Creating Blackout Poetry: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Your Own Unique Poems

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 7 min read

Creating blackout poetry is an exciting and unique way to craft your own poems from existing texts. By selecting and highlighting specific words within a page, you can transform the original meaning into a captivating new piece of art. In this blog, we'll explore how to choose the right text, gather the best materials, and develop your own unique blackout poetry techniques. So, let's jump in and get started on your journey into the world of blackout poetry!

Choosing the Right Text

Choosing the right text is a critical first step in creating blackout poetry. The text you select will provide the foundation for your poem, so it's important to find something that resonates with you and sparks your creativity.

Selecting Books

When selecting a book to use for your blackout poetry, consider the following:

Genre: Different genres can inspire different styles of poetry. For example, a science fiction novel might lead to a futuristic poem, while a romance novel could result in a more emotional piece.
Language and vocabulary: Look for books with rich language and varied vocabulary. This will give you more words to choose from when crafting your poem.
Page layout: Books with more white space and fewer words per page can make it easier to isolate words and create visually appealing blackout poetry.

Finding Inspiration

There's no right or wrong way to find inspiration for your blackout poetry. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

Randomly select a page: Open a book to any page and see what words or phrases catch your eye. Sometimes, the most unexpected pages can lead to the most striking poems.
Choose a theme or emotion: If you have a specific theme or emotion in mind, search for texts that evoke those feelings. This can help you create a more focused and impactful poem.
Look for patterns or connections: As you skim through a text, pay attention to any patterns or connections that emerge between words and phrases. These connections can serve as the backbone of your blackout poetry.

Remember, the key to finding inspiration is to keep an open mind and trust your instincts. With practice and patience, you'll develop a keen eye for spotting the hidden gems within any text.

Gathering Materials

Once you've chosen the perfect text for your blackout poetry, it's time to gather the necessary materials to bring your poem to life. The right tools can make all the difference in creating a visually stunning and thought-provoking piece of art. Let's take a look at some of the materials you might need.

Markers and Pens

Markers and pens are essential tools for creating your blackout poetry. Here are a few tips on selecting the best ones for your project:

Choose a bold color: Black is the most common color used in blackout poetry, as it effectively obscures the surrounding text. However, you can also experiment with other dark or bold colors, like navy blue or deep red.
Consider tip size: Fine-tip markers and pens are great for precision work and outlining words, while broader tips can be used to quickly black out larger areas of text.
Test for bleed-through: Before using a marker or pen on your chosen text, test it on a separate sheet of paper to ensure it doesn't bleed through to the other side. This can help prevent accidental damage to your book or text.

Colored Pencils and Paints

While markers and pens are the most commonly used tools for blackout poetry, you can also get creative with colored pencils and paints to add an extra layer of visual interest to your piece. Here's how:

Highlight words with color: Use colored pencils to emphasize chosen words or phrases, creating a vibrant contrast against the blacked-out text.
Paint background designs: Consider using watercolor or acrylic paints to create colorful backgrounds or borders around your poem. This can add a unique artistic touch to your blackout poetry.
Experiment with mixed media: Don't be afraid to combine different materials, like markers, colored pencils, and paints, to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of blackout poetry.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and explore your creativity. So, don't be afraid to try new materials and techniques as you develop your own unique approach to blackout poetry.

Blackout Poetry Techniques

Now that you have your materials ready, it's time to dive into the world of blackout poetry techniques. There are countless ways to approach your poem, so let's explore a few methods that can help you create a captivating and meaningful piece.

Focusing on Words

The heart of blackout poetry lies in the words you choose. Use these tips to find the perfect words for your poem:

Scan the page: Read through the text, looking for words or phrases that resonate with you or convey a strong emotion or idea.
Build a theme: Identify a central theme or message for your poem and select words that support and develop this concept.
Play with word order: Don't be afraid to rearrange the order of your chosen words to create interesting and unexpected connections.

