We all want to learn something new. Everyday is a learning experience for some, but for others they need a little nudge. That is the focus of this art journal prompt.

Before beginning this art journal prompt, it will be necessary to brainstorm either in your paper text journal or on a separate piece of paper. Ask yourself the following questions while brainstorming:

1. What have you always wanted to learn about?
2. Is there something you know a little about and would like to learn more?
3. Are you an active learner, or is this something you would like to enhance about yourself?
4. Is there a topic you have started to research, but never finished?

Once you have brainstormed each of these questions, along with any others that may have come to mind, gather the necessary resources to accurately research your topic. Do you need to take yourself on an artist date to the library or bookstore? Are all the materials you need available online? Be sure to plan ahead for these items so you do not hit any roadblocks.

To complete this mixed media art journal prompt, you will need the following materials:

• Art journal
• Research materials
• Photocopies and printouts of research materials
• Black ultra-fine sharpie
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• Heavy-duty glue stick
• Distress ink
• Scissors
• Ballpoint pen
• Post-it notes (or similar sized notepaper)

Follow these simple instructions to complete this mixed media art journal prompt:

1. Open your art journal to the first blank page spread.
2. Across the top of both pages of the spread, use the black ultra-fine sharpie to write in bold letters what your topic is that you are researching.
3. Start writing out notes on the loose-leaf paper, as well as on the post-it note papers. If the materials are already covered in the reproductions and printouts, do not copy it over again. Try to keep all the material presented unique from each other.
4. Cut out bits and pieces from the reproduced research materials and printouts that are of particular interest to your research topic. Add distress ink to the edges after they’ve been cut out.
5. Add distress ink to the edges of the post-it note papers, as well.
6. Cut up the loose-leaf paper so only the paragraphs of written material is present. Add distress ink to the edges.
7. Create a collage using all the materials you have gathered. Add notes to the actual art journal pages wherever there is a blank space.

Add distress ink to the edges of the entire page spread.This is a very simply constructed art journal page spread, but it contains a wealth of material. If you are looking for specific knowledge, try to keep the material as intact as possible so you can refer to it later. If this is something you know you will remember, then do not worry about adding artistic flair throughout the page spread and covering over text.

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