10 Easy and Creative Doodle Ideas for Your Bullet Journal

Published on 10 July 2023 9 min read

Are you looking to add a splash of creativity to your bullet journal? Doodling can be an enchanting way to express your thoughts and ideas, and it's not as complicated as it may seem! With a few simple techniques, you can transform your bullet journal into a captivating personal masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned journaler or a beginner, these ten easy and creative doodling bullet journal ideas will inspire you to pick up your pen and sketch away.

1. Dive into Simple Shapes

When it comes to doodling in your bullet journal, there's no need to start with complex designs. In fact, some of the most engaging doodles are crafted from simple shapes! Believe it or not, you can create an entire universe in your bullet journal with just circles, squares, triangles, and lines.

Here's a simple process to get you started:

Start by filling a page of your journal with simple shapes. Don't think too much—just let your pen flow.
Next, try combining these shapes to create new forms. For example, a triangle atop a square can become a charming little house.
Finally, add some details to these forms. Windows to your house, perhaps? Or maybe a cute little chimney?

Remember, the aim is not perfection but personal expression. So, don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. The beauty of doodling in your bullet journal is that it's all about you and your imagination.

Pro tip: Use variations of line thickness and shading to add depth and dimension to your doodles. It's a simple trick, but it can take your doodling bullet journal game to a whole new level!

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to dive into the world of simple shapes and see where your creativity takes you!

2. Explore Geometric Patterns

Now that you've mastered simple shapes, let's take your doodling bullet journal to the next level — geometric patterns! These patterns can add a unique touch to your journal and make even the simplest page look intricately designed.

The beauty of geometric patterns is that they're built on repetition. You just have to master one element and then repeat it across the page. Sound complicated? Don't worry, it's easier than it seems! Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Start with a simple shape, such as a triangle or a hexagon.
Draw this shape repeatedly, filling up the page. Try to keep the shapes evenly spaced for a neat appearance.
Now, add a second element inside each shape. This could be another smaller shape, a line, or a dot.

Voila! You've created a stunning geometric pattern. It's that easy!

Pro tip: Play around with different color combinations when filling in your shapes. This can add a vibrant pop of color to your bullet journal and make your doodles stand out.

So, are you ready to explore the mesmerizing world of geometric patterns in your doodling bullet journal? Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. Keep practicing, and you'll soon be creating patterns that are uniquely you!

3. Craft Charming Characters

Let's add a pinch of personality to your doodling bullet journal by crafting charming characters. Characters can bring a sense of fun and whimsy to your pages, and they're simpler to create than you might think.

Creating characters can be as simple as exaggerating the features of everyday objects. For example, imagine an apple with a cute smile or a coffee mug with googly eyes. Sounds amusing, right? Here's how you can start creating these characters:

Choose an everyday object to transform into a character
Draw the basic shape of the object
Add in the character traits: eyes, mouth, and other features as you see fit
Finish off with any details or embellishments to make your character come to life

That's it! You've just created a charming character for your doodling bullet journal.

Pro tip: To add more personality to your characters, give them emotions. For example, you can make them happy, sad, surprised, or even a little grumpy. This extra touch can really make your characters come to life.

Remember, your characters don't have to be perfect. The beauty of doodling is in its imperfections. So, embrace your creative side and start crafting those charming characters in your bullet journal. You never know, you might just create your new favorite doodle buddy!

4. Build Beautiful Borders

Now that we've added some personality with characters, let's frame our creativity with some beautiful borders. Borders in a doodling bullet journal aren't just functional, they can also be pieces of art themselves.

Not sure where to start with creating borders? No problem. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Decide where you want your border to go. It could be around a note, a quote, or even an entire page.
Draw a simple line to mark the boundary.
Now, this is where the fun begins. Add in any patterns or designs you like. Squiggles, dots, stripes — the sky's the limit!
To finish, you can add some shadows or color to make your border pop.

And voila! You've just added a beautiful border to your doodling bullet journal.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different border styles on the same page. This can create a visually interesting layout and keep your doodling fresh.

So don't be afraid to step out of the box — or should we say, the border? — and experiment with different styles. You'll be surprised at how much a simple border can transform a page in your doodling bullet journal.

5. Design Dynamic Doodads

When it comes to doodling in your bullet journal, the devil is truly in the details. And by details, we mean doodads. These are the small, delightful elements that can take your pages from good to great.

Wondering what exactly qualifies as a "doodad"? Well, it could be anything from a delicate flower to a funky geometric shape. The key is to make it small, simple, yet striking. Now, let's get those doodads onto your journal pages:

Start by selecting a corner or empty space in your journal. Doodads are excellent at filling those tricky empty spaces!
Pick a theme for your doodads. This could be anything that sparks joy for you. Love nature? Go for flowers, leaves, or tiny bugs. More into abstract art? Geometric shapes or patterns might be your go-to.
Keep your doodads simple. Remember, these are small designs meant to enhance your pages, not overshadow them.
Finally, have fun with it! This is your chance to let your creativity shine. There's no wrong way to doodle a doodad.

Note: Even though doodads are small, they can make a big impact. They can add a personal touch to your doodling bullet journal and make it uniquely yours. So go ahead, start designing your own dynamic doodads and see the difference they can make!

