Working Journal

I mentioned my Traveling Journal in a previous post. My Working Journal is my second type of journal. Other people would call it an "Idea Book." This journal consists of clippings of other work that I like. For example, I subscribe to various paper and rubber stamping magazines. When I see a sample that catches my eye, I will photocopy the example and place it in this journal with a simple notation of what I liked about it. Other entries include techniques that I would like to try and products that I would like to consider.

Samples of work that I like.

Another section of the journal includes my ink samples. I have a sample of every stamp pad ink and re-inkers that I have. I used to have a bad habit of buying inks pads that I already had in the studio. Now, I do not buy any supplies without my Working Journal by my side. If I am out shopping and notice something that I might want, I will write a note in my TREO and will see if I already have it by looking in my Working Journal. I have also reduced my costs by shopping online for products that end up being considerably cheaper than NYC prices.

Ink samples.

A third section of my journal includes scanned copies of all of my brass stencils. I keep the actual stencils in a three ring binder with baseball card holder sheets. As I get new stencils, I will scan them and print out a copy to be included in the journal.

Scans of my brass stencils

Finally, the biggest saving grace of this journal is that I have an all inclusive list of all of my books and magazines. I have a compulsion when it comes to books about my paper interests. I find that I am rather impulsive when I am in a bookstore with a good craft section. At one point, I had already double bought five separate books and ended up having three copies of the same book! This journal prevents me from doing that again.

Whenever I am in an artistic funk, I simply pull out my Working Journal and always get inspired.