Belonging, a graphic memoir created completely by author Nora Krug, is a book about

how Nora reckoned with her past, coming to terms with what happened, and eventually

accepting the truth, all while becoming a better person emotionally and mentally. In this week’s

assigned portfolio assignment, we were instructed to create an eight-page booklet using the

creative techniques of Nora Krug. Beginning with basic graphics that in some way express

meaning, and ending with actually telling a story of our own using a combination of graphics and

words, similar to that of Nora Krug’s Belonging. In my book pages one a two were rather

random, and quite simple to compose. As the instructions guided, I created a various assortment

of markings that I thought looked cool or interesting. I then found pictures from labels of foods

and drinks that were in my trash can and taped them onto each page, just to fulfil the random

ideas and thoughts that came to my mind. Lastly for these two pages, I repeatedly wrote down

some words that each of the page’s markings made me feel. The next two pages, pages three and

four, were instructed to be used to answer reflective questions regarding Belonging. Along with

my answers to these questions, I tried to implement some drawings of whatever I felt closely

portrayed the meaning of the questions. Of course, I wish I was a better artist as I had to resort to

drawing stick figures and very basic drawings. Despite my terrible ability to draw however, this

assignment really began to become enjoyable at this point as I feel like I was given more

opportunity to be creative and express how certain things made me feel, as well as how I

interpreted other things. This is exemplified even more within the next two pages (five and six),

as I was given three options, and ultimately chose to write my favorite inspirational quote and

then create images that portray how that quote has helped me. The quote I decided to use actually

goes hand in hand with the event I describe and write about on the final two pages. The quote

and the pictures display how I once was depressed and anxious, indicating that I lived in the past
and the future. But the key source of overall happiness and peace for me, is learning to live in the

present, which itself is displayed on page six. I really enjoyed creating these two pages simply

because I love and tend to always remember quotes like the one I used, especially during

difficult times when I need inspiration or motivation. On the final two pages, pages seven and

eight. I describe an event that occurred before and during the pandemic, that completely changed

my life, ending in a change of perspective, mentality, and character. I’ve mentioned and used this

event before in past assignments, however I really enjoyed utilizing it in this assignment because

I was able to incorporate images to help tell the story.

In the end, creating a booklet in the “Nora Krug” style of writing was fun, but I really do

wish I was a better artist. With that being said, although I'm not super happy with the drawings I

created, I achieved what was asked: to express my creativity in whatever way possible using

words and graphics.