If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week, use the hashtag #artjournaleveryday so that we can all take a peek. Even if you're not on social media, you can see everything (from twitter, pinterest, instagram, and facebook) that uses that hashtag here.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have fallen in love with Bullet Journaling. I thought that today I would answer the questions and concerns I got about Bullet Journaling and share some of the wisdom from other Bullet Journalers.
(And don't worry. I still have my daily art journal and I've been making things in it. I'll be sharing some paint and color drenched pages very soon!)
One of the key points of the Bullet Journal is it's flexibility to accommodate different methods of tracking, planning, and journaling.
I visited Sue's blog and found this pic of her Bullet Journals:
Two thoughts from me:
ONE: I love that Sue says she's changed things up more times than she can count. Me too! But, that's why I didn't buy a pre-printed planner. I have a certain way of organizing things and it's important to me that my Bullet Journal reflects the way my brain works.
TWO: I am fascinated that Sue keeps two journals — one for work and one for home. It makes sense. I know lots of people who have a work phone and a personal phone and it really helps them to keep the two separate.
The time ladder is *the best* invention. And note how Kim says "task oriented lives." The time ladder was built for those who are task oriented. Here's how it works:
I divide each of my days into three sections: morning, afternoon, evening.
Some people mark out every hour, but that doesn't work for me.
Then I write in any appointments I have in black pen:
I do this process at the beginning of each week. So that I can see how busy or open the week is.
Then each morning — or sometimes the night before — I add my planned tasks for the day with a red pen.
I use an arrow to mark out when that time period is filled. It's usually a guesstimate. Sometimes tasks run over the allotted time and sometimes they get done more quickly.
For me, the time ladder is far better than a to-do list. Each day I have a realistic snapshot of how much I can likely get done that day. It also forces me to think about how long tasks should take, which I find vital to my productivity. The time ladder keeps me on track.
I admit that I felt exactly the same way before I started doing it. So I timed myself: It took me 12.5 minutes to set up my weekly grid. I even put together a fast forward video of the process for you to watch:
As you can see, I set up my grid, filled out my appointments, and jotted down some vital tasks — all in 12.5 minutes. I usually do this set up every Sunday night. Now, admittedly I don't do the fancy Bullet Journaling. Mine is very simple and functional. But, for me, 12.5 minutes each week is doable.
BUT, Joy has a great idea if that still feels like too much time:
I love Joy's approach to her Bullet Journal — it's so relaxed and casual. Awesome!
I visited Beth's blog and found these photos of her Bullet Journal stamps:
I love the idea of using hand carved stamps to mark out the days and months in my Bullet Journal. It's what I do in my regular art journal, but it didn't occur to me to bring it over to my Bullet Journal!
I think that Deb really hit the nail on the head: the Bullet Journal is the love child of the planner and the notebook. I would also describe mine as convenient and efficient. Also functional. A functional tool.
Speaking of functional:
Great tip, Beth! And food shopping isn't the only kind of shopping you can prepare for in your BuJo:
Like Laura, I really like the idea of cataloguing. I'm not sure that it's something I could keep up with for everything, but I do make paint color charts all the time and if I had them with me at the art supply store it would mean that I would stop purchasing doubles of things! Hmmmm…probably better to glue them into my BuJo than leave them where they are — hanging on the wall. I rarely reference them — unless I'm ordering paint online!
Best advice ever: It is too hard to try everything at once. (And if you're interested in reading about Ben Franklin's self-improvement, I found this short article.) I've been thinking a lot about why I dropped out of my daily art journaling habit for most of The 100 Day Project and I've come to the conclusion that it was just too many things to do every day. And actually, one of the reasons I like the Bullet Journal is that it doesn't feel like an additional burden of another project. Rather, it feels like it's helping me to get all those projects done!
I don't know whether or not a Bullet Journal is right for you, but I have found it to be a wonderfully flexible tool that has greatly helped my productivity.