6. Compose Creative Corners

Ever noticed how corners of our bullet journal pages often feel left out? Well, not anymore. Let's talk about how to doodle your way into those corners and make every inch of your bullet journal a piece of art.

Creating creative corners is all about using that space to its full potential. These doodles can work as borders or frames, and they can also become wonderful little surprises as you flip through your journal. Let's get started:

Start by picking a corner. It could be top right, bottom left, or any corner that's calling out to you.
Decide what you want to doodle. This could be a simple pattern, a small image, or even a mini scene. It's your corner, so it's your call.
Now, get doodling. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. The charm of a doodling bullet journal lies in its imperfections. Those little quirks make it yours.

So, are you ready to turn those once forgotten corners into creative masterpieces? Remember, it's not just about making your journal look good. It's also about having fun and expressing yourself. So dive in, and let those corners shine!

7. Pen Pretty Plant Doodles

Who says you need a green thumb to grow plants? With a doodling bullet journal, you can create a flourishing garden of your own, right there on the paper.

Pretty plant doodles can add a fresh, lively touch to your journal, and they're a joy to create. You don't have to be a botanist to doodle plants. All you need is a pen, your bullet journal, and a dash of creativity. Here's how you can get started:

Start by choosing your plant. It could be a tiny daisy, a towering sunflower, or a colorful cactus. It's your garden, so plant what you love.
Next, outline your plant with a simple line drawing. Remember, we're doodling, not painting a masterpiece, so don't worry if it's not perfect. The beauty of a doodling bullet journal is in its uniqueness.
Finally, fill in your plant with details. This could be the texture of the leaves, the pattern on the petals, or the thorns on a cactus. Let your creative juices flow.

Before you know it, you'll have a garden that never wilts, right there in your doodling bullet journal. So why not give it a try? You might just find that doodling plants is a fun, relaxing way to add a splash of nature to your journal. Who knew you had such a green pen?

8. Sketch Stunning Sceneries

Have you ever wanted to freeze a moment in time? With a doodling bullet journal, you can do just that. Sketching stunning sceneries lets you capture the beauty of the world one doodle at a time. And the best part? You can do it anywhere, anytime.

From the city skyline that takes your breath away to the serene sunset by the beach, stunning sceneries are all around us. All it takes is a keen eye and a few pen strokes to bring them to life in your journal. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

First, choose a scenery that inspires you. It could be a place you've visited, a scene from your favorite movie, or even an imagined landscape from a dream.
Next, sketch a basic outline. Start with the big shapes first, like mountains or buildings, then add smaller details like trees or windows.
Finally, add depth and texture. Use shading to show light and shadow, and different line weights to create a sense of depth.

And voila! You've just created a stunning scenery in your doodling bullet journal. The more you practice, the better your sketches will become. So why not start today? With every sketch, you're not just filling a page in your journal, you're capturing a moment, a place, a feeling. And that's a pretty special thing to do, don't you think?

9. Make Magical Mandalas

Many believe in the soothing power of mandalas; they're more than just pretty patterns! Mandalas are symbols of unity, harmony, and infinity. They are circles filled with intricate designs, and creating them can be a peaceful and meditative process. So, how about adding a touch of magic to your doodling bullet journal with some mandalas?

But, don't fret if you're worried about getting the symmetry just right. Here's a little secret: it's the process of drawing that matters, not the perfection of the final product. Let's get started:

Begin with a small circle in the middle of your page. This is the heart of your mandala.
Next, draw larger circles around the center, like ripples in water. These will serve as guidelines for your patterns.
Now, let your creativity flow! Fill each ring with patterns, shapes, and lines. Remember, each mandala is unique—just like you!

Each stroke, each shape, each pattern you create brings your mandala—and your doodling bullet journal—to life. And the best part? There's no wrong way to create a mandala. So, let those lines flow, let those patterns emerge, and let your journal reflect the magic within you.

So go on, make your mark. After all, isn't that what keeping a doodling bullet journal is all about?

10. Create Cute Creatures

Who doesn't love a dash of cuteness in their doodling bullet journal? Yes, you guessed it right—we're stepping into the adorable world of doodle creatures. Don't worry; you don't need to be a wildlife sketch artist to pull this off. All you need is a bit of imagination and a willingness to let your pen wander.

Here's a simple way to start doodling your own zoo:

Begin with a simple shape—like a circle, oval, or rectangle. This will be the body of your creature.
Add smaller shapes for the head, ears, and feet. Remember, these don't have to be precise; in fact, the more whimsical, the better!
Now, give your creature a face. Two dots for eyes and a simple line for a smile can be enough to bring your doodle to life.
Finally, add some unique details. How about some spots, stripes, or even a tiny hat? This is where your creature really comes to life!

And there you have it! Your very own cute creature, ready to bring a smile every time you open your journal. The beauty of doodling is that there's no limit to where your imagination can take you. Whether it's a bunny wearing a bow tie or a penguin with a top hat, your doodling bullet journal is a place for these characters to come alive.

So, go ahead, fill your pages with these charming beings. Remember, in the world of doodles, anything is possible!

If you're looking for more inspiration and tips on incorporating doodles and sketches into your bullet journal, don't miss the workshop 'Top Tips For Sketchbook Studies' by Rachelle Meyer. This workshop will provide you with the guidance and techniques to enhance your bullet journal creativity and elevate your sketching skills.