Writing articles for journaling, planners, and creative projects

Writing instruments such as pens, fineliners, brush pens, and gel pens are an important part of many creative paper projects and are often used in journals, planners, and bullet journals. In journals, planners, and notebooks, different types of pens are used for planning, decoration, and reflection. The right pen can make it easier to write neatly, structure pages, and create personal layouts in notebooks.

At Plan & Plot Studio, you'll find a selection of writing supplies that are particularly well-suited for journaling, planners, and creative paper projects. The category focuses especially on pens that work well in notebooks and journals, where ink, nib, and paper quality all play a part in the writing experience. The selection has been curated with a focus on pens that write smoothly on paper in journals and planners, ensuring that both text and creative details appear clearly.

In journals and planners, many people use a wider variety of pens. Some pens are good for structure and planning, while others are perfect for decorative elements, headings or illustrations.

On this page, you can explore the main types of writing instruments and find the pen that best suits your creative approach to working with paper. Here you’ll also find pens for journaling, planners and bullet journals, as well as inspiration for choosing the writing instruments that suit your way of working with paper.

Buy stationery for journaling

Journaling pens should be comfortable to write with and perform well on paper in notebooks and planners. Many prefer pens with smooth ink flow and nibs that offer control over both fine and thicker lines.

In the shop, you'll find stationery items, used for things such as:

• Bullet journals
• planners
• diaries
• Reading journals
• Travel journals
• Scrapbooks

The selection consists of pens suitable for general writing, structuring planners, and creative details in journals.

Different types of pens and writing instruments

Although many associate writing instruments with pens, the category also encompasses various tools for writing, drawing, and decorating on paper. In journaling and planners, pens such as fineliners, brush pens, and gel pens are particularly used because they offer good control over both text and illustrations.

There are many types of pens for journaling and planners. Some pens are designed for precise writing, while others are made for creative headings, colours, and illustrations.

Three of the most popular types of pens for journaling and planners are:

• Fineliners
• Brush pens
• Gel pens

These pens are often used together in journals and planners because each has different strengths.

Fineliners for precise writing

You can see the full range of fineliners here: Fineliners.

Fineliners are one of the most popular types of writing instruments for journaling and planners. They have a fine tip, which allows for small and precise writing.

Fineliners are often used for:

• daily journaling
• Planner structure
• Headings and subheadings
• Drawing and illustrations
• details in bullet journals

Many people prefer fineliners because they provide a smooth line and good control on paper in notebooks and planners.

Brush pens for headings and creative elements

See all brush pens in the category here: Brush pens.

Brush pens have a flexible tip, which allows for variation in line thickness. They are often used for headings, lettering, and decorative elements in journals.

Brush pens are typically used for:

• Headlines in journals
• Creative spreads
• lettering and handwriting
• Decorations in planners

The flexible tip allows for the creation of both thin and thick lines, providing a vibrant and creative expression on the page.

Gel pens for smooth and clear writing

You can explore the full range of gel pens here: Gel pens.

Gel pens are known for their smooth writing experience and vibrant colours. They are often used in planners and journals where clear text or colourful details are desired.

Gel pens are used for, among other things:

• common writing
• coloured notes
• Journal decorations
• Highlighting important elements in planners

Many people choose gel pens because the ink flows smoothly and gives a clear line on paper.

Pens for bullet journal and planners

In bullet journals and planners, many people use a combination of different writing instruments. Fineliners are often used for structure and text, while brush pens can be used for headings and decorative elements.

Gel pens can be used to add colours or highlight specific parts of a page.

By combining several types of pens, you can create both structure and variation in your journals and planners. Fineliners are typically used for structure and text. Brush pens are often used for headings and lettering, while gel pens can be used for colours or clear notes.

How to choose the right writing instruments for your journal

When choosing writing instruments for journaling, it can be beneficial to consider how you use your journal or planner. Some people prefer a simple pen for daily writing, while others use several different pens for various purposes.

At Plan & Plot Studio, we offer writing instruments suitable for both beginners and experienced journal users. Our range particularly includes pens that work well in bullet journals, planners, and other notebooks where structure, headings, and creative elements all play a part.

Popular brands of writing instruments

The range also includes writing materials from several well-known brands, which are often used in journals, planners and creative projects.

Some of the most popular brands in the shop are:

• Sakura Pigma Micron, which is known for precise fineliners that are often used in bullet journals
• Tombow, which, among other things, makes popular brush pens and creative pens for lettering
• Uni, which produces pens with smooth ink flow
• Penco, which is known for functional writing instruments with a simple design

These brands are used by many who work with journaling, planners, and creative notebooks, where pens with a smooth ink flow and good control make it easier to write and decorate pages.

About Plan & Plot Studio

Plan & Plot Studio is a Danish webshop and stationery store based in Roskilde. The product range focuses on journaling, planners, and creative paper projects.

As well as the online shop, there is also a physical store in Roskilde, where products can be experienced in person and where inspiration for journaling, planners and creative hobby projects can be found.

The shop is created for you who love:

• Journals
• planners
• writing articles
• stickers
• washi tape

The assortment is selected for both beginners and experienced journal users who want to work creatively with paper and notebooks.

FAQ about writing articles

What pens and writing materials are best for journaling

Many prefer fineliners for daily journaling because they produce a thin, precise line. Brush pens are often used for headings and decorative elements, while gel pens are popular for coloured notes and highlights.

The pens used in bullet journals can vary greatly, depending on personal preference and the specific purpose. However, some popular choices include:* **Fine-liners:** These pens have a thin tip and are excellent for writing, drawing, and creating detailed layouts. Popular brands include Staedtler, Faber-Castell, and Sakura Pigma Micron. * **Gel pens:** Known for their smooth ink flow and vibrant colours, gel pens are a fun choice for adding colour and personality to a bullet journal. Brands like Uni-ball Signo and Pentel EnerGel are well-liked. * **Brush pens:** With a flexible brush-like tip, these pens are ideal for calligraphy, lettering, and creating varying line weights. Tombow Dual Brush Pens and Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush are common choices. * **Ballpoint pens:** A classic and reliable option, ballpoint pens are great for everyday writing and note-taking. * **Fountain pens:** For those who enjoy a more traditional writing experience, fountain pens can offer a smooth and elegant way to journal.Many bullet journal users also like to experiment with different types of pens, including markers, coloured pencils, and even paint pens, to achieve different visual effects.

In bullet journaling, fineliners are often used for structure and text. Brush pens can be used for headings and lettering, while gel pens can be used for colours or highlights.

Fineliners og gelpenne ligner hinanden, men der er et par vigtige forskelle. Fineliners er typisk tyndere og lavet til præcisionsarbejde, f.eks. tegning eller skrivning i små rum. De har et lille stykke filt eller en kugle i spidsen, der giver en glat og konsekvent streg. Gelpenne er derimod generelt tykkere og indeholder en gelbaseret blæk, der kan være mere levende og dybere i farven. De har også en kuglespids, men den kan være større end en fineliners, hvilket giver en bredere og mere dristig streg.

Fineliners typically have a firm, thin tip which provides a precise line. Gel pens offer a smoother writing experience and are often used for clear text or colourful notes.

Which pens are good for planners

Many planners use fineliners or gel pens because they provide clear text and work well for planning weeks and months.

Can brush pens be used in journals

Yes. Brush pens are often used in journals for headings, lettering, and creative elements on the pages. The flexible tip makes them particularly suitable for handwriting, headings, and decorative details in journaling.