If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, Pinterest, or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve come across beautifully messy pages filled with hand-drawn hearts, random words, tiny flowers, affirmations, and cute faces. Welcome to the world of the doodle journal.
Part bullet journal, part sketchbook, and part emotional diary, the doodle journal is the trend that’s helping thousands of people organize their thoughts, express emotions, and reconnect with creativity.
Let’s break down what it is—and why you might want to start one too.
🖋️ So… What Is a Doodle Journal?
A doodle journal is a personal space where you combine:
- Random doodles and sketches
- Short thoughts or quotes
- Emotions, memories, and affirmations
- Collages, stickers, or color swatches
Think of it as visual journaling—not focused on making something “pretty,” but on making something real.
🧠 Why Are Doodle Journals Trending?
Here are a few reasons people (especially Gen Z and millennials) are embracing this habit:
1. It’s Mindful & Calming
Drawing repetitive patterns or writing feelings down in shapes reduces anxiety and encourages emotional awareness.
2. No Pressure to Be “Good”
Unlike traditional journals or sketchbooks, a doodle journal is imperfect by nature—it celebrates messiness and spontaneity.
3. It’s Personal & Creative
Every page is a reflection of you. Your mood, your moment, your mind.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s be honest—it’s fun to flip through cute pages and even share them online. #DoodleJournal is exploding for a reason.
✏️ What to Include in Your Doodle Journal
Need ideas? Try mixing:
- Today’s mood as a face
- Song lyrics + random shapes
- A sketch of your coffee mug
- A mini comic of something that happened today
- An inspiring quote + doodled border
- A gratitude list written in bubble letters
- Colorful swirls, stars, clouds, and hearts
🧃 Supplies You’ll Need (But Not Really)
All you actually need:
- A notebook
- A pen
But if you want to get fancy:
- Brush pens
- Washi tape
- Stickers
- Colored pencils
- Highlighters
- A cozy playlist
📆 How to Start Your Own Doodle Journal Today
- Get a blank notebook (even an old one works!)
- Set a timer for 10 minutes—no pressure.
- Start with your mood or a random shape.
- Let it evolve. Don’t judge. Just play.
✨ Pro tip: Do it before bed to calm your thoughts.
🌈 Final Thoughts
Doodle journaling isn’t about being artistic or productive. It’s about showing up for yourself, even if it’s just a few scribbles on paper.
Whether you use it to process emotions, spark creativity, or simply pass time in a meaningful way, your doodle journal can become your favorite corner of the day.
