Starting a Junk Journal: A Beginner's Guide

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced journaler, starting a junk journal can be both fun and enriching. A junk journal is a collection of notes, sketches, and ephemera that captures the minutiae of your daily life. Unlike a traditional journal, it doesn't follow a structured format and can be as chaotic and creative as you want it to be.

A junk journal allows you to express yourself without the pressure of a formal narrative or topic. This guide will walk you through the steps of creating a junk journal, from setting up the physical journal to maintaining your entry habits.

What Makes a Journal “Junk”?

The term junk doesn't imply that the content is worthless or meaningless. Instead, it signifies that the journal is a collection of random and unstructured thoughts and experiences. These can include:

Notes and quotes from conversations and readings Doodles and sketches Photos and ticket stubs Personal reflections and feelings Photos of snacks and street art

What you include is entirely up to you and your personal preferences.

Setting Up Your Junk Journal

The first step to starting a junk journal is selecting a physical journal. Unlike a traditional journal, a junk journal doesn't need to have a specific format. You can use an inexpensive notebook or a scrapbook. The most important thing is to choose a journal that feels comfortable and inspires you to write.

Once you have your journal, gather some basic supplies:

Pens and markers Photos Post-its or small adhesive notes Scissors and glue Critical scissors (optional for delicate or precious items)

Set up a routine that works for you. Some find it helpful to write in their journal every morning or evening. Others prefer to jot down notes throughout the day. The key is to make journaling a habit that fits into your lifestyle.

Writing in Your Junk Journal

When writing in your junk journal, there are no rules. You can write about anything that comes to mind. Some common prompts include:

Date and time note: This helps you remember important events or conversations. Photos with captions: Record photos of moments that strike you as significant. Quotes and inspiration: Jot down inspiring quotes or passages that resonate with you. Random thoughts: Capture fleeting thoughts and ideas that don't fit into a more formal journal. Subjective reflections: Write about your mood or personal experiences throughout the day. Lists: Make lists of things you need to do or want to achieve.

Remember, the goal of a junk journal is to let your thoughts flow freely without judgment. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or organization; it’s all about the process of self-expression.

JOIN OR CREATE A COMMUNITY

Connecting with a community of junk journal enthusiasts can provide you with motivation and inspiration. You can join online communities or local meetups to share your work and learn from others. This can be a great way to increase your engagement and discover new ideas and techniques.

FINANCIAL AND PUBLICATION ASPECTS (Optional for most)

If you're interested in expanding your junk journaling beyond personal use, you might consider publishing your work. However, this is more involved and requires additional steps, such as:

Setting up a website or blog to showcase your junk journal entries. Creating a mailing list and community to promote your journal. Financing your operations through sales or sponsorships.

Remember, the end goal of a junk journal is to express yourself and enjoy the process. Don't let the complexities of publication discourage you from starting your journaling journey.

Conclusion

Starting a junk journal is a personal and creative endeavor. It doesn't follow strict rules, allowing you to be as chaotic or structured as you want. With a physical journal, basic supplies, and a routine, you can begin your journey today. Embrace the randomness and enjoy the process of self-expression.