How to Journal Like Andy Warhol
Journaling comes in many forms. It’s about the practice, not the definition.
The Andy Warhol Diaries aren’t actually journals in the traditional sense.
The diaries were delivered by phone call to his assistance and eventual book editor, Pat Hackett. They started out as a way for him to track deductible expenses, but they evolved into juicy, and sometimes scandalous detail.
Gossip lovers of the 1980s gleefully pored over the pages in the book’s post-mortem release. Stars and socialites who were shamed in its pages were less pleased.
Since I’m fascinated by artists and how they live and work, The Andy Warhol Diaries are a natural curiosity for me. If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing to disco at Studio 54, you might enjoy them, too.
Use voice notes.
Like Andy, if writing doesn’t work for you, use voice notes. Journaling is nothing more than getting your thoughts off your mind. Do what works for you.Journal even if it’s boring.
Many of Andy’s entries are quite plain. It describes places he went, meetings, appointments, riding in taxis—average activities that any working person can relate to.Note your date and location.
It’s interesting when Andy notes when he is someplace other than Manhattan. Los Angeles, Paris, Houston, Monte Carlo, Palm Beach are some of the places named. When looking back at journal entries, knowing where you were physically helps ground you in the memory.
Use first and last names.
Unless it was one of Andy’s regulars, he noted the first and last name. As you get older, it’s surprising how names will escape you. Including first and last names of people you encounter will help jog your memory.Record your expenses.
As I mentioned above, the whole diary project began as a way of tracking Andy’s expenses for tax deduction, mostly cab fare. If you’re on a budget and journal regularly, why not add your expenses?Stay consistent(ish).
The Andy Warhol Diaries span 1976 to 1987. He doesn’t have an entry for every day. If that’s okay for one of the greatest artists of all time, it’s okay for you, too.Indulge in gossip.
Better than repeating it (or publishing it in a book!), our journals are a safe place to vent, gripe, or say things you’d never say out loud. Then you can enjoy your own scandalous retelling when you are old and gray and far, far away from the drama.
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