My Art Journal Journey
The world just welcomed the dawn of a brand new year full of hopes and promises. Despite having experienced the aftermath of Typhoon Rai (Odette) which has ravaged most parts of our country, there are still a plethora of reasons why a new year calls for celebration regardless of how humble or grand it may be. Now, the omicron variant of the coronavirus is working its way to induce anxiety among us. Truthfully, the situation in the Philippines is still far from normal - whatever that word means. While I don't want to be indifferent from the suffering of others, as I know there are some who are struggling to secure basic necessities, I want to take the start of the year as an opportunity to talk about something that I am passionate about. This is also something that has kept me sane through the storms of life especially during the past couple of years, this is art journaling.
WHAT IS AN ART JOURNAL?
An art journal is basically just any other journal except that you can incorporate art to express yourself in it. It could be in a form of an elaborate painting, simple doodles, or photo collage. There are also no specific materials needed to create one. You may add in some stickers or create an artwork which I often do if my corporate schedule allows. Any notebook will also do so you don't have to go crazy over the ones offered by coffee shops. Personally, I choose the notebooks which I will use for my own art journal. I want them to be light so I can carry them wherever I go, and their pages should be thick enough for me to paint over them.
I started keeping an art journal during my senior year in college when I've read about its pros in a blog post written by Saab Magalona, yep, she's one of Francis M's daughters. At first, it just was something that I do as a creative outlet for myself. Gradually, it has become more than that, after almost a decade of having one, it now serves as my private Xanadu, a therapist, a canvas, but way cheaper! lol I have also learned that keeping an art journal, like practicing any other art form, has a direct impact on our holistic health.
Through creativity and imagination, we find our identity and our reservoir of healing. The more we understand the relationship between creative expression and healing, the more we will discover the healing power of the arts. - The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature
There were times when I felt bored of keeping one but as its benefits weigh more, I have found a solution to free myself from boredom or from any creative constraints. That is through setting a monthly theme which serves as my basis for playing with the color palette and materials that I will be using. I abhor sameness so I try to think of a theme that is varied. Still, they all have to be grounded on something that interests me. It could be a poem, a song, or a certain season that makes me feel good. You'll see some of them in the photos below. (above is my December page from my 2019 journal inspired by the works of Vincent Van Gogh)
WHAT'S INSIDE MY ART JOURNAL
Although the theme for my art journal changes every month, there are elements in it that stay the same. These are as follows:
Art Journal 2021 Welcome Page
Art Journal 2019 Welcome Page
1. Welcome Page 🎨
This is like the cover page of my journal. On this page, I create an artwork that sets the tone for the year. Most of which are spontaneous or based on the Chinese zodiac. Just in case I lost my journal, I put my name and my email address on the welcome page. I write or add visuals that reflect my goals for the year on the page next to this.
2. To-Do List ⚪
These are simple lists of what I need to achieve on a certain day or in a week. Sometimes, I also do a specific list for my job. I divide my to-do list into two. A simple dash is added on basic tasks, while a hollow circle is reserved for events with specific dates. Once the event is over, let's say my appointment with my dentist, I then shade the hollow part of the circle which means the task is done.
3. To-Read Books 📖
Although I find myself often preoccupied with work or with other commitments, I still can't let go of the idea that I must read a book amidst the time of social media and Netflix!
4. Dream Diary ☁️
I often have vivid dreams where I find myself waking up and say "damn, that plot's crazy". lol Kidding aside, I do believe that dreams guide us in some mystic ways science still can't exactly point with all of the published theories to date. Anyways, I only record those that I find impactful.
5. Priorities ⭐
I do have a to-do list but I also mark certain tasks as priorities. Labeling the task as one keeps me motivated and helps me avoid being overwhelmed with tasks, especially when I have to beat a deadline.
6. Ideas ❗
I love jotting down my ideas into the paper as it helps me visualize them. This is really just anything that comes into my mind, my #ootd for a certain event, or a design that I can't stop thinking about.
7. New Words W
Some words fascinate me and when I do not know what they mean, I make sure to jot them down in my journal. This helps me use the words properly!
8. Something to Be Happy About
This is a form of a list but I highlight this element and always set aside a page or two where I could write what keeps me happy all through the month. This must be my favorite part of my art journal as looking into my previous notes remind me of the good things that have happened.
9. The Best of the Previous Year
This is located on the last page of the journal and something that I only fill in during New Year's Eve to welcome a brand new year. This is where I must and look back on the best things that have transpired in the year that has passed. Part of the things that I write on this page are the best places I've visited and my unforgettable experiences.
In between all these, I would scribe just about anything that comes into my mind. It could be a quote from a book I am currently reading or from a Netflix flick I've recently watched. As you've noticed, the elements have accompanying symbols. It helps me locate those sections faster as I browse into my journal. I just made them up so you can also decide on what symbol you'd like to use for each element according to your liking.
Here are some photos of my art journals from the previous years:
Ocean-Inspired Art Journal Pages
Christmas-Inspired Art Journal Page
Growth-Inspired Art Journal Page
Art Journal Pages inspired by T.S Eliot's The Waste Land
Valentine's Day-Inspired Art Journal Page
Bread and Oranges-Inspired Art Journal Page
Sailor Moon-Inspired Art Journal Page
The Beatles-Inspired Art Journal Pages
Art-Inspired Art Journal Page
The Little Prince-inspired Art Journal Page
I just bought my notebook for my 2022 art journal and still have to decide on my monthly themes for this year. I will always be grateful for the gift of calm and contentment that art journal has given me through the years, and I couldn't wait to explore life with it. Here are some photos of my previous art journals:
As you see, I didn't have my art journal for the year 2017. Not that I didn't prep for one. It's just that it was a year full of
And finally, here's my 2022 Art Journal!
I spent a good time reading its content and couldn't help but laugh and be happy with its contents. Surely, a good way to retrospect.
Have you been keeping an art journal too? I hope my humble journey will inspire you to have one soon. Jump-start your art journaling adventure. Happy 2022 to all of us!