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The 5 Best Bullet Journals for Designers

Stuart Crawford

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Let us look at 5 of the best bullet journals that understand designers' needs and why they could work well with any new concept or creative exercise.

The 5 Best Bullet Journals for Designers

Amidst all the digital tools we can find today, we find solace in good old pen and paper because it has some magic.

For people who design things, bullet journaling isn't just nostalgic. It is a place where they can be creative, a ground for ideas to grow into projects and a roadmap for being productive.

But, not all journals are created equal. Some can light the spark while others become bookshelf decorations.

So, what makes a bullet journal “right” for designers? Paper quality isn’t everything here, and neither is cover design. It’s about discovering an instrument that makes your imaginative voice, arranges your chaotic brilliance and seems like part of your artistic self.

The best bullet journal is one that you will keep using every day with each idea after another — no excuses!

Let us look at five of the best bullet journals that understand designers' needs and why they could work well with any new concept, idea or daily creative exercise routine.

Why Bullet Journals Matter for Designers

The Bullet Journal Method Book Review 5

Before we delve into the details, let us discuss why bullet journals are so important to us as design people. 

You know, we designers think in pictures. We don’t just write down ideas; we draw, scribble, and colour them. 

A bullet journal is a planner and our personal idea playground; it is a canvas for thoughts and a project guide.

When was the last time an ordinary notebook represented your creative process? That’s right – never. 

This is where bullet journals come in: providing a flexible system that accommodates our methods of thought and work.

Sale
The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future
  • Hardcover Book
  • Carroll, Ryder (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 320 Pages – 10/23/2018 (Publication Date) – Portfolio (Publisher)

What Makes a Bullet Journal “Designer-Friendly”?

What is the difference between a regular bullet journal and one for designers? How can we tell them apart? It’s simple. Let me explain.

Paper quality: From light pencil sketches to heavy ink work, our pages must withstand it all without bleeding or ghosting.

Durability: As a busy designer who’s always on the move, my journal goes everywhere. It needs to be able to handle that kind of life!

Customisation: The ability to personalise is essential for any artist, especially us designers; we want our journals to be uniquely ours!

Layouts: Grids, dots… blank pages? A good designer’s bullet journal should have options – lots of them!

Extras: Little things go far in this industry. Pocket folders, bookmarks – even elastic closures can make all the difference sometimes.

Now that we’ve set these standards let’s find out which would best suit your needs as a designer!

Top Bullet Journals for Designers

1 – The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted Hardcover

I just love the Leuchtturm1917 – it’s such a versatile bullet journal. For creatives, it has everything:

  • 206 pages numbered with smooth paper that doesn’t let ink through
  • A dot grid for drawing or writing
  • Index and pocket included
  • It comes in lots of different colours
Leuchtturm1917 368952 Bullet Journal Edition 2 Green23, Medium A5, Hardcover, 206 Numbered Pages,Dotted
  • Built for BuJo: Edition 2 is packed with BuJo specific features including a Bullet Key, Index, and Future Log. The BuJo pocket guide is also included which features lots of new information and visual examples; a great resource for new and experience bullet journalists. Bonus – it fits into the back pocket of the notebook and serves as a ruler

So what’s unique about it? The paper is good quality, so you can use many pens without bleeding. Also, the dots are light enough not to get in the way of your design but still visible to help you line things up when necessary.

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2 – Archer & Olive A5 Dot Grid Notebook

If you love the heavy and creamy paper that can withstand anything, Archer & Olive is your brand. Here’s why designers are going gaga over them:

  • Thick paper: 160 GSM, to be exact!
  • No ghosting or bleeding, not even with Tombow Brush Pens
  • Beautiful cover designs
  • Opens flat

But let me tell you about the paper. You can use watercolours, brush pens — heck, even Copics! It’s like a sketchbook and planner combined in one.

