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16 visual journalists to follow on Instagram for awe-inspiring layout inspiration

October 11, 2018 • Motivation and Inspiration

These inspiring visual journalists will light you up inside with their creations. Here are 16 visual journalists to follow on Instagram for inspiring Bullet Journal layouts.
These inspiring visual journalists will light you up inside with their creations. Here are 16 visual journalists to follow on Instagram for inspiring Bullet Journal layouts.

You know that using a journal to track habits, plan your days, and get things done is effective, but whenever you sit down in front of yours you get stuck.

That blank page just stares back at you.

So, how do you get from blank paper to something that is artistic and functional?

After all, you can pull off the minimalist version, but what about the beauty that attracted you to this practice in the first place?

How do you pull that off?

Sometimes it’s easier when you can actually “see” it.

Here’s a list of 16 artistic journalers who show their work on Instagram. Follow so you can get inspired to take your journal to the next level:

1. Kim Alvarez (@tinyrayofsunshine)

Kim Alvarez is a Bullet Journal™ pro who creates inspirational content for the official social media sites in addition to her personal practice. Kim’s instagram feed goes deep on layouts for everything you could possibly use your journal for, like day planning, food logs, books you’ve read (and books to read), gratitude journaling and—of course—basic bullet journaling with a little bit of flair.

While Kim’s layouts are beautiful, they are also accessible—even if art isn’t your thing.

View this post on Instagram

August's #BulletJournalMonthlyLog. I love creating timelines for the month! 😍😍😍😍😍 Such a fun way to see how the month went visually! Also love keeping my gratitude log right there so that all the lovely things are all at a glance! I printed out an itty bitty version of my square tracker design because I was so proud of finishing it and putting it up on my Etsy shop (@TinyRayofSunshineDesigns)! I'm excited to put up all sorts of fun things I've mentioned over time also, so make sure to follow along for sneak peeks over at @TinyRayofSunshineDesigns! I also celebrated 3 years of Bullet Journaling, which I honestly forgot over the years what day it was exactly that I began this lovely journey that has made such an incredible impact in my life. The pup turned 1 yesterday and I'm excited about a fresh new month! 😄💛☀️ P.S. I think I'll also make a fun spread of my Etsy designs so I can feel that awesome visual satisfaction of the labors of love I've shared 💛 #BulletJournal #TinyRayofSunshine #monthlytimeline

A post shared by Kim • Tiny Ray of Sunshine ☀️ (@tinyrayofsunshine) on Sep 1, 2017 at 5:52pm PDT

2. Kara Benz (@boho.berry)

Kara Benz’s designs on Instagram bridge analog and digital. In addition to day planning layouts, Kara features mood mandalas and beautiful ways to create headers. She also shares monthly challenges to support you in your journaling.

One of the most fun parts of following Kara is that she keeps exploring new tools and possibilities, then sharing what she finds with the Boho Berry tribe.

View this post on Instagram

Well, it definitely wasn’t an easy month. There were lots of ups and downs. But I love that tracking my mood every day created this beautiful work of art ☺️💕 Thanks as always to @mindbodyjournal for the idea to create a Mood Mandala 💕💕💕 – #bohoberrytribe #bulletjournal #bujo #moodmandala #tombowpro

A post shared by Kara 🌸 Boho Berry (@boho.berry) on Mar 1, 2018 at 12:40pm PST

3. Allycia Lee (@hopedreamjournal)

Allycia Lee shares journal layouts that incorporate watercolor and stickers to add depth and texture to the practice. If your lack of drawing ability frustrates you (or if you simply don’t have the time), Allycia’s layouts can give you a path to beauty and creativity without using a ruler or drawing a doodle.

Allycia’s practice is focused on the heart, and she journals about faith in addition to dayplanning and habit tracking.

View this post on Instagram

Tomorrow my son, my oldest, my baby boy, turns 14! 😧😩

A post shared by Allycia (@hopedreamjournal) on Oct 9, 2018 at 8:38pm PDT

4. Emily Coates (@emily_studies)

If you are in school at any level, Emily Coates is the person to follow. Her layouts include dayplanning and the loveliest study notes you’ve ever seen. She elevates the day-to-day of chasing a degree to an art form.

