How to Find & Create Your Own Journaling Aesthetic

Last Updated on January 4, 2025 by Nell Marie

When I first started journaling, I had no idea what my aesthetic was—I just knew I wanted my pages to feel like me. Over time, I experimented with different styles, from vintage-inspired spreads to bold, colorful layouts, and I learned what truly resonated with me.

In this article, I’ll share tips to help you discover your unique journaling aesthetic, whether you’re into the dreamy, floral vibes or a sleek, modern look. You’ll find ideas, inspiration, and practical advice to create pages that feel personal and fun to work on.

Trust me, once you find your style, journaling becomes so much more enjoyable!

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Journaling Aesthetic

Creating your own journaling aesthetic can be a fun and creative process that reflects your personality and preferences. Here are some tips to help you develop your unique journaling style:

1. Define Your Vision

• Think about what you want your journal to represent. Is it a calm, minimalist space, or a vibrant, colorful expression of your creativity?
• Explore aesthetics like vintage, boho, cottagecore, minimalist, or modern, and pick one that resonates with you.

2. Gather Inspiration

• Look at Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for journaling pages that catch your eye.
• Create a mood board or save examples of layouts, colors, and designs you love.

3. Choose a Color Palette

• Stick to a consistent set of colors to create a cohesive look.
• Use soft pastels for a dreamy aesthetic, earthy tones for a natural feel, or bold colors for a lively vibe.

4. Experiment with Supplies

• Invest in tools that fit your aesthetic, like washi tapes, stickers, pens, stamps, or stencils.
• Reuse and repurpose items like magazine clippings, postcards, or fabric scraps for a personal touch.

5. Create a Layout Style

• Decide if you like structured layouts (grids, sections) or freeform designs.
• Incorporate doodles, borders, and frames to add personality to your pages.

6. Add Layers and Textures

• Layer washi tape, paper scraps, and stickers for a dimensional look.
• Experiment with textures like lace, dried flowers, or embossed paper to make your pages pop.

7. Include Personal Touches

• Use photos, ticket stubs, or mementos to make your journal feel personal and meaningful.
• Write quotes, affirmations, or small notes that resonate with you.

8. Play with Fonts and Handwriting

• Mix and match fonts, handwriting styles, or calligraphy to add variety.
• Try hand lettering or practice creative typography for titles and headings.

9. Incorporate Drawings or Illustrations

• Add small doodles, sketches, or watercolors to fill empty spaces.
• Even simple shapes like stars, hearts, or leaves can add charm.

10. Practice and Refine

• Don’t stress about perfection. Your journaling aesthetic will evolve as you practice.
• Experiment with new ideas and adjust your style as you go.

11. Be True to Yourself

• Let your journal reflect who you are, rather than copying someone else’s aesthetic completely.
• Use it as a space for self-expression and creativity above all else.

Would you like suggestions for specific themes or tools to get started?

Journaling Aesthetic Tips

Below are some ideas specific to each kind of journaling niche.

1. Junk Journal / Vintage Aesthetic

• Focus: A layered, nostalgic feel with upcycled materials and earthy tones.
• Ideas:
  • Use aged paper, tea-stained pages, or vintage book pages as backgrounds.
  • Add ephemera like old tickets, postcards, maps, or pressed flowers.
  • Incorporate handwritten quotes or notes in cursive or calligraphy.
  • Use muted or sepia tones for ink, stamps, or drawings.
  • Seal entries with wax stamps or include faux leather embellishments.

2. Modern Aesthetic

• Focus: Clean lines, minimalistic layouts, and contemporary vibes.
• Ideas:
  • Stick to a monochrome or neutral color palette with occasional pops of bold color.
  • Use geometric shapes, grids, and sleek designs for layouts.
  • Incorporate simple, bold typography or digital-looking fonts.
  • Add minimalistic stickers, clean-cut washi tapes, or solid color blocks.
  • Include inspirational quotes or affirmations with clean lettering.