3 – Moleskine Classic Notebook

“But wait,” I hear you say, “isn't Moleskine for writers?” Not anymore! Moleskine has upped its game with the Classic Notebook, and it's a designer's dream:

  • Thick, textured paper perfect for mixed media
  • Blank & Dotted pages for ultimate freedom
  • Expandable inner pocket
  • That classic Moleskine look and feel
Sale
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large (5″ x 8.25″) Dotted, Black, 240 Pages
  • CLASSIC MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK: Moleskine classic notebooks are perfect notebooks for writing journals, a daily diary, or note taking in college classes or meetings. Moleskine notebooks are beloved by travelers & bullet journalists for their slim design.

What makes it unique? The paper texture adds a lovely dimension to your sketches, and the blank pages are a playground for your wildest design ideas.

4 – Scribbles That Matter Pro, Dotted A5 Journal

Don't let the playful name fool you – this journal means business. Scribbles That Matter has created a bullet journal that's as functional as it is fun:

  • 160 GSM paper that's bleed-proof and ghost-proof
  • Pre-printed index and key page
  • Pen test page (genius!)
  • Unique cover designs
A5 Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook by STM | Thick Bleedproof 160gsm Paper, 150 Pages | Lay Flat Vegan Leather Hardcover | 2 Bookmarks, Printed Page numbers | Black Pen | 5.75 x 8.5 in | Aqua
  • Create Your Dream Journal: Scribbles That Matters presents a journal that makes your bullet journaling dreams come true—without the nightmares of cheap paper or setup stress. You focus on writing and creating spreads, we have got the rest covered.

The game-changer? That pen test page. No more guessing which pens will work best – you can try them all out right in your journal!

5 – Rhodia Webnotebook Dot Grid

For those who appreciate minimalism and quality, the Rhodia Webnotebook is a classic choice:

  • Smooth, ivory-coloured 90 GSM paper
  • Subtle dot grid
  • Elegant, understated design
  • Pocket-friendly size options
Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black (47391EX)
  • Size of web notebook – A5/140 x 210 mm
  • The paper within the web notebook is 90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum
  • The web notebook has a leatherette cover with an elasticated strap
  • The web notebook has 96 sheets
  • The web notebook has a coloured ribbon and an expanding pocket at the back for loose documents

What's to love? The paper is a joy to write and draw on, and the subtle ivory colour adds a touch of warmth to your creations.

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Customising Your Bullet Journal: Making It Uniquely Yours

Now that we’ve covered the best journals, let’s discuss making them your own. After all, we’re designers–customisation is in our blood!

Cover Decorations

Why stick with a bland cover when you can turn it into a work of art? Consider:

  • Writing your name or a favourite quote in fancy lettering
  • Making a collage out of things that inspire you
  • Putting washi tape on in any geometric design
  • Creating an abstract with paint markers

Your journal is an extension of yourself. Make that cover sing!

Page Layouts

The great thing about bullet journaling is that you can make layouts that work for you. Here are some ideas to get started:

  • Project timelines with little sketches alongside them
  • Mood boards for different clients’ aesthetics
  • Explorations of colour palettes you like together
  • Pages where you practice different styles of typography

Don’t be afraid to try new things; your perfect layout might not have been invented yet!

Tracking Systems

Between multiple projects, deadlines, and random bursts of inspiration, we have a lot on our plates as designers. Create tracking systems that keep everything under control.

For example:

  • A client project tracker–complete with a progress bar so they know how far along things are.
  • Logs for skill development (what did I learn this week?)
  • Catalogues are full of what has inspired you lately–anything from movies to quotes to other people’s designs.
  • Time blocking schedules: when are you most productive?

The key here is making these visually attractive enough to engage with daily. If it’s not fun…you won’t do it!

Maximising Your Bullet Journal for Design Work

Bullet Journal Method

Let's talk about how the bullet journal can streamline the design process.

Capturing Ideas

Have you ever had a fantastic thought strike you at the weirdest time? Jot it down here:

  • Rough sketches of concepts
  • Brainstorming words for branding
  • Palettes for different moods
  • Flowcharts for UI/UX designs

Pro tip: Save some pages in your journal for these random bursts.

