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Beyond Bullets: Creative Journaling Ideas to Customize Your Personal Productivity System
FUN, COLORFUL, AND CREATIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEWEST PRODUCTIVITY PHENOMENON.
Going beyond basic tools, this book offers tips, tricks and creative ways to transform your notebook into a treasured life companion, including:
Ornamental lettering
Personalized habit trackers
Colorful calendars
Decorative headers
Customized productivity lists
Inspiring artwork
Creative future logs
Unique planning pages
Going beyond basic tools, this book offers tips, tricks and creative ways to transform your notebook into a treasured life companion, including:
Ornamental lettering
Personalized habit trackers
Colorful calendars
Decorative headers
Customized productivity lists
Inspiring artwork
Creative future logs
Unique planning pages
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
240 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Megan Rutell
1 book20 followersMegan Rutell is an Air Force veteran turned creative blogger. She started her first journal at age 16 and finally found a rhythm 15 years later. She’s a habitual list-maker, color-coder, master embellisher (especially when telling stories), and reader of Young Adult literature. Megan holds a B.A. in Journalism from Colorado State University and M.L.S. in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. Home is anywhere she can be with her husband, two sons, a boxer named Lola, and a fat cat who rules them all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 3, 2018
This would be great for people new to planners/journals. Part One includes an overview of journal types and planning page options. This has thorough explanations of why you might find various planning styles useful, ideas for collections, charts, and habit trackers you might want to add, etc. Part Two contains ideas and tips for those inclined to decorate their pages. I’m rating it objectively because it is a great resource and very well done, but if I were to rate this for me, personally, I wouldn’t give it more than three stars. I am not the intended audience; it didn’t really add a whole lot to what I already know and practice, although it did spark a few ideas and help me to think of ways to simplify my current organizational patterns.
November 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book it’s a lovely quick read with photos to help. It gives lots of new examples to try.
March 23, 2019
This book is definitely about "creative" journaling .... lots of colorful, artistic ideas for the pro, but also some simple, yet beautiful ideas for the novice. A great reference book for someone just starting out on their creative journalling journey.
February 14, 2022
I've become obsessed with looking at everyone's bullet journals so I decided to start my own. I know nothing about the process or how people are so creative and get their journals looking so professional. This was a great book for a beginner. It takes you through the whys and the hows and tricks for those of us who are artistically challenged. It gives great page examples and offers tips on how to make each one your own. I would highly recommend the book for anyone who is just getting started with their journal.
May 19, 2018
So, I read a lot of these and do not usually review them because a) they are useless and b) I am mildly embarrassed by how obsessed I have become with my glorified to do list. Of all that I have read, this is the best.
January 13, 2018
Good book for insight on Bullet Journals. I enjoyed the two distinct part sections - Organization and Inspiration.
February 22, 2021
A great resource for journaling! Got it from my library and liked it so much I bought the Kindle version!
January 29, 2022
Excelente libro complementario a Bullet Journal de Ryder Carroll con un montón de ideas creativas, consejos y plantillas para aplicar en tu propio cuaderno. Muy inspirador
March 7, 2022
Yet another bullet journalling how-to book. I liked it, but again it just said the same thing as the other 5 bullet journal books I've read. I would like one more creativity- or diary-focused, rather than strictly productivity based.
June 26, 2023
Most YouTube videos in one place. A great reference for starters especially if you know nothing.
January 8, 2018
Perfect resource for bullet journaling newbies.
10/10 I use this as a resource most days and have recommended it to many friends. Thinking about ordering a physical copy.
10/10 I use this as a resource most days and have recommended it to many friends. Thinking about ordering a physical copy.
December 31, 2020
Great resource book for templates and ideas for journaling
January 22, 2022
I have boarded the dot/bullet journaling train. Let me explain.
