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My Attempts at Creative Journaling
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I have always been jealous of people who keep diaries and journals. The problem is I am my worst critic when it comes to writing. I write then erase write then erase. It’s on a permanent loop. I don’t remember how I came across creative journaling but this sparked my interest. Creative journaling allows me to draw and sketch, cut and paste images from magazines, practice lettering as well as write. I like this type of journal because I don’t have to write exclusively.
This is my first attempt. I really like this page. The colors are vivid, the words and phrases just perfect. I did a total of four and a half journal pages. It didn’t work for me because I wanted to do more than just cut and paste images and texts. I haven’t even considered drawing at this point. I felt stuck and as a result, the journal died.
Fast forward a few years later. I started drawing again as an adult after watching a YouTube video posted by an amazing illustrator named Danny Gregory. His subject matter was his breakfast. The one thing that stuck with me was how his illustration was an imperfect rendering of his meal. I always thought that outside of cartoons, all other drawings should be realistic to be beautiful. I was so wrong. Clearly, I needed to do more research on various drawing styles. My next attempt at creative journaling was a combination of simple drawings and some writing. I actually filled an entire sketch book. In the beginning, I was very strict with the format. Later on, I loosened up a bit. Whenever I lacked motivation to write, I just drew to fill a page and that’s ok. I started another journal but it contained mainly sketches.
Towards the end of December 2016, I decided to give creative journaling another go. Various Pinterest posts and Youtube videos rekindled my interest in creative journaling. I started using a planner but my ink options were extremely limited because the paper is not thick enough. I decided to use a small, medium weight sketchbook so I can use a variety of pens and markers. In order to make it more interesting, I also added to my supply list washi tape, colorful paper, and images and texts from magazines. I made a decision not to write about very personal and serious topics. I want to look back at my journals fondly. My current journal contains quotes, favorite passages from a book or article I’m currently reading, reactions to shows or videos, what I bought or ate that day and things of that nature. Also, while on Youtube, I came across this vlog about how to learn Korean called Talk To Me In Korean. One of the teachers suggested writing entries in your journal in Korean. It can be one word, a phrase, a not so well constructed sentence etc. I loved that idea so I incorporated it into my journal. I started this journal on January 19, 2017 but I dated my first page January 1. The first page has a list of my 2017 goals and the rest of the pages leading up to January 19 will be filled with drawings and also some creative journaling inspirations found online. So far I’ve been doing it religiously for a week now and I really hope it becomes a lifelong habit.
Random Drawing
There are some images I just can’t resist drawing. Tumblr is my favorite source.