Thanks for stopping by!
I also make color charts of my paints, markers, watercolors, etc.. Then I take pictures of the charts with my iPhone so I know what I already have when I make a quick stop at an art store.
I also make color charts of my paints, markers, watercolors, etc.. Then I take pictures of the charts with my iPhone so I know what I already have when I make a quick stop at an art store.
I also make color charts of my paints, markers, watercolors, etc.. Then I take pictures of the charts with my iPhone so I know what I already have when I make a quick stop at an art store.
I also make color charts of my paints, markers, watercolors, etc.. Then I take pictures of the charts with my iPhone so I know what I already have when I make a quick stop at an art store.
I also make color charts of my paints, markers, watercolors, etc.. Then I take pictures of the charts with my iPhone so I know what I already have when I make a quick stop at an art store.
I also make color charts of my paints, markers, watercolors, etc.. Then I take pictures of the charts with my iPhone so I know what I already have when I make a quick stop at an art store.
I’ve started my own bullet journal this week! I’ve loved the look of them for years but was so confused by it all. And I didn’t want the pressure of making it ‘pretty’. I’ve found your info really helpful, and it convinced me to finally look into it properly. So far I am LOVING it. Having planner and notes in one book is blowing my mind!
I’ve started my own bullet journal this week! I’ve loved the look of them for years but was so confused by it all. And I didn’t want the pressure of making it ‘pretty’. I’ve found your info really helpful, and it convinced me to finally look into it properly. So far I am LOVING it. Having planner and notes in one book is blowing my mind!
I’ve started my own bullet journal this week! I’ve loved the look of them for years but was so confused by it all. And I didn’t want the pressure of making it ‘pretty’. I’ve found your info really helpful, and it convinced me to finally look into it properly. So far I am LOVING it. Having planner and notes in one book is blowing my mind!
I’ve started my own bullet journal this week! I’ve loved the look of them for years but was so confused by it all. And I didn’t want the pressure of making it ‘pretty’. I’ve found your info really helpful, and it convinced me to finally look into it properly. So far I am LOVING it. Having planner and notes in one book is blowing my mind!
I’ve started my own bullet journal this week! I’ve loved the look of them for years but was so confused by it all. And I didn’t want the pressure of making it ‘pretty’. I’ve found your info really helpful, and it convinced me to finally look into it properly. So far I am LOVING it. Having planner and notes in one book is blowing my mind!
I’ve started my own bullet journal this week! I’ve loved the look of them for years but was so confused by it all. And I didn’t want the pressure of making it ‘pretty’. I’ve found your info really helpful, and it convinced me to finally look into it properly. So far I am LOVING it. Having planner and notes in one book is blowing my mind!
LOVE this post. Need to start this. I have been off and on the planner wagon, and just can’t seem to make it stick. Want to be more organized and productive, so I’ll give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!
LOVE this post. Need to start this. I have been off and on the planner wagon, and just can’t seem to make it stick. Want to be more organized and productive, so I’ll give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!
LOVE this post. Need to start this. I have been off and on the planner wagon, and just can’t seem to make it stick. Want to be more organized and productive, so I’ll give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!
LOVE this post. Need to start this. I have been off and on the planner wagon, and just can’t seem to make it stick. Want to be more organized and productive, so I’ll give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!
LOVE this post. Need to start this. I have been off and on the planner wagon, and just can’t seem to make it stick. Want to be more organized and productive, so I’ll give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!
LOVE this post. Need to start this. I have been off and on the planner wagon, and just can’t seem to make it stick. Want to be more organized and productive, so I’ll give this a try. Thanks for the encouragement, Julie!
Another great post! Now I have to put in my Bujo to finish watching the stamp class and get carving! I think these journals are great for list makers and people who are task oriented. I don’t use mine every day, but it is a helpful tool.
Another great post! Now I have to put in my Bujo to finish watching the stamp class and get carving! I think these journals are great for list makers and people who are task oriented. I don’t use mine every day, but it is a helpful tool.
