Finding the Perfect Planner

The idea that I have to have a planner every year was indoctrinated in me at an early age. I can remember in about third grade we were required to get one for school, and Chandler's academic planners (remember those?) were all the rage. Now, I just feel sort of lost without one! The hunt is on for the perfect planner for this new year, and seeing as it is just around the corner, I better get a move on! I am finding myself drawn to something simple -- perhaps of the kraft paper variety? Have you found a planner for 2013? 

1.) Agenda Planner from Poketo
2.) Recycled Paper Monthly/Weekly Note planner from Muji
3.) Daily Planner Calendar in Peach from Julia Kostreva

A Step Back (In Hopes to Move Forward)

 
Time seems to be increasingly precious these days -- especially time in which I am not fretting over logistical life stuff. The months and days have sped up, and I realize that if I am ever to seriously release my research and writing beyond the confines of my desk (and blog), then I need to step up my game. So, what do washi tape and Moleskine notebooks have to do with any of this you ask? Well, besides being gorgeous and aesthetically soothing to my stress-riddled brain, I plan to use these babies to visually lay out all the thoughts I've got going on concerning my current writing project.

It isn't that I am having trouble filling up the gleaming white space that is the Word document. I did that -- almost 50 pages worth on one little section. As of late, using just Word isn't cutting it. It feels too restrictive. And naturally, it is showing in my writing. After a round of editing (and yes, some tears) I realized that my approach was all wrong. Wrong for me, wrong for my subject. I took a step back and I have now decided that I need to tackle this just like I would when writing an exhibit -- visually. Once it is all laid out, I think I will be better equipped to dive back in and fill in the nooks and crannies with the actual written content. 

What about you? What is your writing process like? Are you an outliner and a planner, or do you just dive in? 

Workspace Mood Board

 
I've been spending a lot of time in my little makeshift office lately, writing, editing, and thinking about the direction of my current projects. The weather has been awesome... perfect for keeping windows open and taking frequent walks in between paragraphs. It was a long and difficult winter, but I am hoping that spring is here to stay and that the inspiration to write keeps flowing!

NICO

NICO via the Dutch Uncle Agency 

A few years ago I bought a notebook from Target that had the most gorgeous illustration on the cover. I was sad when the paper ran out, but I was sure to take note of the artist - NICO. I just can't get enough of her doll-like vector art! Do you have any favorite illustrators? I am always looking to add inspiration to my Pinterest illustration board!