Creative Journal (part 3): How to get started…
In part one and two, we discussed what is a creative journal, why use it and what are some of the benefits. In this post, we will be going over how to get started with your creative journal.
First steps…
Before going any further, you will need a journal. This can be a new one or an old one, it can be big or small, it can be plain or colored - it doesn’t matter so long as you have one. If you are unsure where to start here are some options I recommend. You will also need to gather some supplies that you would like to use. Again these can be new, old, some that you know how to use or maybe you are curious about, they may even be found objects. I recommend starting with picking just one to reduce any possible feelings of overwhelm. Then, find a space that feels safe and supportive for you - that can be in your house/apartment, in a park, the beach, etc. You can even set the space by grabbing candles, blankets, putting music, whatever you may need that will help you feel most comfortable.
Time to begin!
Here there are endless amounts of options for how you can start. In this post, I will give you three ideas for ways that you can start to engage in your creative journal. You may find that one works for you and you stick with using that one or you may decide to try them all and alternate. If you’ve noticed the pattern here, choose what feels best for you. It is YOUR creative journal.
1.How do I feel?
Similar to how you would start with a traditional journal entry, check in with yourself - this can be by simply asking yourself the question how do I feel? Then, allow yourself to create art based off of the answer you received. Maybe this is depicted by just one color, many you choose many. Maybe you draw one shape, maybe you draw many, maybe it comes to you in the form of poetry. Let the art materials and creative process be the vehicle that drives you to create.
2. Body Scan
Take a moment to find a comfortable seat, close your eyes and begin to scan your body (if this feels difficult, you can find a body scan audio or video on YouTube). Notice the sensations that arise as you do so, maybe you notice specific colors and shapes. Once you are done with your scan, draw an outline of a body and use your art materials to visually depict the sensations that you became aware of.
3. Free Flow
Without using any prompts, allow yourself to create on the page based off of what intuitively comes to you. I encourage you to try to immerse yourself in the moment, rather than thinking too much about what you make.
P.S. don’t forget to date your journal entries-this will be extra helpful should you choose to look back on the art you made over time.
If thinking of doing it on your own feels overwhelming, join the Creative Journal Club, a virtual group held weekly on Wednesdays at 6 PM (est). Together we will work on our creative journals to be held in a safe, supportive and accountable community. Send me an email here to sign up and receive the link.