First, there is some argument about whether or not it is called dot journaling or bullet journaling and about whether or not those are the same thing. From what I can tell, they can be used interchangeably to refer to journaling in a blank book with—instead of lines or grid—little dots delineating the page. But it’s not that simple. When dot- or bullet-journalers refer to dot- or bullet-journaling, they are not just talking about a simple, physical thing (and in fact it can be done in a journal with grids, nothing, or—gasp!—lines). And this is what actually sold me on the idea: dot journaling is the concept of using a wide-open format to bring all your organization, creative, and other needs into one place. Since you are the one creating the format, you can do anything in the space and therefore you can have everything together. Again, this is what sold me. I usually have a notebook in my purse, a planner in my purse, a grocery list in the drawer, a journal by my bedside, a to-do list on a clipboard in the kitchen, etc. Dot journaling promised me that I could bring all that scatter into one place and—considering that my mind has been extra-scattered lately (is it the Pandemic? Age? Untreated ADHD?)—be more successful at organization and, well, functionality.
This is how it happened: last summer I found myself planning an art class for middle school and high school students. I wanted to do two extra-class projects. I was forced back down to one. I limited the class to 2D, paper arts and I had three project ideas: an altered book, a book nook, and a bullet journal. My daughter had some experience with bullet journaling, and it looked very pretty and creative. I am passionate about journaling. Even though I threw out two of the three project ideas, I found myself approaching the end of the year, looking for my next year’s planner (as usual), curious about this project I had almost hoisted upon my students. So I Ebayed it, bought a few books about bullet/dot journaling. Yes, I am that in to books. I thought I would maybe leave these books around on the tables during art class. (Nevermind that we have been remote since Christmas no thanks to Omicron.) In November, I received Dot Journaling: The Set in the mail and—again, so nerdy it’s actually nerdy—I couldn’t put it down. Way more than just a creative or pretty or show-off-y way to plan your year, I was drawn to promises of creative license, simpler organization, and absolutely no need to impress anyone or make it super beautiful. Indeed, it can’t be perfect and—unless I’m going to write yet another book about it—no one need ever see it. (In fact, I have been pleasantly surprised just how uninterested people are in it when I pull it out to write down a date or cross things off my grocery list.)
I encourage you to consider that dot/bullet journaling need not be intimidating or competitive. It could just be the flexible system that you could use to bring it all in. I’m twenty-two days in and, actually, it’s pretty great.
Here are the three books I have read about the subject:
DOT JOURNALING: THE SET, by Rachel Wilkerson Miller
This is the first thing that arrived in the mail. If it hadn’t been, I might not be as excited about this new world as I am now. At first, I was like “ehn,” because the “set” comes in a box with a book about dot journaling (Dot Journaling) and a bullet journal. The journal is kinda slim with paper that is a little on the thin side (considering the book is going to tell you to use Milldliners, etc.). Nice, minty color, though the binding is a little boring. (Of course you could always use some washi tape to change that in about five minutes.) (Note: I am actually using this journal, now, because I’m not going to buy a new journal when I have a “free” one sitting right there. I will likely have to start a second one mid-year. Who knows? Maybe not.) Then, with a smirk on my face at myself, I started actually reading Dot Journaling. And I was hooked. I was hooked by the idea, I was hooked by the funny, engaging voice of the author, and I was hooked by the casualness and accessibility of this particular presentation. True to what she says, the illustrations in the book are of journal pages that are actually do-able, like for almost anyone. While I am an artist and am incurably creative, I found it really liberating that I wasn’t aiming for museum-worthy spreads.
Seriously, if I was going to sell this whole system to anyone, I would recommend this book. You can buy it without the “set” and it probably won’t even set you back $10. Do you need this book to begin dot journaling? I would say yes. The concept is spelled out in there with many tips on both spreads, practices, and supplies. I used the book to lay out my first calendars, to-do lists, and other lists and plans, like straight from her examples. It was just easier that way—I can come up with my own flair later, as I go. It takes some time to set up your system, so simpler is better to begin. I also used this book to choose some things to purchase and throw in an ArtBin. The ArtBin floats around the house, now, and when I sit down to either organize my day in the morning or assess at night I grab my container of, let’s see, washi tape, drafting tape, glues, eraser, ruler, post-it notes, correction tape, pencils, sharpener, colored pencils (mine are watercolor), Mildliners, Zebra pens, drawing (Micron) pens, colorful gel pens, clear watercolor pen, and fancy paper clips. I’m thinking about adding a flat compass and I am learning calligraphy on the side. This, of course, is overboard and you don’t need it. The most bang for your buck is in some drawing pens, a few Mildliners, and a few rolls of washi tape. As for a journal, there are a few much thicker ones available (though a little rare), and I’ll be aiming for 300 pages next year. It’s always a little nice to actually hold a planner in your hand before choosing one, even if it’s blank.
