Finding your best system for productivity, creativity, and clarity.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, a journal-lover, or simply someone craving a bit more order in your day-to-day life, you’ve likely wondered:
Should I use a bullet journal… or stick to classic note-taking?

Both methods have passionate fans. Both have unique benefits. And both can completely transform the way you think, plan, and create. But the truth is this:

💡 The right system is the one that supports the way your brain works.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for bullet journaling and traditional note-taking — plus share a third option most people overlook: the hybrid system. By the end, you’ll know exactly which approach fits your workflow, your goals, and your Cork & Co notebook.

What Is Classic Note-Taking?

Classic note-taking is exactly what it sounds like: writing things down in a simple, linear, structured format. Think:

• Meeting notes
• Class notes
• To-do lists
• Project outlines
• Daily journaling
• Brain dumps
• Lists and logs

There’s no complex setup. No elaborate formatting. Just ink, paper, and your ideas.

Why People Love Classic Note-Taking

1. It’s fast and intuitive.
Most people learned structured note-taking at school, so it feels natural and effortless.

2. It’s ideal for information-heavy environments.
Students and professionals benefit from the linear, logical nature of classic notes.

3. It reduces overwhelm.
If aesthetics, setups, or too much structure stress you out, classic notes keep things simple.

4. It pairs perfectly with lined notebooks.
Cork & Co’s lined notebooks make classic note-taking easy with clean formatting and smooth flow.

Potential Drawbacks

• Can become messy over long periods
• Notes sometimes get lost or forgotten
• No built-in system for tracking goals or progress
• Can feel uninspiring for creative minds

Classic note-taking is great for information… but not always for intention.

What Is Bullet Journaling?

Bullet journaling is a flexible, modular system popularised by Ryder Carroll. It blends planning, journaling, tracking, and organising into one customisable notebook.

Unlike traditional planners, bullet journals are fully created by you, using your own layouts, symbols, and page designs.

Key Features of Bullet Journaling

• Rapid logging (short bullets for tasks, notes, events)
• Monthly, weekly, or daily spreads
• Collections such as habit trackers, reading lists, mood logs
• Index + page numbering
• Migration (moving tasks forward)

Why People Love Bullet Journaling

1. It’s highly customisable.
Every page can be designed to match your life and goals.

2. It blends creativity with productivity.
A bullet journal can be minimalist or artistic — you choose.

3. It encourages mindfulness & reflection.
Many users say their BuJo becomes a safe space for clarity, grounding, and emotional regulation.

4. It works best in dotted notebooks.
This is why Cork & Co created dot-grid notebooks — perfect for clean layouts without rigid lines.

Potential Drawbacks

• Can feel overwhelming for beginners
• Setup takes time
• Some feel pressure to make it “Pinterest perfect”
• Not ideal for people who just want fast, simple notes

Bullet journaling is fantastic if you love flexibility, planning, and creative expression — but it’s not for everyone.

Bullet Journaling vs. Classic Note-Taking: Which One Suits You?

Choose Classic Note-Taking If You…

• Want low-effort structure
• Are a student needing clean, fast notes
• Work in meetings, calls, or lectures frequently
• Prefer lined paper
• Want quick, efficient lists and logs
• Value clarity over creativity

Classic note-taking supports speed, structure, and simplicity.

Choose Bullet Journaling If You…

• Love designing your own layouts
• Want a planner/journal hybrid
• Enjoy habit tracking, mood logs, reflections
• Prefer a personalised system
• Want one notebook for everything
• Thrive with visual organisation

Bullet journaling supports creativity, intention, and self-discovery.

The Underrated Third Option: The Hybrid System

Many people think they must choose: BuJo or classic. But the truth is…

✨ You can mix both.

This is often the most effective method, especially for people juggling work, personal goals, and mental wellbeing.

What a Hybrid System Might Look Like

• Left-hand pages: classic notes (meetings, study notes, lists)
• Right-hand pages: bullet journal spreads
• Monthly reflection + intention layouts
• Weekly to-do list + daily journaling
• Habit trackers + project notes
• Mind maps + linear outlines

Using a dotted notebook gives you the freedom to switch styles effortlessly. Using a lined notebook can also work well if you keep your bullet journaling spreads simple.

Why Hybrid Systems Work So Well

• You get structure and creativity
• No pressure to commit to one single style
• It evolves with your needs
• Perfect for people who use their notebook for both work and personal life
• Helps avoid burnout from over-structured systems

Hybrid notebooks are growing fast in popularity because they accommodate real life — which is rarely tidy or linear.

How Your Notebook Choice Shapes Your System

Your notebook layout matters more than most people realise.

Lined Notebooks

Ideal for:

• Classic note-taking
• Meetings + study
• Journaling
• Structured lists

Dotted Notebooks

Ideal for:

• Bullet journaling
• Trackers
• Creative spreads
• Hybrid systems

Blank Notebooks

Ideal for:

• Sketching + free-form layouts
• Mind maps
• Visual notetaking
• Artists, designers, and creatives

Cork & Co designs notebooks that work beautifully with all three systems — durable binding, smooth writing paper, and layouts tailored to your style.

How to Choose the System That Works For You

Ask yourself:

1. What do I need my notebook to do for me?

• Capture information? → Classic.
• Track habits/goals? → Bullet journal.
• A bit of everything? → Hybrid.

2. How much time do I want to spend setting up pages?

• Minimal → Classic
• Some → Hybrid
• A lot (and I enjoy it) → Bullet Journal 

3. How visually creative am I?

• Not much → Classic
• A little → Hybrid
• Very → Bullet Journal 

4. Do I prefer structure or freedom?

• Structure → Classic
• Both → Hybrid
• Freedom → Bullet Journal 

5. What notebook layout do I enjoy writing in?

• Lined → Classic
• Dotted → Bullet Journal  / Hybrid
• Blank → Visual systems

Once you know what matters most, the right system becomes obvious.

Tips for Making Any System Work Better

Regardless of which approach you choose:

✨ 1. Keep it simple

Your notebook is a tool, not a performance.

✨ 2. Create a weekly or monthly reset

Review, declutter, update — keep your notebook alive.

✨ 3. Use symbols and headers consistently

Whether bulleting or taking linear notes, consistency boosts clarity.

✨ 4. Don’t fear starting new pages

Blank space is opportunity — not failure.

✨ 5. Use a notebook you love

You’re more likely to use a notebook that feels good to open — which is exactly why Cork & Co creates high-quality, beautifully crafted notebooks designed for everyday use.

Conclusion: There’s No “Best” System — Only the Best System for You

Classic note-taking, bullet journaling, and hybrid systems all offer something valuable.

• Classic note-taking gives you speed and structure.
• Bullet journaling gives you creativity and intention.
• Hybrid notebooks give you the freedom to evolve.

If you allow yourself to experiment, you may find the perfect blend — a notebook system that feels natural, supportive, and tailored to your life.

Your notebook should feel like an ally. A space where clarity grows. A tool that helps you think, plan, and dream.

Whichever style you choose, Cork & Co has a notebook designed to support your unique way of working.