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If you're interested in creative journaling, like we are, then you've probably come across Krisy of @krisydays on social media. With over 400,000 TikTok followers, it's safe to say that Krisy has caught the attention of journal enthusiasts around the world -- and it's easy to see why: Krisy's TikTok page is jam-packed with inspiration for lifelong journal users and beginners alike.
Themed pages, such as this dark academia spread and this galaxy-themed spread, are just some examples of the endless inspiration Krisy provides to her thousands of followers. As a shop owner, Krisy sells resin goods and journal-related items, which help her followers to achieve a look similar to her signature journal aesthetic.
We were eager to learn more about Krisy's creative journaling, as well as the work she does to create such inspiring social media content for journal enthusiasts. Here's our discussion:
The Washi Tape Shop: How did you get into journaling in social media?
Krisy: Firstly, I got into journaling when Youtube recommended me a journaling video on my feed. I watched it the first time and immediately fell in love with everything about it - the process, the art, and the calmness it gives me. At first, I was only journaling for myself but I thought that this is really an activity I would want to share to others and to those who have anxiety like me. That is why I decided to create a journaling Instagram account and TikTok.
The Washi Tape Shop: What do you enjoy most about your journaling journey?
Krisy: The process of journaling itself is very therapeutic. Some might say that it's such a waste of materials or pages but really, as long as it helps my mental health then it's worth it. I also love the journaling community and how everyone is just kind, welcoming, and supportive of each other.
The Washi Tape Shop: Was there any challenging aspect to it?
Krisy: In my case, now that I have more people watching and following me, I sometimes put pressure on myself and on the pages I create which in turn stresses me out — this basically contradicts the purpose of why I journal. So i just try to create pages that I like and am comfortable doing and hope that those who watch me will like it too.
The Washi Tape Shop: How do you come up with new ideas on your journal?
Krisy: Before, I solely depend on whatever I have in hand and just wing it. I also get lots of inspiration from Pinterest and all the amazing people I follow on Instagram. But now, it's a mix of all of that and suggestions/requests from my TikTok community which I love doing since it challenges me to step out of my comfort zone and try new styles of journaling.
The Washi Tape Shop: When did you get started on Tiktok?
Krisy: I believe my first ever Tiktok video was back in March 2020 but after my first 3-4 uploads, I stopped for a while and uninstalled the app for around 2 weeks because I honestly did not know what I was doing. I happen to install it again when quarantine started and was surprised that one of my videos was already going viral.
The Washi Tape Shop: Do you approach content creation differently between TikTok and Instagram? What do you notice differently about the two communities?
Krisy: I definitely do different processes when creating content for TikTok and Instagram. TikTok obviously requires more effort and time since you have to film and edit a video. On Instagram on the other hand, I just have to create a nice flatlay and take photos of my favorite journal spreads since I don't really do IGTVs and reels.
The journaling community on TikTok and Instagram are definitely the same — welcoming, very sweet, and so supportive! But I would say you really have to harden your armor more on TikTok because people there will really critique your work.
@krisydays Reply to @myartbook16 my seal waxes always fail whenever i film.. it's a thing now 🤧 ##fairy ##fyp ##journal
♬ Once Upon a Dream - Invadable Harmony
The Washi Tape Shop: Can you walk us through on how you prepare, film and edit a piece of content on TikTok?
Krisy: First, after every upload, I wait for a few days and look at the comments to scroll through requests and spread suggestions. As much as I want to try every request, I also have to take into account the supplies I have in hand. So I really only do requests that I know I have the supplies for.
After choosing, I go to my desk and lay out all the materials that I could use or are related to that theme. For this video, the request I chose was a fairy/whimsical theme.
My staples are papers, labels, washi tapes, and stickers.
After that, I have to pre-plan the spread. I don’t really “pre-plan” my spread when I do random spreads (I just wing it). But when I film a video, I have to plan out how my spread will turn out or the filming and editing process will be really long.
