How I use my notebooks — The Finer Point

As much as I like my writing implements and spend time deliberating over which pen to use, what fountain pen nib is my preference or whether the graphite in a pencil suits my needs, I think I spend a lot more time worrying about what notebook I am using and if I like the paper. Unlike my writing implement deliberations, once I have found something I like I am pretty loyal.  With this in mind I thought I would run through what notebooks I use and how I use them. 

As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m a sucker for posts about how people use their tools. Lovely photos here too.

You don’t really know someone until you steal their sketchbook – Boing Boing

Aude is known to some as The French Fury and creates her artwork to make herself laugh. Though she may appreciate that I enjoy looking at it too, the driving force in her is simply that she is an artist and she must create.  It didn’t take too much time with her art to get an idea of what makes her tick.  You can really learn a whole lot about someone from rooting through their sketches and personal belongings.

Beautiful work. That said, a warning — some of this lovely and whimsical art is NSFW.

The other side of the paperband – Moleskine

Your notebook is filled with paper pages that can be cut, pasted, drawn and written on. Now the paperband that comes wrapped around selected notebooks can be used to record experiences and craft stories.

A neat idea from Moleskine.

How Important is Your Notebook? — The Well Appointed Desk

Many notebooks include a place to write your name and contact info inside in case you get parted for your notes. Do you fill it in?

An important reminder.

Behind The Scenes of The Focus Course: Outlining, Architecting, and Writing — Shawn Blanc

I built the Focus Course on 3×5 notecards. While there were other tools — such as highlighters, binder clips, the world’s greatest pen, iA Writer, MailChimp, WordPress, a Baron Fig notebook, and a stack of paperback books taller than my 3-year-old — the notecards proved to be instrumental.

I love getting insights into other people’s process and especially so when pen and paper are the key.

Personal Journaling — The Brooks Review

I realized that journaling at the daily level is absurd, things change too often and that’s what Twitter is for (and why I post tweets to my site first). But the weekly level seems granular enough to look at big and small events alike, but more removed from the small hiccups that could feel big for that day or moment.

I think there are many people who struggle with a daily journaling practice like Ben has. I think the most helpful thing to remember is that there are no “rules” except the ones you decide to set for yourself and even then nothing is set in stone. If a weekly or monthly practice work better for you, go for it.

The Shed Project — Lee John Phillips

I am currently cataloguing the entire contents of my late grandfather’s tool shed. I estimate the project to take around 5 years and will involve me illustrating in excess of 100,000 items.

Breathtaking.

(via Kottke)

Follow-Up: Stillman & Birn Epsilon Sketchbook | The Well-Appointed Desk

I have filled almost ever page in the Stillman & Birn Epsilon sketchbook I reviewed last year. I started working in it regularly about a month ago when I started taking some online drawing and painting classes and I thought I’d share with you how well it held up to regular use and abuse.

I love reviews of items that have been used for long periods of time. I find them so much better and more realistic than “first impression” reviews. In fact, it was one of the driving factors behind starting this site. More like this please!