It’s Time to Get Creative! 5 Styles of Creative Journaling

Journaling and creativity are like peas in a pod, salt and pepper, birds of a feather! They really are made for each other. You don’t have to be the arty type or good at painting or drawing at all. It’s more about using journaling as an outlet for any hidden creativity that is there within you, but you just didn’t know it yet. You know when you get that feeling that you have a really cool idea on the tip of your tongue or the edge of your mind but you can’t quite get to it. Well, using a journal can be a really effective way of teasing it out. You’ll be surprised what comes out, believe me!

There are several different types of creative journaling. If you’re looking to nurture and boost your creativity, it can be beneficial to experiment with different styles of journaling. So, what are the different types? Below, you’ll discover just 5 styles of creative journaling and the benefits they can deliver.

1. Written journal

Written journals tend to be the most common type of creative journal. Whether you opt for free-writing, or you use it to simply jot down your experiences and thoughts, a written journal can prove useful for all creative types.

It’s worth noting that a written creative journal is different from keeping a traditional journal. While you’re still using it to write in, you’re not using it to get your feelings out or talk about your day. Instead, you’re using it for inspiration and to record ideas, thoughts and feelings which may ignite your creativity.   

2. Art journal

An art journal is perfect for artists and graphic designers. Used to draw, paint, or attach cuttings out of newspapers and magazines, this type of journal can really get the creative juices flowing.

3. Scrapbook

A scrapbook is one of the easiest styles of creative journaling you can do. You simply cut out images, quotes or anything you find inspiring and stick them into the journal.

You can look over all of the things you’ve stuck into the scrapbook whenever you need a little inspiration.

4. Prompt journal

Another style of creative journal which can help trigger and nurture creativity is a prompt journal. This is basically a journal which asks you questions each day. You can either pick these journals up online, or you can create one yourself.

The idea is, each question is designed to make you really think before you write your response. You’ll get used to analyzing the questions and answering them in as much detail as possible. The answers themselves can help spark creativity.

5. Mind mapping journal

Mind mapping is a fairly new journaling technique which can work wonders for creative people. It’s a visual style journal, similar to scrapbooking. However, rather than cutting out random images and sticking them in the journal, mind mapping works by recording your ideas in a visual way.

Mind mapping is a fairly new journaling technique which can work wonders for creative people. It’s a visual style journal, similar to scrapbooking. However, rather than cutting out random images and sticking them in the journal, mind mapping works by recording your ideas in a visual way.

For example, write down the main theme of your idea, draw a big circle around it, then think of other ideas which relate to it. You then connect your sub-ideas to the main idea, creating a mind map.

These are just 5 styles of creative journaling you can try out. Each has its own benefits and potential drawbacks which need to be considered. Think about the style you’re most likely to benefit from and remember, once you start it’s important to keep it up.

Who knows what new ideas, habits, ways of life, stories or hidden talents are there just waiting to be uncovered. Only one way to find out! Get creative journaling and see what develops…