These Markers Make My Sketchbook Feel Like a Candy Shop

One of my quiet joys every evening, before sleep wraps me in a pastel fog is opening my journal. Not for writing pages and pages of words, but for illustrating my day. It’s my favorite habit. A ritual, really. My journal isn’t full of deep confessions or grocery lists. it’s filled with dreamy little sketches, pastel swirls, and tiny snapshots of the emotions I lived through. Sometimes I sketch what I felt. Sometimes I sketch the painting that hasn’t yet made it to canvas.

And lately, this ritual got a new partner in crime: Guangna Paint Markers, my new artistic addiction, reflection companion, and pastel soul mate.

My journal is not just where I reflect. it’s where I plan. Every fine art piece I paint starts with a sketch. I explore composition, color balance, and emotion on paper first. These markers let me test tones before they ever touch a canvas.

I also use them to sketch out pattern motifs before digitizing for my surface designs. That way, I know what feels right before I even open Procreate. It’s like previewing the vibe of a painting without the pressure.

Even my daughter joined the fun. She used the markers to color her tissue paper fashion designs, adding a touch of glitter and joy to our afternoon. The table sparkled, her eyes sparkled, and honestly, so did my heart.

Let’s talk about color, specifically pastels. Pastels are often misunderstood. Some think they’re weak or pale or childish. I completely disagree. Pastel colors are powerful in their softness. They whisper instead of shout. They calm instead of overwhelm.

In color theory, pastels sit in the space of high lightness and low saturation. That’s what makes them gentle, soothing, and elegant. They help create a sense of tranquility, dreaminess, and even luxury without feeling loud or dramatic.

And these Guangna markers? They nail that balance. Their pastel range is neither dull nor garish. It’s like painting with soft candy clouds.

We artists spend a lot of time in our own heads. Our studios are sacred, but they can also feel isolating. Journaling especially visual journaling gives the mind a release valve. It’s not about perfection. It’s about expression.

Even five minutes at the end of the day, doodling how I felt or what I dreamed of it gives me clarity. It softens anxiety. It reconnects me to my purpose.

Journaling with colors, shapes, and textures activates different parts of the brain than words alone. It’s a healing ritual. One I can’t recommend enough, especially if you’re a quiet dreamer like me.

If you’re like me an artist, a dreamer, or just someone who needs a moment of calm at the end of the day, start a journaling habit. Not necessarily with words. Let your hands speak. Doodle. Sketch. Reflect. Let your day leave you through color, not just thought.

We artists often float in our own little worlds, and journaling is an anchor. It’s a ritual of self-care dressed up in color.

And if you want your reflections to feel like a luxurious little celebration, I highly recommend these Guangna Paint Markers. They’re not just tools, they’re companions.

Find them here on Amazon

Go make your sketchbook feel like a candy shop, too.