What Are Black Paper Journals and Why You Should Use One

What Is A Black Paper Notebook?

A black paper journal is just a regular old notebook, but with black paper. Rather than the traditional white paper, blackout journals use dark paper to add contrasts, novelty, and provide a unique experience. Like any other notebook, you can use them to track your thoughts, organize your life, or to be creative. They come in different sizes and shapes, but the common theme is that they are all journals filled with black pages.

Black paper journals are sometimes also referred to as blackout journals, black journals, or black page journals. Because of the dark paper, you’ll need a pen that shows up against black. Blackout journal pens differ from typical pens because they usually contain a hint of glitter or a special type of pigment. This allows the ink to show up better when writing on black paper.

Unleash Your Creativity With A Blackout Journal

Black paper notebooks are a great resource for artists, writers, and anyone who wants to be more creative. Blackout journals are the ultimate tool for creativity. 

Ever heard the phrase “think outside of the box”? That’s basically what black paper journals allow you to do. What could be more “out of the box” than writing on black paper? It forces your mind to think in unconventional ways and see things in a different light. 

Writing in a journal with black pages is a great way to generate creativity and find that “aha!” feeling. The black paper allows the brain to relax and overcome the limits of creativity. Think about it; when was the last time you truly did something out of the box? Black paper journals gently move you outside of your comfort zone. 

By being out of your comfort zone and writing on black pages, you can approach things differently, which makes it easier for your brain to better see and process all the original ideas in front of you. Looking at things in new ways stimulates parts of the brain that help with problem-solving. If you are having a hard time finding creative inspiration for your work, try using a journal with black pages.

See Colors In A New Way

Black paper journals are great with neon-colored pens or colored pencils. The contrasting colors draw your eye to the center, making these journals a great option for drawing. However, they can also assist you in other creative endeavors such as writing, brainstorming, or even doodling.

Metallics

In addition to neon-colored pens, metallic pens with black paper are fantastic. The first time I used metallic pens while writing on black paper was amazing. After my first stroke with a metallic gold pen, I was hooked. The empty black page drew me in and unleashed my internal artist. I found myself thinking outside the box whenever I put my pen to paper. I noticed how the paper became a canvas for me to build on and create a mural of ideas on. The journal with black pages created other dimensions, providing depth to my thought process.

White on Black

The contrast provided by using white pens on black paper is stunning. It’s hard to explain, but it’s amazing. Prior to discovering black paper journals, I had no idea white pens even existed. Now that I know about them, I would never go back to the standard white notebook when I need to be creative. I love the contrast and the unique way everything looks.

Have Fun With Color

An analogy for the contrast black paper creates would be to take a city like Las Vegas. It looks amazing during the day with all the casinos lining the strip, people everywhere, and the desert sun lighting up the buildings. But when the sun goes down, the genuine beauty of the city is on display. The neon lights, the energy, and the architecture all transform and seem to come alive.

The same can be said about journals with black pages paired with neon, metallic, or white pens. The contrast between the color and black paper creates something special. Black pages have a sort of energy that comes with the added dimension of depth and contrast. 

5 Amazing And Fun Ideas For Black Paper Journals

1) Try drawing or writing on black paper at night. The cool thing about writing with a flashlight is that it makes it easier to see what you are working on while also giving off an eerie feel. Writing with a flashlight will allow you to work on projects in your notebooks or journals late into the night without disturbing others. This could be great for working on poetry or stories.

2.) Write with glow-in-the-dark paint or markers in your black paper journal. You can use them to sketch out what you want to put in your notebook. The best part is that the finished product glows in the dark!

3.) Add metallic stickers and glitter to your black paper. It may surprise you, but metallic paint can be used with journals with black pages. If you want to add a shiny, glittery look to your notebook, you can also use glue and glitter to make your artwork sparkle. You can also put metallic stickers on your notebook and use them as decorations for your pages.

4.) Use white ink pens for drawing or writing on black paper. This is a more modern-looking option, but it can be a fun way to decorate your notebooks. You can either draw or write with the white pen directly onto the black paper.

5.) Add colorful cardstock to your black paper journal. Card stock will just add another layer to your notebook–you can cut it into interesting shapes and patterns and make it a part of the design.

*** Bonus: Use your black page notebook as a notebook and a scrapbook. You can cut out pictures from magazines or use any other art supplies to decorate your book www.affordable-papers.net. When there’s a page that you want to add a picture of, cut out the subject of the picture as well as some of the background.

Choosing a Black Paper Journal

There are top-of-the-line books with hardcovers, pen loops, and a ribbon for saving your current page. However, you’ll pay a premium for these amenities as these books often retail for around $40. While they’re good options for journals with black pages, they may not be ideal for your budget (especially if you plan on replacing your journal regularly because you ran out of pages!)

The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the fun that comes with writing on black paper. Our Black Page Notebook is an affordable option 

You Can Also Go Digital

Digital black paper journals are a simple way to explore this artistic practice. If you’re not familiar with digital notebooks, we have a blog article describing their benefits! Digital journals with black pages are usually less than $10 and can be used over and over again. However, there are some prerequisites. You’ll need an iPad, Apple Pencil, and a PDF Annotation App (such as GoodNotes or Notability). If you have these tools, getting started with black paper journals is as easy as purchasing a notebook, downloading it to your iPad, and unleashing your creativity.

With a digital journal, you’ll also save on the expense of buying specialty pens. You can make whatever color you want within the app for your pens. This comes with a caveat. You won’t be able to create a glittery or metallic look. However, you can use digital stickers that have a metallic or glitter look to compensate.

Final Thoughts

There are a few downsides to black paper journals. They can be harder to find than the standard notebook and they are also more expensive. However, if you are looking for something to help you express your creative side, then black page notebooks are great tools!

Whether you use blackout journals to brainstorm business ideas or to unleash your inner artist, you’re sure to reach a new level of creativity. Journals with black pages are amazing. They can be liberating and inspiring when used properly.

While traditional notebooks are useful, switching to a black paper journal for a change of pace and inspiration makes sense when you need to be a bit more creative.

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