I love notebooks. At any given time, I have at least three that I write in continuously, each with its own purpose.
The first is a dotted A4 Leuchtturm 1917 ([link to buy]). I use it for work because I love the numbered pages and the balance it strikes between structure and flexibility. It helps me stay organized without feeling boxed in.
The second is my art journal. I use the Ranger Dylusions Creative Journal (see them here). I love these because there’s a pocket for all the ephemera we pick up day to day and because the paper can hold up to paint, collage and pretty much anything. This one is a mix of freestyle scrapbook, gratitude journal, and junk journal. It’s where I document moments so that time doesn’t slip away unnoticed. When I look back, I can see what happened on a random Thursday eight years ago. My hope is that my kids will treasure these glimpses into my life someday.
The third is my day-to-day notebook. For this one I love the $10 sketchbooks that are Michael’s brand. It’s where I track astrology, moon cycles, and jot down inspiration from daily meditations. Recently, I came across an older version of this kind of notebook and was struck by how much art I included back then. These days, my day-to-day notebook is mostly text—but flipping through that older one inspired me to bring more creativity back into my daily practice.
Notebooks are more than just paper and binding—they’re a way to capture life as it happens and preserve it for the future.
My Favorite Tools
Of course, no notebook is complete without the right tools! My favorite pens are the Sharpie fine-tip pens. They dry quickly, and I can paint over them without worrying about smudging or bleeding. Speaking of painting, I love using acrylic paint in my journals. It adds such a vibrant, tactile quality to the pages. For sticking photos, paper scraps, or anything else, Uhu glue sticks are my go-to—they’re reliable and easy to use.
Why It All Matters
For me, notebooks are more than just a creative outlet—they’re a way of grounding myself in the moment while preserving pieces of life to look back on later. Whether it’s documenting work, art, or daily inspiration, these pages are a reflection of who I am at any given time. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll help inspire someone else!
Brilliantly Bri Art 