So if you are considering dot journaling, this is the book to get. The non-set version, perhaps. Wilkerson Miller is a fun, funny companion, eminently down-to-earth, and her book is concise and practical.
BEYOND BULLETS, by Megan Rutell
By the time I received the first book, I already had two others on order. One of them was Beyond Bullets by Megan Rutell. Hmm… The problem is that I had already read Dot Journaling when I read this one. The full truth is that Rutell’s book is not as well written. Maybe it’s bigger and perhaps even a little prettier, but it’s not as engaging (in fact it’s pretty boring—not at all funny) and I just didn’t need it after reading Dot Journaling. It is okay, though, and if someone gives it to you I suppose you could begin your dot journaling adventures this way. Beyond Bullets does have sample spreads, and it does introduce you to dot journaling by selling the system (almost as compellingly). And it also emphasizes that this should be about you and what works for you, again, just not as compellingly as the other. I am going to use some of the sample spreads from Beyond Bullets as I continue because, let’s face it, no one book is going to have every possible page option.
It’s pretty good. It works. I just happen to like the other better and, I believe, with good reason.
BULLET IT!, by Nicole Lara
And then there’s this book. I thought that it was more of the same, but it’s not. Bullet It! is actually a journal. A bullet journal. A pretty small bullet journal. With occasional prompts and illustrations. To be honest, I don’t know what to do with it. Not only is it small (maybe some people like the idea of small), but it hasn’t decided if it’s guiding us through the journaling process or if it’s just providing a cutesy space for us to do it ourselves. It kinda tells us how to go about dot journaling in the first two pages and then the rest of it is random. A blank page, a drawing, an inspiring quote, three more blank pages, and a sample font… I actually really like all the font, banner, and doodle ideas, but I’m not sure what to do with all the blank pages in between. The only thing I can think to do would be to make this a practice book—in other words, a dot journaling sketch book—but that would be insane, right? (heh, heh heh). I mean, the point of dot journaling is basically to make all your own spreads so that they fit your world. But I wouldn’t mind learning some lettering and flags. I just wish, then, that that was all it was. Kinda like the calligraphy book I just got: just ideas and practice space. I suppose that it would make an okay dot journal for someone who is afraid of the blank page. But then you have to occasionally break stride to answer some life question or draw a hot air balloon. I’m not convinced.
Another okay book, but not what I was—or will be—looking for. I might use it to rip off the fonts and banners but I hate leaving unused books around.
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
First, there is some argument about whether or not it is called dot journaling or bullet journaling and about whether or not those are the same thing. From what I can tell, they can be used interchangeably to refer to journaling in a blank book with—instead of lines or grid—little dots delineating the page. But it’s not that simple. When dot- or bullet-journalers refer to dot- or bullet-journaling, they are not just talking about a simple, physical thing (and in fact it can be done in a journal with grids, nothing, or—gasp!—lines). And this is what actually sold me on the idea: dot journaling is the concept of using a wide-open format to bring all your organization, creative, and other needs into one place. Since you are the one creating the format, you can do anything in the space and therefore you can have everything together. Again, this is what sold me. I usually have a notebook in my purse, a planner in my purse, a grocery list in the drawer, a journal by my bedside, a to-do list on a clipboard in the kitchen, etc. Dot journaling promised me that I could bring all that scatter into one place and—considering that my mind has been extra-scattered lately (is it the Pandemic? Age? Untreated ADHD?)—be more successful at organization and, well, functionality.