3. Colorful Aesthetic

• Focus: Vibrant, playful, and visually striking with bold colors.
• Ideas:
  • Use rainbow or gradient-themed layouts.
  • Incorporate neon pens, bright stickers, and colorful doodles.
  • Mix patterns like polka dots, stripes, and chevrons.
  • Create mood boards with magazine clippings, paint swatches, and bright washi tape.
  • Add daily or weekly themes inspired by specific colors or moods.

4. Floral & Nature Aesthetic

• Focus: Soft, organic, and calming elements inspired by flowers and greenery.
• Ideas:
  • Decorate pages with pressed flowers, dried leaves, or botanical illustrations.
  • Use watercolor effects or pastel shades for borders and accents.
  • Include hand-drawn vines, leaves, or floral wreaths.
  • Write about nature walks, favorite plants, or gardening tips.
  • Add stickers or stamps of flowers, bees, butterflies, and woodland creatures.

5. Cottagecore Aesthetic

• Focus: Whimsical, rural charm with cozy, nature-inspired details.
• Ideas:
  • Use muted tones like sage green, soft yellow, and warm beige.
  • Incorporate fabric swatches, gingham patterns, or lace trimmings.
  • Add tiny sketches or stickers of mushrooms, birds, or teacups.
  • Journal about simple joys, like baking, sewing, or time spent in nature.
  • Use handwritten entries with rustic or cursive fonts.

6. Dark Academia Aesthetic

• Focus: Intellectual, moody, and vintage-inspired academic style.
• Ideas:
  • Use deep tones like black, brown, gold, and dark green.
  • Add sketches of books, quills, clocks, or classical statues.
  • Incorporate excerpts of poetry, old book pages, or philosophical quotes.
  • Decorate with ink blots, wax seals, and pressed flowers.
  • Include “study vibes” layouts with to-do lists or study trackers.

7. Minimalist Aesthetic

• Focus: Simple, functional, and uncluttered design.
• Ideas:
  • Stick to black, white, and gray with one or two accent colors.
  • Use clean, grid-style layouts with plenty of white space.
  • Incorporate tiny, delicate doodles like stars or hearts.
  • Keep text concise and focus on simple habits, trackers, or reflections.
  • Use high-quality pens or markers for smooth, precise lines.

8. Whimsical & Fantasy Aesthetic

• Focus: Magical, imaginative, and dreamy themes.
• Ideas:
  • Add illustrations of stars, moons, castles, or mythical creatures.
  • Use glitter, metallic markers, and celestial-themed stickers.
  • Write poetic entries or fictional stories inspired by fairy tales.
  • Incorporate dreamy pastel or jewel-toned color palettes.
  • Layer translucent materials like vellum or holographic accents.

9. Scrapbook Aesthetic

• Focus: Collage-heavy, personalized layouts with layers and textures.
• Ideas:
  • Use photos, tickets, and memorabilia from your life or travels.
  • Layer different types of paper, fabric scraps, or vellum.
  • Add journaling cards or envelopes for interactive elements.
  • Write short anecdotes or captions about each piece.
  • Use a mix of fonts and writing styles for a playful effect.

10. Artistic Aesthetic

• Focus: Creative and visually expressive with an emphasis on art.
• Ideas:
  • Use your journal as a space for sketches, watercolor paintings, or collages.
  • Include inspirational art quotes or personal reflections on creativity.
  • Experiment with mixed media like paint, charcoal, or colored pencils.
  • Add layers of washi tape and textured materials to enhance the design.
  • Focus on themes like abstract patterns, portraits, or nature.

Final Tips and Thoughts

At the end of the day, your journaling aesthetic is all about what makes you happy. Don’t worry about following trends or comparing your pages to others—this is your space to be creative and have fun. I hope these tips inspire you to explore, experiment, and embrace your unique style.

You’ve got everything you need to make it truly your own!

Final Tips for Journaling

• Start small—don’t overwhelm yourself with too many supplies or complicated layouts.
• Stay open to experimenting with different styles until you find what feels right.
• Use what you already have at home, like magazines, old photos, or scrap paper.
• Keep your journal practical; it doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful.
• Let your pages reflect you—your personality, interests, and creativity.