How I began my illustrated journal

Dive into a captivating tale of creativity and self-expression in this video, where I share my 25-year journey with illustrated journaling. This journey began in a small basement section of Tower Records in New York City, where I stumbled upon a handmade zine titled "Moonlight Chronicles." The simplicity and intimacy of this personal diary, filled with hand-drawn illustrations, sparked a profound shift in my creative life.
🎨 Inspiration from 'Moonlight Chronicles': Discover how D. Price's simple yet evocative journal, depicting his life in a tiny Oregon town, became my window to a world of minimalism and creativity. His handmade life, documented with pen drawings and personal anecdotes, inspired me to capture my own experiences in New York City through a similar lens.
🌿 Embracing Simplicity and Authenticity: Witness how D. Price's choice to live a frugal, self-sufficient life on the Snake River, far from the bustling streets of Manhattan, exemplifies the beauty of simplicity. His unique lifestyle, captured in his zine, juxtaposes my life in a big city, creating a rich, ironic tapestry of experiences.
✏️ The Art of Illustrated Journaling: Learn about the transformative power of journaling with drawings and words. I share techniques and insights from my journey, encouraging you to start your own illustrated journal, regardless of your artistic skills. This practice is not just about art, but a deeper contemplation of life.
🔄 A Journey of Mutual Inspiration: Explore the friendship and creative exchange between me and D. Price, leading to adventures and shared artistic experiences. Our journey highlights the impact of mutual inspiration and the evolution of our respective artistic pursuits.
🌟 The Lasting Impact of a Creative Life: Reflect on how D. Price's approach to journaling and living influenced not just me, but many others. Although he no longer publishes his zine or journals, his legacy continues to inspire and guide new generations of journal keepers.
📘 Start Your Own Illustrated Journal: I invite you to embark on this fulfilling journey. Grab a pen and sketchbook, and start documenting your life, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Share your experiences and progress in the comments below.
Remember, an illustrated journal is more than a collection of drawings; it's a reflection of your life, growth, and the beauty around you. Start today, and let your journal be a canvas for your thoughts, experiences, and creativity.
No matter your level of talent or experience, you can learn to draw and I am going to teach you how, starting with this intro to my drawing tutorials. All you need is a pen, some paper, and a little time.
Find more of my courses on SketchbookSkool.com
📚 Some of my Books:
📕 The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are: geni.us/X4Uvh (Amazon)
📘 Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are: geni.us/qawK (Amazon)
📗 Shut Your Monkey: How to Control Your Inner Critic and Get More Done: geni.us/GV1O3 (Amazon)
📙 You do you: Essays on being creative. geni.us/tjhoB5 (Amazon)
👉 Subscribe for More Artistic Insights and Tips! Thank you for watching and considering subscribing to my weekly essays on creativity: dannysessays.com/
Share your thoughts and questions by replying to any of my essays.
👉 Stay Connected:
Check out my other videos for more inspiration and practical advice on living a creatively fulfilling life. And don't forget to subscribe!
Your support and interaction mean the world to me. Let's embark on this creative journey together!
#IllustratedJournaling #CreativeInspiration #ArtisticJourney #DannyGregory

[@SketchBookSkool]

If you'd like to learn how to draw, watch my free tutorials on this channel. Here's the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLINz5dTN9-0tS0FEA3UhAB4NVg7oiD6Iy

[@nichadaye1007]

I had a drawing teacher and he made us carry a sketchbook. We had to fill the book by the end of the semester. It was him that changed me to draw in my book. He passed away suddenly and he changed me.

[@astridarroyave]

You are not only a great artist, but a wonderful storyteller as well!

[@bigblue6917]

In a time when everything is high tech and highly polished you can see why something so human can appeal.

[@skywatcher5725]

You inspired me a while back and I started journaling. Now I have started drawing little pictures and coloring them with colored pencils. And I am watching drawing tutorials to improve my artistic endeavors. I'm almost halfway through my first journal. It is helping my memory and I quite enjoy my penmanship. It is nice to see little pops of color as I review my pages.

