 

Vehicles

Mention how you got there, was it by car, plane, ferry or train? One day I hope to travel in a hot air balloon and then I’ll indicate how I got there. If possible, add the road number, flight number and carrier, or the train company details as a reminder.

 

People

Mention anyone you meet on your trip. Like as in the case of me bumping into Mike, who is a person I see at work. State anyone who stood out as someone with whom you shared a meaningful interaction. This individual could be a server, a concierge or someone living locally.

 

Mood

Consider the mood of the journey. Was it exhilarating, fun or soothing for your soul? How did you feel when you left? Will you go back?

Try to capture your feelings about the trip. The best time to do this is the last evening which you are there. This is when you’ve experienced most of the good stuff and you only have a long travel-day to face on the morrow.

 

Souvenirs

If you bought things knick-knacks and so on, then add them to your spreads. Tokens or little crystals are always good items for a journal.

Mementoes are physical reminders of how the holiday or weekend went to remind you after you get home.

I believe that objects carry the energy of their places. If I buy books when I’m away from home I’ll draw the cover of the book as a reminder of when and where I got it.

Similarly with artworks. If I pick up an art print I’ll sketch a small image of it in my travel sketchbook as a reminder. I’ll also mention the artist’s name and perhaps even the shop or gallery where it came from.

 

 

Grateful

Be grateful for the experience. Acknowledge who or what enabled you to experience your weekend away. If someone else paid then note them. If someone drove you in their car mention them. If you scrimped and saved for 12 months to be able to pay for the trip, then say so. Gratitude for the experience is good for your soul.

Overarch

What I’ll Carry Forward

Closing my Tofino Sketchbook feels a little bittersweet. Each sketch brings back a moment like the shifting tide, soft mist on the trees and that quiet feeling of being small beside the ocean. I didn’t set out to make perfect drawings, just to notice more and enjoy the process.

Looking back, I can see how these pages became a record of calm days, gentle color and slowing down. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be grand but rather sometimes it’s enough to simply sit, watch and sketch what’s in front of you.

 

Future

I loved my visit to Tofino and since I’ve been home I’ve been looking at real estate in the village and considering if I should get myself a place there.

 

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you.

Read more about Alison’s story.

Get her newsletter.

Travel Journal: Tofino

Travel Journal: Tofino

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Updated: October 2025 Introduction I’ve often said that I don’t travel very much, yet here I am again on my second weekend getaway this year. Earlier I spent a few days in Whistler and shared that experience with you, and now another...

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

by | Grid Art Journal

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: October 2025

As a Hobby Artist


What I Draw

As a hobby artist, I keep coming back to the same subjects, almost as if they are part of my inner landscape. Over time, I’ve realized that I’m not especially drawn to drawing people, faces, or animals and I’m completely fine with that. My heart belongs to nature.

Symbolism

I love sketching seascapes, beaches, and the quiet beauty of trees, leaves, seashells, seedpods, and cones. Trees especially speak to me. They hold a deep symbolism of life, strength, and renewal.

Creative Forest


More trees

Creativity has its own seasons and rhythms of growth, rest, and renewal. Lately, I’ve been filling my sketchbook with trees and these are Tree of Life studies, seasonal trees, and some experimental designs in my grid art sketchbook. In a way each drawing feels like I’m planting a seed, something that might grow into a bigger idea later.

Revisit

This means it is about more than just drawing. It’s about what happens when we revisit a subject over and over, letting it teach us about ourselves. My sketchbook feels like its own small patch of earth where I can nurture new ideas and watch them grow.

Reflect and Renew


Planting

What are you planting in your life right now? What dreams are you tending quietly, waiting for them to bloom? Whether you draw, write, knit, or garden, every small act of creativity can be a way to grow your own little forest—one tree, one leaf, one moment at a time.

My Sketchbook

Trees and More Trees


This season, my focus is on trees. I began with the Tree of Life, a powerful symbol of growth and connection, and then created a set of four seasonal trees arranged neatly in a grid.

 

Seasonal

Each tree has its own personality. Spring is full of promise, summer is lush and abundant, autumn glows with warm fiery colors, and winter stands quiet and bare, resting until it’s time to grow again.

 

Cycles

This series reminds me that the cycles of nature are also our cycles. Sometimes we are in bloom, sometimes we are letting go, and sometimes we are simply resting and gathering strength for the next season.

The Tree of Life


Cross Cultural

The Tree of Life is one of those timeless symbols that appears across cultures, always slightly different yet always carrying a message of connection. Its roots reach deep into the earth, while its branches stretch toward the sky, reminding me to stay grounded while reaching for growth and light.

Interconnectedness

It also speaks of interconnectedness—every root, branch, and leaf is part of the whole. When I draw this motif, I try to weave that feeling of connection into my work through flowing lines and organic shapes.

Renewal

Another beautiful lesson from the Tree of Life is renewal. Trees shed leaves, rest, and bloom again. This cycle of life, death, and rebirth encourages me to embrace my own creative seasons with more patience and trust.

 

Creative Journey

For me, the Tree of Life isn’t just a design I like to draw, but rather it’s a living metaphor. It reminds me that my creative journey is about wholeness, balance, and growth.

Tree of Life in Art


Centuries

Artists throughout history have used the Tree of Life to express big ideas and the connection between realms, fertility, transformation, and spiritual ascent. From Norse Yggdrasil and Assyrian sacred trees to Byzantine mosaics, Islamic tiles and Buddhist Bodhi trees, this symbol has been reimagined again and again.

Modern Artists

Even today, artists and makers continue to explore its meaning through paintings, jewelry, tattoos, and digital art. In a way, I love knowing that my sketches are part of this long tradition of using trees to tell the story of life.

tree-of-life

Famous Artwork Examples

Inspiration

Let’s look at some specific, famous artworks (examples as inspiration) which are from different cultures and eras. I’m not an art critic or historian, I am but a lowly hobby artist, however, I’ll share a little of how I see how they express the Tree of Life symbolism in each piece.

