Dear ARt Journaler's:
Here are your answers to emails regarding Moleskines. (please note, these answers are only my opinion and experience, I am not a "moleskine" expert!) Please check moleskine (dot) com for thorough info. on Moleskine sketchbook and journals.
Question: What is a Moleskine?
A Moleskine (which I am told is pronounced "Mole skeen" is a brand of a sketchbook. It comes in different sizes. I use the one with the purple label that is approximately 4 x 5 ish. I have written more posts on my artjunk blog about Moleskines. Please check the moleskine category there for more info. I may be repeating some answers here for those that are interested in the journaljunk blog only.
Question: Do your moleskine pages buckle and get thick after painting, etc?
YES. They most certainly do. That's probably why I like the strap so much...it still keeps it together. I don't get obsessed about things being perfect or archival in my art journal. That defeats the purpose for me. I look at my art journal as a place to try things without worrying about such things. I often sketch out new projects and try new media (like watercolor crayons, etc.) inside. There is so much available out there and I get bored with the same things. I like having a place to work all that out. Moleskine pages are nice and smooth and durable. They can take a beating! Yes, the spine does buckle, but I don't rip out any pages, I just paint over them. This is a good way to ensure it does not fall apart at the seams..literally...
Question: Do you gesso your pages first?
No. I think the pages are thick enough and take the paint just fine.
Question: Do you worry about using copyright images?
No, this is my own personal journal. I don't think a magazine company is going to come after a person that posts pics on flickr of their journal that happens to have some magazine clippings mixed with paint and angst inside. I am not selling my journal or submitting it for publication. It's just for me. The point of sharing them is to inspire others as I've found it to be a very relaxing activity. I try to encourage others to art journal including members in my own family.
Question: Do you go in chronological order.
I will work in a journal from beginning to end, but I do flip back and fill in empty spaces from time to time. I've also gone back and painted over a journal entry. So, I guess the answer is yes and no!
If you have any other questions, feel free to email me: artjunk88 (at) gmail.com.
Hope this was helpful! Keep journaling!
:) LK
