Ever wondered how a simple notebook can transform your productivity and creativity? Meet Amber, the creative mind behind Amber’s Notebooks, a YouTube channel dedicated to bullet journaling. From being “the crazy list girl” in school to inspiring thousands with her artistic spreads, Amber’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this exclusive interview, she shares her bullet journaling evolution, favorite tools, and thoughts on social media’s ever-changing landscape.
How did you first get into bullet journaling?
Amber: That’s quite a long story! I’ve always loved making lists—I was that girl in school, drawing frames in my notebooks and writing down daily to-dos. Traditional planners never quite fit my needs or allowed for creativity. One day, I came across @goudenlijntjes on Instagram, and her beautiful pages inspired me. That led me down a Pinterest and YouTube rabbit hole, and I knew this was what I needed. Around 2016/2017, I bought my first bullet journal (Leuchtturm—not my top recommendation, haha) and started experimenting.
What inspired you to start a bullet journal, and how did your journey evolve?
Amber: Initially, I recreated spreads I found online to get a feel for the practice. I tend to dive deep into new hobbies—completely—so I went all in. After getting comfortable, I started designing my own layouts, then posting on Instagram. A year later, I launched my YouTube channel in 2019. However, juggling university and social media became overwhelming, and I’ve been on a break for over a year now. Social media is always shifting—first, it was posts, then stories, then hashtags, and now everything’s turning into TikTok! Why do all these platforms want to be each other?! (laughs)
How would you describe your bullet journaling style?
Amber: A mix of artsy and minimal. Lately, my designs are bolder, but my pages still lean toward soft, muted tones for a calming aesthetic.
What are your favorite materials and tools?
Amber: Ooooh, great question!
- Notebook: Used to be Archer & Olive, but they’re hard to get in Europe, so I’m loving Notebook Therapy now—adorable designs and thick paper that can handle watercolors without ghosting.
- Pens & Pencils:
- Micron fine liners—waterproof and super pigmented.
- Tombow Mono Graph pencil—has a cool shake system and comes in pretty colors.
- Tombow Dual Brush pens—no drying time, so perfect for quick, vibrant spreads.
How do you come up with new layouts and designs?
Amber: I take inspiration from other creators (always giving credit) and tweak designs to fit my needs. For example, I prefer wider weekly spreads, but not too wide because that overwhelms my brain. It’s all about balance!
What’s your process for setting up a new month or week in your bullet journal?
Amber: A few years ago, life got busier, and I stopped reinventing my layouts. I found a system that worked and stuck to it. Sketching layouts ahead of time helps, though sometimes picking a theme is the hardest part—seriously, what hasn’t been done yet? (laughs)
What tips do you have for beginners?
Amber: Start simple. Recreate spreads until you get the hang of it. Experiment, but my motto is: if it doesn’t serve you, it’s out. Your journal should work for you, not the other way around!
How do you stay motivated to keep up with your journal?
Amber: It should never feel like a chore. If it does, rethink your approach. A journal should make your life easier, not harder.
Common mistakes beginners make?
Amber: Wanting too much at the start! Bullet journaling takes time, and overly ambitious layouts often get left blank. Ask yourself: what do I need my journal for? Is it for school? Tracking habits? Focus on that first.
How do you balance functionality and creativity?
Amber: It takes trial and error. I prioritize function but add creative touches where I can. The key is making it useful while still fun to look at.
What challenges do you face as a bullet journal vlogger? Any plans to return?
Amber: Social media is exhausting! I used to plan content via Planoly, tracking post-performance. But honestly, it’s a game of luck—sometimes posts catch on, sometimes they don’t. Right now, I’m brainstorming how I want to come back. I’d love to hear what people want to see!
What’s the most rewarding part of sharing your bullet journaling journey online?
Amber: Seeing people recreate my spreads and feel proud of what they made. That makes me happiest.
How has the bullet journaling community influenced you?
Amber: It’s hands-down the most positive and supportive space online. No hate, just encouragement. Plus, I even landed my current job through Instagram connections—so many cool opportunities have come from this community!
Favorite bullet journal influencers?
Amber: So many!
- Lars (@plslars)—a dear friend now!
- Tiina (@Tiinasdiary)
- Shayda Campbell
- Anne (@Goudenlijntjes)
How do you handle feedback from viewers?
Amber: I’ve been lucky—my followers are the sweetest! The only “negative” feedback was one thumbs-down on YouTube (which made me laugh). If I use someone’s suggestion, I DM them to say thanks!
Future plans for bullet journaling and YouTube?
Amber: I have ideas but need to figure out how to execute them. Stay tuned!
Any new tools or techniques you’re excited about?