[@gulsaraospanova1436]

Thank you so much. Thank you one million times for this video. God Bless you 🙏 ❤I am in the beginning of something very important for me and it's going to change my life. 😊

[@LadyJessM7]

Hi Danny, thank you for your classic “The Creative Licence” which I bought in 2010. It changed my life. I am the writer and illustrator of over 17 published works now. My own graphic memoir was published in 2019 and although I am still working as a professional actress … my life is richer and more creative, less at the mercy of outside forces because of your beautiful advice on the elements of creative freedom. ❤

[@SketchBookSkool]

I’m so glad!

[@tarrynclaassen9581]

Oh my goodness! What an absolute GOLDMINE of a youtube channel. I am 35 and I cannot express how relevant and inspiring these videos are for me. A thousand thank-you's.

[@eggbunni]

This is the coolest story. I don’t hear many people having experiences like this anymore!

[@Akforgetmenot]

❤I love this advice! My sister has always journaled, and she encouraged me to journal. I would always complain. I never knew what to write in a journal. Then three years ago, I had a ruptured aneurysm in my brain and had to be life flighted out of my state spent a month in ICU while they fixed it and found that I had two other aneurysms in my brain, which they also secured. After spending a month in ICU and coming back home, my sister stayed with me for the first few weeks while my husband worked out of town. Now she had me as her captive audience and she plopped in front of me a journal and said start journaling. With much skepticism I started, but continued every day that she was there. She said, just write down anything whatever you eat what you did. So I did now I journal every day. It doesn’t matter what you write. She has done the same thing with me with drawing and art. I have always wanted to make art of any kind but drawing and painting in particular. So now I try to make the time to do a little bit of drying every day. Sometimes it’s just a mushroom or a flower. Combining the two is such a sweet mixture of creativity. I’ve always loved illustrated journaling, and I thank you for encouraging to just start.

[@JJsketchbook]

I have D.Price’s books and return to them regularly. Many years ago it was your own book Creative Licence that inspired me to keep an illustrated journal, of which I now have over 50. I too am so grateful to you for that and whenever someone sees me and asks, “are you an artist?” (Which happens a lot), I say, “I keep a sketchbook. I read a book my a man called Danny Gregory and since then I’ve been drawing.”

[@hanichay1163]

I have started an everything notebook because when sketching and journaling are separate activities I never seem to do both as regularly as I want to. Now I combine them and it’s working. Loved this video. Amazing.

[@donna-elizabeth]

Such a fascinating story. Discovering D.Price's zine in a basement in a record store was meant to be. I have these moments with books in charity shops - as though they were calling me at that very moment and I was always meant to have read them! Thanks for sharing.

[@christineoosthuizen4388]

Thank you for your encouraging talks... I started daily drawings a few weeks ago, and yesterday I could say to myself... "It is not perfect, but it us authentic!" Drawing has bacome a happy healthy addiction now! ❤

[@truenorthspiritmedicine]

Same! Danny has inspired me to draw everyday and I finally started doing it a few weeks ago. I love waking up inspired to draw! ❤ Thanks Danny, you're a gem! 💎

[@elizabethbarnes3969]

Hi Danny. I am RELISHING this video (although I love All your videos). But this particular video hits all the bases for me, the simple life, drawing, journaling and sharing. Mr. Price’s journal and story and your friendship with him are just so inspiring. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.. it has re-energized my art-soul and I can’t wait to get going on my journals today. Thank you so much. 🤗🤗

[@daniesza]

I always kept a journal and then stopped. This is a brilliant idea to let two birds free with one turn of the page.

