I've been interested in starting an art journal for the last few months. I have watched some videos, looked at art journals on Instagram and Reddit, and when I saw Get Messy by Caylee Grey on Netgalley I knew I had to request it.

Luckily I was picked for a free copy. I started reading it almost immediately. Although I haven't officially started an art journal, I have per Grey unofficially started as I have been doing something daily to inspire creativity and working on ideas on scraps of paper.

Get Messy doesn't present anything new but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Often I need to be reminded of the what, why, and how of art and creativity.

After going over supplies, she gets into the trails, spark, grow, and cultivate. Kinda like choose your own adventure but with art and creativity! Each trail offers several activities to help spark ideas and spreads in your art journal.

Her writing style is easy to read and feels like I'm talking with a friend. I also liked that there were several color photos to go along with each project. It really helps to have images to go along with the written instructions. Sometimes you read something and go huh? But having a photo to reference is extremely helpful

This would be a great book for those looking to start or very early in their art journal. Even though I'm a beginner, I don't know that this would provide much help for those that are more advanced art journalers. I may reference it as I start my art journal but I don’t see using it much once I get further into the hobby.

I have been a long time fan of Caylee Grey and so that my color my opinions...
However, this book is both inspirational and motivational and I really look forward to using several of the ideas in the new year (I'm gonna try to focus on pumping out art, I've been in a slump toooooo long)
The pictures are beautiful and plentiful and the writing is clear and concise. What more can you really ask for?

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is an interesting guide.

The book really focuses on the Messy Art movement and incorporating making art into your daily routine. There's information on choosing supplies, setting up your art journal, and getting out of an art rut. The book is broken down into three parts to introduce you to an art routine, find your voice, and build on that experience.

It's fairly high level in some places, but focuses on helping you create more art and be creative regularly.

This was an intriguing and inspiring selection of ideas for an art journal. The accompanying text didn't really do anything for me -- it was too vague, repetitive and "motivational" in the specific way that I find annoying. However the ideas for art spreads were inspiring and made me itch to try some of them for myself. I've never tried art journaling but I think I may have to give it a try to see if it gets me back into the creative flow.

I also really appreciated the materials list at the beginning of each spread. I now have a nice list of things to get at my art store and experiment with.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.

Get Messy Art is an invitation to get arty and set your creativity free. There are all sorts of projects using different techniques to try. The book is full of step by step instructions and illustrations, and there really is something for everyone. It is very messy, let rip art which may not appeal to everyone. But it looks so much fun. Find yourself some art media that appeals to you and get going. There are lots of case studies of different artists, each sending encouraging messages and giving examples of their work. Overall a book full of fun for beginners, and those who like to creatively journal. Would make a great gift. Buy it in hard form though, it is difficult to see the detail on the pictures in digital format.