Gustav Klimt “The Tree of Life” (1905–1909)

Spirals

This piece is a part of the 3-part Stoclet Frieze mural. Klimt painted some swirling golden branches which form a labyrinth of spirals, mainly up facing, that seem to evoke eternity and interconnectedness.

Cycles

The lavish gold leaf recalls the Byzantine mosaics, while the spirals suggest infinite cycles. Additionally, Klimt’s figures merge with the tree, to emphasize the unity of human and cosmic life.

Medieval Christian Manuscripts: The Tree of Life in Eden

Garden of Eden

Examples: The Winchester Psalter (c. 1150), The Bible of St. Louis (c. 1226–1234). This classic Tree of Life is depicted as a radiant, central tree in the Garden of Eden. Sometimes Christ is shown as the fruit or as the tree itself. This theme links the ideas of crucifixion to the promise of eternal life.

Symmetry

These ancient manuscripts use symmetry and bright colors to suggest perfection and paradise. These trees function as both a literal and symbolic image almost as a promise of resurrection and restoration.

The Assyrian Sacred Tree (c. 9th–7th century BCE)

Stylized

Example: Stone reliefs from the palaces of Ashurnasirpal II and later kings. This stylized “tree” (sometimes more a palmette) stands between two winged genies. It represents fertility, divine order and the king’s link to a higher cosmic authority.

Sacred Geometry

The symmetrical and geometric of the Assyrian Sacred Tree form signals sacred geometry. The winged figures tend the tree and show its role as a source of divine blessing and

Kabbalistic Tree of Life: Sefirot Diagrams

Mystical Texts

Examples: These are created as manuscript diagrams or as printed mystical texts. The Tree of Life here is entirely abstract with ten spheres (sefirot) connected by 22 paths to map the divine emanation and journey from the infinite to the material world.

Sefirot

The Sefirot (sometimes spelled sephiroth) are the ten attributes or emanations through which the Ein Sof (the infinite divine) reveals itself and continuously creates both the spiritual and physical realms, according to Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Each Sefirah represents a different aspect of the divine and is often visualized as part of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, which shows how they connect and interact.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the ten Sefirot:

  • Keter (Crown): Pure divine will and unity
  • Chokhmah (Wisdom): Creative inspiration, the spark of an idea
  • Binah (Understanding): Processing and shaping ideas
  • Chesed (Kindness): Lovingkindness, generosity, expansion
  • Gevurah (Strength): Discipline, boundaries, judgment
  • Tiferet (Beauty): Harmony, balance, compassion
  • Netzach (Endurance): Perseverance, victory, determination
  • Hod (Splendor): Humility, gratitude, acknowledgment
  • Yesod (Foundation): Connection, channeling, grounding energy
  • Malkhut (Kingdom): Manifestation, bringing the spiritual into the physical world

Together, the Sefirot are a map of both the cosmos and the inner human experience, showing how we can align ourselves with divine flow.

Diagram

Usually, artists will draw these diagrams as lattices, often inscribed in circles or triangles, showing a metaphysical “tree” not of wood but of divine energy. This layout seems to have influenced later esoteric art.

Islamic Art: The Tree of Life Motif in Carpets and Tiles

Rugs and Tapestries

Example: Persian “Tree of Life” prayer rugs, Ottoman ceramics and Mughal architecture. A central trunk with symmetrically branching stems rising toward a stylized heaven.

 

No People

By not having any people of figural depictions in this art, Islamic artisans frequently use abstracted plant forms in their designs. These trees often signify eternal paradise, divine order and the meaningful connection between earthly prayer (human) to heavenly reward (God).

Buddhist Art: The Bodhi Tree

Reliefs

Examples: Sanchi Stupa railings (India, c. 1st century BCE) and Bodh Gaya reliefs.

Enlightenment

The Bodhi Tree is the tree where under which the Buddha achieved his enlightenment. It is shown as a world tree which connects our human potential to cosmic truth.

Absence of Presence

The Bodhi Tree is often drawn with a vacant throne or an empty seat beneath it. This feature artistically represents the Buddha’s presence through his absence. By contrast, the tree itself stands for spiritual awakening and continuity.

Celtic Art: Knotwork Trees

Illuminated Manuscripts

This type of Tree is shown as high crosses and is found typically in Ireland. Example: They are classically shown in lavishly illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells.

 

Cycle of Life

The intertwined roots and branches suggest the endless cycles of death, life, rebirth and interconnection.

 

Spirit in Nature

By merging animals interlaced with arboreal motifs, it is as though Celtic artists emphasized a living continuum of nature and spirit.

How to Draw the Tree of Life Symbol

Let’s Create

You don’t need to be a professional artist to enjoy drawing the Tree of Life. This activity is more about expression than perfection. Go and find your sketchbook, a pen, or your favorite paints, and let’s create a Tree of Life together.

Sketchbook

You can do it in your grid sketchbook or as a one-page artwork of do both as I did. It’s up to you.

Step 1: Draw the Circle

The Tree of Life is often shown inside a circle. This symbolizes wholeness and unity. Also, the circle gives you a frame in which to work. With a compass, lightly sketch a circle to frame your design. This will represent the boundaries of your universe for your tree.

Step 2: Add the Trunk

About one fifth of the way up from the bottom of the circle draw in the horizon lightly with a pencil. I use a 2H pencil for this part. In the center of the circle, draw a sturdy trunk. It doesn’t need to be perfectly straight and in fact, a little curve, wobble or wiggles will add personality and knarlyness to your tree. Think of this part as the spine that holds everything together from which the rest hangs.

 

Step 3: Create the Roots

From the base of the trunk, draw some tangled roots which spread outward and downward. Let them twist and branch like rivers underground and make them thinner at the tips. Try not to pass outside the circle although you can for the odd root if you like if that’s the type of art you are making. The roots represent grounding, ancestry and where you come from.