[@rebekahcrossman4690]

I now will forever regret not ever having known about the zines while Tower Records still existed. This one is truly a treasure; so much life contained on just a few pages. I’m 62yrs old and just discovered i can draw and began keeping my own sketch journal with drawings, various insect wings, my thoughts and so many discoveries, etc… even at this age! I’m so glad I found your video because I really enjoyed your expressing such appreciation for another’s “inside world”. It’s nice knowing we’re our own little community of people who’ve discovered we can do this! This zine, (or was it zeen?) is truly amazing.

[@Mr.Dishwasher]

I just drew and wrote in a page of a sketchbook that's gone unused for months because of this video, I'm going to try to continue using it as my own illustrated journal. I'm not sure why I never considered that I could both write and draw on the same page, before I always had a sketchbook for drawing and a journal for writing, but I love this style and can't wait to fill more pages. Thank you Danny :)

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

I love the look of writing coupled with drawings. Great video, thanks!

[@CluelessStacey]

I've been keeping a journal since I was 12.When I was like 25,my sister lent me a Cathy Johnson book about art journaling. I was so excited for the idea, but I was always bad at drawing. I tried, but didn't like any of my drawings and quit. After a year I tried again, gave up again. And then I found your channel with the inspiration and Koosje's tutorials. I've been keeping a visual diary ever since, it's been a couple years, and I love my drawings! Huge thanks to you and Koosje!

[@maxineoliver7404]

That is fantastic! I am definitely inspired!!Thanks for sharing!!!🤗🎨🖌🖋📓

[@kaliopinikitas5821]

Fantastic and inspiring video, Danny. What I love is that YOU have become the example and source of inspiration for so many others, including myself. Your book was one of the first I read that got me started on my own sketching journey and have always been so grateful for coming across that book in the library. Thank you for sharing this with us, for being you and thank you to your inspiration, Dan Price 🙂

[@jessicasblack]

I loved this story so much. Thank you for sharing it with everyone.

[@edzejandehaan9265]

I keep a written journal since about 4 or 5 years. To my own astonishment i kept it up. I've seen your illustrated diaries before, and think they are fantastic. The only thing keeping me from illustrating mine is that I'm a bit apprehensive about the time factor. Maybe I should stop worrying and start inserting a drawing here and there...

[@jagibaba]

What a story. You just moved me to tears. You've actually inspired me to start months ago, but then a lot of things happened and I lost touch a bit. You just gave me a push to simplify my practice and make it doable. Thank you for sharing this. I wanted to tell you how it makes me feel when I do an illustrated journal: I feel it gives my stories way more depth than words alone could, I realised I express myself visually as well - I always found my "word" journals got carried away with words and got a bit cheesy - but when I draw, I manage to capture the essence, the atmosphere, the deeper feelings. When I look back at those entries I am instantly transported in time. I know exactly what happened and how it made me feel, I even remember smells and sounds. Generally it makes me remember everything way better and longer.

[@DesireeStamat]

I loved Tower Records. In California, they had fun and large music illustrations on the walls.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Gosh- Remember Tower Records?!

[@bythesea760]

When I’ve looked through various sketchbooks I’ve used it’s the few double-pages spreads, of illustrated-diary pages that hold my interest, rekindle memories, and engage the reader.🎉🎉recommend

[@Pooky-Cat]

Fascinating Danny. You might be interested in watching a KZbin video about Alfred Wainwright, The Man Who Loved The Lakes. He recorded his adventures in handwritten/ drawn journals and many years on these records are still highly regarded and have a cult following. Have a wonderful day ☺

[@pragativasisht4432]

I started a sketchbook on 11th Jan this year. It makes me feel happy, like I'm on the cusp of an important self-discovery.

