Journal with Purpose: Helen's Creative Journey

Journaling is more than just a way to record thoughts—it’s a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and growth! For Helen Colebrook, what started as an unstructured habit has transformed into an artistic pursuit that connects her with thousands of like-minded individuals.

In this feature, she shares how she discovered journaling, her creative evolution, and the rewarding experience of sharing her passion online. We hope her story inspires you into finally starting your own journal, or else getting back to it. 

What inspired you to get into art and journaling? 

I had always kept notes about my thoughts, but not in any kind of structured way until about ten years ago. I was browsing on Pinterest and for some reason lots of journal pages came up on my feed. I had no idea that so many people were keeping journals and choosing to share them online, but the concept really intrigued me. This inspired me to buy a good quality notebook and start putting more structure to my thoughts on a daily basis.

I had never considered myself to be creative at all, but somehow my journal felt like a safe place to experiment. I started off by adding some simple doodles on my daily entry, then I started practising brush lettering and the creative side of my journaling has slowly evolved from there.

What did your first setup look like? 

My first journal was a dotted Leuchtturm1917 notebook and was very much in the Bullet Journal style. I wrote down my plans for the day and then reflected on how I had got on each evening. It was the first time I had felt focused and driven for quite a while. The process of writing rather than typing really appealed to me and gave me a much needed break from technology. That quiet time writing in my journal each evening made sure that I was actively planning how I wanted to spend my time and which areas of my life I wanted to develop. I feel like I had been living my life on repeat until I started properly reflecting and writing in my journal.

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to "pursue" in life? 

After I had seen those journal images on Pinterest it really inspired me to share photos of my own journal pages on both Pinterest and Instagram. I had no intentions of doing anything career-wise based on my journaling, I wouldn’t even have thought it was an option. It was just something I did in my spare time and I loved connecting with other people who shared their journals too, it’s such a lovely community of people.

I was astonished at how quickly my Instagram account grew and then people started asking whether I had a YouTube channel or a blog with tutorials. It all came as a total surprise and I slowly learned about blogging, filming and editing videos, producing online classes and how to work with brands. It’s been a whirlwind of a journey, but also really organic as none of it was planned.

Curiosity can take us places and Helen's journey is no different! Fueled by creative layouts on Pinterest, eventually, she found focus and a mindful escape from technology through journaling. 

What then began as a personal hobby has since evolved into a creative pursuit: sharing her pages online resonated with others which led to amazing opportunities.

Do you have a day job, and if so, what is it? 

When I first started posting on social media I was working as a full-time freelance HR consultant. As my journaling and creative work has grown I have reduced my HR work which is now typically only a couple of hours per week. I have been lucky to have that flexibility to work two freelance jobs side-by-side and gradually shift how much time I have spent on each.

How has your journey with art and journaling evolved over time? 

I’ve become far more confident in trying out new styles, materials and art techniques. Each completed journal shows growth both in my artistic style and also in how I use my journal. I now often write more deeply on certain topics and really use my journal as a self-development tool.

Can you share a memorable story or experience related to your journey?

One Sunday a few years ago I thought it might be fun to write a book about journaling. I started researching literary agents and found one who I liked the look of and followed them on social media. I had a message from them the very next day asking if I would like to write a book. I initially was pretty wary as it seemed much too good to be true, but the agent helped me find a publisher who was interested and I have now written two books with them.

Helen's path has led to so much growth: starting with simple pages, her journals became a space for creativity and reflection which helped build her confidence. The payoff is worth it—now she has two books! 

But growth doesn’t happen overnight. Confidence comes from showing up, experimenting, and letting the process unfold! The lesson? Keep creating and, the more you learn, the more your voice takes shape.

It’s in the act of doing that real progress and eventual growth happens.

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

For me, it’s definitely been about the people I have met along the way. Many of the people that I first followed are still sharing their journal pages online. Through their journals I’ve got to see glimpses into their lives and have made many great friends, both online and those that I’ve now been lucky enough to meet.

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

Despite the fact that I film at least two videos every week, I still get nervous every single time. It’s easier now than it was in the beginning, but I don’t think it’s ever something I will feel completely comfortable with. My followers and students tell me that they enjoy my calm and clear approach, but that’s often not how I feel inside.

How do you balance collecting journaling, art, and posting about them on social media, with other aspects of your life?

