Why Everyone Should Keep An Art Journal | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Everyone Should Keep An Art Journal

We should all be taking advantage of this unique creative platform.

1101
Why Everyone Should Keep An Art Journal
Maisy Wildermuth

I've spent most of my life trying (and failing) to keep a regular journal. Writing is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and I know the benefits of sharing my thoughts through paper and pen are plentiful. Not only does journaling preserve memories, but more importantly, it gives the writer a place to pour out their thoughts, to work through experiences both difficult and pleasurable and to organize their thinking.

I know all of this, and while I am constantly drawn to pretty journals at bookstores and the equally pretty idea of sharing my thoughts in them; these books only end up piled high next to my bedside table: a forgotten stack of blank pages. Let's face it: regular writing is tough, it's hard to remember to do it my hand always starts hurting and I give up, etc.

I had all but surrendered to my inevitable inability to journal until very recently, when I started seeing photos on Tumblr of people's journals where the pages were not simply full of written words, but art of all kinds, intricate doodles and tiny paintings and magazine cut-outs and pressed flowers and ripped ticket stubs and song lyrics and hazy water-colored sunsets. That's when I realized that I could put anything in my journal, not just written thoughts.

I started out by finding photos on Tumblr and other online platforms that inspired me, and I just let the creativity take control. Since I began art journaling only a few months ago, I have felt an amazing surge of creativity and inspiration flowing through me daily; now I finally have the perfect way to capture it.

The best part about art is that it can be anything and everything you want it to be. You don't have to be "artistic" to let your creativity flow. There is inspiration everywhere, and everyone sees the world in a different way on different days based on different moods and experiences.

Art journaling gives you an opportunity to capture your feelings through more than just words, encourages you to think outside of the box. I can be clean and precise, or messy and full of intense emotion. It can be deeply personal and private, or light and fun, something you want to share with others. And that's the best part: each page is a new start, a clean slate for new emotions, memories and materials.

That being said, I challenge everyone reading this article to find themselves a journal, a notepad, a spiral notebook, a binder full of printer paper or even an old novel no one wants to read anymore. Give it new life, preserve memories and, most importantly, let out whatever feelings or inspirations are pent up inside you, just begging to be released!


Below are more of my current journal pages, including the cover (which I decided to turn from a boring, plain purple to a vibrant collage).


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
coffee

It's finally flu season! It's around that time in the school year where everyone on campus is getting sick, especially if they live in the dorms. It's hard to take care of yourself while being sick at school, but here are some coping mechanisms to get you on the path to feeling better!

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

The Battle Between College And My Mental Health

College isn't easy, and I'm afraid I'm not going to make it at the rate my mental health is going.

507
woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Everyone tells you that college is hard, but they fail to explain why. Sure, classes are hard. Math sucks, and political science can be so boring. But that's not even what's killing me about college. What's killing me about college is my deterioating mental health.

As a college student, I feel as if people don't understand just how exhausted I, and fellow college students are. We have so many things going on, all the time, and sometimes it's hard to explain to people how we feel. Personally...I'm tired. I'm sad. And I'm struggling every single day with my emotions. But the thing is, it hasn't always been this way. I haven't always hated school, so why am I feeling like this now?

Keep Reading...Show less
manager

For the average 20-something, life moves pretty fast. You’ve got classes, friends, relationships, jobs, family, and whatever else we overcommit ourselves with. I probably should have learned to say no to adding more to my schedule a long time ago, but instead here are 11 things that can be more helpful than coffee.

Keep Reading...Show less
Parks And Rec
NBC

Your professor mentions there's a test in a few days and you didn't know about it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

Resting b***h face. Defined as a person, usually a girl, who naturally looks mean when her face is expressionless, without meaning to. Many of you suffer from this "condition." You are commonly asked what's wrong, when nothing is. What people don't know is that is just your facial expression. Here are some things they wish you knew.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments