How to Keep a Colour Journal—and See the World Differently

"They say that colour is a whole other language", says Jaana Beidler. "It's one without any words that connects intuitively and deeply with us. It carries a lot of emotions".

Colour is a language that Jaana, as a senior director of colour design at Nike, is fluent in—and one she wanted to keep speaking with her tight-knit team when they started working remotely due to the pandemic. Having read that journalling often helps people process difficult times and moments of crisis, Jaana had an idea to do the same … except with her own twist.

"Words, at least from me, don't come easily. I think in colours", says Jaana. "So instead of writing a journal, [keeping a] colour journal seemed like something that would be more impactful for us". And so, Jaana invited members of her team to start documenting visuals that struck them in their day-to-day lives. At home and around their neighbourhoods, they began to see subtle beauty in everyday details: high-vis road signs standing out in a natural setting, a vibrant pink flower decaying over days, the bright blues and greens of tennis courts and football fields sitting empty and unused—and so much more.

Watch the video above to learn colour journalling methods from Jaana and other Nike designers, and hear about the mental and emotional benefits this creative practice can offer. Below, find a step-by-step guide, sample entries from the group and a template to help you start a colour journal of your own.

Once you have your image or objects, build a palette by selecting individual colours that catch your attention. You can use traditional tools like markers, paints, coloured pencils—or go digital on your computer or phone, using an app with a colour dropper tool.

The magic is what your eyes and cursor are drawn to, says Chiyo. "Depending on where you click, the colours are so different, so you do have to use your intuition and what feels right to you that summarises what you're seeing. It definitely involves a process of editing".

"For me, it's almost like analysing and challenging my own ideas", adds Jaana. "I have noticed over the years that I gravitate towards certain things. I'm trying to get out of my own comfort zone. I'm pulling colours that are not the typical ones that I usually go for".

Next, name your colours, based on your own experience and reflections. It's also where the fun comes in for Courtney Dailey, a product design VP at Nike. "[It's] a way to be a bit cheeky sometimes", she says. Some examples from the group? Closed Down Brown, Rotting Rainbow Chard and Plastic Flamingo Pink—just to name a few.