This is how it happened: last summer I found myself planning an art class for middle school and high school students. I wanted to do two extra-class projects. I was forced back down to one. I limited the class to 2D, paper arts and I had three project ideas: an altered book, a book nook, and a bullet journal. My daughter had some experience with bullet journaling, and it looked very pretty and creative. I am passionate about journaling. Even though I threw out two of the three project ideas, I found myself approaching the end of the year, looking for my next year’s planner (as usual), curious about this project I had almost hoisted upon my students. So I Ebayed it, bought a few books about bullet/dot journaling. Yes, I am that in to books. I thought I would maybe leave these books around on the tables during art class. (Nevermind that we have been remote since Christmas no thanks to Omicron.) In November, I received Dot Journaling: The Set in the mail and—again, so nerdy it’s actually nerdy—I couldn’t put it down. Way more than just a creative or pretty or show-off-y way to plan your year, I was drawn to promises of creative license, simpler organization, and absolutely no need to impress anyone or make it super beautiful. Indeed, it can’t be perfect and—unless I’m going to write yet another book about it—no one need ever see it. (In fact, I have been pleasantly surprised just how uninterested people are in it when I pull it out to write down a date or cross things off my grocery list.)
I encourage you to consider that dot/bullet journaling need not be intimidating or competitive. It could just be the flexible system that you could use to bring it all in. I’m twenty-two days in and, actually, it’s pretty great.
Here are the three books I have read about the subject:
DOT JOURNALING: THE SET, by Rachel Wilkerson Miller
This is the first thing that arrived in the mail. If it hadn’t been, I might not be as excited about this new world as I am now. At first, I was like “ehn,” because the “set” comes in a box with a book about dot journaling (Dot Journaling) and a bullet journal. The journal is kinda slim with paper that is a little on the thin side (considering the book is going to tell you to use Milldliners, etc.). Nice, minty color, though the binding is a little boring. (Of course you could always use some washi tape to change that in about five minutes.) (Note: I am actually using this journal, now, because I’m not going to buy a new journal when I have a “free” one sitting right there. I will likely have to start a second one mid-year. Who knows? Maybe not.) Then, with a smirk on my face at myself, I started actually reading Dot Journaling. And I was hooked. I was hooked by the idea, I was hooked by the funny, engaging voice of the author, and I was hooked by the casualness and accessibility of this particular presentation. True to what she says, the illustrations in the book are of journal pages that are actually do-able, like for almost anyone. While I am an artist and am incurably creative, I found it really liberating that I wasn’t aiming for museum-worthy spreads.
Seriously, if I was going to sell this whole system to anyone, I would recommend this book. You can buy it without the “set” and it probably won’t even set you back $10. Do you need this book to begin dot journaling? I would say yes. The concept is spelled out in there with many tips on both spreads, practices, and supplies. I used the book to lay out my first calendars, to-do lists, and other lists and plans, like straight from her examples. It was just easier that way—I can come up with my own flair later, as I go. It takes some time to set up your system, so simpler is better to begin. I also used this book to choose some things to purchase and throw in an ArtBin. The ArtBin floats around the house, now, and when I sit down to either organize my day in the morning or assess at night I grab my container of, let’s see, washi tape, drafting tape, glues, eraser, ruler, post-it notes, correction tape, pencils, sharpener, colored pencils (mine are watercolor), Mildliners, Zebra pens, drawing (Micron) pens, colorful gel pens, clear watercolor pen, and fancy paper clips. I’m thinking about adding a flat compass and I am learning calligraphy on the side. This, of course, is overboard and you don’t need it. The most bang for your buck is in some drawing pens, a few Mildliners, and a few rolls of washi tape. As for a journal, there are a few much thicker ones available (though a little rare), and I’ll be aiming for 300 pages next year. It’s always a little nice to actually hold a planner in your hand before choosing one, even if it’s blank.
So if you are considering dot journaling, this is the book to get. The non-set version, perhaps. Wilkerson Miller is a fun, funny companion, eminently down-to-earth, and her book is concise and practical.
BEYOND BULLETS, by Megan Rutell
By the time I received the first book, I already had two others on order. One of them was Beyond Bullets by Megan Rutell. Hmm… The problem is that I had already read Dot Journaling when I read this one. The full truth is that Rutell’s book is not as well written. Maybe it’s bigger and perhaps even a little prettier, but it’s not as engaging (in fact it’s pretty boring—not at all funny) and I just didn’t need it after reading Dot Journaling. It is okay, though, and if someone gives it to you I suppose you could begin your dot journaling adventures this way. Beyond Bullets does have sample spreads, and it does introduce you to dot journaling by selling the system (almost as compellingly). And it also emphasizes that this should be about you and what works for you, again, just not as compellingly as the other. I am going to use some of the sample spreads from Beyond Bullets as I continue because, let’s face it, no one book is going to have every possible page option.
