How scary is it to start?

The First Page

The first page can feel intimidating—getting started is always the hardest part.

Self-doubt creeps in: What if what I create doesn’t turn out the way I want?

So let’s begin with a question:
How do you feel in new places? How do you cope with change?

Now think about a new notebook, a new journal, a blank white page.

A journal asks for commitment (sometimes even long-term). In the beginning, it challenges us and brings up thoughts about fresh starts. But over time, it can become a powerful tool that supports us whenever we begin something new.

Are you willing to commit? To start something even before you fully understand it?

Like anything new, I invite you to test the waters—dip your fingers in before jumping in with your whole body.

For your first page, I’d like you to gather all your art materials and experiment. Create a table: on one side write the name of the material, and on the other side note what it produces—lines, shades, textures, blends. Try everything you have.Here’s an example I made back in 2002 during my studies.

Another suggestion: create a color index of the paints you own, so this page can serve as a reference in the future.

You might also try a color wheel. I’m sharing one I created with my own watercolors, with the numbers noted for future use.

And remember—the journal is yours. You decide whether to share it, or keep it just for yourself.