Another great post! Now I have to put in my Bujo to finish watching the stamp class and get carving! I think these journals are great for list makers and people who are task oriented. I don’t use mine every day, but it is a helpful tool.
Another great post! Now I have to put in my Bujo to finish watching the stamp class and get carving! I think these journals are great for list makers and people who are task oriented. I don’t use mine every day, but it is a helpful tool.
Another great post! Now I have to put in my Bujo to finish watching the stamp class and get carving! I think these journals are great for list makers and people who are task oriented. I don’t use mine every day, but it is a helpful tool.
Another great post! Now I have to put in my Bujo to finish watching the stamp class and get carving! I think these journals are great for list makers and people who are task oriented. I don’t use mine every day, but it is a helpful tool.
Thanks for the great blog post, Julie. This the type of bullet journaling that appeals to me. Relaxed yet organized. No fuss. Yet gets the facts down. Let’s me see the week/month ahead. I can jot down the appts/to do’s, then fill in as I go. Might just start this. I have all the supplies. No need to purchase anything. Might even try a few homemade stamps too. PS…I also keep my grocery/Costco lists separate and have started keeping art supplies categorized in a notebook to have with me when shopping. Yes, it really does help to reduce the double purchases.
Thanks for the great blog post, Julie. This the type of bullet journaling that appeals to me. Relaxed yet organized. No fuss. Yet gets the facts down. Let’s me see the week/month ahead. I can jot down the appts/to do’s, then fill in as I go. Might just start this. I have all the supplies. No need to purchase anything. Might even try a few homemade stamps too. PS…I also keep my grocery/Costco lists separate and have started keeping art supplies categorized in a notebook to have with me when shopping. Yes, it really does help to reduce the double purchases.
Thanks for the great blog post, Julie. This the type of bullet journaling that appeals to me. Relaxed yet organized. No fuss. Yet gets the facts down. Let’s me see the week/month ahead. I can jot down the appts/to do’s, then fill in as I go. Might just start this. I have all the supplies. No need to purchase anything. Might even try a few homemade stamps too. PS…I also keep my grocery/Costco lists separate and have started keeping art supplies categorized in a notebook to have with me when shopping. Yes, it really does help to reduce the double purchases.
Thanks for the great blog post, Julie. This the type of bullet journaling that appeals to me. Relaxed yet organized. No fuss. Yet gets the facts down. Let’s me see the week/month ahead. I can jot down the appts/to do’s, then fill in as I go. Might just start this. I have all the supplies. No need to purchase anything. Might even try a few homemade stamps too. PS…I also keep my grocery/Costco lists separate and have started keeping art supplies categorized in a notebook to have with me when shopping. Yes, it really does help to reduce the double purchases.
Thanks for the great blog post, Julie. This the type of bullet journaling that appeals to me. Relaxed yet organized. No fuss. Yet gets the facts down. Let’s me see the week/month ahead. I can jot down the appts/to do’s, then fill in as I go. Might just start this. I have all the supplies. No need to purchase anything. Might even try a few homemade stamps too. PS…I also keep my grocery/Costco lists separate and have started keeping art supplies categorized in a notebook to have with me when shopping. Yes, it really does help to reduce the double purchases.
Thanks for the great blog post, Julie. This the type of bullet journaling that appeals to me. Relaxed yet organized. No fuss. Yet gets the facts down. Let’s me see the week/month ahead. I can jot down the appts/to do’s, then fill in as I go. Might just start this. I have all the supplies. No need to purchase anything. Might even try a few homemade stamps too. PS…I also keep my grocery/Costco lists separate and have started keeping art supplies categorized in a notebook to have with me when shopping. Yes, it really does help to reduce the double purchases.