I have pretty strict limits for myself around how much time I will spend on social media each day. I tend to only post once or twice a week as it can get incredibly time-consuming if you’re not careful. I live somewhere surrounded by nature and I make sure to get outside twice a day which is the perfect break from screen-time. I tend to be pretty busy at weekends, so most of my journaling is done in the evening, often in front of the television or when I’m cooking dinner. This leaves plenty of time for all the other fun parts of life and making sure I have lovely adventures to write about.

What is your favorite technique for staying consistent so you can keep up with both? 

I do best when I have a good routine in place so that I know what I want to be doing at different times throughout the day. This really helps me to ensure that I don’t let one part of my life completely take over.

How do you stay motivated to continue what you’re doing?

This comes back to my online community really. I’m always inspired by what other people are sharing and the lovely comments and questions I get on my own posts always brightens my day. Also, I love seeing my completed journals on the bookshelf. It’s so enjoyable to read back through them and remember the small moments that are so easily forgotten. It’s quite comforting knowing that the daily triumphs and struggles are all documented and they provide great learning along the way.

Love the balance which is what creativity is all about! By limiting social media use to avoid burnout and spending time outdoors to refresh her mind, Helen is able to keep her journaling practice consistent but never overwhelming. 

In this way, she's able to give back to the same community that keeps her inspired which is a healthy way to keep the cycle of creativity going. 

While "creating" involves a lot of action, an important part of it is also taking breaks, stepping away, and living in the moment. 

How did you discover Lochby?

I had seen Lochby posting beautiful product photos and videos on Instagram. As someone who loves good quality stationery, Lochby was of immediate interest to me. I tend to avoid brightly coloured plastic stationery, so the gorgeous canvas wraps and neutral tones were right up my street.

How does Lochby help you with your creative or productive pursuits?

I have the Lochby tool roll which is unbelievably handy for me. I use a wide range of fountain pens, brush pens, pencils and fineliners on a daily basis. Having them all in my tool roll means that I can easily move from my desk, to the kitchen table and then onto my sofa with all the stationery I need on hand. It’s also great for popping into my bag when attending meetings. I’m currently doing a lot of botanical drawing so as soon as the weather picks up, I can’t want to take the tool roll and my sketchbook out on my daily walks so that I can find a perfect place to draw with all my favourite pens on hand.

Having the right tools is essential so that we can focus on being productive and creative, and we're happy that her Lochby gear plays a role in helping Helen do both. 

What advice would you give to someone just getting started on their creative pursuits, whether that’s journaling or other artistic medium? 

A “little and often” approach is definitely the best way to progress. This helps build it into your daily routine without becoming overwhelming. On some days I only have about thirty minutes spare, but it’s amazing how this time adds up over the course of a month. I’ve also learned to walk away from creative projects that I’m finding challenging. Coming back the next day with a fresh pair of eyes can really help you to see the way forwards, rather than struggling on through or giving up.

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

I see many new people who start creative journaling with so much enthusiasm, but they then start comparing what they are creating to people who have been doing it for years. This can be a really quick way to extinguish your fire and fill you with doubt. It’s great to be inspired by others, but remember that they are also only showing their “best” work, rather than all the projects that didn’t work out.

We can't agree more! It's important to focus on consistency, not perfection. Even thirty minutes a day can lead to growth but it’s just as important to step away when feeling stuck because fresh eyes bring fresh ideas.

It's also important to never measure one's self against the work of more seasoned artists, especially online. After all, social media only shows the highlights, not the struggles behind the scenes. Instead of comparing ourselves to other people, the most effective way to enjoy and grow when it comes to any hobby or passion is tracking personal progress.

Real growth comes from showing up, experimenting, and enjoying the process! 

What are your future plans or goals related to your passion? 

I’m working on a very big project at the moment, which I can’t share about just yet but I am very excited! I also have plans for lots more online classes and to continue growing my journaling club on Patreon. My journaling club has nearly 400 members and it’s one of my favourite online places to be.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires your creative process?

Rather fittingly, “comparison is the thief of joy”. I still find myself doing it now and have to quickly stop myself in my tracks. This encourages me to be kind to myself, learn to be fine with mistakes as this is where I learn the most, follow my own path and enjoy the journey.

Journaling is a deeply personal and ever-evolving practice, and Helen's story is a testament to its power. From a simple Pinterest discovery to a thriving creative career, we hope her journey is an inspiring reminder that creativity flourishes when nurtured the right way—with curiosity, community, and self-compassion.

Don't forget to follow her creative journey, while thriving in your own, on Youtube and Instagram!