I don’t have many rules to follow for my journal, and I also don’t suggest that other people should have many rules for theirs. However, there is one rule that I have always followed: the No-Ruler Rule.
What is it?
As the name suggests, this rule simply means that I never use a ruler for art journaling purpose.
Why does it matter?
Rulers are cumbersome, and frankly it is yet another thing to bring when you are on the move. The long ones are unwieldy and the tiny ones are almost useless… so, no ruler is a better policy
If I don’t make it a rule, I will inevitably find myself sitting down at a nice spot, ready to sketch or write, and then… “Ah, I forgot my ruler!” followed by a deep sinking feeling that takes away all the desire to journal for the day.
Your hand moves much faster without a ruler. If you can learn to freehand draw your lines, buildings, tables and boxes, you can express your ideas a lot more quickly that if you were dependent on rulers and stencils. Yes, your line would be a little (or a lot) wonky, but they will be fine.
More character, less awkwardness. Many times, things drawn with a ruler look awkward unless you put a lot of extra attention and meticulousness into ensuring every mm of it is correct. Otherwise, they just look like something that wants to be that perfect precision but can’t be. On the other hand, freehand lines do not carry that expectation with them. They are much quicker to draw and the slight wobbles here and there give the line a charming character as it shows the hand of the person who holds the pen.
How do I do it?
So, you have bought into the idea of journaling without a ruler. How do you start, so that your freehand lines still serve their purpose as lines and do not ruin the whole journal?
1. Practice drawing 50 lines on a blank page in your journal
While doing it, pay attention to your body, your hand, and the position of your pen. What gives you the best result? For me, I do my best straight line when my pinky is lifted up, away from the paper. But I know another artist who does their line best with their pinky brushing against the paper. For most, it is much easier to draw lines away from your body than towards your body. Should you rotate your paper, and at what angle? At what point do you start to wobble? For me, the start and the end are the most difficult. Should you go fast, or go slow? By the time you have done your 50 lines, you would have figured out something that works. Now, repeat the thing that works. Once you find something that works, the repetition is actually very relaxing and meditative!
2. Experiment with different papers and different pens/pencils/markers
Friction is the most important for me to get good lines and handwriting. That is the primary reason why I still use a physical journal book even though I do most of my illustrations digitally now. I like to work with extra fine nib pen (Platinum Preppy 02 is my favourite). However, for some people, felt tip pens or sharpies work better. So, try what works best for you!
Why am I doing it, again?
I enjoy drawing freehand. It gives me a lot of freedom and minimises the number of stuff I need to carry. I love having the option to be mobile with my journal. Last but not least, I find those lines satisfying. I often draw lines when I am angry or upset or just need a way to calm down. Try it, and let me know if you enjoy it!
Bonus: JUNE Journaling Prompt
It is the first issue of the month, so, here comes your journaling prompts for the next 4 weeks:
6-12 June: Too Much
13-19 June: Too Little
20-26 June: Just Right
27-30 June: Just a little change…
Share your creation on Instagram with #MondayBluesNoMore and tag @MondayBluesNoMore or post in the private facebook group if you are there!
PS: If you are posting publicly on Instagram, I may choose to feature your art journal (with your permission) in July’s issue!