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How to Create a 'Women Who Inspire Me' Spread for International Women's Day

Lina VasquezBy Lina Vasquez
Tutorials & Techniques

How to Create a "Women Who Inspire Me" Spread for International Women's Day

Okay okay okay I know International Women's Day is coming up and I have been thinking about how to honor it in my planner — because of course I want to celebrate the incredible women in my life, but I also want it to be FUNCTIONAL. Not just a pretty page I'll never look at again.

So I created something I'm calling the "Women Who Inspire Me" spread — and it's actually become one of my favorite pages in my bullet journal. It sits right at the front of my March setup, and every time I flip past it, I get this little boost of "I can do hard things" energy.

Here's how to set it up, why it works, and how to make it your own.

The Spread: What It Looks Like

This is a two-page spread that serves as both a celebration AND a reference page you'll actually use. Here's the breakdown:

Left Page: The Inspiration Gallery
  • A grid of 6-8 "profile cards" featuring women who inspire you
  • Each card has: Name, what she's known for, and one quote or lesson
  • Color-coded by category (see below)

Right Page: Your Personal Connection
  • A list of women in YOUR life who've shaped you (not famous ones — the real people)
  • Space for writing down specific things they've taught you
  • A "pay it forward" section: how you'll honor their influence this year

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Choose Your Color Scheme

I went with purple, green, and white — the official International Women's Day colors — but in muted, planner-friendly tones:
  • Purple (Mildliner Mild Violet): Justice and dignity
  • Green (Tombow 312): Hope and growth
  • White/cream: The paper itself represents purity (and I love cream paper anyway)

But honestly? Use whatever colors feel empowering to YOU. My friend Renna from Art Journal would probably do this in wild, expressive watercolors. I prefer my washi tape and brush pens. Both are valid.

Step 2: Draw the Grid (Left Page)

I use a Leuchtturm1917 A5 dotted notebook, so here's the math that works for me:
  • 3 columns, 2-3 rows = 6-9 profile cards
  • Each card: roughly 6 dots wide by 10 dots tall
  • Leave a header space at the top for "Women Who Inspire Me"
  • Leave a footer space for a quote or your own reflection

Draw light pencil lines first — you can erase them later, or just go over them with pen and own the "hand-drawn" look. I usually do the latter because ain't nobody got time for perfect lines.

Step 3: Fill Your Profile Cards

Here's where it gets personal. Pick 6-8 women who genuinely inspire YOU. Not who you think "should" be on the list. Not the ones you'd put on a school project. The ones who make you feel something.

Mine include:
  • Dolores Huerta — "Sí, se puede" — the power of organizing
  • Serena Williams — excellence under pressure, redefining a sport
  • My mom — I know, I know, but seriously, that kitchen calendar system?
  • Amanda Gorman — the power of words, speaking truth
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg — dissent as a tool for change
  • Maya Angelou — resilience and the power of story

On each card, write:
  • Name in brush lettering (or print if that's your thing — no judgment)
  • One line about what she represents to you
  • One quote or lesson

Step 4: Color Code (Optional But I Love It)

I use washi tape or Mildliner highlights to categorize:
  • Purple: Activists and change-makers
  • Green: Artists and creators
  • Gold: Personal connections (family, friends, mentors)

This isn't just pretty — it helps me see patterns in who inspires me. Apparently I'm drawn to women who use their voices. Good to know.

Step 5: The Personal Connection Page (Right Side)

This is the part that makes this spread actually functional instead of just decorative.

Divide the right page into three sections:

"The Women in My Life" (top half)
List 4-6 women who've personally shaped you. Your grandmother who immigrated. Your college mentor. Your best friend who showed up when you needed her. Write their names and one specific thing they taught you.

Mine includes:
  • My mom — "Planning is how we take care of each other"
  • Tía Rosa — "Never apologize for taking up space"
  • Professor Martinez — "Your voice matters in every room"
  • My roommate Jamie — "Rest is not a reward, it's part of the work"

"What I'm Carrying Forward" (bottom left)
Pick one lesson from each woman and write how you'll apply it this month. Not this year — too vague. This MONTH.

"How I'll Pay It Forward" (bottom right)
One action you'll take to support another woman. Could be mentoring, promoting someone's work, or just sending a text that says "I see you and you're crushing it."

Why This Layout Actually Works

Look, I've made plenty of "inspiration spreads" that just sat there looking pretty. This one works because it's ACTIVE, not passive.

1. It's a reference you'll actually use
When I'm having a rough day, I flip to this page. Seeing Serena Williams' face next to "excellence under pressure" actually helps me reframe my mindset before a big meeting.

2. It honors the personal, not just the famous
The "Women in My Life" section keeps me connected to my actual community. It's easy to celebrate distant heroes and forget the women making magic in our daily lives.

3. It includes action
The "pay it forward" section means this spread isn't just about receiving inspiration — it's about creating it for others. That's what makes it functional instead of just feel-good.

4. It's modular and updatable
As I learn about new women or new people enter my life, I can add cards or create a "Volume 2" spread later in the year.

Supply List (With Budget Options!)

What I Used:
  • Leuchtturm1917 A5 Dotted Notebook ($20) — the dots make the grid easy
  • Tombow Dual Brush Pens ($3 each) — colors 623 (purple sage) and 312 (honeydew)
  • Zebra Mildliner Mild Violet ($5 for 5-pack) — for subtle highlighting
  • Sakura Pigma Micron 03 ($3) — for crisp lines and writing
  • Washi tape in purple/green stripes ($4 at Michael's — used my 40% off coupon!)
  • White gel pen ($2) — for adding highlights on colored sections

Budget Alternative (Under $15 total):
  • ANY dotted or grid notebook ($3-5) — composition books work!
  • Crayola SuperTips markers ($8 for 50) — honestly great for this
  • Black ballpoint pen you already own ($0)
  • Highlighters you already own ($0)

The fancy supplies are fun, but this spread works with anything. The content matters more than the tools.

Make It Your Own

This is YOUR spread. Some ways to customize:

The Minimalist Version:
One page, simple list format, no decoration. Just the names and lessons. Still powerful.

The Maximalist Version:
Full-page portraits, collage elements, pressed flowers, the works. Go wild. (Renna would approve.)

The Digital Version:
GoodNotes template with hyperlinked cards. Works beautifully on iPad.

The Community Version:
Ask friends/Instagram followers to suggest women and create a "crowdsourced" inspiration gallery.

The Heritage Version:
Focus specifically on women from your cultural background. Learn their stories. Share them.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Spread

I'll be honest — I started this spread because I thought it would be a nice International Women's Day post. But it's become something I actually use.

When I'm stressed about a work presentation, I see Dolores Huerta's "Sí, se puede" and remember that organizing and persistence matter more than perfection.

When I'm doubting whether my creative work matters, I see Amanda Gorman and remember that words have power.

When I'm tempted to skip my Saturday morning planner ritual because I'm "too busy," I see my mom's name and remember that taking time to organize IS the work.

That's the magic of a good spread. It's not just about organizing your time — it's about organizing your mindset.

Show Me Yours!

Okay I showed you mine, now you show me yours! Who's going on your "Women Who Inspire Me" spread? Drop a comment with one woman you'd include — famous or personal, I want to hear about the women who shape your world.

And if you create this spread, tag me @artsyagenda. I genuinely want to see your inspiration galleries and celebrate the women you honor.

Your planner, your rules — but this month, let's make it about HER too.

Happy International Women's Day, planner friends. 💜💚

P.S. — If you want a printable template version of this spread layout, let me know in the comments. I can create a PDF version you can trace or use as a guide!