Step 4: Branch Out

At the top of the trunk, let the branches reach up and out, filling the upper circle. Just like the roots, the branches can twist and flow. The branches should get thinner and more split towards the edges near the circle. These branches symbolize growth, dreams and expansion into the future.

 

Step 5: Balance Roots and Branches

Many traditional Tree of Life designs mirror the roots and branches, showing balance between the seen and unseen, the inner and outer. Personally, I prefer to have more leaves on top than roots below, but it is up to you. You can reflect this symmetry if you like or do what I do and make your balance of branches and roots more free flowing. It’s a good idea here to just follow your intuition.

Step 6: Add Leaves, Fruit or Spirals

Now for the fun details and embellishments. Leaves bring life and renewal and you can add leaves individually to the tips of every twig and in some case add two leaves. Fruit like apples suggest abundance. Fruit should really nestle below a branch or twig and not be just plonked in midair. Spirals in the branches and twigs hint at spiritual energy. Here you can play with patterns and textures to make your tree unique.

Step 7: Ink and Color

Once you are happy with your sketch, go over the lines with a black pen. I used a Pigma Micron 0.3mm black nib. You can add depth by having some branches in front of others or keep it flat. Now, add some color if you like. I used my Faber Castell Polychromas colored pencils to color my tree. Earthy browns and greens feel natural, but you can also explore rainbow hues, golds, or even abstract palettes to match your own energy.

Step 8: Make It Yours

Remember that this is your Tree of Life. You can add symbols, words, or little hidden details like woodland animals or lady bugs that are meaningful to you. If you are mindful as you draw, you’ll find that every mark on the page can hold intention.

Overarch

No Rush

Exploring the Tree of Life through art has been a reminder to me that for me, creativity is never rushed. It tends to grow slowly, season by season, just like a tree. Sometimes, every sketch in my sketchbook feels like I’m planting a seed of inspiration that may take time to bloom, or not, but that’s part of the beauty. I believe that these small creative hobby art moments build a forest of ideas that can nurture you for years to come.

Tree of Life Card

If you’d like an extra spark of inspiration, you might enjoy pulling the Tree of Life card from my Artspiration Card Deck. It’s one of my favorite cards because it reminds me to stay rooted, keep growing and honor every stage of the creative cycle.

Your Plantings

My hope is that this encourages you to keep sowing your own seeds and that means on the page, in your mind and in your life. I’d love you to trust the quiet process of your artistic growth.

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you. Read more about Alison’s story. Get her newsletter.
Freebies

Freebies

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published:  January 2023   -   Revised:  February 2024 Gifts for You As a strong creative and arty person, for many years, I have generated countless free resources on Alison Hazel Art. These guides, lists and templates are to help you get...

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

Artspiration Cards

Artspiration Cards

by | Art Challenges

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: September 2025

Introduction

This week I’m going to share with you how I started making my Signs and Symbols artspiration card deck. I’ve always had a great interest in signs, symbols and sigils. And the fact that when you are mark making at a very basic level you’ve got lines and circles and shapes. This is what I thought I would base my Signs and Symbols artspiration cards on. Now it did occur to me that I might not be able to find as many signs and symbols as I required for a full deck, but this is one of those projects that you start, and it grows with you.

Decks

A card deck is like a pack of cards. For instance, in a regular playing card deck there are 52 cards plus a joker. In a regular tarot card you have 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards totalling 78 cards in all. Now of course I can add more if I want to. There is no hard and fast rule about how many cards you need in your deck. Your deck could have 22 (like the major arcana), 52, 69 or 101 cards. It’s your choice.

52 Weeks

I decided I would start with 52 cards in my deck because I do like to do artworks one-a-week style. Each year has 52 weeks and if I create one card each week, I will end up with a card deck with 52 cards at the end of the year. I’ve previously done 52 Herbs and 52 Meditative art coloring books which are once-a-week art practice coloring books. I also like yearly seasonal art challenges as well. So here I could have done 13 cards for each season as another way to look at it.

Signs and Symbols Artspiration Card Deck

Shapes

I decided to call my deck the Signs and Symbols Artspiration Card Deck or signs and symbols for short, or actually S&S for even shorter. Many of my symbols are very simple shapes like dots, circles, squares and triangles and from there they develop into other forms as well. For some of these symbols I’m referencing, The Illustrated Signs and Symbols Sourcebook by Adele Nozedar which is a book that I’ve had for over ten years. You can decide on the name for your card deck either now or later.

What Are Artspiration Cards?

Art + Inspiration = Artspiration

Artspiration Cards are a beautiful blend of creativity and encouragement. They are small, hand-crafted cards and with usually around 50 to 70 cards in a set which offer visual and emotional inspiration. These cards can be used for daily art prompts, moments of gratitude, uplifting affirmations or quiet personal reflection. They are not fortune-telling cards. Instead, artspiration cards are open-ended, have a gentle message and for those of us in the slow lane. They help you connect with your own creativity, mood and inner wisdom, whatever that means for you.

You might think of them as:

  • Inspiration cards for your art studio
  • Gratitude prompts for mindful living
  • Creative cues to spark your next innovative piece
  • Or simply a personal deck of beauty and meaning

Images and Theme

Cohesive

In my deck, each artspiration card features an image that you create. This could be a symbol, scene, shape, color blend or anything that speaks to your theme.

For a harmonious and professional look, it’s a good idea to keep all your cards within the same:

 

  • Color palette (pastels, brights, blues or black and white etc.)
  • Art style (abstract, impressionist or cartoonish etc.)
  • Medium (such as watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencil or collage)

 

This gives your deck a cohesive and intentional feel, even if each card expresses something unique.

Benefits of Making Your Artspiration Deck

Internal

There are a few benefits to making your very own artspiration card deck apart from that you get to have a lovey collection of cards at the end.

Creative Self-expression

This is a chance to play, explore and stretch your creative wings in a format that feels light and doable with just one small card at a time.

