Inspiration: Lynda Barry - Interesting books that have influenced my journaling.

[@dreadfuljoy5111]

Love how frustrated u get describing her beautiful work. Its too brilliant for words! Great video 💙

[@vickimaddox6028]

Confession: I own Syllabus but have never "used" it. I pick it up and read it (random pages) but feel intimidated to try the exercises. Seeing that someone actually worked through the exercises is inspiring and helpful. TFS

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Vicki! I worked through the book, journaling in the formats she presents and doing the exercises. It was interesting to me to "see" and notice things around me that would make my writing more interesting (even if it is just journaling). You should give it a try!

[@ArtisanDragon]

My best friend had me watch this, and I love how you showcase each book so nicely 😊 She wants all these books, and I wouldn't mind having them either, I love the artwork style 😊

[@triciamichael4108]

I bought What It Is years ago and loved it! I wasnt necessarily wanting to learn to write, just to draw my day. I forgot all about that book! Im going to dig it up and order Picture This, thank you!

[@habituallearner7680]

Thank you for reviewing these incredible books! As of now, I only have Making Comics, but when I first saw it I fell in love. I thought "I wish I had created this!" I love all the replicas of the old medieval drawings and her squiggly monsters and her neat handwriting interspersed with all the collage. Besides loving her style, I found her exercises actually helpful in my endeavor to learn to draw beyond stick figures. That adult voice that says "You can't draw" is so hard to shut up. Her exercises help to do just that so that you can exercise your creativity in a free child like way.

[@sherrycohen1824]

You introduced me to Lynda Barry in one of your videos, and I absolutely love her book, Making Comics. I borrowed it from the library and I think it's her best so far. When my husband gets a job, I'm going to buy that one and these three that you showed us. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@amanda-janedeagrella5020]

Thanks for sharing!!! It’s got me sooooo inspired. I’ve been type of journaling on my iPad but when I see this I realise how much mor3 exciting the real notebook/composition book can be!!! And of course Lynda Barry is just the Bees Knees 🐝 🙏🏼🌺🌼🌸

[@megsgonnamake]

I seriously can't get enough of your channel!

[@MelanieSullivan]

You're too kind! Thanks for subscribing!

[@EvelineUK]

I have had 'Syllabus' in my wishlist for everrrr, and finally decided to get both it and 'Making comics' two weeks ago. Oh my, I love the books so much, I even bought a composition notebook (not easily available in the UK) to play along.

[@TxWhisk021]

Have any friends in the us? Basic Composition books here can be as cheap as $0.50 depending on the time of year (like back to school) or they have fancier ones. You could have them sent to you.

[@calisongbird]

Fantastic summary - thank you. I’ve been considering getting a couple of her books. Your own journal was really cool to see too. I love your floral watercolors. btw, at 5:49, the plural of syllabus is actually “syllabi.” 😉

[@ilahjarvis]

Thank you for the review and for sharing your journals with us as well! I look seeing other people's sketchbooks and hearing about their process. I love Lynda's books. I've started doing her exercises based on her books and by watching her tutorials on her website. I like listening to her voice and having a sense of human presence. I also really appreciate her style of working and the fact that she explores the different feelings and experiences from her childhood and growing up. It feels very honest, and gives me courage to exploring my own history, even the confusing or challenging parts.

[@barbclark69]

I love Lynda Barry. What's wonderful about your comp book, Melanie, is that I bet each one of those pages that were the daily exercises will bring you fully back into that day. That's what I noticed, doing her style pages. This video was a treat. I have her books, Syllabus and Making Comics, but I can see I do need to own Picture This.

[@debbieh4009]

I LOVE Lynda Barry. So nice to find someone else who is inspired by her.

[@jandermom]

I've never heard of Lynda Barry but because of your testimony of how much she has inspired you, I've just ordered 3 of her books. Perfect timing as I am ready to start a new journal and was looking for inspiration!

[@patc1949]

Thank you so much for sharing this author. I’m headed over to Amazon to right now.

