Art Journaling
December 22, 2024
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Finding the right planner style is all about matching it to your lifestyle and needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
| Feature | Hobonichi Weeks | Hobonichi Cousin | Erin Condren | Bullet Journal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact | A5 size | 7"x9" | Varies |
| Portability | Very portable | Moderate | Less portable | Depends on notebook |
| Customization | Limited | Moderate | Pre-structured | Unlimited |
| Layout Style | Weekly + notes | Weekly + daily | Vertical/Hourly | Fully customizable |
| Best For | Minimalists | Detailed planning | Goal tracking | Creative layouts |
Your choice depends on your routine, level of detail, and whether you prefer structure or creative freedom. Start with what feels natural to you and adjust as your needs evolve.
The Hobonichi Weeks is a slim, portable planner perfect for those who need to stay organized while on the move. Its vertical weekly layout shows Monday through Sunday on the left-hand page, while the right-hand page is blank – ideal for jotting down notes, tasks, or even sketching out ideas. Made with Tomoe River paper, it’s lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle fountain pens without ink bleeding through.
What sets the Hobonichi Weeks apart is its dual-page layout. This planner style strikes a great balance between structured scheduling and open-ended note-taking. The back also includes a small section of note pages, handy for quick meeting notes or brainstorming, all while keeping the planner compact. While the vertical layout might take a little time to get used to, it offers a clear, streamlined view of your week.
Here’s a quick comparison between the Hobonichi Weeks and another popular option, the Hobonichi Cousin:
| Feature | Hobonichi Weeks | Hobonichi Cousin |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact (fits in pocket) | Full-size (A5) |
| Layout | Weekly overview + notes | Daily, weekly, monthly |
| Note Pages | Small section at back | Plenty throughout |
The Hobonichi Weeks is a great choice for those who prefer a minimalist approach. It’s especially appealing for busy professionals or students who want a lightweight planner that still packs a punch in terms of functionality.
If you need more room for detailed daily planning, though, the Hobonichi Cousin might be a better fit, offering a larger format and more comprehensive layouts.
The Hobonichi Cousin is an A5-sized planner designed for those who love having plenty of space to organize their daily lives. Unlike its smaller counterpart, the Weeks, the Cousin planner style offers a horizontal weekly layout that stretches each day across the page, giving you more room to jot down your schedule and tasks.
This planner is divided into three main sections – monthly, weekly, and daily – making it easy to organize everything from big-picture plans to detailed daily notes. Each section is marked with color-coded tabs for quick navigation. The daily pages include a 24-hour timeline for precise scheduling, along with open space for notes, journaling, or even sketching. Whether you’re planning your day, reflecting on your thoughts, or capturing memories, this planner has room for it all.
There are also extra features like graph paper for visual planning, gift lists, and a "My 100" page for tracking goals or habits. While its A5 size makes it less portable than the compact Weeks, it’s perfect for keeping on your desk or slipping into a larger bag when you’re on the go.
| Section | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Big-picture planning | Color-coded tabs, calendar grid |
| Weekly | Detailed scheduling | Horizontal layout, space for notes |
| Daily | In-depth planning | 24-hour timeline, free space |
The Hobonichi Cousin is a great fit for professionals managing packed schedules, creatives blending planning with journaling, or anyone who enjoys having plenty of room to document their day-to-day life. If you’re looking for something more colorful and customizable, Erin Condren planners might be worth exploring as an alternative.
Erin Condren planners stand out with their eye-catching designs, sturdy covers, and plenty of ways to make them your own. The popular LifePlanner™ comes in three layout options – vertical, horizontal, and hourly – so you can pick the planner style that fits your needs best.
| Layout Style | Ideal For | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Daily schedules, time-blocking | Divided into morning, afternoon, and evening sections |
| Horizontal | Task management, note-taking | Wide daily spaces with room for checklists |
| Hourly | Detailed plans, appointments | Hour-by-hour slots for precise scheduling |
These planners use premium 80# Mohawk paper, which resists ink bleeding and works great with markers, stickers, and other creative tools. Measuring 7" x 9", they provide plenty of space for planning and decorating, though they’re larger than compact options like the Hobonichi Weeks.
Priced between $50 and $100, Erin Condren planners include thoughtful features like reinforced covers, dual bookmarks, and a pocket folder for added durability and convenience. You can also find a variety of accessories, such as stickers, dashboards, and inserts, to enhance your planning experience.
Though they are bulkier than simpler alternatives, their extra space is perfect for adding stickers, washi tape, and other decorative touches. The coiled binding allows the planner to lie flat, making it easier to use. These planners are especially popular with teachers, creative professionals, and anyone who enjoys combining organization with a bit of flair.
If you’re looking for even more freedom to customize, you might want to explore bullet journals as an alternative.
"The bullet journal is a method, not a product. It’s a way of organizing your thoughts and tasks in a way that makes sense to you." – Ryder Carroll
Bullet journals are a customizable way to plan and organize your life. Created by Ryder Carroll, this planner style uses a simple notebook – usually with dot-grid pages – as its foundation. It combines organization with a touch of creativity, offering a balance between structure and personal expression.
