I get what you mean about the appeal of scribbling on whatever’s handy—half my notes end up on scrap cardboard or old receipts. I’ve tried going all-digital, but it never sticks for long. Have you found any way to keep the digital stuff organized when you’re juggling samples and physical notes? I always seem to lose track of which photo goes with which actual paint chip...
Totally feel you on the paint chip/photo chaos—been there, lost that sample. Here’s what’s sorta worked for me:
- Snap a pic of the paint chip next to something unique (like your coffee mug or, in my case, my dog’s nose) so it stands out in your camera roll.
- Use the “notes” function on your phone to jot down what’s what, but honestly, half the time I forget to do it…
- I tried those fancy apps, but ended up back with a shoebox full of random stuff and a phone full of random photos.
- When all else fails, blue painter’s tape and a Sharpie right on the wall—low tech, but at least I don’t lose the wall.
It’s a mess, but hey, if you ever find a magic system that actually works, let me know.
- Use the “notes” function on your phone to jot down what’s what, but honestly, half the time I forget to do it…
- I tried those fancy apps, but ended up back with a shoebox full of random ...
Totally get the chaos—your “shoebox full of random stuff and a phone full of random photos” line made me laugh because, yeah, that’s my life too. I’ve tried color-coded folders and even a spreadsheet once, but honestly, painter’s tape and a Sharpie on the wall is the only thing that’s stuck. Sometimes the low-tech route just wins. You’re not alone in the mess, and honestly, half the fun is figuring it out as you go.
Painter’s tape and a Sharpie—yep, been there. I’ve tried every app under the sun, but when you’re knee-deep in demo dust, nothing beats scribbling “DO NOT REMOVE” on a wall. That said, I do keep a running Google Doc for big projects, mostly because I once lost track of which breaker controlled what and spent an hour flipping switches like a maniac. Low-tech works, but sometimes digital saves you from yourself...
Honestly, I just stick with a cheap spiral notebook and a pen. Tried the apps, but my phone always ends up covered in drywall dust or lost under a pile of lumber. Paper’s hard to misplace, and you don’t have to worry about battery life. Maybe not fancy, but it works for me.
