If you’re like me, life is crazy-busy, and finding time for a full-on art journaling session can feel like just one more thing on the never-ending to do list. But guess what? You don’t need hours to get your creative juices flowing! Grab your art journal, because here are some fast and fabulous prompts that’ll inject a burst of inspiration into even the busiest day. Ready for some art magic in just ten minutes? Let’s do this!

Swatch It Up.  One of my favorite prompts: make color swatch palettes!!  Use your watercolors, markers, colored pencils, or acrylic paints.  Simply make a swatch on your page of each color, then label it for future reference.  After you’re finished, you can use this page as another creative coffee break by selecting just one color and doodling with it on another page.

Gratitude Attitude.  Jot down the things you’re grateful for in this moment and then add a layer or two of vintage paper, a splash of watercolor, and a few doodles with your favorite markers.

Layers. Make a base layer of vintage papers as a foundation for a quick collage. Add a vintage photo, a bit of old lace, a wayward postage stamp, or other ephemera, and call it good.

A Doodle a Day.  Set a timer for ten minutes and let your pen or paint brush run wild. Create quirky doodles, abstract patterns, or whatever tickles your fancy. No pressure, don’t think, just have fun!

Quotable Quotes.  Find a quote that inspires you and write it out on a page. Surround it with playful doodles or embellishments that match the vibe.

Pattern Dash.  Fill a page with your favorite pattern—zigzags, polka dots, stripes.  Go crazy with different sizes and colors. It’s all about the fun of repetition!

Au Naturel. Take a quick peek outside and do a blind contour drawing of something from nature—maybe a leaf, a flower, or a cool rock.  Capture as much detail as you can with a single line and without looking at what you’re drawing.

Portrait Quickie.  Sketch a speedy, loose portrait of someone special or even yourself. Keep it playful and relaxed—capture the essence, not the details.

Abstract Antics.  Dive into the world of abstract art for ten minutes. Splash, smear, spritz, drip, and blend colors on the page without worrying about rules or results. Just let your emotions guide you.

Vintage Mixed Media. Grab some paper scraps, vintage tickets, or fabric and glue them onto a page. Add a few swipes of paint and create marks to create a textured, mixed-media piece with a vintage twist.

Around and Around.  Draw a tiny mandala or a symmetrical circular doodle. Lose yourself in the details and repetition, and let it bring a sense of calm to your day.

Word Salad. Write down a few words on the page that reflect your mood or thoughts.  Now, you can either highlight them by framing the words creatively or doodling around them.  Alternatively, you can cover them up with splashes of paint, layered paper scraps, or a whole bunch of glitter.

Remains of the Day.  Capture a moment by drawing a quick scene or writing a brief note about something memorable from your day.  Or do both to chronicle the day’s adventures.

Stamp It Out.  Grab your favorite rubber stamps and create a quick, fun design on your page. Arrange them into an interesting pattern and add color with paints or markers.  Or, use them to accentuate a simple drawing.

Textural Bliss.  Choose a textured object or material, like fabric or leaves, and make a mini collage on the page. Feel the textures as you glue them down, then add some paint or simple drawings for flair.

The Shape of Things.  Fill a page with an array of shapes—squares, triangles, circles. Overlap and combine them to make a colorful, shape-tastic masterpiece.

Silhouette Sketch. Draw a simple silhouette of an object, like a tree, a chair, a bird, whatever. Focus on the outline.  Then use bold, minimalistic colors to make it stand out.

Color Mix.  Mix and blend a few paint colors directly on your page. See how they interact then create a small, vibrant abstract piece that’s all about those beautiful color combos, using colored pencils, markers, or pastels.

Always Remember.  Draw or write about a cherished memory. Use colors and designs that reflect the feelings of that moment to bring it back to life.

That’s Affirmative. Write an artful affirmation or mantra on the page and deck it out with doodles, colors, or symbols that make you feel fabulous and uplifted.

And there you have it—20 quick and creative ways to sneak in some art time during your day. No matter how short your break, these little bursts of creativity will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. So go ahead, take that ten-minute coffee break and make some art magic happen!