Growing up many people would always ask if I wanted to be a doctor, not because I loved biology, or showed a distinct academic promise, but instead because my writing looked like chicken scratch. So, the idea of journaling to me felt daunting not due to an inability to write, but in acknowledging my own future struggle of reading my own notes (or God forbid someone else try to read them).

I felt that the journaling in Maker one was a balancing act. With regards to writing down ideas or drawing sketches; there was no better place than the journal. It was a great spot to quickly write down ideas or draft up potential imager for projects. I felt this aspect of the journal worked wonders. I could look back at previous thoughts, and ideas and use them to better influence my current work. It also allowed for quick ease of access relative to leaving 800 tabs open on my computer.

On the other hand, I remain firm in the disconnect I had when having to read and then write notes within the journal. I ran into two main issues. The first being my preferred form of note taking. I prefer to annotate and copy quotes when reading any form of academic literature (or any litterateur in general), as it allows me to see my own through relative to a piece, but also allows me to see the authors goals through there own point of view. Thereby the notes/annotations occur right within the text. So, if I find it necessary to return to a reading, I have easy access to my previous throughs.  My other struggle came from the nature of my hand writing. If I take my time to write, then it becomes more legible. However, the nature of this intensive does not necessarily leave time for me to write or read easily. As such much of the reading and responsive writing occurred in transit on the LIRR too and froe Adelphi each day. Due to this unfortunate timing, the written response portion of my journal while relative to the text often had much to be desired relative to neatness.

So in sum, while I felt that the journal is definitely helpful within the maker space, but the time crunch of the intensive made the reading responses within the journal feel awkward at times. However, I do wonder how beneficial this journaling method may be within the 16-week course.

Please do see below to view various responses and notes from my journal (note these are not all the contents of my journal but what is most legble/most impactful. Do note that sketches and thoughts with regards to public art and museum can be found on a separate tab.