Interested in bullet journaling but don't know where to start?
You are in the right place because this post is all about the step-by-step bullet journal guide for beginners. And don't forget to grab your ten free bullet journal templates at the end of the post.
A bullet journal is not your regular premade planner. So it's essentially a blank page you build from scratch, and you get to optimize it perfectly to suit YOU.
Your bullet journal:
- reflects your life journey
- your learning progress
- focus on having a positive mindset
- figuring out what your goals are
- work your way to achieving them
- help you learn and enhance your artistic creativity
- can be as minimal and functional if that's all you want
It can be anything you want it to be. It's totally up to you...
Your Bullet Journal - Your Rules
You can learn more about the original bullet journal method here:
http://www.bulletjournal.com
So let's figure out how to optimize your journal with this in-depth bullet journal guide
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Choosing the right notebook
You can start with any notebook you have on hand and try bullet journaling for a short period.
Then decide if this planning method is suitable for you.
Before purchasing a notebook, take into account:
- What mediums will you be using? If gel pens and coloring pencils is all you want to use, then thicker paper won't necessarily be a must. Although I'd recommend paper thicker than 80gsm.
- If you intend to use watercolor paints and different types of media, then make sure that your journal is at least 160gsm so that you have minimal bleeding and ghosting.
- You want to consider the size of your bullet journal. The most popular and the size I prefer to use is A5.
It has enough space for getting creative with my themes whilst having plenty of room to write. I don't really go out with my bullet journal, so if you do then that is also something to consider. - Do you prefer dotted, lined, graph, or just blank paper?
This is something you can test out but my personal preference is hands down without a doubt dotted paper. It allows me to draw fairly straight lines without a ruler and easier to write neatly and the dots aren't as apparent as lined paper. - What paper do you prefer? You can purchase Kraft, black or white paper journals. I like the white paper and then glue in Kraft or black paper depending on the spread I'm creating. I feel like it's more versatile.
Our current favorite notebook is from Archer&Olive. We are loving the quality and the customer service.
What supplies do you need to bullet journal?
You do not need much to start your bullet journal journey. Just start with a notebook and pens you already own to get a feel for this planner system.
But, once you are comfortable and have the budget to invest in more items that will undoubtedly allow you to make an array of different spreads.
Just head over to this post, where we show our favorite products, and what we use them for.
Bullet Journal Supplies. On the hunt for something new?
Your First Page In Your Bullet Journal
Your bullet journal first page can be daunting. You have a beautiful notebook, seen unique spreads on Instagram. This may make you feel intimidated to create the most beautiful, special first page in your journal.
But this bullet journal guide is about making journaling enjoyable. Look at other people's spreads for inspiration but not compare yourself to them.
Bullet Journaling is so calming and relaxing, and it reflects YOUR journey. As you continue creating spreads month after month. There will be spreads that you love, some that turned out different from what you had in mind, and some you don't like.
Go back to the start and see how I progressed in whatever skills I had in mind, whether hand-lettering, drawing or painting. It's incredible to see how your style changes over time and practice. That's the beauty of it, and it's why I love bullet journaling.
You begin to incorporate a positive mindset, and you get more creative along the way...
So back to your first page. A few ideas:
- Your name
- A quote that really inspires and motivates you
- A word of the year - Choose a word that you want to focus on this year (I chose 'Thankful' to keep reminding myself that there is always something to be thankful for)
- The current year
Bullet journal- future log
This is where you create a yearly calendar. It consists of a two-page layout and highlights significant events in the year. As you later create your monthly and weekly spreads, you can go back to this spread and fill in those events, so you don't forget them.
Another fantastic benefit to bullet journaling is by creating these spreads, and you're putting yourself in a productive, positive mindset. With the right attitude, you can work your way first to figure out your goals and then plan to achieve them.
Future logs represent spreads that plan out the year. This can be your goals, events, things you want to learn, even your themes for each month. It's totally up to you!
bullet journal Grid-spacing Cheat Sheet
I was first introduced to using a cheat sheet from AmandaRachLee. I was hooked on her channel when I first started.
The Cheat spread is so helpful when making your layouts. Think about the page layout you want to create, then refer to this page to evenly draw the boxes across the page. This spread is a must-have, in my opinion.
Nothing is as annoying as planning out your whole spread, only to see you haven't made enough even boxes for all the days of the week.
Also, it takes the math out of the equation. So you won't need to count all those dots every time you start your spread.
bullet journal key page
Ryder Carroll has made it simple yet effective, and it's straightforward.
