Best Tips on How to Pick the Perfect Planner & Journal

Having the ideal planner is a really valuable tool that can help you achieve your objectives in 2022/2023! Like any other projects, it is beneficial to gain some insights to get you going. We hope by offering some guidance on how to set aspirations in your planners to achieve your goals. With 17 & 12 month planners available for those who have work and leisure plans made for the year. It's not too early to think about planners and dated journals for 2023! 

#1 Establish a Theme or Goal In Mind

Setting goals is important, but making them achievable is the key to setting the right goals for you. You can gradually work towards your larger goals by breaking them down into smaller ones. This way, you won't become overwhelmed while completing them. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a list of short term goals and begin planning them according to your preferred timeline!

#2 Hard Cover vs Soft Cover

Are you looking for functionality or compactness? Hard cover provides more durability and stability when creating your own drawings or calligraphy on your planner. However it also creates more bulkiness and inflexibility for carrying it around. If you are looking for a more compact and flexible planner to work around with a Leuchtturm soft cover planners may just be the one for you! If you prefer something more classic you can check out our new range of Kate Spade planners here.

Here are some planners we have to get you covered!

#3 Choose a Type of Paper Print That Suits You

Selecting the perfect paper print is essential as it creates the best foundation for you. Grids, lines, dots, and plain/blank paper prints are the four types of paper prints. Dotted prints, in our opinion, are the most popular and easiest to work with. It provides the ideal canvas for creativity with its balanced structure and open space. In contrast to more structural and rigid prints like lines and grids. Those options, however, are beneficial for a more organized timeline structure. And if you're more artistic and prefer to work with a blank canvas, plain paper will suffice!

We provide all of the above four types of paper prints. You can check them out here!

#4 Achieve The Best Results With the Right Paper Weight

Because of the paper weight and surface treatment, different papers are best suited for different applications. Normal and cartridge paper, for example, are suitable for pencil and light ink work. This is commonly used in planner entries for calligraphy and light sketches. Watercolor paper is treated with a gelatin coating or sizing. The sizing makes watercolour pigment appear more vibrant and keeps it on the surface. Some papers are not sized but still work well with watercolours. The sizing determines how dry the paper is. Some papers are very dry and difficult to work with, while others are perfectly sized. Because watercolor paper has a higher grammage (gsm) than planner paper, it can become very bulky after a few pages. If you are looking for a good base to cover all ranges, planner entries could be ideal for you.

#5 Pick a Suitable Pen & Inks For Your Creation

Having the right pens is essential because it sets the tone for your journaling journey. The type of ink and the nib of the pen are two of the most common problems encountered by Bujo users when using the incorrect pen. When your pen ink seeps through the pages or leaves smudges everywhere, it can be aggravating.Beginners may find it easier to begin their first Bujo journey with a ballpoint pen and gradually progress to other types of pens. Brush pens, if not used carefully, will seep and bleed through the pages. Once you've become acquainted with the paper and the layout aesthetics you want to build on, it'll be easier to pick up other pens to help diversify your entries. If you are already comfortable writing calligraphy letters, we recommend using brush pens or quill pens. We've put together a list of Kelly Creates pens to help you get started with your planning!

Here is some of our collection of Pen & Inks for you!

#6 Align Your Goal With The Type Of Book Binding 

Bookbinding is associated with the type of cover you've chosen for your books. The type of binding depends on your personal preferences and planning style. If you prefer to go with the flow and write without a layout plan. A file binder and loose papers are great for longer entries with the flexibility of adding, removing or rearranging the entries. If you ever run out of space or entries to slot in all you need is to get paper refillable to get you going! A standard book binding with a soft cover for those who prefer to use their books in a more compact manner. For those who intend to keep their planners for a long time, hard covers with traditional book binding are highly recommended. Last but not least, left-handlers that struggle with writing on journal entries on spiral bindings. We would recommend a ‘open flat’ notebook that uses a threaded binding technique that allows the book to be laid completely flat on any surface to allow writing. 

#7 Decide on Your Favourite Design & Layout

Find new ideas on Pinterest to give yourself a rough idea of how you want to sketch out your plans. It can be something simple or crafty to help you develop a habit of planning. If starting from scratch seems too daunting, we have some pre-designed planners to get you started. From positive and bright themed Ban.do Planners to minimalistic and classic Kate Spade planners. The devil is in the details, look out for details on each page they’re filled with incredible artwork, tons of stickers, easy to follow layouts to plan your schedules in!

Here are some ready made planners to start you off!

#8 Add on Some Accessories

Aside from selecting the best papers for stationery. Stickers, including stamps, can help you up your bullet journaling game! Making active planning in your journals a pleasurable activity than a chore. Additional add-ons such as a pen holder or a belly band would convenient for non spiral notebooks. You can also change up your notebook cover while also providing protection with journal covers as well! 

All journals and materials are both available in-store at Papermarket Greatworld #01-120 and Online. Shop here!

Till our next blog post!

With lots of love,

The PaperMarket Team