Personal Reflection

Your deck becomes a personal tool that you can turn to for journaling, intention-setting or quiet inspiration. Each card holds a message that is just for you.

A Year-Long Art Project

If you create one card per week, you will have a full deck after a year. It is a meaningful project which you can build gently over time, without overwhelm.

Your Art, Your Way

Love bold colors or gentle lines, abstract shapes or nature sketches? Let your style set the tone in your drawing, painting, collage or mixed media.

Set Your Theme

Deck Focus

It is a good idea to choose a focus for your deck. Perhaps you are interested in cats, gardening herbs, summer fruit pies, violins or ethereal topics. Whatever you are most interested in in life and what you know most about, why not choose that as your first theme? You can make other card decks with other themes later. The possibilities are endless.

Deck Focus Examples

Here are some ideas for your card deck theme:

 

  • Emotions: Mood of the day, happy, sad or melancholic.
  • Nature: Trees, volcanoes, seeds, rivers or flowers
  • Affirmations: Feel good messages
  • Goddesses: Nomkhubulwane, Freya or Papatūānuku and yes, I had to check the spelling too.
  • Imaginarium: Fairies, elves, goblins or ghosts.
  • Crafts: Baking cookies, sewing stitches, weaving, cordage patterns or spinning.
  • Animals: Woodland animals, farm animals, tropical fish or water birds.
  • Symbols: Signs and symbols (this is the one I’m doing)

 

Keep your theme either loose or specific and do whatever feels inspiring to you.

Getting It Done

Gentle Weekly Rhythm

Creating one artspiration card per week is a simple, achievable pace that works especially well for hobby artists like us with with full lives. Over the course of a year, this steady rhythm will give you a beautiful 52-card deck, without the stress of rushing or the demand for perfectionism.

Stay Consistent – No Pressure

Let’s face it, life happens. Some weeks flow creatively as the muse arrives, while others feel slower. The idea is to keep showing up, gently. It is really not about making a masterpiece every time, but rather it’s about enjoying the process, staying connected to your creativity and making space for your art in your week. You do not have to finish a whole card in one sitting. You can spread the process out to fit your energy level and time available for art.

Workflow

Sample Week

To help you find time to make these cards, here is a light structure that I’m suggesting which you can follow or adapt to suit your lifestyle.

Monday: Plan Your Card

Choose your theme, sketch some layout ideas and explore composition.

Tuesday: Light Sketching

Create a rough pencil sketch for a card.

Wednesday: Ink or Outline

Refine your sketch with pen, ink, or clean lines in your medium. Erase all pencil marks now.

Thursday: Add Color

Bring your card to life with paint, colored pencils or colored ink.

Friday: Words and Phrases

Add your meaning, message or mantra and add a title to the card.

Saturday: Final Touches

Embellish your card with some highlights. Choose metallics (gold and silver) or white highlights to make it sparkle. Color the edges.

Sunday: Reflect and Rest

Take a moment to appreciate your finished card. Journal about it, share it or simply enjoy how it feels.

Make It Yours

You can follow this rhythm or make your own version. Maybe you could do two steps in one day or just batch create cards at the weekend. What matters the most is that you can find a flow which feels supportive and is not stressful. Remember that artspiration is about creativity and not deadlines.

Materials

Card Stock

You will need thick paper or card stock. I started with watercolor paper, but soon discovered it was too wrinkly to shuffle the cards easily. Then I went onto Bristol board which is a smooth medium weight cardboard.

Measuring the Cards

Each of my artspiration cards is 94mm (3¾ inches) x 140mm (5½ inches). I measured each page out with a pencil and ruler. I can get four cards from one sheet of A4 paper.

artspiration

Cutting Corners

I began cutting the rounded corners with a pair of scissors but they all looked so squonk. It annoyed me. So I decided to invest in a handy dandy corner cutter. I used a corner cutter.

Pressing Flat

My cards started to bend with the watercolor and the colored inks. To overcome this, when I had finally finished them, I placed some under a stack of heavy books and put a couple into my flower press. I think a book press would be great for this job but I don’t have one, yet… I also didn’t want to overload my flower press either, so the pile of heavy books ended up being the best bet to flatten all of my cards cards.

Words, Meaning and Messages

An image is Worth a Thousand Words

You can have just the art, art and a title, art a title and a meaning or any combination of these. The trick is to do the same thing on every card in a particular deck. If you have a card title, then every card needs a title. If you have a card meaning, then every card needs a meaning. Decide if you want words on the cards, a title, a phrase, or just the art.

Card Companion Notebook

I have a small field notebook which I’m using to record each card. Additionally, this turns out to be a handy guide about the next cards I’m going to make. I have a two-page spread and sketch the image for card on the right-hand page. The title of the card, the meaning and words are on the left-hand page.

notebook

Puzzle

Below is the draft for my “puzzle” card in my Signs and Symbols mini notebook.

Document Your Creative Journey

Keep a journal or sketchbook alongside your deck.

Use it to:

 

  • Reflect on the meaning behind each card.
  • Track your ideas, color palettes, and materials.
  • Note how your technique or style evolves over time.
  • Celebrate little wins and breakthroughs.

 

Looking back at your notes will show just how much growth happens, both in your art and in yourself.

Guidebook

Potentially, you might want to write a small guidebook at the end of the year. If you decide to commercially publish your card deck you ought to provide a guidebook explaining each card. You do not have to do this. Either way, to have a record of each card is a nice thing to have.

Legacy Stash

If your card deck gets into your legacy stash one day, then your family and those who come after you, will know that you were creating and perhaps more importantly why you created your cards in the first place.

If you create a deck aligned with your other interests in life, like pies, trees or angels, then this will reinforce your interest and not be seen as some random thing you did one year.

Something to think about.

 

 

Edges

Options

There are two ways to deal with the edges of the cards, either leave them alone or color them. Personally, I like to color my edges to match the back design of the cards. If you leave the edges plain white over time and with use, they will get grubby and look worn, so I believe that to attend to the edges before you start to use your cards is a good idea.

