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Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe, and are keeping a positive mindset!
A while back, I had done a post on my set up in my planner for December. I love using my planner as a source of inspiration and motivation, as well as a place to keep important tasks and plans. I thought that I’d share this month’s theme, since it is one very close and dear to my heart.
This month, I chose a theme that would help inspire me, and build my skills in my creative fields. I’m also wanting to feel a bit more confident, and need some help in staying strong mentally and physically. I wanted something that would make me feel great. So my theme for July is…
Drumroll please…
My main OC, Gwen Wilder.
So, with all that being said, let’s get into the set up, as well as some information on Gwen.
ABOUT THE THEME
Before I can get into the main set up, I have to explain the theme itself, I mean, herself.
Gwen and I have been through a lot together. She was one of the first characters I fully developed, and she’s survived several rewrites, plot changes, etc. I’ve had her since around thirteen, and she has always been a source of strength and comfort. Writing has always been a big part of my life, and Gwen was the first character that I wrote anything about. I had other characters, and maybe they were more developed, but Gwen was one that I have always connected with. And that character was what got me to start writing down the stories I had carried in my head for so long.
So when I think of Gwen, I think of strength, growth, and confidence. And that’s what I need a bit more of at the moment, so it’s only fitting that I choose a theme that radiates those qualities.
Now, on to a bit about the character herself. Gwen is an interesting girl. She has powers, and has an inner struggle with them. She doesn’t love them at first, but learns that it makes her who she is, and she loves that she is different. Gwen is a free spirit, and is stubborn at times. She sees the good in people, which is a good quality, but a potential flaw. She is fierce, she is confident, and she is fearless. I could go on, but I’ll save that for a future post 🙂
Gwen is the main character of my stories, and is a strong female lead. I want to write the type of characters I want to see, so that is what Gwen is. She’s strong, confident, and a bit cocky.
She is a vital character that I’m continuing to develop, and it’s only fitting that I focus on such a character when I need a bit more confidence and strength. So that’s why Gwen is the month’s theme.
STEP ONE- BRAINSTORMING
So if you haven’t read my December planner set up post, I mentioned that before you can get started creating your spreads, it’s always a good idea to know what kinds of spreads you need to make, as well as what the focus is going to be. For this month, the focus was clear, it was just figuring out how to incorporate it into various spreads.
I did a bit of brainstorming on Gwen’s appearance, her characteristics, and what situations she would be in using World Anvil. World Anvil is my go-to site for writing and brainstorming ideas, and I love how accessible their site is. If you would like to check them out, here’s a link! I created a new character article, and used the prompts provided to help me narrow down those features.
Once I was clear on her appearance, key characteristics I wanted to feature, and what situations I would put her in, I was able to start on making my spreads.
This month was so much fun to draw and make, especially because of all the shading I got to do with her hair!
I also decided on a theme for the quotes, which was lyrics from the album reputation by Taylor Swift, since the themes and overall tone of the album suit Gwen well. I also found that by doing this for all of the quotes, it made it easier to find quotes that fit with my theme. So if you are struggling with finding quotes to use for your set up, I would recommend picking a theme for your quotes as well, or one specific source for them. If you would like to see a post on different themes and quote sources let me know!
THE SPREADS
So, we’re finally at the main event, my July planner spreads! I hope you like them, and that they are able to inspire you to get creative with your planner.
COVER SPREAD
So for the front page, I decided to do a drawing of Gwen in a sassy pose. I had so much fun designing her hairstyle and outfit. I used these same two font styles throughout the spread, which proved to be a bit of a challenge. But I like how it fits with the theme. I used a lyric from the first song on the album, which signifies a start to a new era, and in this case, a new month.
On the opposite side, I did a mini vision board for the month, highlighting the color scheme and the feel I wanted to carry through the month. The quote is from the album booklet, and it says “there will be no further explanation, there will just be reputation.”
MONTH AT A GLANCE AND GOALS
So next we have the monthly overview. I don’t always use the monthly calendar, but I like having it there as a reference to look at. I did a drawing of Gwen in a pose at the top. Here she is fighting an enemy while using her powers. I have never done poses before, and I’m still not thrilled with how it turned out. I think it looks good overall though, especially for a first attempt.
I did a goals spread on the other side, which was easy to make. I did a lyric from that same song “… Ready For It?”, which says “baby let the games begin.”
MOOD TRACKER AND ONE GOOD THING A DAY
So I had a hard time with this spread, because I wasn’t sure what to do for it. How are you going to do a mood tracker based off a character? It took some brainstorming, but I finally landed on the above spread. Since Gwen has the bright blue hair, why not use it as a mood tracker? I think this is my favorite spread I’ve done, and love how it’s turning out with the days I’ve already colored in. I’ll share an image of it on my instagram at the end of the month so you can see what I mean.
On the opposite side, I did a variation of a gratitude log. I had been struggling with filling it out, and decided I needed to do something different. So I decided that instead, I would write down one good thing that happened each day. I’m finding that this is helping me keep a positive mindset, and to look for the good in each day. I struggled at first with finding a lyric to fit, but then remembered this gem from one of my favorite songs on the album. It’s from “King Of My Heart”, and says “my broken bones are mending.”
FUN STUFF AND BLOG PAGE
Each month I keep a list of fun stuff to do throughout the month, and it’s so cool to check them off and try new things that I put on the list. For the drawing, I decided on putting two of Gwen’s closest friends at the bottom. Their names are Samantha and Jenny, and are actually based on two of my friends in real life. I used the quote “Here’s to my real friends” which shows how important to Gwen they are.
On the opposite side, I did my monthly blogging page. I have a list of goals and posts for this month, as well as to-dos and my daily instagram posts. I put the lyric “Ooh you and me we got big reputations” from End Game, because it really does fit. I mean, if you have an online presence at all, you’re going to have SOME form of a reputation, right?
PLAYLIST AND WRITE IT DOWN
The next spread is my monthly playlist, and I filled it with songs that relate to Gwen and her story. I did a quick doodle of her and her long blue hair flowing in the wind.
On the opposite side I have my note page. I have a hard time with staying focused, but have learned this trick that helps so much. When you are trying to focus on a task but keep having those random thoughts interrupting you, write them down so you can get to them later. So that’s what this page is.
30 DAY WRITING CHALLENGE
I think this was the hardest spread to make, because I had run out of my usual paper and had to freehand everything. The lettering took me FOREVER, as well as the lines to write the prompts on. The drawing at the top was the easiest part. But anyways, I thought that since the focus was on Gwen, I should challenge myself to keep writing about her and exploring the character. I researched character writing prompts, and chose the ones I wanted to highlight. I plan on sharing the results, so stay tuned!
Well, I hope you enjoyed my planner set up for July! I think this is my favorite set up yet, and can’t wait to continue using it. I hope that it inspired you, and I can’t wait to continue to share more on Gwen with ya’ll!
Do you keep a planner or bullet journal? What are you focusing on this month? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time 🙂
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