In commonplace book is a unique way to gather knowledge, inspiration, and thoughts in one place. It differs from a diary or bullet journal, as it doesn't necessarily follow a structure, but instead functions as a personal archive of ideas, quotes, notes, and reflections. Many well-known thinkers and writers throughout history have used this method – and you can get started too! Here's a guide on how to start your own commonplace notebook.
Hvað er a commonplace bók?
En commonplace notebook er en samling af: A commonplace notebook is a collection of:
Inspiring quotes from books, films or conversations
Notes from articles, podcasts or lectures
Reflections on one's own thoughts and experiences
Ideas for projects, art, writing, or research
Thoughts on philosophy, productivity, or creativity
Instead of having this knowledge spread across random notes or digital files, a commonplace book gathers it all in one place.
A brief history of commonplace notebooks
The method has existed for several centuries and has been used by many famous people:
Leonardo da Vinci used his notebooks to jot down ideas, make sketches and take notes on science and art.
Virginia Woolf Collected thoughts and quotes that inspired her writing.
C.S. Lewis used his commonplace notebook to collect quotes, reflections, and ideas, which later inspired his writing.
How does it work?
There are no fixed rules for what a commonplace book should look like, but here are some ideas for what you can write:
Quotes that inspire you – Jot down quotes that make you think or motivate you.
Notes from books, podcasts, or articles – Summarise interesting points so you can easily refer back to them.
Creative project ideas Use your notebook to jot down sketches, brainstorms and concepts.
Reflections – Write down how different thoughts or topics affect you.
How to get started
Choose a notebook – Use a sturdy notebook that can accommodate many notes and entries.
Determine a format – Do you want your notebook to have a table of contents, or would you prefer to just jot notes down in any order?
Write when you are inspired – Take your notebook with you, so you can always jot down new thoughts and ideas.
Use colours, stickers and washi tape – Make your commonplace notebook personal and visual.
Good materials for a commonplace notebook
To get the most out of your commonplace notebook, you can use:
A quality notebook A journal with thick paper that can withstand lots of notes.
Good pens Fineliners, gel pens and brush pens offer a good writing experience.
Stickers and washi tape Perfect for organising and decorating your pages.
Why start a commonplace notebook?
A commonplace notebook is a fantastic way to retain knowledge and inspiration. In an era where we're bombarded with information, it helps you organise the most important thoughts and ideas, so you can return to them later.
Make your commonplace notebook even better
At Plan & Plot Studio, we produce our own stickers and offer a wide range of journaling accessories. Whether you want to keep your commonplace notebook minimalist or colourful, we have products that perfectly suit your needs!
Are you ready to start your own commonplace notebook? Get inspired and begin today!
