Graduate school is an odd season of life. While many work full time during graduate studies, often others, like me, discover their graduate program isn’t a good complement to a standard full-time job and seek alternate income while working towards the next career goal. For me, a standard 9-5 hasn’t felt like a good fit …

In this post I demonstrate step by step how I create a banner with folds and shading. For step-by-step instructions slowed down and broken into bite size pieces- keep reading. A banner can really add some pizazz to a journal and make it more personal. Here’s how I draw a banner in my journal: First, …

There are few art supplies as versatile or beloved as Copic markers. The Japanese-made professional-grade markers are the gold standard when it comes to illustration, comics, and anime. Entry-level art supply makers often mimic Copic markers, but they are never rivaled. What are Copic Markers? Copic markers are artist markers available in 358 colors. Although …

As anyone who’s ever lingered too long in a stationary aisle knows, it’s easy to spend a fortune on paper, pens, and stationery products you’ll never use. On the other hand, quality supplies can make a big difference in ease of use, the final result, and the experience of bullet journaling or note taking. In …

When it comes to studying, most of us probably think we’ve got it down, but modern research is challenging some of the longest-held beliefs about studying. In some cases, these researchers report, counterintuitive study methods (i.e. study techniques that don’t seem like they should work) actually do work better than traditional study methods. In this …

I was 33 when I left my job, moved 2,000 miles, and started grad school full time. As an adult learner, school was a very different place. It felt different both because I was a very different learner and because the landscape of learning had changed. In this article, I thought I’d share some of …

Starting grad school can be a huge transition- especially if you’ve been out of school for a while. When I headed back to the classroom recently, I read lots of tips and advice on navigating the graduate school world as a student back in school after a break. Still, there was so much I had …

Paper writing is tough. The pre-writing process, where thoughts are gathered and organized, can be the hardest part. In this post, I share my best tip for how to launch the paper writing process: using mind-maps to organize your thoughts and brainstorm. When Paper Structure matters, Start with a Mind Map For visual thinkers, mind …

In last week’s post I introduced readers to a concept called a “visual vocabulary”. In this installment of this series on developing a visual vocabulary, I’m showing you how I doodle one of the staples of my visual vocabulary:  a mother and baby. Mother and child (or parent and child) relationships are a common topic …

You don’t have to be a master of Spencerian handwriting or wedding lettering to add hand-lettered charm to your bullet journal. Today, I’m showing you my cheat sheet of simple hand lettering fonts that you- yes even you! – can make. All it takes is easy modifications to your existing handwriting to create beautiful hand …