This post is part of a series that introduces beginners to the art of bullet journaling. If you’re new to bullet journals, start here. You’ll want to understand the basic mechanics before you start creating your most professional Bullet Journal yet.
Let’s start by looking into the best journal supplies used by professional bullet journal artists. If you want to learn more about Bullet Journaling in general, check out the official website, or order Ryder Carroll’s book from Amazon:
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If you want to be super legit you can purchase the official “Bullet Journal” from the Bullet Journal website. They cost a pretty penny but look really cool. Just note that I’ve never purchased one and this is not an endorsement of that notebook.
Professional Bullet Journal Supplies
Basic Elements of an Ideal Bullet Journal:
- Size – Make sure it’s small enough to carry *everywhere* and large enough to record all your wonderful ideas and notes.
- Elastic Closing Band – This might not be necessary for everyone, but I need this. Not only does it keep the notebook closed, thus protecting those precious pages; but it can also be used as a pen loop when the notebook doesn’t have one.
- Page Style – They should be blank or dotted. As a novel creation tool, you will need to make grids, sections, charts, sketches, etc… Lines makes this a bit awkward.
- Page Thickness – You don’t want your ink to bleed through pages and ruin your notes.
- Page Assembly – Pages should not be ripping or falling out everywhere. Get a notebook that has sewn pages if you can. They hold up to the rough treatment writers put their notebooks through.
- Strong Cover – Like a shield, your cover needs to be impenetrable. It should be thick enough to withstand whatever chaos life brings on. Even better if it covers the pages completely to prevent water damage.
1. Recommended Bullet Journal Supplies – Notebooks
You can choose any notebook you like. There is no set rule on which notebook must be used for bullet journaling. However, as indicated above, there are some that function better than others.
The A5 Leuchtturm1917 Dot Grid Notebook is the best:
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- They’re durable. They have a sturdy cover and thick pages that don’t bleed ink.
- These notebooks come with dot grid pages which are very versatile for charts, sketches, notes, and more.
- High quality, Leuchtturm1917 is an industry standard. Their notebooks are extremely well made, with writers in mind.
- Each one comes with two silk bookmark ribbons.
- Numbered pages allow for top tier organization.
- The index at the front of these notebooks allows you to easily catalog and reference your most important ideas.
The Moleskine Professional Notebook is another great choice:
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- The Moleskine Professional Notebook is great as a “Novel Bullet Journal.”
- The page format works well for everything from world-building to character creation.
- It has all the same features as the Leuchtturm1917, except for the page design. It’s not dot grid, but set up like this:
The runner up in this series is the Scribbles That Matter Notebook:
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- Scribbles That Matter Notebooks come in a variety of cover designs, sizes, and page formats.
- They have everything the Leuchtturm1917 does, but at a steeper price. (About $10.00 (US) more.)
- If you’re looking for a fashion notebook with full functionality and durability, this is the best choice.
- Read a full review of Scribbles That Matter notebooks here.
Whichever notebook you choose, make sure you love it. Or you will lose interest and stop using it.
2. Pens & Fineliners Ideal for Bullet Journaling
- There are many options when it comes to bullet journal pens. They range from everyday writing tools to fancy calligraphy pens.
- For everyday writing, try these Staples Postscript pens because they’re smooth and the 1.0mm point type is perfect for rapid note taking.
- You want pens that don’t bleed through your pages, leave clean lines, and are true to their stated colors.
- There are some industry standards when it comes to bullet journaling because they work well.
- Fineliners are a top choice because you can both write and draw with them. They have fine points and the brands recommended below will not bleed through bullet journal pages.
First choice – Staedtler Fineliners
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Second Choice – Scribbles That Matter Fineliners
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Third Choice – Taotree Fineliner Color Pens
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Top Choice for Minimalist Bullet Journal Designs
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- These grayscale pens perfectly compliment any minimalist bullet journal design.
- They fit perfectly with all minimalist bullet journal themes.
- The dual tips make creating beautiful lettering super easy.
- Best of all, they don’t bleed through pages!
3. Optional Bullet Journal Supplies: Pen Cases and Holders:
My Top Pick:
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This case is perfect for travel. It keeps all of your bullet journal supplies secure and organized. It attaches securely to any size journal with an elastic Velcro strap. It’s amazingly useful, costs less than $10.00, and has lasted me two years without any signs of wear. I highly recommend this product.
Staedtler Case (comes with fineliners):
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Simple, Compact, & Sleek:
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Cute and Spacious:
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4. Washi Tape for an Aesthetic Look
- If you’re an artist, or you love to embellish your writing, washi tape is great for giving your pages an aesthetic look.
- Other uses include bookmarking your pages.
- Washi tape is also great for creating page borders.
- Washi tape is extremely versatile. It’s considered a must have for professional bullet journalists.
Black and Gold Washi Tape:
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Simple Rainbow Washi Tape:
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5. Rulers
- Rulers are a simple tool mainly used for creating straight lines.
- If you’re going to use a dot grid page format, a ruler is indispensable.
- There are millions of different rulers and the only recommendations are:
- Get one that’s sturdy.
- Make sure it fits inside the pocket of your bullet journal.
This Ruler meets the criteria and has great reviews:
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Try using a book light as your ruler.
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- This allows you to bullet journal at night or during the day.
- It’s travel friendly. You can bring it everywhere you go.
- Having the straight edge with a light makes creating perfect lines super simple.
5. Aesthetic Bullet Journal Supplies – Stickers
- Calendar Stickers – A lot of people like to draw out their own calendars and make them pretty. Try using these simple and handy stickers instead.
- They’re simple to use, look great, and will save you hours of time.
Decorative Full Page Calendar Stickers
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Minimalist Full Page Calendar Stickers
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Washi Tape Calendar Stickers
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Small Calendar Stickers (These are the ones I use.)
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Other Stickers – Use these to decorate your bullet journal, help you get more organized, or just as embellishments for important sections of your journal.
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Other Recommended Bullet Journal Supplies
Bullet Journal Carrying Case:
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No Fuss Bullet Journal Starter Kits
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A Final Note about Bullet Journal Supplies
The point of bullet journaling is to increase your productivity by making your life more organized. It isn’t meant to make your journal another chore you dread. Add as much or as little creative emphasis as you feel comfortable with. If you want to keep it simple, then do that. If you’re feeling a bit creative and want to go all out decorating and designing, get your artistic flow on and enjoy it.
Make it fun, but keep it motivating.
Below are two examples of bullet journals. The top is a simple and clean bullet journal. The bottom is more creative. Both are effective. Choose which style suits you best.
TL;DR –
Use these items to help you get started on your first (or newest) bullet journal.
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More Bullet Journal Tutorials:
Collection Page Ideas
How to Create Your Writer’s Bullet Journal
Bullet Journal Resource Library
Note: This page may contain affiliate links for which, if an item is purchased, I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only ever post links for products that I have used, found helpful, and loved. Thank you for supporting my writing journey so I can continue to help you on yours!
