6 movies that will get you jazzed for journaling

For my tactile, snail mail, paper people <3

We’ve entered PEAK journaling season y’all. I always find it difficult to keep up with my practice during the busy summer months. But fall was made for cozy curl-ups with our fresh ideas.

In case you need a little inspo to shift into sketchbook season fully, here are some of my favorite movies that make me want to dive headfirst into a pile of paper and pencils.

Stills from Amelie

Amelie

To me, this movie is perfection. It’s is a sensory delight, speaking to those who value all things analog. Amelie is a beautiful tribute to hidden treasures, film photography, and oddballs. If this film doesn’t charm you into ditching everything digital I don’t know what will.

Harriet the Spy

Harriet made keeping a journal cool. I first saw Harriet the Spy at the perfect childhood age of 8, and I immediately identified with her. Since I had already been spying on my neighbors for many years, all I needed was the composition book.

How to Draw a Bunny

This wonderful documentary follows the life and work of collagist and snail mail artist, Ray Johnson. It always makes me want to break out the stamps and send strange doodles and scraps of paper to everyone I know. Anyone wanna be pen pals?

Stills from Midnight in Paris, Champagne photo by Ahtziri-Lagarde, Unsplash

Midnight in Paris

A trip to Paris is always a little indulgent, and this movie is just that. It’s chock-full of romance, nostalgia, and magic. We escape to the roaring twenties with writer and American tourist, Gil, as he befriends great creatives of the time. So much fun inspiration here if you’re looking to include more writing in your sketchbooks.

Still from Barakamon

Barakamon

This anime is about a tortured calligrapher with an anger issue. After punching a critic, he’s sent to a beautiful island on the coast of Japan where he meets locals that help him to improve his temper and his art. This is such a great series, and it makes me want an empty room with only paper, a brush, and ink. It’s the perfect watch for Inktober if you’re participating!

Stills from Where the Crawdads Sing

Where the Crawdads Sing

Be forewarned, there is a cheese factor with this one. BUT, if you’re like me, and tend to get lost in the visuals of a movie, then just let the “Marsh Girl” take you away! I thought it was beautifully shot, and besides, we love a strong, passionate introvert, right? The story centers around a murder, and the main character Kya, the accused, finds solace in her lonesome life by observing nature and lovingly documenting it.

What are your favorite films that praise paper? I’d love some fresh inspiration!

Autumn love to you all,

Cait