How I Created a Journal Template to Document My Cyanotype Process

My journal pages are a great reference.

Recording my process.

After five years of experimenting with Cyanotypes, I finally decided to start keeping a journal. I know—five years! You’d think I’d have started this way sooner. But honestly, record keeping has never come naturally to me. I tend to dive into the making, get lost in the process, and forget to note what worked, what didn’t, or even what I did.

That changed recently when I created a simple journal template specifically for my Cyanotype work. And surprisingly? I love it. It turns out that having a structure makes documenting feel less like a chore and more like an extension of the creative process.

Why a Journal?

Cyanotypes are a bit of a chemistry-meets-art experiment every time. The results can vary wildly depending on things like:

• The type of paper I use

• The exposure time

• The light conditions

• The objects or negatives I’m printing with

• How long I let the print rinse

There have been so many times I’ve created a beautiful print and then had no idea how to replicate it. That’s where the journal comes in.

Building the Template

I designed a simple printable journal page that lets me capture all the key variables of each print. I printed off a big stack and keep them nearby whenever I’m working. Some of the details I track include:

• Date and time

• Weather and lighting conditions

• Type of substrate (paper, fabric, etc.)

• Chemistry mix (ratios, age of solution)

• Exposure time

• Rinse method and time

• Notes about the image or objects used

There’s also space for reflections—what I liked, what I’d change, and any unexpected outcomes.

Shubert Chokecherry blossom. Capturing spring.

Bonus: Scanning My Prints

Another thing I’ve started doing is scanning each finished Cyanotype. This has been a game changer. Not only does it create an archival record, but it also allows me to use the images for other creative projects like cards, collage work, and digital prints. It’s really expanded what I can do with a single image.

The Takeaway

I used to think keeping a journal would stifle the creative flow, but in reality, it’s done the opposite. It’s given me a new sense of intention in my Cyanotype work and helped me understand my own process better.

If you’re someone who’s been making art for a while and not documenting it—don’t wait five years like I did! A simple journal might just change how you create.

Interested in learning Cyanotype. I offer custom classes and will be offering a workshop in Redwater, Alberta June 7th , 2025 and I’ll be speaking in Owen Sound at the Canadian Encaustic conference September 5th, 2025.

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