Happy Friday! I’m trying out something new with these discussion threads, so let me know what you think. Here’s today’s topic:
Something I love asking artists and creators is, what tool(s) can’t they live without? Their answers are always so unique to their crafts, and, every so often, even surprising. Sometimes the tool is digital like a scheduling app, sometimes it’s physical like a pen, other times it’s a system. For me, as a writer, it’s my notebook. One will do, but I much prefer a whole stack. What’s your favorite tool?
My favorite tool is my 11.5 x 8 blank journal and Stabilo pens that go everywhere with me. I love having lots of colors and fit all the pens inside a little zipper pouch. I often invite whoever I am with to draw in my journal with me so that is one of the many reasons I love to have lots of colors always on hand. I had so much fun reading about everyone's favorite tools.
It depends on which hat I'm wearing! As a writer, probably my digital voice recorder and pickup mic. The pickup mic is a game changer after years of trouble with voice-recording apps on my iPhone. Now, I just put the mic in my ear for perfect recordings. Sometimes old school is best. As an editor, definitely a Magic Rub eraser. As a crafter, my Fiskars paper trimmer.
That's one I used to have! It worked great until it didn't. It's a much-discussed app in my writing groups. (Many have abandoned.) So glad you haven't had issues. Thanks for the fun e-newsletter and discussion. :)
Oh no! Well now I'll have to remember your method in case my app ever poops out. Thanks for chiming in. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm going to send discussion Qs at least once a month!
For all discussion threads: If you're reading this after whatever day it posted, in this case Jan. 29, feel free to chime in! I would love to just keep these threads open and going as a resource to anyone who stops by. XO.
For my daily to-do’s routine, I use a combo between the Todoist app and a physical note book. Todoist keeps allllll of the things that I need to do in a day, but to not get overwhelmed at that long list, I use a physical journal to only have 3 things listed at once. It’s also satisfying to cross something off my list physically rather than digitally.
Scrap paper. Everything I do starts on scrap paper, writing ideas, drawings, to-do and grocery lists- it all starts on paper. I usually take paper that was printed on one side and rip in half and keep it on a mini-clipboard (recycled from an old calendar), order confirmation papers that get shipped to you also work, old envelopes, etc but my goal has always been to be to use a piece of paper to it's full potential before it becomes recycling.
I would agree with Emma, a pen! I never go anywhere without a sketchbook and pen. My GO-TO favorite combo is a large soft cover blank moleskin and a thin Zebra pen. The combination flows and gets me excited to through down thoughts and sketches!
However with all honesty, I would be unable to do a lot of my other work without the whole Creative Cloud ...
I am a huge fan of creating a "Done" list in my planner. My workload and schedule are all over the place, so it's important for me to note what I did that day in lieu of creating a to-do list ahead of time. Without proof, I often feel guilty for not doing enough. Freelancing, man!
My favorite tool is my 11.5 x 8 blank journal and Stabilo pens that go everywhere with me. I love having lots of colors and fit all the pens inside a little zipper pouch. I often invite whoever I am with to draw in my journal with me so that is one of the many reasons I love to have lots of colors always on hand. I had so much fun reading about everyone's favorite tools.
Are those the pens you use to draw your mandalas?! And thanks for chiming in with your must-haves :)
It depends on which hat I'm wearing! As a writer, probably my digital voice recorder and pickup mic. The pickup mic is a game changer after years of trouble with voice-recording apps on my iPhone. Now, I just put the mic in my ear for perfect recordings. Sometimes old school is best. As an editor, definitely a Magic Rub eraser. As a crafter, my Fiskars paper trimmer.
Love this answer, LeeAnne! The Tape-A-Call app has never failed me, but it's also $10 a year. I like your method, too!
That's one I used to have! It worked great until it didn't. It's a much-discussed app in my writing groups. (Many have abandoned.) So glad you haven't had issues. Thanks for the fun e-newsletter and discussion. :)
Oh no! Well now I'll have to remember your method in case my app ever poops out. Thanks for chiming in. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm going to send discussion Qs at least once a month!
For all discussion threads: If you're reading this after whatever day it posted, in this case Jan. 29, feel free to chime in! I would love to just keep these threads open and going as a resource to anyone who stops by. XO.
For my daily to-do’s routine, I use a combo between the Todoist app and a physical note book. Todoist keeps allllll of the things that I need to do in a day, but to not get overwhelmed at that long list, I use a physical journal to only have 3 things listed at once. It’s also satisfying to cross something off my list physically rather than digitally.
Great suggestion! I'm a big fan of the physical cross-off, too.
The perfect journal. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-gift-black-recycled-leather-journal/32592325?ean=8020994952033
Now on my wishlist, as if I don't have 5 dozen notebooks already in my cabinet. Haha!
I only use these and I can only find them through Barnes and Noble. I might order an additional 50 in case they stop carrying them!
Scrap paper. Everything I do starts on scrap paper, writing ideas, drawings, to-do and grocery lists- it all starts on paper. I usually take paper that was printed on one side and rip in half and keep it on a mini-clipboard (recycled from an old calendar), order confirmation papers that get shipped to you also work, old envelopes, etc but my goal has always been to be to use a piece of paper to it's full potential before it becomes recycling.
That is exactly what I do! Couldn't live without my mini-clipboard and half sheets of recycled paper!
So smart! Two thumbs up for reuse, too.
I would agree with Emma, a pen! I never go anywhere without a sketchbook and pen. My GO-TO favorite combo is a large soft cover blank moleskin and a thin Zebra pen. The combination flows and gets me excited to through down thoughts and sketches!
However with all honesty, I would be unable to do a lot of my other work without the whole Creative Cloud ...
I'm going to have to check out Zebra pens! I love that you carry the combo everywhere with you.
Right! I just love the way they feel overtime and filling one up!
I am a huge fan of creating a "Done" list in my planner. My workload and schedule are all over the place, so it's important for me to note what I did that day in lieu of creating a to-do list ahead of time. Without proof, I often feel guilty for not doing enough. Freelancing, man!
Oh, I love this! And it also shows what you accomplished! Great idea.
Do you have a pen preference? Always a controversial topic. :)
Oooh, you and Steve are pen twins. I started using Muji gel pens (0.5 plz) a few years ago and now I can't seem to write with any other pen.
Black for everyday use. Turquoise and lime green for details and days I'm feeling feisty.