[@pambuike4587]

I am new to your channel and have been binge watching your videos all weekend. What a fantastic talent you have And I enjoy your chats. I just ordered Syllabus.....can not wait to get it!! Thanks for the review❤

[@fergalobrien96]

Really enjoyed this video, thank you! It's great to hear someone talk about something that inspires them. And your journal looks great btw!

[@MelanieSullivan]

Thank you so much!

[@SandiMo77]

Thank you for the tip on Lynda Barry. I love hearing of inspiring art books on journaling.

[@lynnparise9841]

Melanie, I just started this video, and already am in love and full of giggles. These ALL look amazing!! I will have to check Lynda's books and work out! This looks so exciting and unique! Thank you so much for these shares!

[@BekEhr]

It reminds me of the “Amelia’s Notebooks” that I had as a child

[@theartesana]

So inspiring…TYFS!❣️✨

[@noblebutterfly47]

Love, love, love the crinkling sound of the pages!

[@caireenbrain9612]

I am also very inspired by Lynda Barry books! So good to see you talk about them.

[@whatever123651]

You got me. I’m ordering the three books. What I see are books that will help guide me. I sometimes feel I’m not doing my journaling right because I’m just writing sentences but I get what her books will do for me. Seeing, hearing feeling and putting it down. Her style can be replaced with my style or help me find my style.

[@Janartable]

And going to see more of your own journal videos. Loved this one of your’s!!

[@deserthorses5]

Observation, for me, is the key to my daily writing. I go sit outside in the morning when it is still cool here in the desert and close my eyes and just LISTEN to the sounds of the birds, I feel the air moving, I feel the cool breeze (NOT IN SUMMER!), and I write. I'm going to put this book on my "wish list".

[@Vickilanegan]

I love her Syllabus book! I got it about two years ago. I love how yours turned out too! You did a great job! TFS! 😊❤️

[@christiedrahnak9059]

She is so amazing! Fun to hear your thoughts!!!

[@deserthorses5]

I just ordered 2 of her books! I checked out "What It Is" from the library. I've bookmarked so many pages I decided to order my own copy. And, I ordered "Syllabus". Thanks for sharing!

[@MelanieSullivan]

I have really enjoyed the ideas and inspiration from her books. They've really given me a new perspective on journaling.

[@ajsinspiredlife665]

loved this! Thanks! was looking at the book on amazon but couldnt see the inside so this was great! Thanks!

[@meredithjones3234]

Your journal looks so great!

[@scruffy281]

Looooove Lynda Barry..........very inspirational!!❤️

[@infiniteinspiration1493]

Thanks for sharing, I am definitely inspired.

[@marcross4283]

I love you work can't wait to see the next part

[@paulaplanslife4018]

I'm going to look for her books! I've been getting into junk/art journaling but have no idea what to write.

[@deserthorses5]

Melanie, could you PLEASE do a video about your 7 composition book journals? I would LOVE to see them!

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Cheryl! Yes, I've got it on my to do list. I'll try to get it done soon. Thanks!

[@deserthorses5]

@@MelanieSullivan Thank you! :-)

[@McLir]

Been a Barry fan since the 80s. Found your great video on the news of her becoming a MacArthur fellow! Thanks for sharing!

[@MelanieSullivan]

She's a great choice for a MacArthur! Congrats Lynda! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGK8n4drmdSjfas

[@joycevaughn8522]

I still learning how to use her books I the syllabus I too purchase this on syllabus as my first book of her tomorrow I have what it is I too love doodling and drawing writing isn't my first liking only when it comes to me I want to Agatha Christie book The Tuesday Club I'm a hallmark mystery but so I will try an work on my writing skill little by little thank you so much I really love your volume1

[@dirkvoltaar]

I love her books. The exercises are great but sometimes I just enjoy them as artworks. Beautiful and so fun. Your video is inspiring me to take them off the shelf again!

[@bellap2570]

Merci beaucoup!

[@lisarichards901]

Since I wish I could journal...I put Syllabus on my birthday wish list. Fingers crossed!

