The Art of Journaling or Picture This!

Guest Blog Post by Steph Jordan

I believe there comes a time when we have to stop, shut up and listen to our creative brain. That part that makes things sunny when they’re really not, happy when you feel as though you could tear your own hair out, adventurous when you’re feeling confused and stressed. That’s the part of the brain that allows us to explore, take chances, be colorful, escape. It’s also a happy place you may not be utilizing.

Art Journaling is a great outlet for your ‘Creative Brain’. If you already Journal this is just another way to express yourself. Being inspired is the first step to Art Journaling and nspiration is as close as your imagination. For example, when I’m feeling particularly stressed I join a key word and a whole lot of color. The key word stands out, is memorable and the color is stimulating. It also reflects how you’re feeling.

As a mixed media Artist I use various techniques for mixing Art and writing (another form of Art) and pictures and Writing. This picture reminds me that ‘It’s Really Not That Serious!’ Me wearing a tutu and a Vintage Hat with Jeans and a t-shirt *laughs at self*.

The Journal entry begins with ‘My leg really hurt today but I was having so much fun, for those moments in time, that I forgot I was in pain and all I wanted to do was dance’.

Pictures are great prompts for Journaling. Carry a small camera with you when you can or even a small sketch pad to rough draft your inspiration. Record memorable moments and sights, like a purple dragonfly or a real gnarly tree or even an unusual colored car.  You don’t necessarily have to write with the pictures you take today. But save them up for a rainy day. Run a slide show on your computer of your photos when you want to be inspired to Journal. Choose the pictures you want and print them out. Stick the picture(s) you want in your Journal. You could of course, take a picture specifically to inspire you and work with that.

The great thing about pictures is there are so many things about a single picture that inspire you. The colors of specific items, the background, the subject, the memory,

The other wonderful thing about pictures/Art Journaling is you really don’t have to say much sometimes. You can speak your entry with color and Art.

This journal page was created using lots of color, white charcoal and pencil, and rubber stamps. I created it on a day when I was having a hard time believing. I was reminding myself to be Open to possibilities. To create the background use ink pads, brush on colors like Derwent Inktense Colors or spray colors (the kind you get in a scrapbook store work). This background was created using sprays. To get that background lettering use a mask of letters. You can buy them in sheets or use cutouts you make yourself from paper. Simply color background, let dry, add letters and color over them. Have a damp paper towel close so you can dab at paper and make lighter spots. Use Rubber Stamps or Free hand your main word and draw your profile or other picture.

Another method is to draw a free hand picture and work around it with pen and pencil as in this example. The background is a lot of color washed out with wet brushes. The flowers are just a bunch of hearts with stems and leaves drawn in. A space was left at the bottom for Journaling.

The benefit of doing this is time to think, reflect and rejuvenate. I know firsthand that Art heals and this is one of those methods that is healing and refreshing. A colorful distraction while also being able to transfer thought to paper. Drawing skills don’t matter. This is your personal Journal. You can do what you want to! Some of my best decisions were made while my mind was free flowing in the Journaling process with lots of color and expression.

Sometimes a picture may shake loose thoughts and memories that whether you realize it or not shape your life and your writing. Pictures of you when you were young or in a certain situation or with someone in your life are great for Journaling. Even though I had a painful childhood every time I see a picture of myself as a child it makes me think and release. I’ve created whole journals based on memories received while looking at some old out of date yellowed pictures of myself when I had no clue of what was to come in this world. Journaling about them makes me more aware of who I am today. Pictures of me at the beach remind me of how much I love and need the ocean to cleanse my spirit and that in spite of what’s going on in the world I can still smile and be thankful.

Of course another major benefit to Journaling with Pictures is the fact that you are recording your own personal history. Whether good or bad you have visual verification. You can thank your memory and your Journal for reminding you, teaching you, tempering you, helping you avoid repeating past mistakes. Take a trip? Attach your favorite picture to your Journal page so a memory shake is right at hand. Meet someone that had a serious impact on your life, a picture will always remind you what they look liked as your write about and read about your experience.

Here are just a few prompts that can help you get started with your Art/Picture Journal. Write these down or write your own and when you find yourself needing to Journal but with no inspiration to get started refer back to them and away you go.

*Where were you this time last year and where are you now?

*What one thing do you think about every day and why?

*What’s your favorite food?

*How are you feeling right this minute?

*What’s your next move in life?

*What would you do if you were handed all the money you need to live right now?

*What have you learned recently?

Remember your Journals are about you and your life. Be free with it. Be honest with yourself and let it come through in your Journals. You don’t have to be an Artist or a Photographer to create your own Art/Picture Journals. You just have to have an open creative mind and room to grow. 

Facebook: Living In Color With Steph Jordan

To see many samples or my Art Journals visit my YouTube page at Steph Jordan on YouTube

Have fun with it and Happy Journaling!

Steph Jordan