The Bullet Journal (aka “bujo”) is growing fad in the #adulting world, and I have say, I am here for it.
I love my bullet journal. It gives me complete control over how I organize and design it, it demands creativity from me on a weekly basis, and it shows me where I’ve succeeded and where I need work.
There are other articles on this blog as to why the bullet journal has been so effective for me, but here, I’d like to just focus on the artistic side.
Most bullet journals start from scratch. The person has to draw up their bujo. I decide how I map out my months, weeks, and days, I decide what spreads go into it and what habits or feelings I want to track, and I get to go ham with whatever colours, shapes, animals, lettering I want in my theme.
It’s great.
Like most bujoists out there, my Pinterest is bulging with ideas. And I thought I’d share my long-time favourites today.
Doodle Boxes
This single-page spread is a favourite of mine. I use it a lot. I can fit a full week on a single page and still have a place to doodle.
Because it’s a small spread, I typically use it on weeks where I don’t have appointments or lots of to-dos.
This spread is great if you’re big on bullet points and in need of some doodle space.
Cat Halloweens
Guys, I’m a huge fan of these cat, candle, pumpkin, witchy October spreads. Growing up with Hocus Pocus as my primary Halloween movie certainly set me up for that.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the cartoon Halloween themes, too. But there’s something epically “Halloween” about the sketch-likeness of this example.
It feels spooky. And classic. 🙂
Early Coffee Mornings
Who else thinks this is relaxing? I don’t even drink coffee, and I love this.
In my first few months of bullet journaling, I adjusted this theme to tea. This was all the way back in 2018. That’s how long I have loved this theme.
Animals
In case you haven’t noticed on my Instagram, I love animals, and bujo animal spreads are no exceptions.
There’s a time and a place for cartoon animals, but there’s something fabulous about these real-life representations, too. Some people are just so talented. (Nana, I’m looking at you.)
Simple Monochrome
I’m someone who is typically very colourful in her spreads, but every now and again, I find myself working in black and white. Sometimes you just need to get away from colour.
I like the simplicity of this spread. I don’t tend to use minimalist style in my own journal, but this is pretty. It kind of looks like it’s published in a book. It’s very official and clean.
Dreamcatchers
I’m partial to Native American themes in art. They’re always beautiful, and I love incorporating symbols from a bunch of different cultures into my bujo themes. Dreamcatchers are a simpler artefact to draw, and they can look so classic.
This one does not disappoint on either account. The colour palette is perfect for that softer spread, if you’re having a Thanksgiving season to yourself. (Hopefully we all get to celebrate with our families this year!)
The dots in this piece are particularly appealing. The dots are kind of peaceful. I’ll certainly be including them in a new spread soon.
Dots, Dots, Dots.
Y’all, I told you. These dots are growing on me.
The Invite
I first saw this on a Google search after @amandarachlee did a To All the Boys I Loved Before-style spread. In case you haven’t noticed, I prefer the spreads that tell a story. This theme is romantic and feminine, plus it’s pink and green which is my favourite colour combo.
It gives off a wedding invitation vibe, and I love it.
Japanese Lettering
Okay, I know, I know. Who doesn’t love the cherry blossom spreads? I do, too.
However, in this case, I’m most interested in the lettering. It’s reminiscent of Japanese characters, but it spells English words. It’s super clever.
And you can find more versions of this theme on Rachel’s Instagram and Google.
Paint
Last but certainly not least, are the painted spreads. I’ve followed some of these bujo artists on YouTube. Those of you who paint your spreads are literally so talented!
As a writer, I am always obsessed with these spreads. They always look amazing. Especially this one, looks like I’ve fallen inside a novel.
…I want to go read now.