[@judihussey5889]

Started a blessings journey a few months back!! You’re right. The sketches are simple but oh so satisfying!! A great feeling to capture at least one good thing about the day!! Helps my life feel more positive when the world news can be so negative!! 😊

[@purplevolcano2069]

I just love listening to you! So inspiring! I feel free when you talk about how to draw! I listened to you and "read" some of your books in the end of the pandemic, I was very ill, but I could draw! Since then I NEED to draw very often! As a girl I was raised to draw and paint beautiful things, which I hated! Now I am 71 and I draw exactly as it suites me, thanks to you! Now I inspire other old ladies to paint and draw and that is inspiring too!

[@zenchantress]

I ran across this back in the 90's I think and I was just thinking about Moonlight Chronicles yesterday. It seems like I even gave my daughter a copy. It had a huge influence on my art journey. I think I should go back to my roots and take it up again.

[@ArtLifeThings]

I stumbled onto Dan Price through an article in Backpacker Magazine maybe 24-25 years ago. I then read his book How to Make a Journal of Your Life. It influenced me to embrace mistakes and a looser style of sketching when I do my own art.

[@susanwelsh3673]

Ha! I thought I recognized the drawings so I started looking through my library for a book I purchased quite awhile ago entitled Radical Simplicity by Dan Price. It was an advance uncorrected proof and I fell in love with it. Made me think of the forts that we made as kids. I believe I have another similar journal somewhere. Your video has reawakened something in me. I'm surrounded by my art supplies but the spark just wasn't there. Now it is. Thank you!

[@TedNemeth]

Yesssssss! Loved TOWER RECORDS. In the early 1980’s, I lived 3 hours away as a kid and my dad would drive my twin sister and i into Manhattan and we would run around Tower Records & Canal Jeans all day. Great great memories. Thanks for that flash back. Great channel.

[@valeriejohnson2367]

Always so interesting listening to you

[@suzannemarshall7458]

Great video. I live in SW Oregon. Wish I could have met D. Price. I do draw, paint daily but not organized like his zine, but now I'm inspired to do that too. Thank you both!!

[@tamirenno5845]

Wow, thank you. It’s funny, yesterday I was thinking of doing an illustrated journal, then I serendipitously found your video. Thanks for the inspiration, I think I am now not going to second guess making this journal, I’m going to just do it!

[@henrymichal8522]

Thank you Danny. Very inspiring words and so encouraging. The hardest thing for me is to start. I'll get there.

[@etherealdreamerart]

Looks lovely. So much love put into it. 😊

[@agustathordardottir7369]

Big thanks for your knowledge and wisdom. I was constantly drawing as child/teenager and was pretty good at it. Now I'm beginning again at the age of 64 :D Did my first journal spread just now and although it doesn't look that good, I'm happy I've started the journey. But I feel I have to hurry doing them and I don't know why. I've been watching the „How to draw“ episodes and they are great :)

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

6:58 … that’s how I stumbled into archaeological illustration … I was watching the dig artist work on an excavation in Israel in 2006 and thought “hmmmm, I bet I could do that!” and in 2012 I started as the dig artist for an excavation (also in Israel) and continued until it wrapped up this year!!

[@markbowman5515]

I love this very lovely story. More of this in the world please.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

I LOVED THIS EPISODE- I must be gonna do this😄

[@patricialee8609]

Thank you for this video. It is very informative and instructive I have been drawing with my journal for so time now. Looking back in my journal, my drawings give me deeper insight j to myself. II have never seen anyone else create an illustrative journal before. You video gave me great ideas how to improve my journal and add more dimension to it. Thank you so much. I am truly learning from and enjoying your videos.

[@torquewingnut]

Holy Moly! I’ve been in Sketchbook school since the very beginning and have only just made the connection between your D. Price and the same individual who is known to be in a completely different context (he plays the handpan). How cool is that?! Such a small world. He really is an inspiring individual.… As are you! Can’t believe it’s nearly 10 years!

[@alecharper515]

What a treasure... thanks for posting. Wonderful message. I began to journal in my 40s and every so often, when I find myself in a slump, I reach for an old friend and see where I was years or weeks ago and I feel instantly better. I only wish I had begun when I was eight.

