Creating Personal Peace through Doodle Diaries

Finding peace within ourselves is often a difficult task for many of us. On a daily basis, our minds are filled with endless amounts of background noise. It can come from many directions–social media, intimate relations, random conversation, or things we hear and perceive.

Our day is spent attempting to translate the noise, which can be more difficult when we are still discovering who we are. Factors such as biology, finances, and mental health affect our level of peace. Although I cannot clean out every one of the thousands of thoughts filling my head with noise, I can use art to create my own personal peace.

I invite you to join me in making doodle diaries.

A doodle diary is similar to a journal in the self-expression field. However, with doodling we will be relying on a different sort of storytelling. We won’t rely on words; instead, we will use visuals to form a voice.A doodle diary is similar to a journal in the self-expression field. However, with doodling we will rely on visuals rather than words.

The art of visual storytelling dates back hundreds upon hundreds of years. There are still cave paintings in existence, holding the fingerprints of each artist. When there were no written words we had pictures.

In my first counselling session, I was told to scribble. Of course, I assumed my counsellor either thought I was a fool, or she had lost her marbles. Somehow I managed to swallow my pride and make a mass of scribbles.

I didn’t think anything of the scribbles until years later when I was going through a rough time in college. As I sat in class, anxious to leave but aware of my personal responsibility, I started scribbling.

The edges of my notes were covered in ballpoint pen marks. From those marks I drew a pair of glasses. As I drew more, those glasses were joined by a pair of eyes, and then there was a face. I drew my first self-portrait.

It was how I saw myself instead of how other people saw me. My anxiety had calmed and I was able to survive the lecture and continue through my day.

This art activity is going to start chipping away at those pesky, deconstructive thoughts.

The only materials needed are a journal and pencil. If you don’t have a journal grab whatever paper you have available.

Take yourself to a comfortable place, be it your bedroom, a local coffee shop, or maybe even a park. I tend to play music as I make doodle entries, but that choice is up to you. As you doodle start with the scribble, and be sure to keep your pen planted to the paper.

When the scribbles reach your satisfaction begin to make a new image. There are no rules for this portion. Once you feel things are to your satisfaction, lift the pen and pick one colour. Use the chosen colour to detail what you believe is the place of emphasis.

After the doodle is complete make sure you date and save it.

The inspirations for this creative prompt are the artists DoodleDate, and the women from Ladies Drawing Night.

DoodleDate is a YouTube channel run by creators Steph and Adam. Their goal is to create art, fill sketchbooks, and have fun. Their videos range from using mediums such as Winsor and Newton to Crayola, making it possible for everyone to join in the fun.

Julia Rothman, Leah Goren, and Rachael Cole are the authors of the book Ladies Drawing Night. This group of women take time out of their hectic lives to come together and make whatever art they feel inspired to create.

I hope this serves to remind us all that art is for everyone no matter race, status, or other identifiers. I hope doodling can be a baby step for anyone inspired to prioritise themselves and their happiness.