Selection Stories
I already explored one conversation about art journaling, but I wanted to go deeper—with questions that truly help the reader understand the emotional side of creativity and the gentle power of self-expression. That’s when I came across Riya.
Riya is a full-time dreamer, part-time mess-maker, and someone who finds magic in colours and paper. Her creative journaling isn’t about making things look perfect—it’s about feeling lighter, calmer, and more human. She shares raw, honest pages created on days when she feels anxious or overwhelmed, reminding us that art can be relief, not performance.
Through colours, words, embroidery threads, and emotion—she turns journaling into a safe space. A reminder that it’s okay to scribble outside the lines.
Thank you, Riya, for opening up your world to us, and for showing that art doesn’t need permission—it just needs presence.
Q1) How do your emotions influence your journal spreads?
Riya: Every single spread in my journal is a reflection of the emotions I’m carrying in that moment.
On days when emotions feel too loud or overwhelming, I often let colors take over. There’s no structure—just an
instinctive flow of hues blending into one another. These spreads become a release, allowing the uneasy
emotions to settle gently.
When I’m happy and light, my journals burst into life with playful, handcrafted elements—pop-ups, flaps,
collages. There’s more layering, more experimenting. It’s like my creativity dances with joy on those pages.
When confusion or inner conflict sets in, I turn to paper embroidery. Stitching on paper slows me down. It’s a
meditative process—quiet, deliberate. And somewhere between the thread and stillness, answers begin to
surface.
And then there are days when life feels heavy. I find comfort in repetition. Repeating patterns—lines, petals,
shapes—brings calm. These moments aren’t planned; they just flow. My hands know what my heart needs.
My journal has always been more than a book. It’s my safe space, my sounding board, my healing ground.
Q2) What’s your process like when you sit down with paper and colours—planned or
instinctive?
Riya: Honestly, it’s a blend of both—but it leans more towards instinct.
There are days when I have a clear idea or concept in mind—maybe something I want to explore emotionally or
visually—and I plan the layout to reach a particular outcome. I enjoy the intentionality of those moments.
But most of the time, it’s beautifully instinctive. I’ll get a sudden urge to sit down with my journal and colors,
without knowing what will come of it. I follow the flow—whether it’s a color I’m drawn to, a texture I feel like
exploring, or simply a feeling that needs release.
This process has been healing in ways I didn’t expect. It has helped me let go of my need to be a perfectionist.
I’ve learned to honor the mess, the spontaneity, and the beauty in the unexpected. My journal has become a
space where I’m allowed to just be—flawed, free, and fully present.
3) Many people fear making “ugly” art. How did you personally let go of perfectionism?
Riya: Oh, I’ve absolutely been there. In the beginning, I would sit with magazine cuttings, Pinterest boards, and
newspaper clippings open in front of me—trying to recreate what I saw with exactness. I thought that’s what
“good” art meant.
But more often than not, I’d end up feeling frustrated and disappointed when my art didn’t match the reference.
And that frustration started to take me away from the very thing that once gave me comfort. It stopped feeling
like art, and more like a test I was constantly failing.
Gradually, I began to reduce my dependence on references—and now, I barely use them. That shift gave me the
space to make art that was raw, instinctive… and yes, sometimes “ugly.” But something amazing happened—I
started enjoying the process far more than the outcome.
It’s hard to explain, but that shift helped me embrace imperfection. I realized what I thought was “flawed” felt
beautiful to others. When I started sharing that kind of art with the world, people connected with it—not
because it was perfect, but because it was honest.
That’s when it really sank in: perfection is completely subjective. Letting go of it was one of the most freeing
things I’ve done as an artist.
Q4) You use mixed media, even embroidery threads—how did that start?
Riya: I can’t pinpoint an exact moment it began—it’s always been a part of who I am. I’ve forever been that person who
hoards stationery like treasure. I’ve had this deep curiosity to try every medium, every form of art—and that still
hasn’t changed.
Naturally, with all these materials piling up—paints, papers, tapes, threads—I started using them in my journals. It
felt like the most organic thing to do. Letting them sit unused only led to them getting spoiled, and that felt like
such a waste.
As for embroidery threads, I’ve been collecting them for years without really having a plan. One day, on a whim, I
stitched onto a journal page—and it actually turned out well. That little moment of experimentation became a
big turning point. It gave me the push to keep exploring textures beyond the usual.
Now, mixed media is my playground. It keeps the process exciting and lets every emotion find its own unique
form
Q5) What kind of messages or reactions do you receive from your followers that stay with you?
Riya: Oh, this is truly the most heartwarming part of everything I do.
The messages I receive remind me why I started in the first place—and I’d love to share a few that have stayed with me:
“I saw an increase in my imagination and creativity. It was balanced, and I found that it helped me know more about myself.”
