Incorporating art and visual elements into your journal can bring a whole new dimension to your creative journaling and spark fresh ideas for your writing. Even better, you don’t have to look any further than your house, office or local coffee shop for the artistic inspiration you need to get started.
1. Throughout the course of one day this week, make it a point to notice different forms of media that you find appealing. Tear out the best photos, quotes or headlines from the daily newspaper. Bookmark the magazine, trade journal or website images or layouts that jump out at you. Set aside the notes, postcards, business cards or advertisements that catch your eye. Think of it as a scavenger hunt where you are making all the rules!
2. At the end of the day, compile everything that has caught your attention. Go through the computer printouts, the magazine pages, the newspaper clippings and anything else you have accumulated. These are the raw materials for your “day in the life” creative journaling activity.
3. Using your favorite art or craft supplies – scissors, markers, fabric, glue, paint, etc. – put together a collage of everything that visually inspired you today. Take up as many journal pages as you need, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty.
4. When you have finished your collage, admire your artwork. What do you think it says about your day or your lifestyle or your work? What is your favorite part of it? How does it make you feel? In your journal, briefly write about your impressions or experiences creating the collage. This can be anything from a short list of words to a page dedicated to your thoughts.
What inspiration did you come across during your day? Were you surprised by anything? Leave a comment or email a picture of your collage to mari@createwritenow.com and we'll feature it on our blog!
You can find some other creative journaling ideas write here.