[@SketchBookSkool]

You are so welcome!

[@mik20241]

I can see the joy and peace a person can have simplifying life and living (for awhile) as this person you mention here. I absolutely LUVVV being in nature, camping and getting away from the “day to day” of making a living. However, I would not call it “complete” or sustainable. Maybe for a while if you’re single. Definitely not if you have a family. I’ve done some rugged camping….even when our children were babies. But “living off the grid” for any period of time with a family would require far more building and resources than a “hobbit hole”. It’s a romantic notion, but you have to find balance. 🌲⛰😊🏕

[@debjohn4]

That was so so inspiring!! I have always wanted to do illustrated journaling but I am horrible at drawing. Maybe I will try so thank you!!!!

[@FreyaGem]

What a lovely tale...I've tried to keep an illustrated journal for years, but I always get intimidated and go back to text only. I loved seeing D. Price's work and hearing your perspectives...it helps to remember that it doesn't have to be anything epic or impressive to be worth recording about. Stoked to have found your channel!

[@slane_design]

I have been keeping these zines for a few years, but I call them art journals. I use sketchbook and travelers notebooks. Love this thank you for posting!!!!

[@pixiedust643]

Thank you for all your wonderful sharing. I’ve started sketching after watching one of your videos recently and I love it so much. You are such an inspiration, thank you.

[@jasonkrac2019]

Excellent episode and inspiring story

[@SuperFcsmith]

Very Nice, my unique sketchbook is my visual journal. I just finished another cow from my ranch in Arkansas. My neighbor there let’s his cattle graze on my 57 acres but I’m usually not there because we live most the year in La Quinta. So that cow I know and she feeds on the land I take care of so these drawings are more powerful than any slick super hero drawing.

[@isabelmartin40]

Thank you very much! You have changed my life for the better! I have started my own journal too, And not only I feel extremely happy about it, but also my interior voice has become quieter, because it always talked way too much to me all the time😀🤓 Thank you 🥰

[@sharonbennett2953]

Hi Danny, I found out about Dan Price and his Moonlight Chronicles many years ago. In fact, I have a yellow wooden box under my bed with the first 55 small Moonlight Chronicles publications in it. After watching your video just now, I think it is time to start that journey again into his world. Thank you for sharing your side of Dan Price's Story.

[@SketchBookSkool]

What a treasure!

[@catherineveleker6822]

So many of your videos have inspired me to study the work of other sketch artists. Love how you link to their books; I now have quite a collection of these books and here's one more.

[@theresalowe1231]

Thankyou so much. I never knew how to label what I’ve been doing for quite sometime now. My journals are a little different but the idea is the same and it brings me such pleasure each day working in it. It’s such a mixture of stuff from poems I’ve read and their impact ( in words or illustrations) to song lyrics that are on repeat in my brain that day to memories that for what ever reason just jump into my mind. I do small art pics or I collage pictures that are hanging round the house from my past. I just never could tell people what I’m doing without a lengthy wordy explanation...such as done here. Lol. But, thankyou

[@dianabeaudoin3393]

I like to hike and draw the hike with notes and illustrations. I now want to do this more. Thanks for the inspiration

[@user-yt3ff1bz6t]

I so much enjoyed your video. I have been keeping a journal for two years, and it is a great pleasure. As you say, it helps one value one's life.

[@simonwilson770]

…i also wanted to ad that the illustration ‘Don’t think just draw’ really resonated.

[@suzannestevens8257]

Thks again Danny! You're so inspiring! Big hugs!

[@kathyhaynes6818]

I have Moonlight Chronicles #77 from 2012. I also found his little zine to be quite fascinating!

[@garitadeldiablo]

What a great story!😊

[@velvetvideo]

this was rather inspiring, thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

I’m rather glad it was.

[@kathygeesey5555]

I strive to be able to journal. I love sketching but filling it out as a journal is still a goal of mine. Love hearing your journey.

