The main difference is focus: a junk journal is built from layered papers, ephemera, and found materials, where collecting and assembling is the point, while an art journal is centered on original art — painting, drawing, and mixed media — with the page as a canvas for self-expression. Junk journaling is about layering and keeping; art journaling is about making and expressing. Many crafters blend the two. This guide breaks down how they differ and how to choose.
Quick comparison
| Junk Journal | Art Journal | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Layering papers and ephemera | Original art and expression |
| Typical materials | Papers, cut-outs, tags, found items | Paint, ink, pens, mixed media |
| The "point" | Collecting and assembling | Creating and experimenting |
| Look | Layered, textured, vintage | Painterly, expressive, varied |
| Skill needed | None — anyone can layer | No rules, but often more drawing/painting |
What is a junk journal?
A junk journal is a handmade book filled with mixed papers, ephemera, tags, and found materials layered together. The focus is on assembling and collecting — you build pages from decorative and repurposed pieces rather than drawing them. It's welcoming for beginners because there's no need to draw or paint. For the full picture, see our beginner's guide to junk journaling and junk journal ephemera.
What is an art journal?
An art journal is a book used as a canvas for original artwork and personal expression. Pages often feature paint, ink, collage, and hand-lettering, and the emphasis is on the creative process — experimenting, working through ideas, and making something original. It tends to lean more on drawing and painting than junk journaling does, though there are no strict rules.
The key differences
- Focus. Junk journaling centers on layering existing materials; art journaling centers on making original art.
- Materials. Junk journals use papers and ephemera; art journals use paint, ink, and drawing tools.
- Process. Junk journaling is assembling and collecting; art journaling is creating and experimenting.
- Entry point. Junk journaling needs no art skills; art journaling invites drawing and painting (though beginners are welcome too).
Which one should you choose?
- Choose junk journaling if you love paper, collecting, layering, and a vintage, textured look — and want to start without drawing.
- Choose art journaling if you want to paint, draw, and express ideas with original art.
- Blend them — many crafters add painted backgrounds to junk journal pages, or collage ephemera into art journals. The categories overlap happily.
Coordinated papers and cut-outs work for both. Browse Whimsy Papers, Fussy Cuts, and Cliparts, or start from a themed collage book.
Shop the supplies
- Layering papers — Whimsy Papers and Collage Packs
- Cut-out elements — Fussy Cuts
- Illustrations — Cliparts
- Ready-made books — Printed Collage Books
- All digital products — Digital Downloads
Frequently asked questions
Is a junk journal the same as an art journal? No. A junk journal focuses on layering papers and ephemera; an art journal focuses on original art like painting and drawing.
Which is easier for beginners? Junk journaling, because it needs no drawing or painting — you layer materials that already exist.
Can a journal be both? Yes. Many crafters combine painted or drawn elements with layered ephemera, blending the two styles.
Do I need art skills to start? Not for junk journaling. Art journaling invites drawing and painting, but there are no rules and beginners are welcome..
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