Have you looked at your very first nature journal recently? Or are you just starting out with nature journaling? In this video I share the good, the bad, and the ugly from my very first nature sketchbook. Hopefully, it will not be too embarrassing…
I first started nature journaling in February of 2014 after learning about the idea from John Muir Laws and looking at some of the content on his website. Because I had been inspired from John (aka Jack) I dove right into the practice. In addition to diving deeply into the subject I also practiced it frequently and used my journal for everything. In other words I did not get too “precious” about my first nature journal.
3 Tips for your First Nature Journal
- First, JUST START! You have to find a balance between being prepared and actually starting. If you find yourself watching more videos and buying more supplies before you start filling pages then stop. It is better to err on the side of “starting before you are ready.
- Second, JOURNAL MEANS DAILY. Try to get into a regular habit of working in your journal. Even if you are putting something on the pages that is unrelated you will build the habit of using the book and becoming comfortable with it. If you can try to create a time of day where you always use it. The word journal literally means daily (from Latin through French)
- Last but not least, FIND OTHER PEOPLE to nature journal with. Hopefully, a mix of skill levels. Not only with they help you stay motivated but those who are above your skill level will push you to improve your skills.
If you are about to start on your first nature journal check out this post with some useful lingo and concepts that you should know: 10 nature journal ideas you should know.
