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Just Pen & Paper
United Kingdom
Приєднався 14 вер 2022
Welcome to "Just Pen & Paper," a UA-cam channel dedicated to the art and joy of analogue / analog work, thinking & writing.
Hosted by Charles, a passionate advocate for analogue methods, this channel explores the world of analogue tools and deep thinking for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creators who are feeling overwhelmed by digital clutter.
Whether you're an enthusiast of the Zettelkasten system, a lover of fountain pens or journals, or a fan of Stoicism and slow productivity, you should find ideas to deepen your thinking, creativity, and productivity through analogue practices.
Hosted by Charles, a passionate advocate for analogue methods, this channel explores the world of analogue tools and deep thinking for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creators who are feeling overwhelmed by digital clutter.
Whether you're an enthusiast of the Zettelkasten system, a lover of fountain pens or journals, or a fan of Stoicism and slow productivity, you should find ideas to deepen your thinking, creativity, and productivity through analogue practices.
Benefits of writing notes and journalling using a typewriter
Here I outline how much I'm enjoying writing notes and journaling on my Olivetti Tropical 1970s typewriter.
I am using it for writing note cards for my Zettelkasten system plus I am using it to add journal entries into my William Hannah notebook.
All in all, I am finding it a fantastic way to create notes in a beautiful, legible format - especially for someone like me who has terrible handwriting!
Please share how you are finding your typewriter and what uses you have if you've also gone down this rabbit hole....
Please also like and subscribe.
I am using it for writing note cards for my Zettelkasten system plus I am using it to add journal entries into my William Hannah notebook.
All in all, I am finding it a fantastic way to create notes in a beautiful, legible format - especially for someone like me who has terrible handwriting!
Please share how you are finding your typewriter and what uses you have if you've also gone down this rabbit hole....
Please also like and subscribe.
Переглядів: 573
Відео
Starting 2025: Embracing analogue & digital detox - more writing, journaling, walking and reflection
Переглядів 50914 днів тому
It's now 2025 and I am committed to ensuring that I spend the maximum amount of time in 'optimum thinking mode' by focusing on my analogue practices. This will involve an increased focus on journaling, getting away from my desk and walking and generally having time away from digital ('digital detox') to allow my subconscious mind to do its best work - being more creative, innovative and ultimat...
The 4-Year Journal: How to Track Your Progress and Transform Your Life
Переглядів 1,5 тис.Місяць тому
#Journaling #Productivity #SelfImprovement #GoalSetting #PersonalGrowth Discover the power of the 4-Year Journal-a simple yet transformative tool to track your progress, solve problems, and gain clarity on your goals over time. In this video, I share my daily journaling ritual and how this structured approach helps me reflect on the past, measure growth, and avoid stagnation. With a 4-year spre...
reMarkable Tablet: Can It Truly Replace Your Paper Journal?
Переглядів 723Місяць тому
My honest review of the reMarkable tablet versus writing on analog paper Here I share my foray into the digital world having purchased a reMarkable tablet back in 2020, in an effort to gain some of the (undeniable) benefits of digital (v analogue). But it's not all good news - paper still wins hands down for me, so my paper journals and notebooks are safe for now. I only have experience with th...
Go Fast to Go Slow: Using Digital (AI) Tools to Free Up Time for (More) Analogue Time & Work
Переглядів 6372 місяці тому
Inspired by a Sam Altman interview on his use of analog notebooks and pen. In this video we explore how digital tools such as AI can be used to free up more time for analogue work. Sam Altman of OpenAI talked in a recent interview about how he writes copious amounts of notes using pen and paper in a spiral bound notebook. He also talked about how he tears the pages out to keep and use. Here's t...
Focus, thinking & writing led by Stoic principles
Переглядів 3912 місяці тому
Explore how Stoicism can contribute to analog thinking and writing. I have long been fascinated by Stoic principles and thinking, and I've enjoyed reading Marcus Aurelius' meditations and Seneca's letters from a Stoic. I've also enjoyed reading Ryan Holiday's contributions to the area. And I'm increasingly finding that the Stoic principles of focus and resilience and calmness help toward my ana...