Amber: YES! I recently met the team from Toms Studio and got a Lumos Pro as a gift. It’s amazing! I want everything from them, but my wallet disagrees. (laughs)
How has bullet journaling impacted your personal life?
Amber: It was a lifesaver in university—helped me track tasks, deadlines, and keep my brain uncluttered. My family noticed that when my journal was organized, I was more at ease. It truly makes a difference!
What inspired you to start a bullet journal, and how did your journey evolve?
Amber: Initially, I recreated spreads I found online to get a feel for the practice. I tend to dive deep into new hobbies—completely—so I went all in. After getting comfortable, I started designing my own layouts, then posting on Instagram. A year later, I launched my YouTube channel in 2019. However, juggling university and social media became overwhelming, and I’ve been on a break for over a year now. Social media is always shifting—first, it was posts, then stories, then hashtags, and now everything’s turning into TikTok! Why do all these platforms want to be each other?! (laughs)
How would you describe your bullet journaling style?
Amber: A mix of artsy and minimal. Lately, my designs are bolder, but my pages still lean toward soft, muted tones for a calming aesthetic.
What are your favorite materials and tools?
Amber: Ooooh, great question!
- Notebook: Used to be Archer & Olive, but they’re hard to get in Europe, so I’m loving Notebook Therapy now—adorable designs and thick paper that can handle watercolors without ghosting.
- Pens & Pencils:
- Micron fine liners—waterproof and super pigmented.
- Tombow Mono Graph pencil—has a cool shake system and comes in pretty colors.
- Tombow Dual Brush pens—no drying time, so perfect for quick, vibrant spreads.
How do you come up with new layouts and designs?
Amber: I take inspiration from other creators (always giving credit) and tweak designs to fit my needs. For example, I prefer wider weekly spreads, but not too wide because that overwhelms my brain. It’s all about balance!
What’s your process for setting up a new month or week in your bullet journal?
Amber: A few years ago, life got busier, and I stopped reinventing my layouts. I found a system that worked and stuck to it. Sketching layouts ahead of time helps, though sometimes picking a theme is the hardest part—seriously, what hasn’t been done yet? (laughs)
What tips do you have for beginners?
Amber: Start simple. Recreate spreads until you get the hang of it. Experiment, but my motto is: if it doesn’t serve you, it’s out. Your journal should work for you, not the other way around!
How do you stay motivated to keep up with your journal?
Amber: It should never feel like a chore. If it does, rethink your approach. A journal should make your life easier, not harder.
Common mistakes beginners make?
Amber: Wanting too much at the start! Bullet journaling takes time, and overly ambitious layouts often get left blank. Ask yourself: what do I need my journal for? Is it for school? Tracking habits? Focus on that first.
How do you balance functionality and creativity?
Amber: It takes trial and error. I prioritize function but add creative touches where I can. The key is making it useful while still fun to look at.
What challenges do you face as a bullet journal vlogger? Any plans to return?
Amber: Social media is exhausting! I used to plan content via Planoly, tracking post-performance. But honestly, it’s a game of luck—sometimes posts catch on, sometimes they don’t. Right now, I’m brainstorming how I want to come back. I’d love to hear what people want to see!
What’s the most rewarding part of sharing your bullet journaling journey online?
Amber: Seeing people recreate my spreads and feel proud of what they made. That makes me happiest.
How has the bullet journaling community influenced you?
Amber: It’s hands-down the most positive and supportive space online. No hate, just encouragement. Plus, I even landed my current job through Instagram connections—so many cool opportunities have come from this community!
Favorite bullet journal influencers?
Amber: So many!
- Lars (@plslars)—a dear friend now!
- Tiina (@Tiinasdiary)
- Shayda Campbell
- Anne (@Goudenlijntjes)
How do you handle feedback from viewers?
Amber: I’ve been lucky—my followers are the sweetest! The only “negative” feedback was one thumbs-down on YouTube (which made me laugh). If I use someone’s suggestion, I DM them to say thanks!
Future plans for bullet journaling and YouTube?
Amber: I have ideas but need to figure out how to execute them. Stay tuned!
Any new tools or techniques you’re excited about?
Amber: YES! I recently met the team from Toms Studio and got a Lumos Pro as a gift. It’s amazing! I want everything from them, but my wallet disagrees. (laughs)
How has bullet journaling impacted your personal life?
Amber: It was a lifesaver in university—helped me track tasks, deadlines, and keep my brain uncluttered. My family noticed that when my journal was organized, I was more at ease. It truly makes a difference!
Amber’s bullet journaling journey is a testament to how creativity and productivity can coexist. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned journaler, her insights remind us that bullet journaling is about you—finding a system that works, embracing creativity, and making life just a little bit more beautiful.
Want to follow Amber’s journey? Check out her YouTube channel Amber’s Notebooks and her Instagram for inspiration!