Emily’s website encourages other students to Instagram their studies as a focused practice to get the studying done and to craft more effective study notes.

View this post on Instagram

Today I’ve reset more passwords than I can count 😅 Does anyone else have those days where they can’t seem to remember anything? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ QOTD: what emoji represents your day? . . . . . . #student #school #study #studying #studyinspo #studyspo #studyblr #studygram #studymotivation #pashfam #passionplanner

A post shared by Emily ✨ (@emily_studies) on Sep 9, 2018 at 10:36am PDT

5. Nicole Annette (@JournalJunky)

While some of Nicole’s Instagram feed is dedicated to journal layouts, for the most part, it is designed to inspire you to start journaling. Her steady stream of placemaking photography punctuated by serene settings, notebooks, and cups of coffee encourages you to just sit down and get to it.

Nicole also features quotes from other journal enthusiasts building the community and connecting us all.

View this post on Instagram

CONFESSION//Journaling My Inner Critic . I can't believe I fell for it y'all. Yup, I sho nuff did and the funny part is that I didn't even know I was doing it until it was too late. We've all heard it before, but social media is a beast. It's a beauty as well but also a beast. If you let it. My confession: I spent way too much time reading through and comparing myself to others' accounts and judging my business this week. Yes! I know right!? I've been in business 10 years and have experienced much success, (thank God,) and here I am feeling more and more discouraged as I browse. SMH Initially, it started out as "inspirational research," but quickly evolved to "Oh man I'm not doing enough," and "I'm not impacting enough lives," and, "Can MY journal coaching really help others? "My writing isn't good enough, I mean look at HER writing it's beautiful!" Ugh. Yadayadayada😑. So when I noticed these disempowering thoughts and how they were affecting my mood and creativity, I knew I had to change them. Feelings are so funny and fickle y'all. One day we feel excited and the next day we feel discouraged. 😄 Unfortunately, feelings are a part of life, BUT we can't let them dictate how we live. When we notice that our thoughts are headed south, it's time to stop and step back and start asking ourselves serious questions. That's where journaling comes in. It allows us the space to be real with ourselves and ask the honest question of, "WHY?" That's one of the most powerful questions we can ask. I know WHY I started listening to my inner critic. I had a disappointment, (that in hindsight was really a blessing,) and I held myself to it believing that I had failed in some capacity or another. That was false. This is a journaling page (see pict) I use to combat my inner critic and negative thinking…I hope it helps! #letswriteforachange

A post shared by Nicole Annette M. Ed / 20+ yrs (@journaljunky) on Sep 7, 2018 at 12:31pm PDT

6. Michelle Marie (@seaweedkisses)

Michelle’s journal of choice is her Midori Traveler which she features in standard and passport sizes. The photos are full of texture and a palette of supplies. (Seriously, you can almost smell the ink.) She also posts quick flip videos.

Michelle’s content is rich with inspirational notes to herself—a constant reminder to take the next step with your dreams, no matter where they take you.

View this post on Instagram

The sky is NOT the limit. Beyond the universe is… . #michellesnotestoself

A post shared by Michelle | Journal Enthusiast (@seaweedkisses) on Sep 24, 2018 at 11:38pm PDT

7. Helen Colebrook (@Journalwithpurpose)

Helen favors the A5 journals with dots on the pages resulting in articulate layouts that are lovely, while remaining ordered and easy to navigate. Helen’s layouts are a mix of journaling and planning with watercolors, inks, ephemera and sketches added to make journalphile’s hearts melt.

Helen goes deep with artistic craft and collaging to create fresh designs that hint at an earlier time.

