Let me first start out by saying that I am NOT any type of graphic designer, but I wanted to take on seeing if I can copy the sort of layouts I do in my paper bullet journal as an aesthetic goodnotes template theme!
✳️How to use✳️
⏰ This is the hourly planner, you can see that it goes from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and each line can represent 15 minutes.
💯 I like to record what I am doing each 15 minute section, and mark when I am truly working vs taking a break. Then at the end of the day, I can give myself 'points' for each focused line in the time table and give myself a percentage score (out of 28 for 7 focused hours)
🗓️ I think the font and faded graph paper design gives off a cool vintage vibe! The plan is to save each day of the week as a sticker, so that I can appropriately drag it into the title section.
🧠 The brain dump section is for writing down things that I want to do, but can't do rn, such as "add milk to my shopping list", "going to the gym tonight", "I want to google this thing later"
On my breaks, I can look back at the brain dump section and see if I really still want to do those things or if it was just my brain trying to make me loose focus 😂
👾 I literally worked so hard on this, I was counting the pixels like pixel art to make this perfect. But now I will be able to make lots of fonts and colors ... should I sell it on Etsy or something ???
... Read moreSince I shared my process for creating my hourly Goodnotes planner, many of you have asked for more tips on making your own! It's truly rewarding to design a template that fits your workflow perfectly. Here’s a bit more on what I've learned and how you can get started, especially if you're aiming for that aesthetic bullet journal vibe.
First, don't be intimidated by not being a 'graphic designer.' Start with inspiration! I found sketching layouts on paper first helped me visualize the structure, like where my "objectives" and "notes" sections would go. When it comes to aesthetics, choosing the right fonts and a cohesive color palette makes all the difference. For my vintage-inspired planner, I experimented with fonts like 'Dhaks Regular' and 'GORDON MEDIUM' to get that cool, clean yet classic feel. Picking a few hex codes, like the earthy #374E31 and warm #FDF3DD, can ensure your template looks polished and consistent across all pages.
Think about functionality and how you'll really use it. My "brain dump" section is a game-changer for staying focused, but you might need dedicated space for daily affirmations, habit trackers, or even a meal plan. Remember how I mentioned saving days of the week as stickers? This concept can be expanded! Create a small sticker pack of frequently used symbols, checkboxes, or inspiring words to drag and drop, personalizing each day without having to redraw.
Once your template is designed, practicing how to use Goodnotes templates efficiently is key. I recommend creating a duplicate of your blank template each day or week, so you always have a fresh start. And to truly boost productivity, regularly review your "objectives" and "notes" to ensure you're on track. If you've poured your heart into a design like I did, you might even wonder about selling it. Platforms like Etsy are popular for digital planners! Consider creating a small portfolio, offering a free sample, and showcasing the unique features of your template, whether it's an hourly schedule, squared paper background, or a specific aesthetic like my vintage look. It's amazing what you can create with a little imagination and Goodnotes!
Nice!!