A very Basic Guide to starting a Bullet Journal
The Bullet Journal is all over the internet and taking people by storm! I’m sure you must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of a bullet journal. Though what you may not realize is while some can be pretty over the top creative, the bullet journal is actually much more basic. In this article I will show you the Bullet Journal basics so you can start your very own bullet journal.
*This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission, (at no additional cost to you!) if you purchase something through the links provided. I will only link items that I use and love and under no circumstance would I ever recommend a product I did not use and trust! You can find my disclosure policy here.
Notebooks and Journals
Anyone can have a bullet journal. Let me say that again, ANYONE can have a bullet journal. You do not need to be able to produce stunning hand lettering or pictures. All you need is a journal and a great pen.
You don’t have to get an expensive journal. Dot grid journals are showing up everywhere and are rather affordable. If you don’t want to spend any extra money on a new notebook then use a plain ruled paper notebook.
I know if you are like me, you have a ton of unused notebooks lying around. You could even use a notebook that is only half used. You can literally use anything, as long as it is portable.
Here is a good article by Megan at Page Flutter. It can give you a few good tips on bullet journaling in a regular ruled notebook.
I personally love dot grid paper, it is easy to use and makes things neater for me. I personally use and recommend the Leuchtturm 1917 journal. I like this journal very much, but I do notice slight ghosting on the pages when using my brush pens heavily. You can get your very own by clicking the links below. I love the color options as well, I own the Berry color and it is just stunning!
Pens & Writing Tools
When discussing the Bullet Journal Basics, writing tools are a must. They can range depending on personal style and preference. I recommend using a pencil to plan out your journal, before making it permanent with ink.
I make lots of mistakes, so my hope is this step helps me notice before it is too late to fix. I speak from experience on this. I’ll make sure an write a post on my most recent mistakes already this year!
As far as pens go, there are so many great pens out there. I recommend you use a variety of different types until you find what you like most. I use Sharpie Fine Point pens, Paper Mate Ink Joy gel pens, Tom-bow dual brush pens, and some cheap fine liners which I found on sale at Amazon.
Fountain pens can make you feel really special when writing in your bullet journal. I have a few different types of fountain pens and I just love the joy they bring me when I get to use them in my journal!
The choices are endless for supplies, but just start with the basics and then as you grow and learn more add new supplies to your arsinal.
The Bullet Journal Basics
OK, so you have a notebook or journal and a good pen, what’s next? In order to learn how to start a bullet journal, you obviously need to get the basics down. I highly recommend you visit this site and read more about the Bullet Journal Method from the creative genius himself, Ryder Carroll.
The Bullet Journal or BuJo for short is an analogue system that is simple and flexible. It consist of a few major spreads or topics.
- Index
- Future Log
- Monthly Log
- Daily Log
- Custom Collections: Habit Trackers, Goals, Savings Plan, Weight Loss, etc.
When setting up your journal I recommend using a Key Spread, until you get familiar with the symbols that you will use to record different things in your journal.
Here is my Key Spread in my journal. Notice it is still in pencil because I am not sure if I want to change anything just yet. I want to make sure I like my symbols and I actually use them before making them permanent.
You can make this as simple or elaborate as you want. If function is what you are going for, then simple write out the key like in the picture. If you want something a bit more interesting add pictures or washi tape.
If you want more inspiration check out Shelby’s blog, LittleCoffeeFox. She does amazing work and I just love keeping up with her ideas.
This sums up the bullet journal basics. Easy peasy really! I think the absolute worst part is facing a blank journal. Look out for my article on that issue I faced this past year. I have a few things I always try to remind myself when it comes to my BuJo, here are some of those tips:
- Progress over Perfection!
- Don’t compare your journal to others.
- Mistakes happen, learn and move on. (Look out for a post about my BuJo mistakes coming soon!)
- Make this what you need, it can be as flexible as you want it to be.
- Do NOT stress! If it doesn’t bring you joy, move on
- Most importantly remember to be fearless!
- Give yourself Grace!
If you haven’t already make sure you check out my post about being fearless. You won’t be disappointed.
I want to see your bullet journal. Post pictures and comments below & don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. I only send out important information like when a new freebie is posted!
Be Fearless!
Candace
