My Analog Journal Ecosystem: How I Stay Organized, Creative, and Inspired

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Over the past few months, I’ve fallen headfirst into watching journal ecosystem videos on YouTube. And honestly, I’m hooked. It’s fascinating to see how different people express themselves—whether they’re visual journalers, writers, or a mix of both. Today, I’m sharing a peek into my own journal ecosystem, how it’s evolved over time, and a mini quiz to help you figure out your journaling style, too.

My Core: The Memory Journal

Since 2017, I’ve been doing what I call memory journaling—an evolution of my brief flirtation with bullet journaling. While the bullet format didn’t quite stick, I loved the scrapbook-like aspect of it. Now, I use a Leuchtturm1917 A5 journal, which has become my go-to for memory keeping. The paper quality handles everything from Tombow Dual Brush Pens with minimal bleed-through. I even line the inside cover with decorative paper and emboss the outside for a personalized touch.

Each month starts with a calendar (using Modori calendar stickers), followed by daily entries. I add washi tape and stickers to pace out my pages and keep it visually fun. I try to journal nightly, but if I miss a day, I jot notes in a digital journal and backfill later. It’s part memory, part mindfulness—and I love flipping through past years just to see how far I’ve come.

The Idea Book & Discbound Expansion

I’ve always had a “big ideas” notebook for business planning, tip-saving, and creative sparks. More recently, I transitioned many of those pages into a discbound notebook I keep at my desk. Why? Because discbound systems are flexible! I can rearrange, add folders, and remove pages with ease.

I’ve loved discbound notebooks since stumbling upon a Martha Stewart version 10 years ago—though I wasn’t ready for them then. Today, I’m all in. I make custom tabs with my Silhouette Cameo, make stickers with my Liene sticker printer, and use the system for both professional and personal organization.

Getting Artsy: Acrylic Marker Sketchbook

To stretch my creativity, I started a mini discbound art journal for experimenting with acrylic markers and watercolor. It’s a playful space where I sketch, test blends, and make mistakes. I even crafted a custom binding band and laminated fabric cover. My only critique is the acrylic marker set needs more greens.

Most nights, I write in my memory journal for 10 minutes, then spend another 15 minutes sketching or painting. It’s a little routine that keeps me grounded and growing creatively.

Kitchen + Craft: Other Discbound Uses

I use discs for everything—even organizing Green Chef recipes in my kitchen. I punch the pages with a Circa Levenger punch and store only the meals I love. I also created a discbound book to collect scrap paper and prints—perfect for adding texture or flair to future journals.

A Content Planning Notebook (Because… Comeback Season)

I recently made a smaller 8.5″ x 5.5″ notebook to fit inside a beautiful green Hobonichi cover I picked up from Paper Source. It’s become my content creation journal—where I plan YouTube videos, Instagram posts, and newsletter topics. It’s portable, cute, and helps me get back on track with sharing consistently.

What’s in My Journal Go Bag?

To stay consistent, I keep a journal go bag packed with essentials next to my couch:

• Lumos refillable pens
• Pentel Sign Pen Brush Tip Ink Pens
• Tombow Dual Brush Pens
• Water Brush
• Kesote 6 Rolls Double Sided Tape
• Stickers, scraps, white-out, eraser, scissors

Everything’s in one place, so I’m always ready to journal—no excuses. Read my post on how to start journaling.

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Pop Quiz: What Kind of Journaler Are You?

Take a moment and answer mentally (or write them down!):

• Binding style: Perfect bound, ring, or discbound? (I’m dis-perfectionist—no rings for me.)
• Content style: Word-focused, visual, or a mix?
• Decorations: Washi tape, stickers, or minimalism?
• Cover material: Cardstock, leather, pleather, or plastic?
• Writing tools: Pens, markers, pencils, or paints?
• Photos or no photos? (Or full-on collages?)
• Discbound system: Levenger, Happy Planner, Arc?
• Preferred size: A5, letter, 9×6, tiny pocket-sized?
• Extras: Charms, tassels, affirmation cards?
• Lines or no lines? (I’m Team No Lines forever.)
• Inserts: DIY in Canva, purchased on Etsy, or none at all?

Answering these can help you refine or even start your journaling setup.

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Ready to Build Your Own System?

Everyone’s journaling ecosystem will look a little different—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re writing, sketching, memory keeping, or planning your content, the key is finding tools and systems that excite you to return to them.

Got questions? Ask away in the comments of the YouTube video, or comment on this blog post. Also, don’t forget to:

• 💌 Sign up for the newsletter at nachesnow.com/newsletter
• Subscribe and watch more journaling videos on my YouTube channel
• Stay tuned for affirmation cards and other journaling goodies—coming soon!

Until next time, happy journaling.