View this post on Instagram

Definitely sensing the Autumn vibes in my journal 😊🍁 My early morning dog walks are feeling a bit on the chilly side, but at least that wakes me up 😅 I hope your week is fab 💕 … #journal #diary #journaling #tn #travelersnotebook #vintage #planner #bujo #bulletjournal #stationery #washi #watercolor #watercolour #londongifties #startbaynotebooks #journalwithpurpose

A post shared by Helen, Journal with Purpose (@journalwithpurpose) on Sep 26, 2018 at 6:43am PDT

8. Rachel Watts (@planning mindfully)

Rachel shows a variety of layouts–both simple and complex–for almost every context in which you can use your journal. With a focus on planning, Rachel shares calendars and to do lists designed to keep you on track, with a healthy dose of art to make it mindful.

View this post on Instagram

Last week: #beforethepen – have I mentioned how much I love this layout?!? So easy 😊 • I've been a busy bee this week; I've written over 8000 words in four days, working on my big blog one year celebration and it's gonna be huge!!!! I can't wait to share more in the next week. • • Got any big plans you're working on for August? • • • #bulletjournal #theartofbujo #discoverbulletjournal #showmeyourplanner #showmeyourbulletjournal #mountaintheme #weeklyspread #productive #bigthingscoming #busybusy #scrivwell #blaxkandwhitebujo #planneraddict #bujoideasrepost

A post shared by Rachel Clare Watts (@planningmindfully) on Jul 19, 2018 at 10:23am PDT

9. Dani Hawks (@daniplanibee)

Dani’s Instagram account focuses extensively on planning. She even shows monthly flip throughs to talk about layouts. Her style is a combination of stickers, washi tape and hand lettered headings.

If you want to enhance your off-the-shelf planner and make it more personalized to you, Dani is a great person to follow.

View this post on Instagram

My after the pen for this week. I am thankful for a new week. I love the color just not the spread😂 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆#thehappyplanner #meandmyBIGideas #mambi #livecreatively #planahappylife #plannerbabe #plannermom #plannergirl #planneraddict #embracethedisks #iamahappyplanner #daniplanibee #happyplannerstickerbooks #plannercommunity #planningcommunity #stickeraddict #plannermom #livecreativelyandplanahappylife #classichappyplanner #farmhouseclassic #afterthepen #planwithpapermate #momlife #plannerpeace #happilykeepingitreal

A post shared by Dani Hawks (@lifeofhawks) on Oct 6, 2018 at 6:05am PDT

10. Sara @mylittlejournalblog

Sara’s use of handcrafted letters and brush marker craft results in a highly feminine approach to journaling. Many of her pages feature quotes with floral borders. Her calendar layouts include tumbles of soft, watercolor florals on the edges.

Following Sara will make you want to create your own signature header font to bring continuity and beauty to your pages.

View this post on Instagram

Buenos días de miércoles! ❤️ Así quedó el bullet de la semana pasada ☺️ . . . . . #bujo #bulletjournal #flatlay #workspace #studygram

A post shared by Lettering • Watercolor • Bujo (@mylittlejournalblog) on Aug 22, 2018 at 3:28am PDT

11. Lucie (@journalsanctuary)

Lucie is an artist whose journal pages are themed with inspiring women, lyrics to songs, and tumbles of thoughts. The art is the dominant work on the page with words and ideas flowing in the margins.

If you are an artist who wants to leverage your talent more frequently in your journal, Lucie is the person to follow.

View this post on Instagram

Here’s a little Ginny Weasley fanart! I wanted to draw some HP characters for a while and finally got around to do it 🙂 I’d love to draw some more — is there anyone you’d like to see next? 🙂 . #harrypotter #illustration #ginny #weasley #illustratorsoninstagram #artistsofig

A post shared by Lucie Ell (@lucieell.art) on Apr 8, 2018 at 6:31am PDT

12. Jennifer (@journalbydesign)

Jennifer has a great way of maximizing a page while adding artistic headings to navigate the content. She takes an experimental approach to page layouts which produces interesting and visually engaging designs.

Jennifer is a fan of the Hobonichi and has layouts that show it off.

