In this video, I walk you through the materials I use when mapping out projects by hand.
You donāt need the exact same toolsāmost of what I use is just stuff lying around in an office. This is about clarity, not luxury stationery.
š The Basics (aka: Good Enough to Get Started)
Paper:
Just plain printer paper. In Europe? Use A4. In the U.S.? Use Letter size.
Stack ~10 pages to make writing feel smoother (your table doesnāt deserve all that pressure).
Ballpoint Pen:
Black or blue. Classic. Smooth. Doesnāt bleed. Lefties: Some ballpoints smearāfineliners are your friend. You'll find them in your local art supply store.
Black Marker:
You want one darker pen for bold lines, headlines, and emphasis. I use a Sharpie or a Paper Mate Flair. You useā¦ whatever works. Even a stolen kidās marker will do. No shame here.
Highlighter:
One color. Thatās all you need. Look for what's lying around in the office. Don't use neon-yellow. Unless you like brain damage. Because yellow on your paper white has such low contrast!
š§° Want to see what I use exactly?
Bic M10 Clic - Ballpoint pen
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Black
Sharpie Permanent Markers Fine Point, Black
STABILO Boss Original Highlighter, Pink
Neuland FineOneĀ® Art, 0.5-5 mm ā single colors 501 Yellow
š The Real Talk
Donāt let 'the materials' stop you from starting.
Seriously.
One pen. One sheet of paper.
Thatās all you need to start structuring your thoughts. See you in the next lesson!