Artsy Agenda

IWD Bullet Journal Spread: Celebrate Herstory & Set Goals

Lina VasquezBy Lina Vasquez
International Women's Daybullet journalempowermentgoal settingstationerylettering

Hook:

Ever felt your bullet journal could do more than track tasks—maybe celebrate the women who inspire you and set bold empowerment goals?

Context:

International Women’s Day (Mar 8) is the perfect excuse to infuse your planner with purpose, color, and a dash of feminist flair. This spread combines hand‑lettering, curated quotes, and a goal‑setting framework that feels both personal and powerful.

What Does an Empowerment‑Focused IWD Spread Look Like?

A typical spread includes:
  1. Header: Hand‑lettered “Herstory” or “I WD 2026”.
  2. Quote Box: One‑line inspiration from a female leader (e.g., “Leadership is not a title, it’s a behavior.” – Rosalind Brewer).
  3. Goal Tracker: Three‑month empowerment goals—career, creativity, community.
  4. Action Prompts: Daily or weekly prompts like “What did I learn from a woman’s story today?”
  5. Visuals: Pastel pink‑purple palette, washi tape borders, gold‑foil stickers of iconic women.

How Do I Layout These Elements?

  1. Start with a Light Grid. Use a dotted‑page layout (5 mm squares) to keep everything aligned.
  2. Create a Bold Header. I love the Tombow Dual Brush Pens for thick strokes—smooth, no‑bleed, and they’re affordable ($9 / set). For a budget‑friendly alternative, try the Zebra Mildliner (just $5 / set) – it offers a softer tip but still gives you that brush‑like feel.
  3. Add a Quote Box. Draw a rectangle, fill it with a pastel wash using Copic Sketch Markers (a bit pricier at $12 / pack) or the Prismacolor Premier Water‑Based Markers ($8 / pack) for a smoother blend.
  4. Design Goal‑Tracking Boxes. Use a ruler and a Staedtler Pigment Liner (0.3 mm) for crisp lines. My go‑to is the Uni Pin Fineliner ($4 / pack) — it’s reliable and cheap.
  5. Decorate with Washi & Stickers. I keep a stash of Pastel Wasabi Tape ($3 / roll) and Gold Foil Stickers of Female Icons ($6 / pack). If you’re watching the budget, the Mildliner Washi Tape (mixed pastel) works well for $2 / roll.

Which Supplies Are Worth the Splurge?

Item Budget Alternative My Verdict
Brush Pen for Header Zebra Mildliner Mildliner works for light strokes; upgrade to Tombow for richer color.
High‑Quality Markers for Quote Box Prismacolor Water‑Based Slightly smoother but pricier; Copic Sketch is a solid mid‑range.
Gold Foil Stickers DIY Gold Foil Tape (DIY using a laminator) Saves $3‑$4 per pack and lets you customize shapes.
Premium Ruler Set Standard 30 cm Plastic Ruler No need for fancy metal; just get a good straight edge.

How Can I Keep the Spread Fresh All Year?

  • Rotate Quotes. Every month, swap in a new woman leader—use a quick‑search on Forbes’ “Women Leaders to Watch” list (updated quarterly).
  • Monthly Review. At the end of each month, fill a “Wins & Lessons” box. This turns the spread into a living journal, not a static page.
  • Community Share. Post a photo on Instagram with #ArtsyAgendaIWD and tag me @artsyagenda for a chance to be featured in my next “Community Spread Showcase”.

Takeaway

Your International Women’s Day spread can be both a celebration and a strategic tool. Grab a Tombow Dual Brush Pen (or budget‑friendly Zebra Mildliner), pick a powerful quote, set three empowerment goals, and decorate with pastel washi and gold foil stickers. You’ll end up with a spread that looks gorgeous, feels purposeful, and keeps you motivated all year long.

Ready to try it? Download the printable template below, gather the supplies, and start your empowering spread today!

Download Printable IWD Spread Template

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