Planning Projects

Break large projects into smaller tasks:

  • Make checklists with tasks and subtasks
  • Include critical milestones on a timeline
  • Set aside pages for client feedback and revisions
  • Colour code priorities on your task lists

Seeing everything laid out will help you stay on track & keep your spirits high as you work through each stage.

Building Skills

Learning never stops when it comes to design! Keep track of what and when:

  • Monthly learning goals or topics to study up on
  • A ‘design challenge’ calendar with topic prompts each week/month
  • List of tutorials completed with a summary of takeaway(s)
  • Rank self-comfort levels with different design software/hardware/etc.

Seeing visual proof that we’re improving at what we love doing is satisfying!

Client Communication

Keep all relevant info in one place:

  • Create client profile page(s) with name, project type, due dates, etc.
  • Log meeting notes & action items (what needs to be done by whom & by when)
  • Sketch out initial concepts together during meetings — get them engaged early!
  • Track revisions made & feedback given throughout the project lifespan

Organising this way makes our lives easier and makes us look more put-together!

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Enhancing Your Bullet Journal with Design Tools

Let’s discuss the fun part – the supplies that will make your bullet journal pop!

Pens and Markers

  • Sakura Pigma Micron: Excellent for small details and won’t go through
  • Tombow Dual Brush Pens: Ideal for lettering and colour coding
  • Staedtler Triplus Fineliners: A variety of colours to give it a little more oomph
SAKURA Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens – Archival Black Ink Pens – For Writing, Drawing, or Journaling – Black Ink – 05 Point Size – 6 Pack
  • The Go-To Tool for Art, Work & Play: Black pens create precise marks that stand the test of time
  • Point Size: Contains 6 of the 05 (0.45mm) Micron pen; provides precise lines with no bleed
  • Archival Quality: Sakura Micron Pen ink is waterproof, fade resistant, bleed free, quick drying, and pH neutral
  • Create Freely: Pigma Micron pens use color from single pigments for color consistency, every time
  • High-Quality, Every Time: Our Japanese quality Sakura pens deliver professional results

Embellishments

  • Washi tape: Can be used as borders, tabs or decorative elements
  • Stickers: Add quick visual interest or mark important pages.
  • Stamps: For recurring elements in your layouts
Sale
12 Sets 600 Sheets Washi Stickers for Journaling, Daily Quote Flower Nature Travel Stickers Vintage Aesthetic Scrapbook Sticker Set for Bullet Journal Art Diary Card Craft Gifts Planner Notebook
  • 600 Pcs scrapbooking supplies pack. This self-adhesive sticker set of 12 packs, each pack of 50 pieces. Size information: these artistic stickers measure approx. 1.6 x 2.4 inches. A large vintage junk journal collection of all kinds of vintage ephemera journaling stickers goodies!

Rulers and Stencils

  • Clear ruler: Gives you clean straight lines every time.
  • Circle templates: Used for charts, diagrams, etc..
  • Bullet journal-specific stencils: Quick and consistent layouts.
Aleks Melnyk No.423 Metal Stencil for Bullet Journaling, Makeselife Stencil Bookmark, Planning, Banners, Lines, Lists, Planner Stamps, Habit Tracker, Dot Journal Stencil for Diary, Template, Scrapbook
  • Metal Stencil for bullet journaling, productivity planner, daily planning, weekly and monthly spreads, calligraphy lettering guide, drafting lettering, drawing, taking notes in albums notebooks diaries

These tools are designed to help bring out your creativity, not replace it. Let them be a jumping-off point and see where it takes you!

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Overcoming Common Bullet Journal Challenges

Even though you may have a perfect diary or tools, there could be some obstacles. Let’s face them:

Blank Page Syndrome

We’ve all been there – looking at a blank sheet of paper for hours. Here is how to deal with it:

  • Start with a simple border or frame
  • Use a quote or single word as your starting point
  • Begin with a colour or texture and let it guide you

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Just start!

Consistency Struggles

Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget about our journals. To stay consistent:

  • Set a specific time each day for journaling
  • Keep a journal and tools where you can see them easily
  • Start small – even 5 minutes per day counts!

Use a journal for things that make you happy, not just tasks.

