Visual Journaling: What It Is and How To Get Started

In a world filled with screens and digital media, finding a creative outlet that allows us to disconnect and express ourselves authentically can be incredibly rewarding. Visual journaling is one unique and fulfilling way to explore our thoughts, emotions, and experiences through a combination of words and images. This is why in today’s blog post, we want to take a closer look at the captivating world of visual journaling, discussing what it is, why it’s beneficial, and how you can get started on your own creative journey!

But first, what’s visual journaling?

Visual journaling is a creative practice that combines writing, drawing, or collage to capture and record your personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. Think of it as an expressive outlet that encourages self-discovery using more than just words but also other mediums that involve images! It’s a great alternate way to document your growth.

It also has numerous benefits! Visual journaling serves as a form of self-care, stress relief, and mindfulness practice. It also promotes self-expression, boosts creativity, enhances our problem solving skills, and helps us cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Read this: you don’t have to be artistic to get started!

One of the beauties of visual journaling is that artistic skills are not necessary at all! The focus is on personal expression—it’s the main priority instead of creating something that’s perfect or “aesthetically pleasing”. This is why visual journaling is for everybody; regardless if you have any artistic abilities or not, it doesn’t matter. As long as you get to express yourself using this practice and enjoy it, that’s all you need!

What materials do you need?

There’s no official list but, to begin, it’s quite easy. You really need very minimal supplies and can add more as you go along as you experiment. A few essential materials include a journal or sketchbook, pens or markers, colored pencils, scissors, some glue, journaling ephemera, and magazines or printed images for collaging. It’s not the same for everyone so make sure you find materials that work with what you have in mind to create something that resonates with you!

Set the mood if you can!

Making sure you have the ideal environment has an effect on how rewarding your visual journaling experience will be. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus on your thoughts, or else dedicate a little nook at home or on your desk. Consider playing soft music, lighting candles, or incorporating any other elements that help you establish a tranquil atmosphere. Really, anything goes!

Not sure where to start? Try specific themes or use prompts.

If you’re not quite certain where to begin, you can make use of different themes or prompts to begin. Just to give yourself a starting point from where you can diverge later on as you come up with new ideas or as new thoughts form in your mind. Here are just a few examples of themes and prompts:

• Gratitude
• Self reflection
• Dreams
• Nature
• Mood
• Travel

You can also make use of quotes, poems, or song lyrics! Anything that gives you momentum and keeps you motivated or inspired to create.

You can combine words with images—or just use images alone!

Visual journaling allows you to combine words and images in a way that feels meaningful to you. You can write paragraphs, sentences, or even single words alongside your drawings or collages. The interplay between text and visuals adds some depth. It also enhances the overall storytelling aspect of your journal. However, this is optional! If you so choose, you can definitely use just images in the form of cutouts or drawings/sketches and let the end result speak for itself.

Don’t be afraid of imperfections!

Don’t forget: visual journaling is a personal and introspective journey. Embrace imperfections and let go of any self-judgment—this includes trying to make your output “pretty” or “beautiful” using a certain criteria that focuses how others will perceive it. Your visual journal is all about your thoughts, feelings, and worldview; though it would be nice for others to appreciate what you create, that’s just a bonus.

Also allow yourself to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Each entry in your visual journal is an opportunity for growth and self-expression. You can always try something new in your next entry.

Commit and be consistent!

Like any creative practice, visual journaling benefits from consistency and commitment. Set aside dedicated time in your schedule to practice it regularly! Add it to your habit tracker if you have to. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or a few times a month, make it a priority to show up for yourself and your journaling practice.

Try visual journaling today—it might just be the journaling practice you’re looking for!

Visual journaling is an enriching and beneficial practice that allows us to tap into our creativity, explore our emotions, and document our lives in a truly unique way. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, it’s a space for self-expression and self-discovery!

Have you ever tried visual journaling before? How was your experience? If you haven’t yet, what’s holding you back? Let us know in the comments below!