Ever tried using a physical notebook for sketches, paint chips, and ideas? I know it sounds old school, but sometimes flipping through actual pages helps me see the big picture better than a bunch of digital files.
I get where you’re coming from. I tried going all-digital at first—apps, folders, even color-coded spreadsheets (don’t judge). But honestly, I kept forgetting to update things, and then I'd spend half an hour hunting for the right file just to check one measurement. Now I keep a small notebook in my tool bag. It’s messy, but at least everything’s in one spot. Paper’s not perfect either (coffee stains are real), but it feels less overwhelming than juggling apps and logins. Maybe it’s just easier to trust what you can literally hold in your hands...
It’s messy, but at least everything’s in one spot.
I get the appeal of paper—there’s something about scribbling a quick note or sketch that just feels natural. But I’ve run into too many situations where I needed to share a plan with a client or double-check a measurement while I was out, and my notebook was back at the shop (or worse, in the truck under a pile of stuff). Digital isn’t perfect, but having everything synced on my phone has saved me more than once. Maybe it’s just about finding the right balance? Paper for brainstorming, digital for backup?
Honestly, I’ve tried the digital route a few times, but I always end up back with my stack of sticky notes and a beat-up sketchpad. There’s just something about flipping through old pages and seeing all the crossed-out ideas that helps me remember what worked (and what didn’t). Sure, it’s not as easy to share on the fly, but I’ve found snapping a quick photo of a page and texting it works in a pinch. Maybe I’m just stubborn, but paper still wins for me most days... even if it means digging through the truck sometimes.
I get where you're coming from—there's something about scribbling on actual paper that just feels more satisfying than tapping away on a screen. I’ve got a drawer full of old graph paper sketches and paint swatches, and honestly, half the time I end up referencing them more than any spreadsheet. There’s a weird comfort in seeing my own handwriting, even if it’s mostly chicken scratch.
That said, I used to be all-in on sticky notes until one windy day when I left the truck door open and watched a week’s worth of “to-dos” take off down the driveway. Not my finest hour. After that, I started using a mix—paper for brainstorming and rough sketches, then snapping pics or jotting down the essentials in my phone just in case. It’s not perfect, but at least if my sketchpad goes missing (again), I’m not totally lost.
I will say, there are times when digital comes in handy—like when you’re knee-deep under the house and need to double-check measurements you wrote down three months ago. Searching through photos is way faster than digging through a pile of crumpled papers that may or may not have survived coffee spills.
Still, nothing beats flipping through old pages and seeing what you’ve actually accomplished. Plus, there’s no app for that feeling you get when you finally cross off a stubborn project that’s been haunting your list for months.
Guess it comes down to whatever keeps you sane during the chaos... but if anyone invents waterproof sticky notes, sign me up.
Still, nothing beats flipping through old pages and seeing what you’ve actually accomplished. Plus, there’s no app for that feeling you get when you finally cross off a stubborn project that’s been haunting your list for months.
I totally get the nostalgia of paper—there’s something about a messy sketchbook that feels like proof of progress. But I’ll push back a bit on the “no app for that feeling” part:
- Digital tools can be surprisingly satisfying if you find the right one. I use a tablet with a stylus and it’s almost like real paper, but without the risk of coffee stains or losing pages to the wind.
- Crossing off tasks in an app like Trello or Notion? Not quite the same as scratching through with a pen, but those little animations and checkmarks give me a weird sense of accomplishment. Plus, I can color-code everything without hunting for highlighters.
- For eco reasons, I try to cut down on paper waste. Old plans and paint swatches pile up fast, and recycling only goes so far. Digital sketches let me experiment without burning through trees.
That said, I do miss the tactile part sometimes. There’s no digital equivalent to flipping through a battered notebook and finding an old idea you forgot about. But honestly, half my “brilliant” paper notes end up illegible or lost under a pile of scrap wood.
One thing that helped me: I started using erasable whiteboard sheets (the kind you can stick on walls or cabinets). They’re reusable, easy to snap photos of before wiping clean, and way less likely to blow away than sticky notes. Not waterproof, but at least they survive most spills.
It’s all about balance—digital for backup and organization, analog for creativity and those moments when inspiration hits mid-demo. But if someone invents biodegradable waterproof sticky notes? I’m first in line too...