Choose the Edge Color

If your back design is mainly blue then put blue on the edges, if your back design is mainly gold then put gold on the edges. Actually, gold and silver, are great colors for the edges regardless of the card back color.

Color the Edges

I take a marker, I like the Tombow markers, and I hold the pen still and run the card edge lightly over the brush marker tip. You don’t want to press the pen to the card as that can result in too much ink coming out and the color bleeding up onto the front and back design. Rather run the card over the brush tip while you hold the brush still in your other hand.

Photos

Consider scanning or photographing for a digital copy

Card Storage

Box or Bag

In general, there’s two ways to store your cards. You can make a little box for them. Or you could make a little soft bag for them. If you are planning to. Commercially sell your cards. The best way is to make a box. A new card manufacturer can help with this.

Pouch

Personally, I like to make. A small bag or a soft pouch to keep my cards in. You can actually get little net bags from the dollar store, which may be ideal for your purpose. But here’s a quick design on how to make a pouch for your cards.

Pouch Design

You will need some cloth. Light material works well, like a chiffon and net or a very thin cotton.

Materials

To make your card deck pouch like I did you will need:

  • One fat quarter or a piece of material about 30cm (one foot) square. You could use a dinner napkin.
  • Matching sewing thread.
  • Sewing needle, (I like a size 8).
  • About 50cm (20 inches) of, 3mm to 5mm wide, co-ordinating ribbon or cord.

Instructions

Cut two pieces of cloth 15cm (6 inches) wide by 22cm (8½ inches) tall. Fold the top over 1cm and press, now fold the top over again 2cm and press. This will form the channel that the drawstring goes through. Sew the top edge right just above the second fold see diagram.

Staying Inspired

Keep Up

While art challenges are great fun to start, I sometimes find that I can’t keep up in the end, and perhaps you are like me. I’m pretty good at being gung ho and making the first seven to ten things for any project. Like in my artspiration deck or my AHAtober prompts or my Artist Trading Cards, but by the time we get to day 27, 28 and 29, I am struggling to keep up with the project. Here are a few ideas to make staying the course easier for you and me.

Build Community and Let Your Deck Evolve

Creating your artspiration deck can be a very personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary one. If you share the process with other people ,it can bring new energy, accountability and inspiration to your practice.

Join (or Start) a Creative Card Circle

Look for other artists who are also working on weekly card projects, inspiration decks or creative challenges.

You could perhaps:

  • Join an online group or forum.
  • Start a small circle with friends (in person or virtually).
  • Share your weekly card on social media using a custom hashtag that you choose.

To create alongside others keeps your momentum going and makes the experience more fun and you feel more connected.

Seasonal Inspiration

I am a huge fan of working within the natural tempo of the yearly solar cycle. It is a great idea to let the rhythm of the year guide your creativity because each season brings its own energy, colors and feelings.

For example:

 

  • Winter: Stillness, reflection and inner wisdom.
  • Spring: Growth, fresh ideas, color and playfulness.
  • Summer: Joy, bold expression, sunlight and movement.
  • Autumn: Cards with warm tones, themes of letting go or the harvest.

 You can even align your deck to natural festivals like spring or harvest festivals or maybe even lunar phases like the New Moon or Full Moon.

 

Let Your Deck Evolve Naturally

Do not worry if your early cards feel different from your later ones. That is the beauty of a year-long project. Your skills, style and themes will grow and develop with you. In fact, this is a good sign that you are evolving as an artist. Trust the process and let your deck reflect who you are at each stage. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but rather it just needs to be yours.

 

 

Designing the Back

Obverse

The obverse is the front side of your cards where the main image or symbol and the artwork is on a card. The obverse would be where your unique artwork, title and message go.

Reverse

The reverse is the back side of the card where the design that repeats on the back of your cards. The reverse may have a consistent pattern for the whole deck.

Card Back Design

While the front of each card in your deck is unique and expressive, the back of the card is where consistency comes in. It’s the one side your audience will see before they flip a card over, so it sets the tone for your whole deck. Think of the back as your calling card and as a gentle introduction to your art style, mood, and creative voice.

Reflect Your Artistic Style

The back design should feel like you.

It can reflect your overall art aesthetic, whether that’s:

  • Soft watercolor washes.
  • Bold graphic shapes.
  • Delicate linework.
  • Nature-inspired motifs.
  • Abstract patterns.
  • Digital textures or collage.

This is your chance to showcase a specific repeating element that ties the whole deck together, visually and energetically. The back design of your cards can also be repeated on a box to keep them in, a keepsake box, if you choose to make one. If the design is simple enough, it can be embroidered onto a soft cloth pouch that you specially make for the cards.

Include Your Branding (Gently)

If you’re creating a deck to share, gift or possibly sell, consider adding some subtle branding:

 

  • Your name or art studio name.
  • A small logo or monogram.
  • A signature motif or sigil that you are known for.

 

Keep it gentle and artistic as it doesn’t need to feel corporate. Think of it as a personal stamp of your own that says, “this is made with care.”

 

Make It Repeatable

To keep your deck feeling cohesive, the card back design should be:

 

  • Consistent: Use the same artwork across all cards. You can use your logo.
  • Centered and symmetrical: Especially if the cards will be shuffled and used face-down.
  • Simple enough: That it does not distract but still feels special.

 

If you’re working digitally, create a single high-resolution card back and apply it to each card file. If you’re working traditionally, you might use a stamp, stencil, or printed backing paper.

A Few Creative Ideas

  • A single flower or symbol which represents the theme of the deck that is repeated on each card.
  • Your favorite color palette in a soft gradient or pattern.
  • Hand-lettered initials, so for me that would be AHA for Alison Hazel Art.
  • Words that uplift like artspiration, calm, or create.
  • A moon phase or mandala motif if that’s your style.
  • Repeating textures much like handmade paper, brushstrokes or fabric patterns.