This is how I wanted this spread to look like. Sometimes I add more during filming. Once I’m satisfied with how it looks, I start filming.
My filming setup isn’t really anything fancy. Heck, I don’t even use a tripod. I really just use a phone stand, and some boxes to stack up. But one thing I really invested on was a ring light since I usually film at night where my neighborhood is the most quiet.
And here is how the spread looks!
If you’re someone like me who needs a creative outlet at times, and is anxious and overthinks a lot, then I would really suggest to try out journaling! You do not need to hoard supplies at the get-go. You can start with a few scraps lying around on your home, DIY some handmade papers, or maybe just buy a few stickers and washi tapes. Once you get the hang of journaling, you will then be able to identify what type of journaling style you’re into (creative journaling, bullet journaling, junk journaling, etc.) and you’ll know which supplies you’ll need the most! Happy journaling!
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We're so grateful to Krisy for sharing this behind-the-scenes perspective with us -- not only do her spreads provide inspiration to her thousands of followers, but they're also a great reflection of the hard work that creatives and small business owners put into their content on every social platform. Be sure to check out more of Krisy's content on Instagram.
Comments
What is the poem “A fairy’s Song”? I would love to incorporate that into my journal!! At least the words, please. Thank you so much.
Cindy
Very nice article. I do many types and styles of art and crafting. It is definitely my therapy! It’s an outlet to allow yourself to be free to express yourself. I have pieces that come out dark and pieces that are soft. I think your mood determines a lot of your outcomes.
A note to “Kiki West” for her question – because I don’t see a way to post any type of reply to her — @kikiwest (??)
Don’t allow your videos to just sit in “drafts”… NOBODY goes absolutely viral on ONE video! As with anything you want to do or succeed in, you must try – AND FAIL – to learn. You didn’t start out running, you had to learn to walk first. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, this is suppose to be FUN! If you’re doing it just for clout – or a quick buck – it’s not going to work. I’ve been a YT content creator since 01/01/11! That’s 10 YEARS! I guess my point is, quit getting in your own way – quit worrying about other people – quit doubting yourself – quit comparing yourself to others – QUIT WAITING! Perhaps if TT is too intimidating, try YT to help get your feet wet and get use to the entire process. Have fun and enjoy the moments!! Now, GO POST YOUR VIDEOS!!!
(Thank you and sorry WashiTapeShop for my comment to your subscriber. I remember what it feels like to be new and feel like your just out there dangling and wanted to help her. Hopefully she’ll see my comment and it does help her.)
Very nice article. I do many types and styles of art and crafting. It is definitely my therapy! It’s an outlet to allow yourself to be free to express yourself. I have pieces that come out dark and pieces that are soft. I think your mood determines a lot of your outcomes.
A note to “Kiki West” for her question – because I don’t see a way to post any type of reply to her — @kikiwest (??)
Don’t allow your videos to just sit in “drafts”… NOBODY goes absolutely viral on ONE video! As with anything you want to do or succeed in, you must try – AND FAIL – to learn. You didn’t start out running, you had to learn to walk first. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, this is suppose to be FUN! If you’re doing it just for clout – or a quick buck – it’s not going to work. I’ve been a YT content creator since 01/01/11! That’s 10 YEARS! I guess my point is, quit getting in your own way – quit worrying about other people – quit doubting yourself – quit comparing yourself to others – QUIT WAITING! Perhaps if TT is too intimidating, try YT to help get your feet wet and get use to the entire process. Have fun and enjoy the moments!! Now, GO POST YOUR VIDEOS!!!
(Thank you and sorry WashiTapeShop for my comment to your subscriber. I remember what it feels like to be new and feel like your just out there dangling and wanted to help her. Hopefully she’ll see my comment and it does help her.)
You are so incredibly talented, vast and fabulous imagination.
Do you have any recommendations for getting started on tiktok? It’s so intimidating! I made quite a few videos, but they’re all in my drafts because I’m afraid I won’t get any traction and will be too hard on myself.