Do you think about composition and page layout in your nature journal?
Today’s Prompt: Page layout in your nature journal
The Wild Wonder Nature Journaling conference is in full swing! What does that mean? It means I have spent 11 hours or more in nature journaling classes and discussions every day for the last two days! Regardless, I’m making time to blog today about this crucial subject. Whether you can make it to the conference or not I hope that you are trying to nature journal everyday this month with me. Today’s prompt is really important to me. We say “it is not about the pretty picture” yet aesthetics and visual organization still matter.
Why composition and layout matter in nature journaling
- First, perhaps obviously, it looks better. A page or a painting with good composition catches the eye.
- Next, you work smarter not harder. You can make your page look better through careful decision making not harder technical work.
- Aesthetically pleasing layout is often parallel with the needs of visual communication.
- Visually pleasing layout is also often helpful for organizing your thinking. Even if no one else ever looks at your page, good composition will facilitate your own thinking in many cases.
How to improve page layout in your nature journal
- First, just start thinking about it a little. Before you fill a page, after you fill a page. What worked?
- Next, deconstruct layouts that work. Look at other people’s nature journal pages intentionally.
- Steal layout ideas from other disciplines. Can you copy something from the safety flyer on the airplane? What composition ideas can you adapt from Japanese woodblock prints?
- Think in blocks. Try to see your page as made up of several movable blocks. How can you arrange these in different ways?
- Try to understand and use visual hierarchy. Does the title stand out more than the little note about your sunburn? Do the less important drawings compete with the main image?
- Finally, play with ideas. Try different things, make thumbnails.
Here is a video with some layout ideas
But what if I’m completely new to nature journaling?
Regardless of your experience, we got you right here. Below are links to some super resources for beginner nature journalers.
Are you just getting started with Nature Journaling?
Here are tips and motivation for beginners.
Where is the 30 day challenge?
If you missed the beginning you can still jump in now. Here is the complete guide.
If you want a PDF for printing: 30 Day Challenge Wild Wonder Nature Journaling
