You might be new to journaling. Or you might be nearing the end of your current journal and are looking for a new one. Or, you might just want to your ever-growing pile of hoarded but unused notebooks somewhere in your room. (Hey, I have one too.) So, where do you even start?
First, figure out how you react to blank spaces.
Stark white spaces can be overwhelming for the eye. We need a buffer, so lines add a bit more structure. Dotted pages and grids function in the same way, and that’s why they’re great for something more visual-oriented like bullet journaling.
What will you use the journal for?
Lined Journals
These are great for writing, diary-keeping, morning pages. Notes. Japanese lined notebooks like Muji and Kokuyo are particularly handy for studying. Here’s a tip: there are dots at the top and bottom of the page that align in case you want to create a grid.
Grid Journals
Grids are the best choice for bullet journaling, finance journals or ledgers, and business or work notebooks (the verticals help with creating tables).
Dot grid pages are better if you like your page looking a bit more bare.
Square grids (which I personally prefer) have that structure. You get to see the lines more clearly.
Blank Journals
These notebooks are great for sketching, art journaling. If you’re up for a challenge you can bullet journal in one. I used to write in blank notebooks, and it’s interesting to see my lines going up and down depending on my mood.
Now let’s get into my faves. I’ve been bullet journaling since 2015 and hoarding notebooks since the 2000s. I’ve been through a lot.
God Tier Journals: In order of how much I love them
Note: I’m here to talk paper quality based on my user experience. I’ll list the brand’s variations (lined, dot grid, square grid, blank) so you can choose what works for you.
Midori MD Notebook
Granted, I just started my new bullet journal in the week of writing this. But Midori is known for using Tomoe River Paper (explain this when u have brain cells). Opening it for the first time felt like an angel was singing to my lowly demonic form. It came wrapped in this fine tissue and everything. Japanese notebooks are next level.
My TWSBI fountain pen didn’t bleed nor ghost through the paper, which was enough to put this notebook at the top spot for me.
Available: Dot grid, Grid, Lined, Blank. (I’m getting the grid next)
Rhodia
This has a special place in my heart, given it was the very first dotted journal I used. Way back when you couldn’t find a dotted journal in National Bookstore. Man, 2016 was hard. Rhodia’s paper quality is insane, though. So smooth. Inking pen friendly. Available: Dotted, lined, blank. (Also super reco their pads for writing!)
Leuchtturm 1917
There’s a reason they’re the official producer of the legit bullet journal. Paper’s good, it’s got a bit of grit to it. But what stands out is that each journal comes with an index and numbered pages, so it does the pre-work for you! Water-based marker friendly, too (just don’t go overboard).
Available: Lined, blank, dotted, graph. (Hey, National Bookstore, when will you bring in the graph journals?)
Hobonichi Techo
Not a notebook, but a planner. Including this under god-tier because I remember spending so much money on this and not regretting it at all. Paper as thin as the one they use for Bibles. And yet when you watercolor on it, there’s no bleeding or pilling. The magic of Tomoe River Paper is real.
Other Notebook Recos
Muji
Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Muji. All my college notebooks were Muji.
Lifehack for MUJI lined notebook: there are tiny dots at the top and bottom of the page that, when connected, turn your lined page into a grid. And that’s how all my bullet points in all my notes were always aligned.
Available: Lined, graph, blank.
Moleskine
In terms of paper, it’s good and you have so many colored and limited edition covers to choose from. Plus there’s the benefit of engraving your new journal in-store.
This didn’t make it into god-tier status on account of paper quality. It can be unfriendly with some inks. Mildliners and a few gel pens would bleed through for me sometimes.
Still, I’ve used all variations. I can vouch for the blank notebooks as a good enough dry medium sketchbook. And the watercolor sketchpad isn’t bad.
Veco Note
I have never heard anything bad about these notebooks. It’s fountain pen friendly. And, best of all, super affordable.
Disclaimer: I don’t personally have one because I’m a leftie and I’m allergic to spiral notebooks. But I’ve tried my fountain pen on one.
Available: Blank, dotted, lined.
Victoria’s Journals
An affordable option for any journal newbie. Also comes with a pre-made index. The color variety is great, too.
Special Mention
Whitelines Notebooks
Not sure if these are available in the Philippines. What’s unique about Whitelines is that, well, the lines are white, which makes them less distracting. And once you scan your pages through the app, you can create a PDF of your notes.
Kokuyo Soft Ring Notebooks
Again, as a leftie, I’ve sworn to stay away from ring bound notebooks. But if I were to get one again, it would be a Kokuyo. Everyone should be making soft rings for left-handed people. I said what I said.
Sunday Paper Co
Here’s a local notebook brand that never disappoints. I’m truly a sucker for minimalist paper stock. And Sunday Paper Co always delivers.
And that’s on the notebook hoarding habit I’ve kept up since I learned how to draw. Hope this guide helped. I’m sorry if it enables your stationery addiction. But hey, if it gets you creative, why not?
Cheers,