It consists of the following:
You can change this out to what suits you and even use color-coding, but try to keep it simple, so you don't get too confused. The whole goal is to simplify your life.
The key helps keep your lists organized in an easy way! Soon, you will learn them by heart and know exactly what has been done, canceled, or postponed!
Free Printables
I've since made my own printable, that I laminated (the grid spacing sheet) and always have ready on hand before I start. Want to grab your free copy, click on the resource hub to get access to this and so many more free resources that we are constantly adding. In addition to this bullet journal guide, head over to the resource hub, where we provide printables to help you start with ease.
Bullet Journal Monthly cover spread theme
You can go with a minimal style and write the month and calendar. On the other hand, if you want to enhance your creativity, think of a theme for that month. In order to get inspiration and choose a theme that makes you happy and motivated. You can get inspiration from Pinterest Instagram accounts that all provide unique ideas (Don't forget to follow my social accounts where I post all kinds of bullet journal spreads).
Once you are finished with this bullet journal guide, head over to our plan-with-me posts, where we go into detail and step-by-step on how to draw doodles and recreate our themes. Or simply take inspiration and make it your own, I highly recommend you check this out!
https://zpiecesdigital.com/plan-with-me/
A bullet journal helps organize and plan and gets you to practice getting creative with lettering, drawing, and whatever else you want to progress in. In addition, it's incredible to reflect on how much you get better along the way. I promise you; your last page will be way better than your first.
If you want to see a more in-depth post filled with monthly cover spreads, then this is the place to head over to next: Bullet Journal Monthly Cover – The Most Exciting Epic Spread
Bullet Journal Weekly And Daily Spreads
Weekly spreads aren't part of the original bullet journal system, but so many people have incorporated this spread into their journal's and for a good reason. So we decided we had to include it in our bullet journal guide. And there are so many ways to make a weekly spread.
There are so many ways to do a weekly spread, and you can try any one of them and see what works for you. The layouts are endless and have fun trying something new. You can make a 2-page layout with minimal design if you have a lot to jot down.
Daily spreads consist of a page for one day, which doesn't have to be every day. If you miss out on any spreads, It's an empty notebook, and you can pick up where you left off, even if it's been months.
Want to see more weekly spread inspiration?
19 Bullet Journal Weekly spread ideas-How to create beautiful layouts
And if you prefer a one-page spread, then this post is perfect for you!
How to make a bullet journal weekly spread one-page
Bullet Journal Trackers
Trackers can consist of grids, graphs, or doodles to track the habits you want to keep doing and even help you to stop the bad ones. To name a few:
- Habit trackers
- Mood trackers
- Sleep log
- Budget tracker
Make a list of what you want to track in your life and things you want to be consistent in. For example, taking vitamins or drawing every day. In other words, Trackers can help you build consistency in your life. You can try out different ones to see what works for you. They can also stop bad habits such as a no junk food tracker.
Not only are they a great way to help you get into the habit of daily tasks, but I love them because they're excellent for when you are learning a new skill (I've been learning modern calligraphy). It lets me know how much I consistently practiced my lettering that month.
Trackers are great and help you be the best you can by keeping track of the good and getting rid of the bad.
I have a complete Habit Track Guide if you want to know more...
If you want to learn more about mood trackers
12 Bullet Journal Mood Tracker ideas you need to try
Adding Quotes To Your Bullet Journal
I love adding quotes in my bullet journal. It is a great way to practice your lettering and, more importantly, a great way to practice having a positive mindset. If you read something that gets you motivated, create a spread.
Look for quotes that:
- motivate you
- keep you encouraged
- inspire you
- encourage you to be focused and productive
- remind you of all the things you should be grateful for
Adding quote pages will not only motivate you but make your journal beautiful to look at and use and you will practice all sorts of lettering and fun!
If you want to see more quote pages we have made, then check this out!
bullet journal quote page-How to make captivating spreads that inspire
Share On Social Media
While sharing on social media is not a must, you certainly don't need to share everything. I have found the bullet journal community so encouraging and inspiring. I love to comment and encourage others.
I've had the opportunity to meet so many creative people from all over the world, and it makes bullet journaling that much more enjoyable.
Life is hard; people supporting each other and being kind to one another is what the world needs more of right now!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and be part of the community.
Grab your free printables to help you get started. I hope you find them helpful.
Click here
I hope you found this beginner-friendly bullet journal guide helpful, more importantly, if you have any further questions, feel free to comment! We here at Zpiecesdigital would love to hear from our readers!
As always 'happy journaling everyone, and don't forget to stay safe.'