Comparison Trap

Seeing all those beautiful bullet journals spread on social media can make us feel inadequate. Here’s how to fight that feeling:

  • Functional over aesthetic – always!
  • Remember that many online spreads exist only for display purposes
  • Be proud of your unique style and progress
  • Let others’ work inspire you, but never let it become a benchmark for your abilities.

Your bullet journal serves YOU, not Instagram likes!

Integrating Digital Tools with Your Bullet Journal

Evernote Bullet Journal

Designers exist in both the digital and analogue realms. To ensure your bullet journal functions well with technology, follow these steps:

  • Utilise QR codes: these barcodes can link to digital files, inspiration boards or project briefs.
  • Create an index in Evernote or Notion that matches your physical journal.
  • Snap pictures of your spreads for easy reference while out and about
  • Let the journal be a place for initial ideation before refining on-screen

You want no friction between your tactile journalling and digital design work.

Bullet Journalling for Different Design Disciplines

You can adapt your bullet journal to fit your needs, whether you are a graphic designer, UI/UX specialist or illustrator.

For Graphic Designers:

For UI/UX Designers:

  • Draw user flow diagrams
  • Create wireframes for mobile apps
  • Write down feedback from users testing your product as well as any insights gained through that process

For Illustrators:

  • Try out different art styles in the pages of your bullet journal
  • Design sheets for characters you’ve created can be placed here, too!
  • Keep track of all those daily drawing challenges on one page!

Bullet journals are versatile and can be used in any design field.

Conclusion: Your Bullet Journal, Your Design Companion

We have travelled through bullet journals for designers, from the best notebooks to creative uses. 

The perfect bullet journal is not about having the most luxurious spreads or the priciest tools. Instead, it should be a system that makes you more creative, productive and happy in your design process.

But let me tell you something: a bullet journal is much more than just a notebook. It’s your ideas’ canvas, creativity’s playground and design journey’s loyal friend. 

Take this diary of yours and uncap that pen – your next game-changing design could be one page flip away!

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FAQs:

How many times should I update my bullet journal?

While you can be flexible with this, daily or weekly updates are recommended to track what’s happening in your life and around you.

Can I use my iPad instead of a physical notebook for bullet journalling?

Yes! This is called digital bullet journalling and is gaining popularity by the day. Apps such as Goodnotes or Procreate work great for this.

What if I make mistakes in my bullet journal?

Embrace them! They add some personality to it. You can cover them using correction tape or stickers or incorporate the mistake into your design.

Should I choose dotted, grid, or blank pages for my bullet journal?

It depends on what you prefer. Dotted pages allow flexibility, grids are suitable for structured layouts, and blank pages give complete freedom – try each and see which works best for you!

Can bullet journalling help improve my design skills?

Yes! Consistent practice in your journal will enhance sketching, layout, and ideation abilities that easily translate into professional design work.

Is it necessary to invest in expensive journals and tools?

No, not really. Although high-quality materials can significantly enhance one’s experience with bujo-ing, they aren’t necessary at first – start where you are and upgrade later on as you like.

How do I find time for bullet journalling with such a hectic schedule?

Start small; even 5-10 minutes daily can make a big difference. You could also do it during your morning routine or as part of a wind-down activity before bed.

What if I’m not good at drawing or hand-lettering?

Remember that your bullet journal is meant for you only, so don’t worry too much about how it looks. Focus on functionality first and let skills develop over time – many simple techniques can be learnt to jazz up pages.

Can I use my bullet journal for personal and professional projects?

Yes! It’s pretty convenient for designers to have everything in one place. The only caveat would be if client confidentiality is involved.

How do I keep motivated to continue using my bullet journal?

Set goals, celebrate wins (even small ones), and don’t forget why you started! Joining communities of fellow bujo enthusiasts also helps with this.

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Written By
Stuart Crawford
Stuart Crawford is an award-winning creative director and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience building memorable and influential brands. As Creative Director at Inkbot Design, a leading branding agency, Stuart oversees all creative projects and ensures each client receives a customised brand strategy and visual identity.

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