How I Use My Bullet Journal as a Brand Strategist

If you're the kind of person who buys a new notebook every month, listen up! I've been bullet journaling for almost 6 years now and it’s changed my life.

As a brand strategist and designer, I need somewhere to exercise my creativity that's not in my own head! I use pen and paper to get ideas, keep track of my thoughts, and internalize what I’m working on day-to-day and long-term. This post will explain the basics of my journaling method and the different ways I use my bullet journal to create the life I want.

Getting Started

At the beginning of every bullet journal (I go through one about every 6 months), I tape in these three documents:

1. Statement of Becoming: This is my vision for my life, not just what I want to accomplish but who I want to become, what characteristics I want to develop, and what kind of person I am on the inside.
2. Life Goals: These are my goals for my entire life broken down into 3, 5, and 10 year increments (sounds more intense than it is)!
3. Yearly Goals: I write specific goals for the year like: thrift 100% of my outfits, try 12 new recipes, make a scrapbook for each of my kids, etc.

Monthly Goals & Events

I write down my goals and upcoming events for each month just to get a sense for what’s going on in the month (I keep all my appointments in Google Calendar).

Daily Logging

This is my most important habit. Every day I write down all of my to-dos, goals, events, and anything noteworthy. I don’t use my bullet journal for serious project management, just to set my mind on what needs to happen that day.

Weekly Reflections

At the end of the week, I reflect on what I’ve done well, what’s been hard, and how I can improve next week.

Collaging

I make a lot of vision boards and collages to experiment with color, pattern, and texture and to help me see new angles and think creatively.

Client Work

As a brand strategist, my creative ideas and perspectives are the most valuable asset I have. I take handwritten notes during client calls, and I journal about my clients all the time, whether it's ideas about their initial strategy or exploring designs for their brand.

I doodle ideas for their logo and words that might be relevant to their niche. I also write about their ideal clients, making lists of the things they want and need and patterns in the language they use to describe those things.

Quotes & Collections

I am always collecting quotes, articles, pictures, invitations, packaging, etc. I have a series on Instagram called Discovered Beauty where I share some of the inspiration I've found throughout the week. I often save it in my bullet journal for reference!

Bullet journaling is an incredible tool for creativity and personal growth.

I’m currently building a second brain in Apple Notes (post coming soon!), but my bullet journal is still the go-to when I want to really clear my mind and organize my life.