Embracing Slow Productivity Methodologies in Analogue Work
Переглядів 2 тис.2 місяці тому
Here we catch up on analogue methodologies for thinking and working effectively in the face of digital distractions. We consider the work of Cal Newport and Slow Productivity and how it can help us carve out time in the day for analog work.
My new Olivetti Tropical typewriter, Zettelkasten boxes & Analogue Travel Clock. All v Ripley-esque!
Переглядів 3523 місяці тому
I know this channel is meant to be 'Just Pen and Paper'; however I've gone slightly rogue and invested in a new typewriter to take my analogue writing to a whole new level! I picked up the Olivetti Tropical typewriter from a local antiques fair for the princely sum of £20! I'm thrilled with it. While I was at the antiques fair I also managed to pick up a couple of Zettelkasten boxes which looke...
Analogue vs. Digital Reading: The Advantages of Printing Newsletters & Articles for Deep Thinking
Переглядів 5123 місяці тому
Remember when we used to read and digest information on real paper - not digital monitors and phones? A chance to slow down and deeply process information by taking notes, underlining, and adding comments with pen and paper. I returned to this practice approx 12 months ago - I now print off all newsletters and read them in (analog) paper form at my desk. It is a game-changer in processing infor...
Analogue Journaling - Using a Paper Journal to Document Mindset, Goals & Progress in A Visual Way
Переглядів 2 тис.3 місяці тому
Here I explain how I am building a journal that allows me to track my progress, goals and overall mindset in a journal using paper and pen. The idea is simple but could be effective as I will be dividing the double pages into the same day of the year over four years - so I can look back at the same day of the previous year all in one open set of pages. No more digging out old dusty journals as ...
Exploring Analogue Bliss: Pens, Papers, and Typewriters (inc Rhodia notebooks, TWSBI Eco & Ripley!)
Переглядів 7104 місяці тому
In today's video, we dive into the tactile and timeless charm of writing instruments and paper. Join me as I refill my trusty TWSBI Eco fountain pen and muse on exploring the vibrant world of inks beyond the classic majestic blue. I share my latest analog tools including a Rhodia notebook, renowned for its exceptional paper quality - perfect for fountain pen enthusiasts. Also, my new Rhodia goa...
The Power of Pen and Paper: Unlocking Creativity and Memory with Analogue Handwriting versus Digital
Переглядів 9 тис.4 місяці тому
In a world dominated by screens and digital devices, have we lost touch with the simple yet profound act of writing by hand? Join me as I explore the benefits of handwriting and how it can transform your creative process and enhance memory retention. As I pick out some notecards from my Zettelkasten on the benefits of handwriting, discover why a study in cognitive psychology suggests that putti...
The Lumos Stainless Steel Limited Edition Pen by Tom's Studio added to my Analogue Tools
Переглядів 2895 місяців тому
Giving the Lumos Mini Stainless Steel pen a test run. I like the look and feel of the pen. It is beautifully crafted and the packaging is lovely. The size of the pen is smaller than expected (I know it said "mini" in the name - duh!) but I think I can get used to it. The weight of the pen gives a feeling of quality. And love the ink colour. It will be a nice addition to the analogue tools!
Embracing the Art of Handwritten Letters: Leading with Gratitude in an Analog World
Переглядів 3125 місяців тому
Here I review a book called "A Simple Act of Gratitude" by John Kralik as it has had a profound effect on me. As an analogue-lover, I am already a HUGE fan of handwritten notes versus email or any other digital message, but this book takes it to a whole new level as the author committed to writing one handwritten letter of gratitude EVERY SINGLE DAY for a WHOLE YEAR! His life changes profoundly...
