Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

This flip through is of my journal Brain Damage, a chronicle of a difficult summer. The pages are raw, angry, messy, unfinished in places—because that’s exactly where I was at the time. I had a new boyfriend who was trying to help me through depression, but I was struggling, and those emotions show up in the work.

Art journals don’t always have to be pretty. Sometimes they’re a place to process, to rage, to break things apart on the page. Sharing this feels vulnerable, but I hope it reminds you that all parts of our creative lives—light and dark—deserve a voice.

🎨 Whether your journal is joyful or messy, stencils and collage can add depth to the story you’re telling.

Did you know you can cut your own stencils on your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut cutting machine? Need some help? Check out my Stencil Cutting Secrets Mini-course: classes.jenniferakkermans.com/b/ygG0j

I’m Jennifer Akkermans, a mixed media visual artist who specializes in Intuitive Printmaking with acrylics on a gel plate. I’m known for bright, bold colors, playful patterns, and a love of happy accidents. I design my own stencils, and I can’t resist using found objects to add unexpected texture.

🖌 New videos every week—subscribe now so you don’t miss the next creative adventure!

⭐ FREE SVG Stencil:
jenniferakkermans.com/free-svg-stencil

🌸 FREE Floral Cut & Collage Sheet:
jenniferakkermans.com/floral_collage_page

Let’s Connect:
Website – jenniferakkermans.com
Etsy (SVG stencils & digital collage printables) - etsy.com/ca/shop/JenAkkermansArt
Facebook – facebook.com/JenniferAkkermansArt
Instagram – instagram.com/jenakkermans