Welcome to Digital Junk Journals (formerly azfinch.com), where I (Anastasia “AZ” Finch) show you how to make mixed media-style art using free resources and programs, on the computer!
What’s a junk journal?
A standard junk journal is made from a collection of “junk,” e.g. old paper, cardboard pieces, paper scraps– things you’d typically throw away– mixed with collage and mixed media art techniques to turn it into an art journal.
A digital junk journal take that aesthetic and sense of design, but applies it using digital resources.
Why go digital?
I made the switch partly because I felt like I was drowning in paper clutter. While it’s really fun to use actual paper ephemera, paints, stencils, etc. in my art journals, I had a really hard time keeping everything organized– and I had SO MUCH stuff that I often wouldn’t even use it before it dried up or went bad. It’s much easier to keep all my “art supplies” on my computer, where I don’t have to worry about how much space they’re taking up.
It’s also really enjoyable! Frustrations from making a paper collage or art journal page just don’t show up when I’m making a digital journal, and I can get a lot more done in a much shorter amount of time. Digital collages are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of free time but still want to be creative.
Never made a digital collage before?
- How to make a digital collage: Finding a subject
- How to make a digital collage: Backgrounds
- How to make a digital collage: Focus Image
- How to fix blurry collages & image elements
Free downloadable resources
More help
- How to make a heritage junk journal (for genealogists and family history enthusiasts)
- Art journal prompts: August
Visit my shop
for free downloads, digital ephemera, and more!