“This has helped me mentally and emotionally quite a lot.”
“I was able to let go of perfectionism—even in my endeavors outside the sessions. Trust me, that’s a major win for me.”
“It became a therapeutic escape where I could immerse myself in the creative process and let my imagination flow freely.”
“For consistency, one has to channel their creativity in the right direction—and YOU are that direction.”
These aren’t just compliments—they’re real, raw reflections of how art is helping people heal, grow, and rediscover joy.
And when someone calls me ‘sunshine in human form,’ my heart just melts.
Don’t we all need someone like that in our lives? I know I do. 🌻
Through the workshops and daily shares, I’ve seen people connect with art in such personal and transformative ways.
Knowing that I’ve helped create that space—that safe, creative escape—is the most fulfilling feeling in the world.
Q6) Journaling at 3 AM or journaling with morning chai?
Riya: Journaling when the heart desires it.
For me, art journaling has always been about understanding emotions—not just creating something visually
appealing. And emotions don’t follow a schedule. So, I never force it. It’s when my mind, body, and soul truly
need it—that’s the perfect time to journal.
Art journaling, for me, isn’t about ticking a box—it’s about tuning in.
Q7) What would you say to someone who thinks they aren’t “creative enough” to start?
Riya: That’s such a natural and very human thought to have. But I’d simply say—creativity is something we’re all born with. Just like we’re born with the ability to speak, listen, and learn, creativity is part of our human nature.
Creativity isn’t limited to art—it’s everywhere. It’s creating a conversation, cooking a meal, or even putting
together a business presentation. All of these are acts of creation.
So, the next time you feel like you’re “not creative enough,” I invite you to think again. You already are creative—
sometimes, it just takes a little nudge to start believing it yourself.
Q8) How do you want people to feel after seeing your work?
Riya: I want people to feel calm, peaceful, happier, and lighter.
We live in a world that’s often too busy, too loud, and overwhelming. My hope is that when someone sees my art,
they find a moment of calm—a little peace—and maybe even that small, quiet smile that reminds them to
breathe and just be.
And more than anything, I hope it inspires them to start adding colors—not just on the pages of a journal, but
into their own lives too. Because sometimes, a little color is all we need to feel alive again.
Q9) Many beginners wonder how to start art journaling without expensive tools—what’s your
advice for them?
Riya: You absolutely don’t need expensive tools to create art.
We live in a world full of noise and comparison—where it often feels like you need the fanciest supplies to even
begin. But truthfully, all you need is a basic notebook, a pen, some old colors lying around, and the willingness
to start.
This is exactly what I teach in my workshops too. In fact, one of the weirdest materials I’ve used is expired
makeup! So, look around—you might just find something “useless” waiting to be turned into something beautiful.
Yes, the art world is filled with beautiful materials—and I won’t lie, I too get tempted to buy them all! But let that
be stage two. For now, just start. The magic lies in the expression, not the expense.
Q10) You mention creating when you feel low or anxious—how has that practice supported
your mental health journey?
Riya: Oh, it’s been nothing short of magical.
I’ve been through a phase where I felt completely lost—betrayed, sleepless, and convinced that it was the end of
the world. Even thinking about those days gives me chills. Words failed me. I couldn’t explain to the people
around me how low I truly felt.
But art—art held me.
It helped me gather my scattered thoughts, brought mindfulness into my daily chaos, relaxed my nerves, and
taught me patience. It gently reminded me to wait… wait for the brighter day to come.
I wouldn’t say I was not angry with life- I was- —but creating helped me channel whatever frustration or
heaviness I was carrying. And every single day, I remain grateful to art—for becoming my anchor, for helping me
heal, and for guiding me into a version of myself I never imagined I could grow into
Q11) What’s something you’re currently exploring or dreaming about in your creative world?
Riya: So many things! But right now, what I’m dreaming of most is reaching more people—connecting with them
through creativity, and helping them experience the joy of expressing emotions through art.
Through my workshops and journal sessions, I’m exploring how art can be a safe, healing space—not just
something “pretty” but something powerful. I want people to know that you don’t need to be perfect artist with
perfect supplies to start. You just need to feel. And create. And that’s enough.
Q12) What is life according to you?
Riya: I’m still figuring it out, honestly. But from what I’ve felt and learned so far, life is about giving and receiving.
Giving love, support, kindness, good thoughts… but also being open to receiving the same. I feel both are equally
important.
A lot of people say life is all about giving—but I don’t fully agree. If we keep giving without receiving, we burn out.
We all need to feel held too. So for me, life is about finding that balance—where you give from the heart, but also
allow yourself to receive without guilt.
———–Thank You———