I made up a grocery list/spreadsheet so I can simply check off needed items during the week as they come up. The list is arranged in the same order as the aisles of my favorite grocery store, with a large blank column to the right for miscellaneous items purchased elsewhere (Home Depot, Target, etc.) Like the BUJO, it took a bit to get the items and the shopping order down, but in the end it was worth it – it saves SO MUCH TIME!
I made up a grocery list/spreadsheet so I can simply check off needed items during the week as they come up. The list is arranged in the same order as the aisles of my favorite grocery store, with a large blank column to the right for miscellaneous items purchased elsewhere (Home Depot, Target, etc.) Like the BUJO, it took a bit to get the items and the shopping order down, but in the end it was worth it – it saves SO MUCH TIME!
I made up a grocery list/spreadsheet so I can simply check off needed items during the week as they come up. The list is arranged in the same order as the aisles of my favorite grocery store, with a large blank column to the right for miscellaneous items purchased elsewhere (Home Depot, Target, etc.) Like the BUJO, it took a bit to get the items and the shopping order down, but in the end it was worth it – it saves SO MUCH TIME!
I made up a grocery list/spreadsheet so I can simply check off needed items during the week as they come up. The list is arranged in the same order as the aisles of my favorite grocery store, with a large blank column to the right for miscellaneous items purchased elsewhere (Home Depot, Target, etc.) Like the BUJO, it took a bit to get the items and the shopping order down, but in the end it was worth it – it saves SO MUCH TIME!
I made up a grocery list/spreadsheet so I can simply check off needed items during the week as they come up. The list is arranged in the same order as the aisles of my favorite grocery store, with a large blank column to the right for miscellaneous items purchased elsewhere (Home Depot, Target, etc.) Like the BUJO, it took a bit to get the items and the shopping order down, but in the end it was worth it – it saves SO MUCH TIME!
I made up a grocery list/spreadsheet so I can simply check off needed items during the week as they come up. The list is arranged in the same order as the aisles of my favorite grocery store, with a large blank column to the right for miscellaneous items purchased elsewhere (Home Depot, Target, etc.) Like the BUJO, it took a bit to get the items and the shopping order down, but in the end it was worth it – it saves SO MUCH TIME!
Julie, I have done bujo for a few years now and man have I changed things up! I’m good with that though because life is always changing and my Planner/journal needs to serve me and not the other way around. Currently I only have a one page monthly spread with the days of the week and date running down the side. (Ex: M01-S31).A while ago I stopped combining my art journal, planner, calendar, lettering practice and doodles! It’s working for me RIGHT NOW because I’m recovering from major spinal correction surgery and I’m not able to sit upright and do much work. Eventually I’ll probably go back to separate journals. I’m also not keeping up with indexing at this point and that’s okay too. I think the whole point is to have your journals work for you! Thanks for showing us how you’re doing things!
Julie, I have done bujo for a few years now and man have I changed things up! I’m good with that though because life is always changing and my Planner/journal needs to serve me and not the other way around. Currently I only have a one page monthly spread with the days of the week and date running down the side. (Ex: M01-S31).A while ago I stopped combining my art journal, planner, calendar, lettering practice and doodles! It’s working for me RIGHT NOW because I’m recovering from major spinal correction surgery and I’m not able to sit upright and do much work. Eventually I’ll probably go back to separate journals. I’m also not keeping up with indexing at this point and that’s okay too. I think the whole point is to have your journals work for you! Thanks for showing us how you’re doing things!
Julie, I have done bujo for a few years now and man have I changed things up! I’m good with that though because life is always changing and my Planner/journal needs to serve me and not the other way around. Currently I only have a one page monthly spread with the days of the week and date running down the side. (Ex: M01-S31).A while ago I stopped combining my art journal, planner, calendar, lettering practice and doodles! It’s working for me RIGHT NOW because I’m recovering from major spinal correction surgery and I’m not able to sit upright and do much work. Eventually I’ll probably go back to separate journals. I’m also not keeping up with indexing at this point and that’s okay too. I think the whole point is to have your journals work for you! Thanks for showing us how you’re doing things!