Popular choices for bullet journaling include the Leuchtturm1917 and Rhodia Webnotebook, which typically cost between $15-30. These notebooks are known for their durable paper that works well with various pens and markers, minimizing issues like ink bleeding or ghosting.
| Layout Element | Purpose | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Index | Helps you navigate | Tracks page numbers and content locations |
| Future Log | For long-term planning | Notes annual events, goals, and deadlines |
| Monthly Log | Gives a month overview | Tracks appointments, deadlines, and habits |
| Daily Log | Focuses on day-to-day details | Lists tasks, events, and notes for each day |
What makes bullet journals stand out is how easily they can be tailored to your needs. You can include features like habit trackers, mood logs, reading lists, or project planners – all in one notebook. The system uses simple symbols (dots for tasks, circles for events, and dashes for notes) to keep things organized.
While some people enjoy creating artistic, elaborate spreads, many now prefer simpler, more functional layouts. If you’re just starting, it’s a good idea to stick with basic designs before trying more complex ones. The beauty of this system is how it can grow and change with you, offering a planning method that feels completely your own.
Bullet journals are undeniably flexible and personal, but how do they stack up against other types of planners? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Let’s take a closer look at how each planner style stacks up in terms of usability and features. The choice often boils down to your preferred layout, how much space you need, and what you plan to use it for.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Hobonichi Weeks | Hobonichi Cousin | Erin Condren | Bullet Journal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact | A5 size | Letter size | Varies |
| Portability | Very portable | Moderate portability | Less portable | Depends on notebook |
| Layout Style | Vertical weekly | Horizontal weekly + daily | Vertical weekly with sections | Fully customizable |
| Customization | Limited | Moderate | Pre-structured | Unlimited |
| Best For | Simple planning | Detailed scheduling | Goal tracking | Creative layouts |
| Setup Time | Ready to use | Ready to use | Ready to use | Requires setup |
This planner is compact and easy to carry, making it great for professionals or anyone who needs a quick, portable solution. However, its small size means there’s less room for detailed notes or journaling.
If you need more space and a detailed layout, the Hobonichi Cousin is a solid choice. With its A5 size, it offers weekly timetables and plenty of note pages, catering to those who want to manage both daily tasks and long-term plans.
Known for its structured layouts and vibrant designs, Erin Condren planners are perfect for people who like setting and tracking goals. The downside? Their larger size makes them less convenient to carry around.
For those who love creative freedom, bullet journals are unmatched. You can design every page to fit your needs, whether for habit tracking, brainstorming, or planning. Keep in mind, though, that this level of customization takes time and effort to set up.
Each planner has its strengths, so think about your planning style and daily needs before making a choice.
Selecting a planner isn’t just about picking a notebook – it’s about finding a tool that fits your life and boosts your productivity. We’ve explored options like the Hobonichi series, Erin Condren planners, and bullet journals, each catering to different preferences and routines.
Think about your daily habits. If you’re constantly on the go, the slim and portable Hobonichi Weeks might suit you best. Need more room for detailed schedules or notes? The Hobonichi Cousin offers a spacious A5 layout perfect for that. For those who crave creativity and customization, a bullet journal provides endless possibilities to design a system that works for you.
Remember, your needs might shift over time. A planner that feels perfect during a hectic project might seem excessive during quieter periods. Budget is another factor – basic bullet journals can be cost-effective, while premium planners might come with a higher price tag.
Don’t be afraid to try out a different planner style and systems. The ideal planner is the one that feels natural to use and helps you stay on top of your goals. Whether you enjoy the structure of pre-designed templates or the flexibility of blank pages, there’s a planner out there ready to help you stay organized and focused.
Planners come in a variety of styles, each designed to meet different needs. Some common types include life planners for personal goals, academic planners for students, and teacher planners for organizing lessons. There are also fitness planners, family organizers, and even specialized planners like wedding planners.
For instance, a fitness planner might include sections for tracking workouts, meal prep, and progress photos. On the other hand, a family organizer could feature color-coded schedules for each family member, along with shared grocery lists to keep everyone on the same page.
With so many options out there, it’s all about finding one that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.
Picking the right planner starts with understanding your daily habits and what you want to achieve. Here are a few key factors to consider:
You can also personalize your planner with stickers, inserts, or other accessories to make it truly yours. The goal is to choose a planner that fits your style and helps you stay organized.
Stickers Made for Planning
Our custom stickers are a fuss-free way to brighten up your planner pages with perfectly-sized designs that add a spark of personality to every layout.
Why use planner stickers?
Planner stickers make organizing easy, fun, and personal! Add color, creativity, and structure to every page, transforming your planner into a tool that reflects you. Perfect for tracking, decorating, and staying inspired daily!
Hello and welcome!
I’m Rachael Snow, a lifelong artist and entrepreneur, and I started Dark Moon Paper to blend my love of art, technology, and the mysterious beauty of the world around us. My sticker kits are meant to set the mood, tell a story, and give you a little escape from the ordinary.
I work from my cozy studio tucked away in the beautiful woods of Oregon, surrounded by nature and a dark night sky full of stars.