Incorporating Visuals

Adding visual elements to your blackout poetry can transform it into a work of art. Here are some ideas for incorporating visuals:

Draw illustrations: Use your markers, colored pencils, or paints to create images or patterns that complement the theme or mood of your poem.
Experiment with typography: Play with different fonts, sizes, and styles for your chosen words to add visual interest and emphasis.
Create a collage: Combine your blackout poetry with other images, such as cut-outs from magazines, to create a visually rich collage.

Experimenting with Styles

There's no one "right" way to create blackout poetry, so don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Shape poems: Arrange your chosen words into a specific shape or pattern that represents the theme of your poem, such as a heart or a spiral.
Erasure poetry: Instead of blacking out the surrounding text, use a white pen or correction fluid to "erase" the words you don't want, leaving your poem visible against a white background.
Reverse blackout poetry: Rather than blacking out the text around your chosen words, highlight your poem by blacking out the words themselves, leaving the surrounding text visible.

Feel free to mix and match these techniques or come up with your own unique approach to blackout poetry. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Once you've created your blackout poetry masterpiece, you might be eager to share it with others. There are plenty of ways to connect with fellow blackout poets and enthusiasts, both online and in person. Let's take a look at some options for showcasing your work and finding inspiration from others.

Online Communities

There are numerous online platforms where you can share your blackout poetry and discover the creations of others. Here are a few popular options:

Social media: Use hashtags like #blackoutpoetry or #erasurepoetry on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share your work and find other blackout poets.
Online forums: Join blackout poetry communities on websites like Reddit or dedicated poetry forums where you can post your poems, give and receive feedback, and engage in discussions with fellow poets.
Blogging: Start your own blog or contribute to an existing poetry blog to share your blackout poetry and connect with other poetry enthusiasts.

Local Events

If you prefer in-person connections, there are plenty of opportunities to share your blackout poetry and meet fellow poets in your community. Here are some ideas:

Poetry readings and open mics: Look for local poetry nights or open mic events where you can read your blackout poetry aloud and listen to other poets share their work.
Workshops and classes: Participate in a poetry workshop or class in your area to learn new techniques, receive feedback, and connect with other blackout poets.
Art fairs and galleries: Display your blackout poetry at local art fairs or submit your work to galleries that feature mixed-media or visual poetry.

Sharing your blackout poetry with others can be a rewarding experience, providing you with valuable feedback, inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie with fellow poets.

Continuing to Hone Your Craft

As with any art form, becoming a skilled blackout poet takes practice and dedication. There are several ways you can continue to improve your craft and find inspiration for your blackout poetry.

Practice and Persistence

Blackout poetry is a skill that develops over time. Here are some tips to help you stay committed to your craft:

Set goals: Establish achievable goals for yourself, such as creating a certain number of blackout poems per week or experimenting with a new technique each month.
Stay consistent: Dedicate time each day or week to work on your blackout poetry, even if it's just for a few minutes. Consistency is key to improvement.
Embrace imperfection: Remember that not every blackout poem you create will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. Learn from your mistakes and use them to grow as an artist.

Seeking Inspiration

Inspiration can come from many sources, and sometimes it's helpful to step outside your comfort zone to find new ideas. Consider the following approaches to keep your blackout poetry fresh and inspired:

Read widely: Explore different types of texts, genres, and authors to expand your source material and expose yourself to new vocabulary and styles.
Attend events: Participate in poetry readings, workshops, and other events to learn from fellow poets and stay connected to the creative community.
Collaborate: Work with other blackout poets or artists to create collaborative pieces, share ideas, and learn from each other's techniques and styles.

By continuously honing your craft and seeking inspiration, you'll become a more skilled and versatile blackout poet, ready to share your unique creations with the world.

If you're looking to ignite your creativity and improve your poetry skills, don't miss the workshop '10 Minute Poetry Challenge: THINK LESS, WRITE MORE!' by Alieu Drammeh. This workshop offers a fun and engaging way to expand your poetic horizons, encouraging you to think less and write more in just 10 minutes. Give it a try and see where your creativity takes you!