Julie, I have done bujo for a few years now and man have I changed things up! I’m good with that though because life is always changing and my Planner/journal needs to serve me and not the other way around. Currently I only have a one page monthly spread with the days of the week and date running down the side. (Ex: M01-S31).A while ago I stopped combining my art journal, planner, calendar, lettering practice and doodles! It’s working for me RIGHT NOW because I’m recovering from major spinal correction surgery and I’m not able to sit upright and do much work. Eventually I’ll probably go back to separate journals. I’m also not keeping up with indexing at this point and that’s okay too. I think the whole point is to have your journals work for you! Thanks for showing us how you’re doing things!
Julie, I have done bujo for a few years now and man have I changed things up! I’m good with that though because life is always changing and my Planner/journal needs to serve me and not the other way around. Currently I only have a one page monthly spread with the days of the week and date running down the side. (Ex: M01-S31).A while ago I stopped combining my art journal, planner, calendar, lettering practice and doodles! It’s working for me RIGHT NOW because I’m recovering from major spinal correction surgery and I’m not able to sit upright and do much work. Eventually I’ll probably go back to separate journals. I’m also not keeping up with indexing at this point and that’s okay too. I think the whole point is to have your journals work for you! Thanks for showing us how you’re doing things!
Julie, I have done bujo for a few years now and man have I changed things up! I’m good with that though because life is always changing and my Planner/journal needs to serve me and not the other way around. Currently I only have a one page monthly spread with the days of the week and date running down the side. (Ex: M01-S31).A while ago I stopped combining my art journal, planner, calendar, lettering practice and doodles! It’s working for me RIGHT NOW because I’m recovering from major spinal correction surgery and I’m not able to sit upright and do much work. Eventually I’ll probably go back to separate journals. I’m also not keeping up with indexing at this point and that’s okay too. I think the whole point is to have your journals work for you! Thanks for showing us how you’re doing things!
I love the bullet journal system too and have been using it on and of for a few years now. I have a master to do list, but I always feel it’s difficult to plan the days ahead. Im going to try the Time ladder! I havent seen it before and I love your two color system so much Julie. I will use it as “planned suggestions” and see if i can trick myself to cooperate more with my to do’s!
I love the bullet journal system too and have been using it on and of for a few years now. I have a master to do list, but I always feel it’s difficult to plan the days ahead. Im going to try the Time ladder! I havent seen it before and I love your two color system so much Julie. I will use it as “planned suggestions” and see if i can trick myself to cooperate more with my to do’s!
I love the bullet journal system too and have been using it on and of for a few years now. I have a master to do list, but I always feel it’s difficult to plan the days ahead. Im going to try the Time ladder! I havent seen it before and I love your two color system so much Julie. I will use it as “planned suggestions” and see if i can trick myself to cooperate more with my to do’s!
I love the bullet journal system too and have been using it on and of for a few years now. I have a master to do list, but I always feel it’s difficult to plan the days ahead. Im going to try the Time ladder! I havent seen it before and I love your two color system so much Julie. I will use it as “planned suggestions” and see if i can trick myself to cooperate more with my to do’s!
I love the bullet journal system too and have been using it on and of for a few years now. I have a master to do list, but I always feel it’s difficult to plan the days ahead. Im going to try the Time ladder! I havent seen it before and I love your two color system so much Julie. I will use it as “planned suggestions” and see if i can trick myself to cooperate more with my to do’s!
I love the bullet journal system too and have been using it on and of for a few years now. I have a master to do list, but I always feel it’s difficult to plan the days ahead. Im going to try the Time ladder! I havent seen it before and I love your two color system so much Julie. I will use it as “planned suggestions” and see if i can trick myself to cooperate more with my to do’s!