It’s pretty good. It works. I just happen to like the other better and, I believe, with good reason.
BULLET IT!, by Nicole Lara
And then there’s this book. I thought that it was more of the same, but it’s not. Bullet It! is actually a journal. A bullet journal. A pretty small bullet journal. With occasional prompts and illustrations. To be honest, I don’t know what to do with it. Not only is it small (maybe some people like the idea of small), but it hasn’t decided if it’s guiding us through the journaling process or if it’s just providing a cutesy space for us to do it ourselves. It kinda tells us how to go about dot journaling in the first two pages and then the rest of it is random. A blank page, a drawing, an inspiring quote, three more blank pages, and a sample font… I actually really like all the font, banner, and doodle ideas, but I’m not sure what to do with all the blank pages in between. The only thing I can think to do would be to make this a practice book—in other words, a dot journaling sketch book—but that would be insane, right? (heh, heh heh). I mean, the point of dot journaling is basically to make all your own spreads so that they fit your world. But I wouldn’t mind learning some lettering and flags. I just wish, then, that that was all it was. Kinda like the calligraphy book I just got: just ideas and practice space. I suppose that it would make an okay dot journal for someone who is afraid of the blank page. But then you have to occasionally break stride to answer some life question or draw a hot air balloon. I’m not convinced.
Another okay book, but not what I was—or will be—looking for. I might use it to rip off the fonts and banners but I hate leaving unused books around.
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
January 1, 2025
This was so very helpful! Easy to read and understand. The photos and written descriptions of how the author uses their's made it easy to jump in and get the basics super fast! Emphasis is made on 'There's no right or wrong way! Do what works for you.'
April 2, 2019
If you’re new to bullet journaling, this book is a good jumping off point. Don’t skip the intro! The intro is where I got the most useful information. There are some excellent tips there that helped me avoid making a lot of mistakes. The best tip I got from this book was to use sticky notes to plot out the first few pages to see if I liked the order/flow. That saved me from setting up my journal with my pages in a chaotic and inconvenient order. Definitely worth a read!
March 22, 2021
I liked the many different options offered, the pros and cons of the options, the how-to guides, and how it was divided. It can be used by those who are just starting journaling and from those that want to take it a step further.
October 31, 2018
A really well done how to. I appreciated how Rutell broke the book down into two sections: structure, and then the more artistic side of a pen and paper journal. Lots of actionable tips and tricks.
November 14, 2018
Lots of great ideas around organizing. What makes this book special for me is how the author breaks down some of the graphics into easy-to-follow directions/little sketches. Thanks for this !!!
Read
January 31, 2021So I have spent the last year and a half bullet journaling...sort of...okay so I have been Badly Bullet Journaling. I love the idea, enjoy writing down my accomplishments each day, and like having lists that I can refer to when I feel like it. However, the very focused version laid out in the Bullet Journal Method, is a little to strict for me. I rarely go back and look at my past journaling efforts so there is no real purpose in setting out a detailed plan for anything. This means that Beyond Bullets has helped me figure out that there are a wide variety of journal methods, I don't have to have picture perfect layouts, plans that carry forward from month to month, etc. My journal can be what I need it to be, and that is it. There are plenty of inspiring photos, journal instagrams to follow, sketches, and so much more to get your creative juices flowing and remind you that your journal is just that, yours and no one else. I also had never thought of carbon paper to transfer designs, since I am not very artistic. So, if you are looking for a way to upgrade your journal, get more out of your practice, validate what you are already doing, or follow some really cool journals, then this is the book for you. If you follow the Bullet Journal Method precisely, read this book anyway you might get some neat design ideas!
