Edited by Tanmaya Ramprasad
Let’s face it: we’ve all scrolled through Pinterest for some planning inspiration. Maybe you’ve watched creatives on YouTube breaking down their bujo (bullet journalling) essentials and set-up. Sometimes, it can feel a little disheartening because we’re convinced that it’s too tedious of a task to express creativity and to make it look aesthetically-attractive — these are feelings you’ve most likely felt in other artistic projects. On top of that, you’re working on a school essay and working part-time.
How do I strike the balance of smart and creative planning?
I’d like to think of a bullet journal as a creative space for reflection, celebration and planning. There are no hard and fast rules for bullet journalling so you have all the creative freedom to express yourself and your plans. At the end of the day, it needs to suit your personal lifestyle and needs. So, if you’re looking for inspiration or you’re new to the bujo world, here are 5 spread ideas that you can use!
1. Welcome the month with a quirky title page
When working on a bullet journal set up, I’d like to start by having a monthly title page. As a collage-making and sticker enthusiast, I use this space to release my creativity and to determine my colour palette for the month. My September set up has a pink and purple theme with a hint of black and gold tones because of the picture I got from an old art magazine. Sometimes, it might be songs or quotes that will inspire the theme you’re going for. I also added the phrase “new beginnings” to welcome the new chapter of my life!
If you’ve got old magazines or newspapers lying around, bring them out and start cutting anything that catches your eye! Not only is it a sustainable way of recycling your paper products, but it also adds a creative and unique touch. Believe it or not, but the picture of clouds I used in my bujo is from an old museum brochure! I added a little depth by juxtaposing it with text. For a hint of gold, I added this foil washi tape.
2. Create a small calendar for the month and doodle
This is an essential spread for those of you who need to lay out all the important events, meetings and commitments you have for the month. You can also dedicate a tiny portion for your monthly goals — it’ll keep you accountable for any projects and tests you have scheduled.
To keep it consistent with the theme, I drew gradient clouds at the top and paper planes on the sides. When I think of new beginnings, I think of adventures and plane trips so these doodles were the perfect touch.
3. Add a favourites page
Probably my number one favourite spread, the “favourites and current happiness” spread is where I reflect on the music I’ve been loving, the films/television shows that I’ve been binging on and my inspirations!
For my favourites spread, I had to add BTS’ Jimin and one of my favourite lines from their latest single “Dynamite” because it’s such a bop (and it’s the number one song on HC U Toronto’s back-to-school tracklist if you haven’t checked our Instagram). I love supporting local businesses so most of the stickers and wash tapes I use are Canadian! Kiki from the Studio Ghibli movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service” gets a spot in my favourites too; not only is she a hardworking and empowering young woman, she is also a fashion icon who can sport a large red ribbon and little dark blue dress any time of the day. I mean, talk about a great work from home outfit, right?
4. Have a habit tracker
Juggling more than one project for the month? Having a habit tracker keeps you on top of all of your projects and daily habits. Inspired by YouTuber ohnonina’s spread, this tracker also reminds you to have a balanced lifestyle. Since we’re all working from home, it’s important to insert short exercise routines or reading times in our busy schedules. It can be so tempting to go through the day without having left your desk. Use this habit tracker to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy every day. After all, the best kind of habits is the ones that promote self-care and relaxation. I also added an additional page called “mind dump” where I write random thoughts, ideas and reflections every now and then. I’d like to think of it as a low-stakes diary page that I could decorate!
5. Plan your weekly schedule
Inspired by YouTuber Linh Truong’s set up, this weekly spread lays out the days of the week with additional space for you to add mini reflections within your schedule. For a personal touch, I added some washi tape and stickers. One of the little spreads I’ve been adding to my weekly planning is what I’d like to call “happy thoughts”. In a time wherein we’re cooped up in our little homes, it can be emotionally taxing to go through the day. These “happy thoughts” are a great reminder for me to stay positive and hopeful.