I haven’t ever done bullet journaling (you may have inspired me to look into it — maybe) but I DO keep a very organized list of craft supplies – ink, markers etc. on my iPad and always take it along when I shop or go to stamping conventions and it’s super handy so I know what I have or don’t yet have. My phone helps me a LOT with keeping on top of appointments and such (reminder alerts are SO helpful!) but I do find that I’m much more of a “see it on paper” type of person and still keep a physical calendar with notes on it on the wall next to me at work – because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ for me. Julie is right that we all have different ways of working and thinking and that figuring out what works for each of us is crucial to making the process helpful and easy. The older I get the more I’ve figured out how to go with my own flow – and I’m much happier for it!
I haven’t ever done bullet journaling (you may have inspired me to look into it — maybe) but I DO keep a very organized list of craft supplies – ink, markers etc. on my iPad and always take it along when I shop or go to stamping conventions and it’s super handy so I know what I have or don’t yet have. My phone helps me a LOT with keeping on top of appointments and such (reminder alerts are SO helpful!) but I do find that I’m much more of a “see it on paper” type of person and still keep a physical calendar with notes on it on the wall next to me at work – because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ for me. Julie is right that we all have different ways of working and thinking and that figuring out what works for each of us is crucial to making the process helpful and easy. The older I get the more I’ve figured out how to go with my own flow – and I’m much happier for it!
I haven’t ever done bullet journaling (you may have inspired me to look into it — maybe) but I DO keep a very organized list of craft supplies – ink, markers etc. on my iPad and always take it along when I shop or go to stamping conventions and it’s super handy so I know what I have or don’t yet have. My phone helps me a LOT with keeping on top of appointments and such (reminder alerts are SO helpful!) but I do find that I’m much more of a “see it on paper” type of person and still keep a physical calendar with notes on it on the wall next to me at work – because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ for me. Julie is right that we all have different ways of working and thinking and that figuring out what works for each of us is crucial to making the process helpful and easy. The older I get the more I’ve figured out how to go with my own flow – and I’m much happier for it!
I haven’t ever done bullet journaling (you may have inspired me to look into it — maybe) but I DO keep a very organized list of craft supplies – ink, markers etc. on my iPad and always take it along when I shop or go to stamping conventions and it’s super handy so I know what I have or don’t yet have. My phone helps me a LOT with keeping on top of appointments and such (reminder alerts are SO helpful!) but I do find that I’m much more of a “see it on paper” type of person and still keep a physical calendar with notes on it on the wall next to me at work – because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ for me. Julie is right that we all have different ways of working and thinking and that figuring out what works for each of us is crucial to making the process helpful and easy. The older I get the more I’ve figured out how to go with my own flow – and I’m much happier for it!
I haven’t ever done bullet journaling (you may have inspired me to look into it — maybe) but I DO keep a very organized list of craft supplies – ink, markers etc. on my iPad and always take it along when I shop or go to stamping conventions and it’s super handy so I know what I have or don’t yet have. My phone helps me a LOT with keeping on top of appointments and such (reminder alerts are SO helpful!) but I do find that I’m much more of a “see it on paper” type of person and still keep a physical calendar with notes on it on the wall next to me at work – because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ for me. Julie is right that we all have different ways of working and thinking and that figuring out what works for each of us is crucial to making the process helpful and easy. The older I get the more I’ve figured out how to go with my own flow – and I’m much happier for it!
I haven’t ever done bullet journaling (you may have inspired me to look into it — maybe) but I DO keep a very organized list of craft supplies – ink, markers etc. on my iPad and always take it along when I shop or go to stamping conventions and it’s super handy so I know what I have or don’t yet have. My phone helps me a LOT with keeping on top of appointments and such (reminder alerts are SO helpful!) but I do find that I’m much more of a “see it on paper” type of person and still keep a physical calendar with notes on it on the wall next to me at work – because ‘out of sight is out of mind’ for me. Julie is right that we all have different ways of working and thinking and that figuring out what works for each of us is crucial to making the process helpful and easy. The older I get the more I’ve figured out how to go with my own flow – and I’m much happier for it!