Let me be honest with you for a second.
Starting something creative sounds exciting… until you actually sit down and realize you have no idea where to begin. You open Pinterest, see all these perfectly styled setups, endless supplies, beautiful journals, and suddenly it feels like you need everything before you can even start.
I’ve been there. And it’s exhausting.
At some point, creativity stops feeling light and turns into something complicated. Too many choices, too many tools, too much pressure to make it look “right.”
But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: you don’t need all of that.
What you really need is a small, simple setup that feels easy to use and doesn’t overwhelm you the moment you open it. Something that makes you want to sit down, grab a pen, and just start without thinking twice.
That’s exactly what this guide is about.
1. A notebook you actually enjoy using
This sounds simple, but it makes a bigger difference than you think.
If your notebook feels boring or awkward, you won’t reach for it. You’ll put it aside, tell yourself you’ll start “later,” and then forget about it completely.
What you want instead is something that feels easy and inviting. Nothing fancy, nothing intimidating. Just a notebook that makes you think, okay… I could fill a page in here.
What works well:
- a clean, minimal design
- soft or neutral colors
- paper that doesn’t bleed through
- a comfortable size like A5
Dotted notebooks are especially nice because they give you a bit of structure without boxing you in.
2. A pen that doesn’t get in your way
You know that feeling when a pen scratches or skips?
Instant motivation killer.
A good pen doesn’t make you think. It just works. Your lines flow, your handwriting feels smoother, and suddenly everything looks a little better without extra effort.
Simple options to start with:
- gel pens for smooth writing
- fineliners for clean doodles
- brush pens if you want softer lines
You really don’t need a full collection. One or two good pens are more than enough.
3. A small set of colors
This is where a lot of people overdo it.
You don’t need 60 markers.
A small, calm color palette actually looks better and feels less overwhelming. It also makes your pages more cohesive without trying too hard.
A good starting point:
- 5 to 10 colors
- a few soft tones like beige, dusty pink, or light grey
- one or two slightly brighter accents
It keeps everything balanced and easy on the eyes.
4. A pencil for low-pressure ideas
Not everything has to be permanent.
Sometimes you just want to try something without committing to it right away. That’s where a pencil helps.
You can sketch loosely, adjust things, erase, and try again without ruining your page.
Perfect for:
- planning layouts
- testing doodles
- getting proportions right
It takes away that pressure of having to get it right the first time.
5. An eraser that actually works
This sounds like a tiny detail, but it matters more than you’d expect.
A bad eraser smudges your page, leaves marks behind, and makes everything feel messy.
A good one keeps things clean and simple.
Look for:
- soft erasing
- minimal smudging
- clean edges for small corrections
It’s one of those small upgrades that quietly makes everything better.
6. Optional: washi tape for quick details
You don’t need decoration, but sometimes it’s nice to add a little extra without putting in much effort.
Washi tape is perfect for that.
It’s quick, easy, and instantly makes your pages look more put together.
Use it for:
- simple borders
- highlighting sections
- covering small mistakes
No pressure, no perfection needed.
7. Optional: a soft highlighter or marker
If you like a bit of structure or subtle color layering, this is a nice addition.
It helps you organize your page visually without making it feel busy.
Stick to soft, muted tones so everything stays calm and cohesive.
Keep it simple (this is the part that matters most)
This is where most people get stuck.
They keep adding more tools, more supplies, more ideas… and then end up using none of it.
Try this instead:
- keep everything in one small pouch
- stick to your favorite tools
- don’t upgrade too quickly
Your goal isn’t to build a perfect collection.
Your goal is to actually use what you have.
You don’t need the “perfect setup”
It’s easy to think you need the best pens, the prettiest notebook, or a perfectly aesthetic desk before you can start.
But that’s not what makes you creative.
A simple setup you actually use will always beat a perfect setup you never touch.
Start before you feel ready
Most people wait.
They wait until they have better tools. Or more time. Or more ideas.
And then they never really start.
So keep it simple.
Open your notebook.
Use what you have.
Let it be imperfect.
That’s where everything begins.