The Analog Life v Digital Life - Frustrations of Digital Work and How Analogue Approaches can Help
Переглядів 5 тис.5 місяців тому
The Analog Life v Digital Life - Frustrations of Digital Work and How Analogue Approaches can Help
Using my William Hannah Notebook for Fleeting Notes within my Zettelkasten
Переглядів 2 тис.6 місяців тому
Using my William Hannah Notebook for Fleeting Notes within my Zettelkasten
My Analogue Work Set Up for Writing & Thinking - Using Notecards and Zettelkasten Principles
Переглядів 4,1 тис.6 місяців тому
My Analogue Work Set Up for Writing & Thinking - Using Notecards and Zettelkasten Principles
If you can afford it, you should always read printed literature.
It is so much better!
Would you consider and electric TW? Or do you like the force of the keys? Just wondered? I hate to think how many of these amazing machines must have ended up in landfill. What about getting into printing with a printing machine?
@@RJVEK I kinda like the click clack of the ribbon on the paper. Much more analogue than an electric TW. You're right about the amount of them that must be in landfill - they're great machines, it's a travesty! Now a printing machine is next level... How do I start?!
@ not sure but I bet eBay knows the answer!
@ good shout!
from basic pen to fountain pen to typewriter... I wonder where this rabit hole ens? great vid btw
@@ouch1223 I know! No idea either... ?!
@ stone plate and chisel for edc i guess 😅
@@ouch1223 haha, yes indeed!
Stenotypes, Laptop 😂😂😂😂
Great price for a sturdy tool, that just does the job.
@@Mark-fw8pd Yes, I'm v happy with it. Sparked a new passion!
Love this. There is something about the tactile impact that resonates, and give the sense that you are actually 'producing' something real.
@@Mark-fw8pd Yes! That's it - you've nailed it
Great message, great notebook. Agreed, Sam Altman needs a William Hannah notebook :)
He so does!
What is this item called? And the note cards, must you buy them separately or is there a punch for ordinary cards which you can use?
It's called a William Hannah. I use a normal notecards and a 'mushroom' hole punch: amzn.to/40whGsD
I like your day structure. You must love your work to have that much time for yourself. Thats amazing. Happy Everything in 2025. Be well.
Yes, I am lucky to be able to structure my day around my work and I want to be more disciplined in prioritising 'thinking' time, rather than just mindlessly 'doing'
I love how you hide your previous entries with a record card, and yet your handwriting is so poor that it would be a challenge to read anyway.
@@MarkCaldwell-i6i haha, yes I really don't know why I bother trying to cover it up! Only I can read it (just about...!)
I like this aproach. Do you have prompt questions as sometimes is difficult to think up what to write. thanks in advance.
@@zakariahussein962 I really just try to reflect on the previous day. Any notable accomplishments or frustrations? What my current state of thought is? A dual aspect of self therapy in reflecting on the previous day while also acting as a useful reference point for me to revisit over the next 4 years - what was I thinking on this day last year, two years ago etc.
Such a great idea! Thank you very much for this. I will do this!
@@nictiweni5823 Fantastic! Pleased you found it useful 🙏
Can I make a suggestion of getting a tripod that shows top down view, it would make a huge difference while writing etc
@@aussiegruber86 yes, need to improve the filming and this is a great idea 🙏
Nice
@@yohanesliong4818 thanks!
Yes! I love Cal. I am not a knowledge worker but I just love his podcast Deep Questions.
Reminds me of Ryan Holiday’s process for righting books.
@@scottallen2190 love Ryan's stuff and approach to writing!
I love this idea! Do you maintain a standard daily journal as well?
@@scottallen2190 no, this is it. Although another daily journal is quite tempting...
a nice video. I have one more question. Where did you buy the leather notebook?
@@dubo5759 it's a William Hannah notebook. Not cheap but I love it!
@@justpenpaper thank you - very nice
So happy the Rhodia does work for you! Thank you for sharing. I am now stuck in a vacuum of to dos and wanna bes and long list of routines I want to accomplish, but somehow unable to gather the energy . Hope to get moving with daily rituals from January. Keep us posted on your progression. My respect for your dedication. You are an inspiration. Be well.
@@mike_qbik appreciate your kind words, support and recommendations. Keep them coming and look forward to our interactions in 2025 and beyond 🙏
good morning what kind of hole punch is that ? is there a name for it?
