Happy Journaling! 📝

Right, so I've been keeping journals for years now - most of the time I would type out my thoughts on a laptop except the occasional scribbling on my planner, a habit I picked up post-pandemic. For context I am very comfortable with technology (that's what I do for work) and a lot of all my design work are done digitally, but there is just something special about a pretty notebook and a good old-fashioned pen-and-paper journal... plus it gives me the opportunity to practise my handwriting and calligraphy!

Recently, I started writing by hand again and I just wanted to share how I manage the 4 journals that I have (to date!):

1. Planner - this is a functional one for organising meetings and activities, I always use a A5/pocket-sized pre-printed monthly and weekly diary. Over the years I've used a variety of stationery brands, this year I am using this one I bought from Amazon. My favourite has to be Moleskine, but I would love to try the Erin Condren LifePlanner/ monthly planners one day!

   

   
   

2. Travel Journal - picked this up in 2019 just before COVID hit. The journal became stale for the next 4 years but it is now back - and better! Different to all my other journals, this one involves lots of stickers, masking tape, and printed photos - most stickers are handmade with my Cricut machine and the 2"x3" photos are printed with my Lifeprint photo printer!

   

   
   

3. Bullet Journal - started this journal just 3 weeks ago which focuses on personal growth and any new ideas in general. It is less structured than the Planner notebook but gives me full creative autonomy to design how I want to track my thoughts and habits.

   
   
   

   
   
   

4. Learning Journal - a preview to the latest additional to the journal set. I started a new hobby/ pastime just this month and this journal captures all the notes or findings throughout this learning journey. Got this beautiful dotted notebook from Lane Crawford HK a few years back and finally found the right occasion to use it! Stay tuned to find out about this new "hobby" :)

   

   
   

Also wanted to share (some of) my pen collection - unfortunately I do have more pens than I need but these are the ones that I use regularly:

• Dual Art Markers - I don't remember where I got these Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen dupes from, but they are your must-have staples for journaling!

• STABILO Pen 68 Felt Tips - first came across these on Art Attack! and I was obsessed! Personally I love the Pen 68 more than the Pen 88 fineliner - you can always use the fine tip in your dual brush pens for finer lines.

• Tombow Fudenosuke brush pens - best brush pens to write with, great quality ink, brush tip is not too soft and very easy to control even for beginners.

• Uniball Signo UM153 Roller Pen in white - love this for any highlights on top of coloured brush pens, or just on dark card paper!

• Sakura Pen-Touch 1.0mm Fine Point - really nice markers that works on a variety of surfaces, comes in black, white, metallics and coloured (with silver shadow). Great for signing guest books.

• Calligraphy dip pen and ink - see where I learnt calligraphy in this post!

Final thoughts - I still use my digital journals for anything that is more formal or visual/image-heavy as it is easier to re-read and share around. But writing by hand just adds that personal and creative touch that makes all the difference! Here's to those who still receive handwritten cards or letters - you are incredibly lucky to have someone who cares enough to slow down, be present, and truly connect with you in this fast-paced, digital world ❤️