Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

    2. Download the Guide and Templates

    3. Vision Board (Milanote) Inspiration

    1. General "Rules" of Composition and Layout

    2. Breaking the "Rules" With Intention

    3. Fundamentals of the Illustrated Journal Style

    4. Identifying and Arranging Elements

    5. Special Layouts

    6. Elements of Landscape Composition

    7. Elements of Wildlife Page Composition

    8. Composition and Layout for Every Situation

    1. Conclusion

    2. Further Reading

    3. Keep Practising!

    4. Please Leave a Review!

About this course

  • £32.00
  • 15 lessons
  • 1.5 hours of video content
  • Illustrated PDF course guide
  • Printable template pack
5 star rating

Loads of inspiration!

Lisa Mason

I really enjoyed this course. It is full of helpful ideas and inspirational examples. I'm sure I will be incorporating some of these ideas into my own journaling.

I really enjoyed this course. It is full of helpful ideas and inspirational examples. I'm sure I will be incorporating some of these ideas into my own journaling.

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5 star rating

Journal Layout and Composition

Jan Macleod

So much valuable information on different layouts from a variety of nature journallers. Enjoyed seeing Alex's journals over the years, even the biro drawings. Will use the idea of templates and borders to try out different layouts. Loved the visio...

Read More

So much valuable information on different layouts from a variety of nature journallers. Enjoyed seeing Alex's journals over the years, even the biro drawings. Will use the idea of templates and borders to try out different layouts. Loved the vision board.

Read Less

This course contains...

All of this plus a template pack to keep you creating innovative layouts for years to come!

  • The four general "rules" of illustrated journal layout, and how best to break them!

  • Discussion of what makes a good journal layout, with examples from nature and travel journaling including published examples and the tutor's own work

  • How to use the template pack to make varied and intreresting layouts and compositions

  • Fundamentals of landscape composition and wildlife sketchbook page layouts

Buy now for permanent access

Your tutor

Alex Boon

Nature Journaling Educator

Alex Boon is an artist and nature journaling educator from East Devon, UK. He earned a PhD in environmental science before working in postdoctoral research and scientific communication roles. Alex left academia, moved to the rural south-west of the UK, and started his first nature journal in 2016. He now teaches both online and in-person workshops and courses and is active on YouTube and Instagram. He is the author of two books, "How to Draw a Tree" and "How to Draw a River", both published by David & Charlies in July 2025. His style is inspired by the British tradition of artists recording nature, particularly Edith Holden, Beatrix Potter, and Charles Tunnicliffe. His mission is to promote the wider uptake of nature journaling in the UK.