It’s been about six months since I actively launched myself into bullet journaling and I’m loving it! If you’ve been on Pinterest and have come across cutesy bullet journal spreads, you may have discovered a new love for this artistic productivity tool and are now eager to learn more!
While I wouldn’t say I bullet journal like most people, I do find value in the activity. I would argue that my approach is minimalistic. Yet, I can’t deny that a few doodles here and there spark joy!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post may include affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
In this post, I’ll be covering the essentials you’ll need for getting into bullet journaling.
If you’re interested in learning more about how I bullet journal and why I’m not like everyone else, head over to my YouTube channel and watch my minimalist bujo video!
Get a journal
Step one is to get a journal and I would argue that it’s important to find a journal that you love. I personally prefer neutral-toned journals and veer away from bright colors and patterns. But you don’t have to be like me! If you haven’t read my post on how to find the right journal for you, I highly recommend that you do so!
Finding the right journal can be the difference between success and failure in your bullet journaling experience. My first bullet journal didn’t lay flat and the pages were discolored which made art a nightmare. After two months of trying to make it work, I gave in and opted for the journal that I have now (which I absolutely adore)!
Invest in some nice pens
Before you go looking for washi tape, stickers, brush pens, and colored markers, I’d argue that it is more important to invest in some nice, simple black ink pens. Whether you want gel or regular is up to you, but investing in quality pens will make your bullet journaling experience all the more worthwhile.
I really love this assortment from Hethrone. There are eight different pens with unique tips and sizes to help beginners in bullet journaling master calligraphy. Their unique tips allow you to create stunning doodles and lettering without putting in more time and effort than they’re worth.
While these pens aren’t “top of the line,” they are inexpensive. For a beginner, this is a great place to start when looking for decent black ink pens.
Crayola supertips are a MUST
Bullet journaling is an artistic pastime for many people. It’s a way to blend productivity with doodling.
Crayola supertips are my favorite markers. I was inspired to get them after watching several of amandarachlee’s YouTube videos where she curated stunning bullet journal spreads.
What I love about these markers is that they are light and create a sort of pastel, washed-out look. They aren’t too heavy and don’t bleed through the pages (which is super important for bullet journaling!). Additionally, they are inexpensive and come in a large assortment of so many different colors.
For any artist who wants to create colorful and stunning doodles, these are a must.
Practice your doodles
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to get into doodling. Practicing your drawings is the best way to perfect your bullet journal aesthetic. While I personally don’t draw often in my bullet journal, preferring to keep it minimal and task-focused, I think it’s important to practice honing your artistic skills before you begin creating a spread.
Practice drawing your doodles over and over before putting them in your journal. Additionally, always plan your layout on a separate piece of paper before you commit the plan to the journal. This will save you from ripping out pages or writing over your creations.
Find inspiration
Lastly, it’s important to keep looking for inspiration. See what other people are doing on Pinterest and YouTube to gather ideas for your own journal. It’s okay to copy other artists at first (just be sure to give them credit if you post your re-creation on social media!).
After a while, it’ll become easier to come up with themes on your own.
And if you prefer to go the minimalist route like me, use these supplies for scrapbooking, art, or for smaller doodles and pops of color in your journal!
If you like this post, check out some similar posts of mine below!
Feel free to leave a comment below!
You can also email me with questions or concerns you may have at info.amelia.wilson@gmail.com
My new book, Witch in the Water, is available on Amazon!
Also, check out my poetry book, The Lights are on but Nobody’s Home, available now on amazon for $6.99 in paperback form!
Disclaimer: All of the views and opinions in this post are solely my own and are not sponsored. This post includes affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission through links at no cost to you.
Thanks again