Do you journal?
Today is a heavy day, among MANY of the heavy days we have had.
As a Black women in America, I am constantly reminded that my life does not matter. While my journal has not been the only form of solace I find, it has been a constant one.
In today’s post I want to share a bit about my visual journal.
Visual journals, or art journals, are similar to traditional written journals except they prioritize the expression of your feelings through the creation of art. I became familiar with visual journaling about a year ago through a research group at work but now use it personally as a form of self-care.
I must mention that I do not consider myself an artist and would encourage you to not let what you perceive to be a lack of talent to stop you from self-expression.
You can read more about art journals here but I want to focus this post on how I use my art journal and some suggested supplies if you are interested in starting one yourself.
I typically start my journal on a new blank page and because the current one I have is a little small, I take as many pages as needed. I do the art first and then follow it with written word and date the entries so that when I revisit them, I know what my expressive art represents.
Some of my favorite prompts for getting started include one word prompts, picture prompts, memes, and quotes. Some days I might not have a prompt but just go with the flow of how I am feeling. Today specifically, I am processing my feelings around BLM and the lack of justice for Breonna Taylor.
As it relates to some of my favorite tools for journaling, I am including the list below. These are affiliate links and I could earn a small commission if you chose to purchase from these links:
- Journal: Your journal should have heavyweight paper. I use a mixed media journal and recommend this one. I think the larger each page the better
- Utensils: markers, colored pencils, pens, etc. I love sharpies and prismacolor colored pencils.
- “Traditional” art supplies: scissors, glue sticks, glitter, stencils etc.
- Paint and brushes: I love the brayer roller to move paint around in my journal and I use basic acrylic paints and watercolors.
- Magazines and old books: Collaging is one of my favorite art activities so I use old magazines to cut out words and pictures and old books to do blackout poems. Dollar tree books are great for this.
- “Found materials”: literally anything! Plastic forks, leaves from outdoors, bottle caps, bubble wrap and more. You’d be surprised how you can take something not traditionally considered to be “for art” and make beautiful patterns.
- Visual Journaling: Going Deeper than Words by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. The cover alone tells you everything you need to know:
- “Using art to: reduce stress, release anger, resolve conflicts, get in touch with feelings, and give voice to your soul.”
Now that you have read this post, what do you think about visual journaling? Do you think it’s for you?
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