Colour your mood

Remedios’s journal

An addition that can be spotted in journals is a list of smileys or a blank circle in a corner of the page. You colour in the face that sums how the day has left you - happy, angry, sad, tired; or you draw your own mood. Visual journaling is a form of expression and documentation - the more creative sibling of ‘Dear diary' that gives up the overwhelming search for the right words in favour of art and colour. And this is why visual journaling is slowly gaining in popularity.

Mausam Nagda and Meryl Remedios

Meryl Remedios, artist and owner of @theturquoisebrushin says, "It's been three years since I began visual journaling and it is something I look forward to at the end of every day." It makes her self-aware, and helps her focus on her goals. "Considering the neuroscience behind the benefits of visual art exercises and wellness, research says that it helps to activate parts of the brain related to problem-solving and creative thinking, and promotes resilience in times of adversity that allow individuals to build on their strengths," explains Mausam Nagda, a mental health professional specialising in expressive arts therapy. If you're serious about visual journaling, we've curated five platforms to give it a shot.

Calli Dsign

Their real-deal visual journals are unique and available at the most affordable ranges. Pick from bleed-proof paper that is suitable for light watercolours and gouache, hexagon-cut outline, and hand-illustrated designs that are later digitised.
Log on to: callidsign.in
Cost:: Rs 349

Bigger Dreams Co. and Planning Paper And More

If you want that premium feel to enhance everyday journaling, have a look at this range of dot-grid journals. Their 160 gms thick paper is perfect for serious doodlers and sketchers. They also have a collection called Doodler Series that are dot-grid, of course.
Log on to: biggerdreams.in or planningpaperandmore.com
Cost: Rs 2,900

Archmesh

If the bright colours don't match your personality and you want a more uniform look for a journal, this platform offers options that are subtle. A collection of these Kraft-Cover dot-grid journals can make a perfect monthly series for your practice.
Log on to: archmesh.com
Cost: Rs 229 onwards

Factor Notes

With a range of watercolour pads, sketchbooks and diaries, they offer not just variety but also a guarantee of paper thick enough to endure fine liner pens, pastels and paint. And if you want a light-duty doodle journal with a dot-grid option, check this one out.
Log on to: factornotes.com
Cost: Rs 199 onwards

Rum and Raisin

Tanvi Parulkar, owner of this platform, introduces what she calls India's first stationery with tactile illustrations. The illustration on the cover features clay designs that she's made herself. These dot-grid journals (series of two - Bloom and Rise) come with hand-lettered gold foil details, thoughtful packaging and they check all those stationery-by-artists boxes.
Log on to: rumandraisin.in
Cost: Rs 566