@@TheOlderGamer1973 I got it from Amazon: Mushroom Hole Puncher, Handled One Hole Puncher for Loose-Leaf Pages Notebook Offices School Supplies(Beige) amzn.eu/d/aXFuOcw
Our ancestors used to write with pen and paper, so it's probably better to use what we've evolved to do
100% - can't undo thousands of years of evolution that quickly and easily!
Are you talking about painting on cave wales while dinner is cooking on the fire? 😂
@@aussiegruber86 don't tempt me!
I absolutely loved using my reM1 for many projects between 2020 and 2023 - mostly for PDF markups and storyboarding. It was the best out of the lot of them, in my opinion. I bought the reM2 and used it for a while, but never liked it as much as 1, which felt more robust. The price of reMs has always been ridiculously high, especially the 3rd one! There's no way I'll purchase one anymore. I still love my A4 notepad and various pencils and pens more :) Thanks for the video.
Interesting to learn that the reM2 was no real improvement. The pricing is OTT but then again, their marketing is v slick and alluring so you can see where a chunk of it goes. Sticking with pen and pads too!
@justpenpaper Agreed, their marketing is excellent, and indeed, all over the internet :) reM2 was amazingly thin and very slick looking, but felt really fragile. Yep, pen(cil) and paper for us then! :))
Yes, I'd love to know their marketing spend...?! - as you say, I see it everywhere too and I have to keep reminding myself of the realities of using one. Doing this video helped - self therapy!
The remarkable 2 is faster when it comes to turning it on from sleep, but still nothing compared to the convenience of writing on paper, especially when a thought strikes you and you want to jot it down. Another issue I have is that referencing another page is tedious - it’s easy to flip back and forth in an analog book. Some devices like Supernote address this by having easy file organizing (linking, etc). Remarkable”s software is terrible in this regard. The tagging system is horrible and slow. For me it’s better to right on paper and take a pic and store it digitally than use Remarkable.
Great points - I completely forgot about the difficulties in tracking back between pages for historical notes. It's notable that a £300 investment is shelved in favour of good ole pen & paper. It says it all really, I suppose....
@@justpenpaper Yeah, I don’t think digital paper has evolved that much to completely replace paper. Even though RM’s marketing will have us believe it has. Maybe both complement each other at best. But for the amount you have to pay for their products, that’s not good enough. I’d much rather go for an iPad instead.
@@K-pbnyh Yes, the marketing makes it look like a possible (paper) substitute but it simply isn't there yet, in my opinion. Hats off to them for trying and maybe by version 10 they'll crack it..., but I'll be sticking with just pen and paper for now.
What a truly lovely channel I found here. Great vid and your voice is so easy and shooting, if that make sense? Thanks so much ✍
Much appreciated 🙏
I have seen a similar journal preprinted from the early 1900s. It was a small journal with 4-5 lines for each year on one page.
How interesting, yes, my entries so far are more than 4-5 lines, so I'll struggle to fit more than four years across the double page spread, but I can see how this could be enough to give a flavour of thoughts at that time. I am about to finish my first Rhodia notebook so I've just ordered another!
There's an air of fetishism to this. It's just paper. They're just screens.
Yes, but they don't feel the same, right?
Handwriting anything is absolutely the most cognition sharpening activities one can do. Anecdotally, it's a means of reflecting on the impressions of my own personality and psyche.
I wholeheartedly agree! Tapping on a keyboard doesn't even come close to the cognitive benefits of putting pen to paper. Studies have proved this and I think we both feel it.
Have to agree with the 2FA. Its needed, but can make me crazy. Also, I am not a Apple fan boy, but I think its much better than the Android alternative, at least for me. Hey, whatever works for you, just go with it. HOWEVER, I run the conflict of having iMessage on all devices vs. just one device. My new task to manage is clearing all the message that are duplicated on the multiple phones, the Mac, and the Apple Watch. Would be nice to have a "delete message on all devices" as now I need to clear the same message over and over. Yes, I know I can turn devices off, but I think a global delete would be better
@@codyinNV love the idea of a global delete. Great idea!