[@ABirdWoman]

I started doing this a couple of years ago and it’s so much to read back through them!!

[@phoenixgal2278]

I love this thought-provoking wonderful video on keeping your personalized sketch journal of your everyday life. I gleaned so much information from this and I am excited to start my own journal and most likely will turn it into a picture book. Thank you so much!❤

[@barbarabell1171]

Well done!!! I'm excited to give this a try!

[@elisabethseeger5837]

That is SO awesome!!!!!

[@sandybessent7122]

Oh I love this story and how you tell it!! I have all the supplies... I just need to begin!

[@dorotheafinan2419]

What a wonderful story. Thank you

[@recreepy]

This is content that deserves all the love.

[@charmde2008]

Fascinating story. Really inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I started my illustrated journal few months ago, it’s really a joy. The words “ illustrated journal “ just makes me happy. ❤

[@CoffeeTeaAndPotpourri]

Oh, Thank you for this video and the encouragement. I am inspired to add art to my journals. Darla age 74

[@CatleanC]

I love the kindness of your voice and the hope of this story. Thank you.

[@ShivaJalali1149]

Thanks Danny! 🙏🏻😍🍀

[@Sorobai]

Loved the video and the story Dan. You're great! Keep safe.

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Wonderful story and inspiration. Thank you 😊

[@julieduncan1996]

What charming zines! You are blessed to have been able to inspire each other. His influence on you is obvious. Thanks for sharing this lovely story, Danny. I’m inspired to be more intentional with my own sketchbook now. Interestingly, I recently discovered zines and have brought the concept into my second grade classroom. They love it! ❤

[@OneRedDragonfly]

What a cool story! Yes, very inspiring!

[@edi_405]

This video was very inspiring. Thank you!

[@tkikpar4882]

Thank You Danny!

[@ladyhollman9534]

Nice, similar to my journals … patterned a bit after the old explorer journals from the 1800 early 1900s. 👍 As an 80s person, I was always fascinated by not so much Indiana Jones type movies, per se, but the concise journals being followed to whatever.

[@Phoenix0630.]

I love your pictures ❤ Super adorable and very unique! Thank you for the video!

[@katja7042]

Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story! It was a pleasure to watch the pages Full of collected treasures in everydays life 💝

[@shanehartle5306]

I'm so glad that you shared this, I had been following you for years and appreciate all of the inspiration that you have provided. its always interesting to see what inspired a person that inspires others. That is totally awesome 😍

[@tonia2074]

What a beautiful and wonderful idea making this tiny magazines. Very inspiring! I am never able to see the beauty in my own writing and drawing, this keeps me from journaling so often :(

[@lenilecker_vegan4dogs]

So beautiful, thanks for sharing

[@MIQUELET67]

Thank you for this emotive, beautiful and inspiring story.

[@paulak3221]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and inspiration.

[@HansKoudenburg]

Very inspiring!!!thank you!

[@karlab9557]

love this idea!

[@kimranson4775]

I love this and am totally inspired to begin sketching and journaling.❤

[@alinatr2693]

That's so interesting,I love how there's a mix of everything in the journal. That's so cool that you find the zin and everyting started your journey😊

[@hannahjaneheathson]

This was such a wonderful video. Thank you so much for sharing that story! ❤

[@Adephonsus]

It is very strange, it had never heard about this "zines" before, I hadn't laid my eyes on one of the until your video, but that's what I had been doing with my journal, pasting, drawing, coloring... It has been a wonder to my mental health.

[@journaling_at_teatime]

Thank you for this inspiring story. My journal has been going on for 20 years now, though the illustrated part is on and off. This was a reminder to turn it on. Thank you !

[@madcatcool]

That mouse poison. I almost put some down where I thought my dog couldn’t get it, but was too scared she somehow would. Very scary!

[@lesliecallaway6544]

Thank you for the inspiration!