[@MelanieSullivan]

Syllabus is the best book I've ever read on journaling. I hope your birthday comes soon! 😊

[@cmt8783]

I have one of Lynda Barry’s books but

[@Janartable]

Oh boy...thanks so much for this video. I’d come across her book Syllabus in a linked video. I’m a decorative journaler. I’d gotten too much into the added paper and tapes and embellishments, and want to get back to just paper and pen/ink/paint. I think I’ll need to get this book. I didn’t know which one to start. I think I’ll start with Syllabus!! Can I ask which mediums you did use? Which markers did you find bled the least?

[@lisamorales3914]

I’ve already ordered them!

[@TinyFitz]

I homeschool my kids 10-16 years old. I’m curious if you think this would be to grown up for kids to do with me or if you think it could work? I don’t have any of these books but I’m definitely interested in getting one or all. If you think it could work may I ask which one you think would be best for kiddos? This is exciting 🤪 thanks for sharing!!!

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Michelle, I glanced through these books again and I would not personally suggest _Picture This_ or _What It Is_ for pre-teens. They both seem more aimed at adults who want to reconnect with the creativity they had as children. Without getting too specific about why, I'll just say there are probably better options out there for kids. I would have had no problem with letting my 16-year old read and work through _Syllabus_ or _Making Comics_ . Some of the imagery can be a little dark, literally and figuratively, and Lynda depicts herself as a cigarette smoking monkey or Sasquatch. (There's a lot of cigarette smoking depicted in both books.) _Syllabus_ and _Making Comics_ are highly similar, but _Syllabus_ might be more about keeping a written journal and _Making Comics_ is more about drawing and keeping a visual journal. They're both highly inspirational and you could easily use them to create your own 'lessons' for your kiddos without sharing the actual books if you preferred. I hope that helps!

[@TinyFitz]

@@MelanieSullivan this helps a ton so thank you very much for taking the time to do that for me I truly appreciate it and your videos. Have a blessed day

[@debsllewelyn230]

great vid xxx

[@jonahcheak887]

What are your favorite type of writing pens for journaling

[@Samrajphotograper]

Amazing❤️

[@lijinparmentier9274]

Wow wow wow

[@lindyredmond9838]

This. Idea is from a few years ago. What are you doing now with journaling?

[@MelanieSullivan]

That's a great question, Lindy. I'm still keeping some kind of comp book journal (I'm on volume 19), but I've been doing my daily journaling in smaller A5 sized notebooks. I'll try to do a video soon about my current journals.

[@lindyredmond9838]

@@MelanieSullivan thank you. I look forward to seeing that

[@lindyredmond9838]

@@MelanieSullivan I’d love to see that too. I love composition books and yours look so interesting. Please do more videos. Show how you get your ideas,how many pages you do each day, are they just journaling or other things in them too etc. thanks

[@pangphk]

Thanks for your video. I bought the books coz of your showing and explaining 😏

[@MelanieSullivan]

Syllabus is one of my favorites!! I hope you like it!

[@livingsoulandspirit]

Love them!Tfs!What was the book she recommended that you bought if you don’t mind me asking?

[@MelanieSullivan]

I think the one I was referring to was Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice by Ivan Brunetti. It's a very small paperback book, but if you're interested in cartooning (or even telling stories), it's a fun little read.

[@livingsoulandspirit]

Melanie Sullivan thank you very much!Really like the books you mentioned!

[@MissBooksmith]

Hello, I wondered if you think the Picture This book is suitable for an 11/12 year old who is interested in art?

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi there! Picture This is definitely targeted at adults. There's a lot of discussion about freely we drew as children and tapping back into that creativity as adults. Barry's character, a monkey, smokes cigarettes (although she talks about how bad they are) throughout the book and many of the illustrations are quite dark (literally and figuratively). Honestly, I think there are better books out there for kids interested in art. One of my favorite drawing books for kids (and adults) is The Usborne Pocket Artist. It's a fantastic little book! amzn.to/2nKHTUd Hope that helps!