Thank you for sharing. Very interesting. As a creative nothing beats pen and paper for idea brainstorming, concept creation.
@@mike_qbik thank you and I couldn't agree more!
Excelente saludos desde Uruguay 🇺🇾
I've been recently reading Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman and it's awesome! Really recommend it.
That's now on the list! Much appreciated 🙏
Thank you for the recommendation of these two books. They both look interesting and worthwhile.
Yes, Bob Dotto's book is an excellent piece of writing on Zettelkasten principles and Cal Newport's work is legendary
Thanks for the video. Did you get a case with your typewriter?
@@BradFonseca yes, it came with a case. Just got a new ribbon so it's working beautifully! Thanks for dropping by :)
I need extra fine nib twsbi pens
Gotta love the TWSBI!
What beautiful boxes. I hope you do use them.
@@rolandstravels I'll definitely find a use for the boxes. Thinking I might choose a subject area just for them and use index cards (which fit the boxes) to make the most of them. They are lovely
Stupid me didn't realise you were using an A5 and couldn't work out why my index cards didn't fit 😆
@@apricotdog sorry, should have made that clear! 🙏
Thanks Charles! I pretty much always print the articles and documents I need to read and make notes on - much better than doing it on screen :) Just making my way through your other videos. Many thanks
@@BarryBibleBeliever thanks Barry. Yes, I've so missed paper and taking the time away from my desk to digest articles in analogue format is a breath of fresh air. Looks like we're on the same page (pardon the pun) with analogue so I'm off to check out your videos now!
I've never thought to using it this way! I have a five-year journal with pre-printed layout similar to what you are doing here. So far I've just been throwing random thoughts and events there without thinking much. It's fun to see the random stuffs I wrote a year ago, but it would be more interesting to have a dedicated use for those pages. It's also inspiring to see that we can totally do this in a regular notebook. Makes me think that I probably don't need all those fancy planners actually.
@@DL-idk yes, simple's often best. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it earlier as I've got loads of fancy pre-prihted planners too!
This made me think of the 5 year diary I had a kid. But as an adult, this would've been so helpful to use as a personal tracker. It is analog version of the 'timeline' that our phones feed us in photos app! Great idea.
@@Patricia.R. Yes, a simple analogue solution that so far is holding up for me as I've completed it every day since this video. I am looking forward to when I am on the next year(s) and can look back at my previous entry at the same date. I hope to see some progress....!
This sounds like a great idea. I don’t think it matters if it’s spread over several notebooks.
@@rolandstravels thanks for your comment, I think it should work out okay. Looking forward to looking back in future years
@@justpenpaper maybe you can update us each year? That’s 3 more videos you can make 😀
@@rolandstravels haha, yes, future content for sure! 😂😂😂
Hi there. I have been a digital person for years and think I have tried all the apps on the market spending a fortune. Over the last few weeks I have seen some posts on here from hardy digital users going back to paper. It got me thinking. So I have dug out my journals and refreshed myself to how I used to do it. Taking on some ideas I think I found how I want to set out my notes and tasks plus use a good old diary. Obviously digital forces you a little to add content and notes so do you ideas that you’re happy to share on building my journaling habit. Oh nothing better than ink on your fingers lol. Many thanks
@@KarlPerry yes Karl, I've been around the houses with digital. I was one of the first in the queue for the first Apple ipad! Tried the Remarkable. List goes on... Nothing beats pen and paper. Enjoy revisiting your journals and notes
Hand writing things is such a lost treasure...i hope more people write especially using an old fashioned Ink pen ie fountain pen...the whole ritual of it is so peaceful...
@@mylifepart2 a lost treasure indeed. Hand, connected to paper via a nice pen (ideally fountain pen), is the only way to think and communicate more effectively
i have two tables side by side...one for computer work video editing etc...and the other is purely for writing work...or cutting paper etc...its a great setup and allows me to keep focused on my work.... i will make a video on this on my channel soon....Ink pen and paper is the best way to work...
