Journaling, an intricate artistic process, is a therapeutic and calming hobby for journal enthusiasts. Nurul Sharmila Matali’s passion for documenting her life through art has helped her better understand herself while also providing comfort in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
From the heart to the notebook
Journaling is the art of expressing one’s feelings on a piece of paper using creative mediums, which then provides ease and comfort similar to writing a diary. When the art form takes control, the expression pours onto the pages to create an aesthetic — a depiction from the heart.
Nurul Sharmila Matali’s passion for documenting on paper dates back to her secondary school days. Mila, as she is also known, kept a collage book filled with photos of popular artistes and their lyrics.
“I used to keep a scrapbook back then. Then I would cut photos from old magazines and newspapers and arrange them on the page accordingly.”
Despite her passion, the 32-year-old admitted that she did not keep up with the hobby as it faded during her university years. Nonetheless, the pause was brief, as her return was enticed by a journaling Instagram account that had caught her eye.
“I was interested to know and see what she was doing. So, I kept browsing on Instagram, and the next thing I know, my Instagram exploration page is suggesting journaling posts to me.”
When asked when she first started, Mila recalled that it was in December 2020 when she first began buying a few notebooks to rekindle her long-lost passion for journaling.
“Back then, I’d print an image from Google and try to create a spread inspired by a few journaling Instagram accounts I followed. It prompted me to begin collecting more stationery, such as pens, stickers, and cute notebooks.”
To her, the process was fun and exciting as she dabbled in the art while also watching journaling videos on Instagram and YouTube to learn how to improve. Mila opened an Instagram account, @nsm.journal, the following year, where she kept all of her documented journals in picture form.
With over 10,000 followers on Instagram, Mila realised that starting a journaling account on the platform had opened the door to endless exploration within the journaling community worldwide.
Different journals for different purposes
Mila currently keeps four different types of journals: Weekly Travelers Notebook (weekly update on her activities), Kinbor Daily (gratitude journal), Mixed Media Art Journal, and Minimalist Spread Journal.
“I keep different journals for different purposes. I only update them when I feel like it. I would usually dedicate three to four days a week to journaling. It really depends on my free time and mood,” the graduate in Masters Human Resource Development said, adding that her favourite time to journal is at night.
“This is when I’d open my book, put on headphones, listen to music, and start making collages. This is when I feel like I’m in another world.”
Mila would jot down every thought and emotion she had while journaling in order to better understand herself. She believes that keeping a journal is good, particularly for those who suffer from stress, depression, or anxiety.
“Making journal pages into something that can reflect your feelings and emotions is one of the most effective methods for managing your mental health, in my opinion. One can think of journaling as a way to unwind while enjoying a nice environment, coffee, and music,” she added.
Her journaling journey
Even though she has only been on the journaling journey for two years, Mila will always be grateful to the journaling community because she has gained so much knowledge from them.
“In the early stages of my journey, my journal style consists of simple collages inspired by others. Then I discovered stamping, where I would only use stamps to create the background of the spread and add a few details like a girl or flower stickers.”
As she continued to explore journaling, she discovered the types of documenting she enjoys through this art — mixed media art, minimalist spreads, and weekly memory keeping journals. She uses an assortment of materials.
“For my mixed media art, I love using watercolours, embossing powders (emboss effect), texture paste, stamps, die-cut papers, flowers, and girl stickers. For my minimalist, I prefer to use a few memo pads, ephemera, stamps, transfer stickers, and pet tape stickers,” said Mila.
Mila revealed that when she has a budget, she can spend nearly RM300 on journal materials. However, it depends on which store she purchases journaling supplies from.
“Even with a budget of RM20-RM30, I can get a lot of things, especially from an online journal shop.”
Mila added that there aren’t many requirements for starting a journaling journey.
“You do not have to use expensive items. The first step is always to understand why you’re journaling. It is not only about art. It’s how you express yourself on a single blank page.
“You can write about your daily thoughts, paint, sketch, create a collage out of coloured paper, or keep a photo on the page as a memory. Day by day, without even realising it, you will learn more about what type of journaling method works best for you,” she said.