 

Card Backs Overview

The card back is the quiet part of your deck, but it carries your essence built in. It holds your deck together like a book cover or the delicate stitching of a handmade quilt. Design your card backs with love and let them whisper your artistic spirit every time someone picks up a card.

How to Use Your Artspiration Deck

Daily Pulls


One of the simplest ways to enjoy your artspiration deck is to do a daily card pull. Each morning you can shuffle the deck and then draw a card and allow the meaning of that card to guide your creative flow for the day. You could use the card meaning as an art journaling prompt, or as a little nudge to try a new color palette or even a reminder to pause for a mindful moment with your sketchbook. These gentle daily sparks can bring both focus and freshness to your own creative practice.

Private Practice


Your artspiration cards can be something deeply personal. You may choose to keep them just for yourself, as a quiet personal art practice so you can connect with your inner artist. Or you could share them with close friends and creative companions and invite them to pull a card and see what inspiration unfolds for them. Try to let the cards become a safe space for creativity to blossom.

Create Prints


If you fall in love with your deck, why not take it further? You could print a small run of cards to give as thoughtful gifts, as each one is infused with your creative energy. Or, if you feel like it, you might create a set of cards to sell and share your unique artspiration creativity with a wider audience. If you print your cards, you will elevate your practice from a personal project into something fun and tangible that others can enjoy.

sketchbook-shelf

Bookshelf: Card Decks

Ready Made Card Decks

Here are a few inspirational ready-made card decks which you may enjoy.

 

Overarch

It’s Your Deck

I encourage you ta make a card deck that truly reflect who you are, what interests you and how you do art. There is no right or wrong way to make a personal deck. You do you. My role is to inspire you to just start and then you can see where it goes.

Artistic Journey

I also urge you to revel in the quest or crusade which you are on. Although to have a final deck is the main goal, please do not ignore the things that you discover along the way. It’s a great idea to celebrate the journey as much as the final product. What you discover about yourself, what interest you and your art style or favorite color palette will help you as you move forward in your own hobby art practice.

When To Start

They say that the best day to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second best day to plant a tree is today. This stands for your aspiration card deck as well. The best day to have started your card deck was last year, but the second best day is today. If creating some beautiful cards interests you, then start with one card and see how you go.

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you. Read more about Alison’s story. Get her newsletter.
Seasons of Art: Spring

Seasons of Art: Spring

Seasons of Art: Spring 2023 Group Meeting Learn more about the recent Seasons of Art group meeting. See more about the Seasons of Art group here.  Satvvir's Artwork Below is Satvvir's artwork (Instagram @theambivertsbb). She used watercolor and combined orabges...

Art Books I’m Reading: Summer 2025

Art Books I’m Reading: Summer 2025

by | Writing for Artists

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: August 2025

Introduction

This year I’ve been reading quite a few more books than I usually do. I’m averaging about three books a month. Which is not quite one a week or 52 in a year, but probably I’ll aim for 36 books by the end of the year. 

I couldn’t really tell you why this year in particular I’m reading more, but I think it’s because I’m trying to go deeper on a few of topics. 

A book really does bring great value and can share things with you in an organized yet simple form which I appreciate. So, here’s a few of the many art books that I’ve been reading this summer.

How to Draw a River

Why This Book?

How to Draw a River: From the Source to the Sea is a step-by-step guide created by Alex Boon, a talented nature journal artist based in England.

Longtime readers will know that I am a big fan of Alex’s work. Like me, he found joy in nature journaling and has inspired many others to begin their own creative journeys.

Nature Journaling

About three years ago, I discovered his content and it was one of the reasons I started my own nature journal. You can learn more about my nature journaling journey.

Alex’s approach to art is calm and thoughtful. He often works with colored pencils and simple, expressive sketches that capture the beauty of the natural world without overwhelming detail.

His videos and tutorials are both soothing and inspiring, making nature journaling feel accessible and enjoyable. You can explore his nature journal, creativity and his art channel here.

New Book Series

Last month, I was excited to see that Alex published two new books: How to Draw a River and How to Draw a Tree. Since I live by the coast and often find myself drawing water scenes, I was especially drawn to How to Draw a River.

I purchased my own copy. This book is a true delight with a simple white cover.

It is clear and simple enough for beginners to follow with ease, while also offering plenty of rich information and techniques for more experienced nature journal artists. I like the parts about drawing water when still flowing and cascading as I believe drawing water is hard.

If you are someone who is just starting out in nature journaling or else you want to deepen your skills, this guide provides a wonderful way to connect with the flow of nature through your art.

Where to Get Your Copy

Order from Amazon.

Publisher: DavidandCharles.com

ISBN-13: 978-1-4463148-0-7

Worth Writing Down

Why this Book?

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a book event with a close friend who is also a writer. We went to a book promotion held at the Book Warehouse in Kitsilano, Vancouver, featuring two authors.

It was a lovely evening filled with creative energy, and honestly, I had no idea who the authors would be before we arrived.

This outing was part of an art date (AKA Julia Cameron style) which my friend and I are cultivating as we support each other on our own creative journeys.

travel-journal-whistler

Local Author

One of the authors, Jessica Deitcher, particularly captured my attention. Jessica’s book, Worth Writing Down: Ideas for Journaling Your Truest Self, offers thoughtful guidance for anyone looking to explore their inner world through writing.

Her approach feels both grounded and inspiring, encouraging readers to connect deeply with their authentic voices.

This is a gentle and insightful guide for anyone looking to deepen their journaling practice and connect more fully with their authentic self.

 Jessica offers practical prompts, thoughtful reflections, and encouraging advice that make journaling feel approachable and meaningful.

Invitation to Explore

This book goes beyond simple diary-keeping, but rather it invites you to explore your emotions, values and dreams with kindness and curiosity.

What I appreciate most about this book is its balance of structure and freedom. It offers enough direction to keep you inspired but leaves plenty of room for your unique story to emerge. The short art exercises gently guide you to write your truest self without pressure or judgment.