Exactly the same as my set-up - two tables side-by-side: one (I hate) that has my mac mini plus two monitors for my (necessary evil) 'digital work' and the other (that you can see) is my analogue desk where I get my *real work* done - proper time to think, reflect and create with just pen and paper
ink stains...on your fingers is considered a sign of regal or royalty even...back in the day...only a certain class of people could have ink on their hands...not everyone was educated or could read and write...so a person who wrote was considered very cool...so...Stain away my dear friend...
@@mylifepart2 never knew or thought of it this way. Now I suppose it's a sign of prestige to have the latest smart phone in your hand. What a shame! They'll soon see the light and return to analogue (and ink stained fingers!). Appreciate your comment 🙏
What a great idea. I implemented it as I am a believer of analogue as well. Thank you for sharing. Love it.
@@Jose-hw1ks Pleased you like it! Thank you for your comment 🙏
Hi! I really enjoy your videos. I have been thinking about creating a type of 5 year journal as well. You have a great idea with the larger journal -- I will think about how to create something similar to your setup. Thanks again for the video.
@@a.nelson29 Go for it and let me know how you get on. Thank you for your comment 🙏
So happy to see a new video from you :)
@@K-pbnyh Appreciate the kind comment. I will become more consistent 🙏
@@justpenpaper No pressure to produce more content. Your channel has a certain appeal for me because it’s low key good :)
@@K-pbnyh I'll try to keep it that way. Low key is the analogue way, right?
Thank you so much for sharing! As an illustrator/ drawing artist i'm allways searching for a balance between digital tech and working on paper. I've been searching for inspiration on how to work anologue in a digital age and I'm very glad I stumbled upon your channel. As an artist I've found that it's very helpfull to have books filled with knowledge and references so I don't have to look up everything online. I wonder how you gather information?
@@EdwardKobus many thanks for your comment - it's great to connect with like-minded analogue loving people. I use the zettelkasten method to gather information using notecards - more on that to come...
@@justpenpaper Thanks. I'm looking forward to your approach on the Zettelkasten method. I've experimented with it myself, but I'm struggling to find a good way to organize it.
@@EdwardKobus I'll record something on it soon! Hopefully it will help you
Great review. I indeed appreciate it. Which book is the next in your list? I also believe in Analogue thus interested to know. Thanks
@@Jose-hw1ks I've just finished reading "A System for Writing: How an Unconventional Approach to Note-Making Can Help You Capture Ideas, Think Wildly, and Write Constantly - A Zettelkasten Primer" by Bob Doto which I enjoyed and will no doubt review here at some stage
@@justpenpaperthank you for your prompt reply. I am eagerly waiting for your next book review. I love the way you simplify things. Love it.❤❤
@@Jose-hw1ks thank you 🙏
Great video. I started daily journalling about 18 months ago. And have been shocked at how the simple act of putting pen to paper has helped with the clarity of my thinking and decision making. It really has been a game changer. Fascinated by your card system/Zettlekasten. After disappearing down a youtube rabbit hole researching it 😂 I've set my own very basic version up.
@@davearcher7474 indeed, there's simply nothing like pen and paper to find clarity of thinking, decision making and creativity. The challenge these days seems to be finding the time to carve out away from digital tools to reconnect with analogue. Pleased to see that you've fallen down the zettelkasten rabbit hole - once bitten...
I have found Oxford Optik good for affordable fountain pen paper and I like Leuchtturm 1917 for the Moleskine vibe but better paper for fountain pens (plus useful index pages, archiving stickers, etc).
The Oxford optik is a new for me, so thanks for that recommendation - I'll check it out. The Leuchtturm 1917 is also one that I've been meaning to add to my collection as I know a lot of people who prefer it to the moleskine. Many thanks for your comment :)
Pens, paper, inks, bags, watches and TV recommendations? All in one place? Fantastic channel!! Thank you !
@@metalmethodist yes, quite an obscure selection of topics in this day and age, but thrilled that there are folk out there like you who also like it!