Symbols surround us — in culture, myth, art, and dreams — but the most powerful symbols are the ones we create ourselves. A personal symbol acts as a visual anchor for your story, values, and inner world. At Symbol Art Lab, we guide participants to discover and craft their own symbolic images. This article walks you through a simple version of that process.
Step 1: Gather Inner Impressions
Begin by reflecting on a current question, emotion, or transition in your life. Ask yourself:
- What themes keep repeating lately?
- What colors, images, or shapes have I been drawn to?
- What dreams or memories feel significant?
Write down words, feelings, images — don’t censor them. This is raw material.
Step 2: Choose a Core Element
Look through your notes. Is there one image that stands out? It might be something simple: a tree, a spiral, a doorway, a bird.
This is not random. Your mind has likely selected something rich in meaning. For example, a spiral might represent a journey inward; a key could suggest a search for access or insight.
Step 3: Let the Image Evolve
Now, begin to sketch or collage around that symbol. Don’t aim for perfection — this is not about realism. Play with shapes, lines, colors, and placement. Ask:
- What could this symbol grow into?
- What surrounds it?
- How does it feel in my body as I draw it?
You might find the image changes during the process — trust that.
Step 4: Name and Reflect
Once your image feels complete, give it a name. Then reflect:
- What does this symbol mean to me right now?
- What does it protect, reveal, or invite?
- How can I carry this image forward — on a card, in a journal, as a wearable object?
Why It Matters
Creating your own symbol turns abstract experience into form. It helps you witness yourself from a new angle and gives you a visual language for things that words often fail to describe.
In our Symbol Foundations course, we offer a deeper step-by-step process with personal feedback and community sharing. But you can start today — with a pencil, a quiet moment, and your inner world.