I particularly liked the project about drawing a map, as maps always interest me.

travel-journal-2nd-page-whistler

Creative Journey

Worth Writing Down feels like a supportive companion for anyone on a creative journey. It encourages mindfulness, self-reflection and growth one page at a time. I would recommend Jessica’s book to anyone who wants to make journaling a nurturing habit and at the same time discover more about who they truly are.

I purchased my copy of her book and she kindly wrote a message in it for me, “Your story is worthy! Jessica” I was delighted.

Where to Get Your Copy

The Book Warehouse, 632 West Broadway, Vancouver, (604) 872-5711.

Publisher: The Self-Publishing Agency Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-0689184-0-7

Artist’s Little Book of Color

Why This Book?

Artist’s Little Book of Color by Simon Jennings is a wonderful resource for any hobby artist. As someone who paints for pleasure, I found it both inspiring and practical. Simon takes the time to explain color in all its forms, including hue, tint, tone and pigment.

He also shares the history behind the colors we see on the shelves of art stores today, which makes you appreciate your paintbox in a whole new way.

One of the things I really value in this book is the well-organized index. All the color terms are listed, so if you ever forget the meaning of something like “chroma” or “saturation,” you can find it quickly. It is the kind of reference you will want to keep within reach of your art table.

Ancient Colors

The history of older paints and how they were first created is completely fascinating to me. Many were developed in small home workshops through experimentation and persistence.

Simon describes the earth colors that early humans used in caves, the traditional shades that have been part of art for centuries and the modern colors that have emerged with today’s technology.

Pigments

One of the delights of this book is discovering color names I had never heard of before, such as Caput Mortem, Massicot, and Pozzuoli Earth. Each name comes with its own story and origin.

Simon also explains how manufacturers label their pigments using codes like PBk1, PBr24, and PB15:3, which makes it easier to understand exactly what is in your paints.

If you love the history of color, this book is a real treasure. Every page is filled with information that is both useful and inspiring and it leaves you looking at your paints with fresh curiosity and appreciation.

Where to Get Your Copy

From Amazon

Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd.

ISBN: 978-1-77085-924-1

Overarch

Over to you

What art books are keeping you company this summer?

Do you have those trusty old favorites you pull off the shelf again and again?

I’m always on the hunt for something new to read, so send your hobby artist must-reads my way.

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you.

Read more about Alison’s story.

Get her newsletter.

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Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published:  January 2023   -   Revised:  February 2024 Gifts for You As a strong creative and arty person, for many years, I have generated countless free resources on Alison Hazel Art. These guides, lists and templates are to help you get...

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

Travel Journal: Whistler

Travel Journal: Whistler

by | Travel Journals, Writing for Artists

Author: Alison Hazel   –   Updated: August 2025

Introduction

This week I’m going to show you my travel sketchbook for a recent weekend we did away this summer in Whistler, BC, Canada. 

I only began my travel journal back in 2022 when I started with a weekend in Toronto. From there I did a few little visits here and there, so this is about my eighth entry into my travel sketchbook.

This really means that I’m a beginner, or dare I say a hobby travel sketch-booker person sharing my journey with you as I developed my skills with travel sketch booking.

If you haven’t got a travel sketchbook yet, I urge you to start one the next time you go away for a weekend. Get yourself a travel sketchbook and start recording your adventures.

Travel Sketchbook

A5 Book

The sketchbook I’m using is an A5 from Peter Pauper Press their premium sketchbook small. The pages are quite thick, but not completely watercolor quality.

It’s a nice handy journal with plain pages and a black cover.

Travel Drawing Supplies Kit

Pencil Bag

I have a nylon see-through grey pencil bag from Muji and I carry all of my travel drawing supplies in there. I like this one because I can clearly see what I’ve got in the bag.

Pencils

I take, two Staedtler pencils they come in many hardnesses, but I like the HB and 2H. A selection of my Faber Castell polychromos coloured pencils in neutral shades of greens, browns and grays. 

I don’t take all the colors, it’s just too much to cart about. You can check out my What to Pack for a Writing Retreat article for the full details of everything that I took with me on this trip.

Markers

Coloured markers about five, in brights like red, blue, yellow, orange and turquoise.

Extras

An eraser. A pencil sharpener. A roll of washi tape. A compass. A ruler.

Photos

Phone

I did take a few photos with my phone as we were out and about this weekend. I could have taken more.

Camera

It occurs to me that maybe a need a GoPro which is a light camera that is more adaptable for the outdoors, but I’m still thinking about that. I do have a Canon M50 mirrorless camera which I use for videos, but I didn’t even take it out of the bag on this weekend.

Process

Near and Far

I like to have little sketch of things big and small. or near and far. Like the micro and the macro.

Composition

Regarding the layout of the items, I first eyeballed them and then decided what I’d draw where. This took quite a bit of time.

Pencil

With a 2H pencil I sketched out each little drawing.

Pen

For the black pen work I used my Pigma Micron 0.3mm pen mainly. This is the best way to get the ink over the pencil. Afterwards I gently erase the pencil marks.

Color

Using some of my travel colored pencils I added highlights and lightly laid down some color.

First Double Spread Detail

What to Draw

Here are the details of the page. It can be viewed individually or as a whole. I’ve highlighted the feature that I added to my travel journal page as these are some of the things that you can add in your travel journal.

Left-hand Page

Map

On the left-hand page, I drew a little map of our journey from Vancouver up to Whistler. Actually, I had prepared this at home by pulling it from Google Maps and then tracing it into the book.

Dates

I noted the date of our trip in June 2025.

Hotel

There is a cut out from the Pinnacle Hotel, Whistler Village flyer and I noted my room as number 308.

Sticker

A sticker from the Armchair books where I bought the book I talk about below.

