The Best Types of Creative Journals to Start Today
The Best Types of Creative Journals to Start Today
Sometimes, the best way to jumpstart your creativity isn’t with a masterpiece—it’s with a notebook and a few honest scribbles.
I’m Izzy—artist, stay-at-home mom, and lover of all things doodly and expressive. Between raising my son, caring for our home, and growing Kawaii Creations, I’ve discovered one of my favorite outlets: creative journaling.
No rules. No pressure. Just a space to feel, create, and play.
So if you’ve been thinking about starting a creative journal but don’t know where to begin, this post is for you! Here are some of my favorite types of journals (and how they can fit perfectly into your busy life).
1. The Doodle Diary
Perfect for: Visual thinkers, daydreamers, and anyone who likes drawing how they feel.
Instead of writing paragraphs, just doodle:
How your day felt?
What your lunch looked like?
A silly scene of how your toddler acted today?
You don’t need skill—you just need squiggles with feeling.
2. The Gratitude & Growth Journal
Perfect for: Reflecting when you’re overwhelmed or needing a mood boost.
Each day, jot down:
1 thing you’re grateful for
1 creative win (big or small)
1 thing you’re learning or improving
This helps you stay grounded and reminds you that progress is happening—even if it’s slow.
3. The “Messy Mood” Sketchbook
Perfect for: Bad days, blah days, or meltdown moments.
Let yourself get messy:
Use highlighters, crayons, ripped paper, whatever feels right
Scribble angry faces, tired clouds, or coffee spills
Let it be chaotic—your journal doesn’t judge
This is one of my go-to’s when I need to release emotions creatively.
4. The Prompt Journal
Perfect for: Days when you don’t know what to make.
Use Pinterest, blogs (like mine!), or printable prompt pages to inspire creativity. Some ideas:
“Draw your feelings as fruit”
“Write a letter to your younger self”
“What does cozy look like in your world?”
Prompts take the pressure off and keep the ideas flowing.
5. The Creative Idea Dump
Perfect for: Artists, writers, or content creators with ideas bouncing around at 3 AM.
This journal is your safe zone for:
Half-finished doodles
Kawaii character name ideas
Catchphrases for merch
Blog titles or pin captions
Think of it as a treasure chest for future you.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Try to Keep It Perfect
Perfection is not required in your journal. In fact, the messier, the better. This is your safe space to explore, vent, laugh, cry, and color outside the lines.
Tape in receipts. Spill coffee on it. Make weird little characters. Let it be yours.
So… Which Journal Will You Start Today?
Whether you only have 5 minutes during nap time or you’re carving out a full creative session, journaling can be a powerful way to reconnect with your creativity and your self.
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