View this post on Instagram

Last week’s layout! 💕 * * * * * * * * * * * * #blackgirlsbujo #blackgirlmagic #bulletjournal #bujoinspo #bujobeauty #bujoweeklyspread #stationery #hobonichicousin #art #illustration #plannergirl #bujoinspiration #theartofbujo #bulletjournaljunkie #bujolove #showmeyourplanner #studygram #planeverything #planneraddict #plannerstuff #bujonerd #hobonichi #journalbydesign #jbydesign

A post shared by Journal By Design™️ (@journalbydesign) on Sep 19, 2018 at 4:48am PDT

Lars (@plslars)

The designs Lars posts are all about hand lettering and beautiful borders. He creates continuity of design by using a contiguous color pallet across pages.

Designs are whimsical and illustrated with brush markers.

View this post on Instagram

MOOD TRACKER✨ Filled in mood tracker for this month! This month was actually quite good, how was yours?😄🎈 I'm so excited to show you my new theme tomorrow!😏 – Click the link in my bio to get 2 FREE months of Skillshare!💘 – – – #september #moodtracker #clouds #hotairballoons #balloons #art #monthly #bujo #bulletjournal #bujoweekly #bujospread #bujoinspire #bujobeauty #bujojunkies #bujocommunity #bulletjournalcommunity #bulletjournaladdict #bulletjournalss #bulletjournaling #bulletjournallove #journal #lettering #calligraphy #study #studygram #planwithme #tombow #fall

A post shared by 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐬 | 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥✨ (@plslars) on Sep 30, 2018 at 9:54am PDT

14. Kat (@showmeyourplanner)

Kat is the curator of images from a collection of planner and journal artists. She started the #showmeyourplanner hashtag, and her feed has breadth and depth with a variety of designs.

View this post on Instagram

I love these marble jars to track @baobujo healthy habits. ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ Click on the link in my bio to find all my favorite journaling supplies.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ A close-up of my habit tracker from the beginning of the month 😣 this week I’ve worked back to back jobs every day! should i go out tonight again… who knows…⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ do you guys blur out the notes in your planner? i realize how much people know about my personal life & who i see because i don’t blur anything out… 😂⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #bulletjournal #bujo #stabilo #muji #mujipen #studygram #studyblr #study #bulletjournalcommunity #studymotivation #studynotes #studyinspiration #mujinotebook #bulletjournalnewbie #bujobeauty #yvr #vancouver #bujoinspo #bujoinspiration #bujospread #habittracker #avatarthelastairbender ⠀ #avatar #habittracker ⠀ #showmeyourplanner #zenofplanning #immtribe #bohoberrytribe

A post shared by Planner Of All Things (@showmeyourplanner) on Aug 22, 2018 at 9:55am PDT

15. Aida (@planneraida)

Aida uses hand-drawn bold graphics and large headings in her planners. Her Instagram feed shows off to-do lists, calendars, habit trackers, and year-in-review designs along with snapshots of stickers and washi tape.

View this post on Instagram

What I have to do in June, I hope I finish them ✅🤞📗💚🍀

A post shared by Aida👩🏻‍🎓👰🏻👩🏻‍🎨👩🏻‍💻👩🏻‍🍳🎀 (@moon____aida) on Jun 3, 2018 at 12:21am PDT

16. Robyn (@art.journal.girl)

Robyn’s journaling style is all about mixed media. Paint, ephemera, stamps, and stickers create the colorful spill across pages that become thick with the work. Her feed is a joyful exploration of possibility.

https://instagram.com/p/Bj7puq0FSqk/

Inspired to take your journal to the next level?

16 Visual Journalists To Follow on Instagram

The best part about loading up your Instagram feed with design ideas is that you never know exactly what will spark you to start creating.

After all, your journal is just an experiment for you, so you can dabble in watercolors, go wild with stickers, roll out some washi tape, or play with artistic headers.  

The best part? There will be no more blank pages staring back at you.

And not only will you start creating more beautiful journal pages, but if you decide to show them off on Instagram, then people will start following you too!

Learn more about visual journaling in our online course:

How to Start (and Keep) a Visual Journal

How To Start (And Keep) A Visual Journal

Want a quick tutorial on how to get started with visual journaling? Subscribe to download the free Quickstart Guide to Visual Journaling!

About Cathy Hutchison

Cathy Hutchison helps people get more joy, meaning, and freedom in a world of demands through the practice of visual journaling.

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