Cocktails

Mini sketch of the pink cocktails which Johanne and I enjoyed in our rooms before going out to dinner on Monday evening.

travel-journal-whistler

Right-hand Page

Title

I put the weekend title Writing Retreat for Artists across the top of the page as a reminder of why we went away on our weekend in the first place. Sometimes you look back at travel pages years later and things can get a little blurry in your mind, or at least I find it’s so.

Food and Drink

Sketched in a little bit about the Starbucks coffee and a lunch plate.

Activity

Next a little sketch of me typing outdoors at the coffee shop patio, in amongst the trees and bushes and whatnot.

Temperature

I added the temperature because it was scorching hot 30°C.

Meal

And highlighted our Peak-to-Peak cheeseburger and yam fries with apple juice which we had at a meal.

Second Double Spread Detail

Left-hand Page

Library

The library details where I went and did an online class.

Tea

Green Tea at Squamish on the journey home.

Map

A large map of the Whistler village given to me by the hotel concierge. I do like to have a map on my travel sketch book. Maps really provide an overview of other features in the area that perhaps I didn’t see, and they could encourage another trip back there one day.

travel-journal-2nd-page-whistler

Right-hand Page

Hotel

Picture cut out of the Pinnacle Hotel and also a note that they were doing a fire alarm testing the Monday morning which you just could not ignore!

Logo

The logo from the White Spot restaurant where we had lunch on the drive home.

Transport

 Johanne’s fabulous burnt orange car.

Purchases

Book

We went to the Armchair Books in the upper part of Whistler village. After spending a lovely half-hour browsing the goods in the friendly shop, I plumped on a book titled Revered Roots: Ancestral teachings and wisdom of wild edible and medicinal plants by Lori Ann Bird an indigenous Métis author, herbalist and educator. 

It documents the indigenous peoples of the areas and how they use plants as food and medicines down the ages. I was particularly drawn to this book because. I am really interested in plants as medicine and I have other herbal books in my collection like Culpeper’s Complete Herbal.

 

Art

As an artist at heart, I felt I couldn’t come away without supporting a local artist in some fashion. I managed to pick up a poster titled Mountains of the Sea to Sky which is by local artist Sarah Keller who lives in Squamish. This is a pen and ink wash print featuring ten mountains surrounding the Howe Sound and the Whistler area. It’s such a great memento of my trip to Whistler and I get to hang it on my art wall.

Reflection: What I’d Do Differently Next Time

The Rush

It was quite a rush to create these two travel journal pages. I did a little throughout the day so as not to forget what really happened.

 

Draw More

Next time I travel, I may draw more and detail more events, like the places we went, meals we consumed and the things we did. I tended to leave my travel sketchbook in the hotel if we went out to lunch, dinner or for a walk through the village. 

For no particular reason, I just did.

Not a good move on my part.

Really, I should have taken my sketchbook with me, so I could have done a little quick doodle type sketch to capture the mood like when we stopped for coffee, picked up an ice cream or browsed in a gift shop. I think the moral of the story is that you need to always have your travel sketchbook with you. As they say, “Never leave home without it.”

 

Snap More

Next time I will take more photos. And not just photos, I’d like to take a few more videos as well. I was traveling around seeing some breathtaking panoramic views of the actual beauty of the place, the mountains, the trees and the nature in which we immersed ourselves. I probably took twelve photos this whole weekend and it really is just not enough.

The thing is, I get so caught up with what I’m doing and the interesting conversations I’m having, the writing I’m doing, the art I’m doing and what I’m looking at, that it goes out of my mind to snap a photo. I must do this better. If I’m going to document my journeys, I need more photos and I definitely need more videos.

 

Another Full Day

I would have liked another full day. We traveled one day, stayed overnight, had a full day in Whistler, stayed overnight and left the next day.  So technically we were really only there for one full day and two half days. Admittedly, this is the first time we’ve been to Whistler or to that particular hotel. But how had we had another full day, so staying three nights, I do feel that a lot more could have been achieved.

I would have appreciated what the place had to offer a lot more. I feel that I skimmed the surface and Whistler village is certainly a place I would like to return to. There were some art galleries that I would have loved to have explored and a museum which I never got a chance to enter.

So, if we decide to do Writing Retreat for Artists again next summer, I would definitely push to get a three night stay so that we can make the most of the environment which is very beautiful. 

Otherwise, I might as well have checked into a hotel in downtown Vancouver, shut the door, done my writing and then come home. I know this trip was a first and foremost a writing retreat, but I feel remiss not seeing more that the place had to offer.

Overarch

Sketching is Fun

I really liked creating these pages in my travel journal. The journal itself is slowly building up with places I’ve visited recently. If I’d started it ten years ago it would be bursting by now, but I only began my travel journal the year before last. 

As I said before, I’m not much of a traveler and I have only been away for a weekend twice this year. Also, I don’t have any plans to go away later in the year either.

 

Next Year

I’ll let you into a secret that I’m planning a trip next September to visit my daughters who live in Ontario. That is something Im already looking forward to. And so far it’s the only thing in my travel calendar.

 

Share the Love

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I create my travel pages. It was a lot of fun.

Remember you can see more about this particular Whistler trip I took in my mini-series, see below.

Bookshelf

Travel Sketching

Here are a few travel journal ideas books which you may enjoy.

 

Alison Hazel

Author Bio: Alison Hazel

Alison Hazel is a hobby artist and she shares her ongoing journey about becoming an artist later in life. She creates simple art that anyone can make. She hopes to inspire you to reach your creative potential in the area that suits you. Read more about Alison’s story. Get her newsletter.
Freebies

Freebies

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published:  January 2023   -   Revised:  February 2024 Gifts for You As a strong creative and arty person, for many years, I have generated countless free resources on Alison Hazel Art. These guides, lists and templates are to help you get...

Artzlife Newsletter

Artzlife Newsletter

Author: Alison Hazel   -   Published: December 2024 Artzlife Newsletter Creative art journal inspiration for hobby artists Welcome to a Place for Passionate Hobby Artists Are you a hobby artist seeking inspiration, connection and gentle guidance on your creative...

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