January 15, 2018
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Immediately upon receiving I was instantly impressed with the look and feel. I hadn't even opened it yet and I got excited about the concept of bullet journaling. I have not finished reading the book yet but it has completely motivated me to start a bullet journal. It is simple in that it provides a clear way to organize a journal. While I am a lover of lists and organization this book helps someone like me who is not so sure where to start get started. The book's pictures are beautiful and inspirational as well. The pages are glossy and colorful and are a wonderful complement to the ideas inside. Anyone who is interested in bullet journaling would find this book highly effective and helpful. And while one can find a lot of ideas on Pinterest or other blogs, etc. for bullet journaling this one helps in how to organize all of the great ideas that can be accomplished through bullet journaling. Great book and super helpful!!
November 10, 2019
I’m often an art journaler who uses the process of writing to get it all on there and then I mostly ruin the possibility of easily reading it again by drawing or painting on top of the writing. This was more for someone who uses their journal as a planner which I almost never do. Planning for for me is electronic so that it’s backed up and can * never * be lost. It almost makes me wish that someone would develop an online version so that you could have both worlds of taking the time and doodling during the planning process to keep it more thorough, and having it tagged, location controlled, editable and visually reconfigurable.
Now I’m going to practice making those banners and borders on a train tomorrow to see if they show up on my journal.
Now I’m going to practice making those banners and borders on a train tomorrow to see if they show up on my journal.
June 19, 2018
While this is all just too much work for me, I think many people do benefit from this form of organization. This book is more about the creative aspect of the bullet system, not how to use the system itself. I am envious of all of the creative lettering and such for sure, but I would rather spend my time doing something else, because making calendars and lists and bullets and indexes and journaling with intentional doodling just isn't my thing.
September 19, 2018
Gives a brief review on different types journaling but mostly focuses on organization and what one can do with it. Gives examples as well as tips in the game to do basic doodles and provides nice templates. For those wanting to move away from beginners stuff but still not wanting to dive deeply into super artistic journaling. Very much for a minimalist or a scrapbook journaler or for someone wanting to transition something different.
March 22, 2020
Just started bullet-journaling and read the basic book on how to accomplish the necessities. I picked up this book to learn a few tips on getting more creative. It is really good and now my bullet journal pages look a little more pleasing to the eye, which in turn makes it more fun for me to keep it going.
August 9, 2020
In all honest, this book stressed me af. I can’t believe there are people out there that find it useful to lose like 2+ hrs a day layouting what their tasks are going to be like for the next hrs with a pretty design. And I mean this in 2020 when you can get the same out of an iPad Pro with a cool notepad app.
September 18, 2021
5/10
This would be a decent book for someone who has no idea about bujo or are interested in beginning a dot/ bullet journal. The ideas are very basic, and beginner friendly.
If you are acquainted with bujo already and wanted some fresh takes on how to freshen up your style, or maybe just some new header examples this isn't the book for you.
This would be a decent book for someone who has no idea about bujo or are interested in beginning a dot/ bullet journal. The ideas are very basic, and beginner friendly.
If you are acquainted with bujo already and wanted some fresh takes on how to freshen up your style, or maybe just some new header examples this isn't the book for you.
January 11, 2023
A great resource for understanding the purpose of 'bullet journaling' and 'creative journaling' with visual images for clarity and inspiration.
There's more text than images, but there are plenty of example images included in many different styles and setups.
Perfect for journaling beginners.
There's more text than images, but there are plenty of example images included in many different styles and setups.
Perfect for journaling beginners.
July 21, 2025
This book is showing its age a bit which is a shame. As more and more content has appeared online books such as these become less useful. I also read the kindle version so I could not write over the content. There was not a lot of new content for me and some of the online references were no longer available either
January 12, 2018
Good ideas
This book covers a variety of journal styles and techniques. From the title, I expected a book just on bullet journaling, but all of the ideas could be used in a bullet journal. Art journals are also included.
This book covers a variety of journal styles and techniques. From the title, I expected a book just on bullet journaling, but all of the ideas could be used in a bullet journal. Art journals are also included.
October 19, 2018
So it seems I've fallen into the Bullet Journal rabbit hole (though, if you ever hear me say Bujo, slap me. Hard.).
This book is short and concise. Lots of good ideas for page layouts. I particularly like her "pros and cons" of each layout.
This book is short and concise. Lots of good ideas for page layouts. I particularly like her "pros and cons" of each layout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews