‘Journaling helps me sort out my thoughts when I’m overwhelmed’

Glasgow-based illustrator Katie Smith is an avid fan of journaling, using the practice not just to flesh out ideas for new drawings and designs, but also when feeling overwhelmed.

She explained: “Journaling makes me feel refreshed. I feel like I can sort out my thoughts when I’m feeling overwhelmed or have too much to think about. Writing things down on paper helps me to express my ideas, and often leads on to more thoughts – kind of like a brainstorm with myself.

“Even taking just five minutes out to evaluate my day and take a rest from what can become a chaotic timetable can help me re-evaluate the way I think and approach tasks.”

Smith, 23, who recently helped design an “Uplift

Your Everyday Journal” in partnership with Highland Spring, says that whether drawing or writing in your daily notebook, it helps to avoid thinking of every blank piece of paper as the start of a masterpiece.

She said: “Experiment, enjoy, admire everything around you, and write down anything that’s in your head. Once you’re less precious you become so free, and it shows in your artwork.” The Uplift Your Everyday Journal, £10, is available from loveismyprotest.com/ highland-spring