Desk Tour: Daniela of Journaling Dan

Maybe I *do* need to start a bullet journal?

Welcome to Desk Tour, a series where I interview creative folks about their desks and workspaces. In case you missed it: Leslie Stephens’ tour from last time. You can also browse the entire catalog of Desk Tours.

One of the most fun parts of creating this series is that now I (occasionally) get emails and messages from people who are wondering if their workspace can be featured. I love this because it introduces me to interesting, new people with fascinating and inspiring careers and hobbies.

Daniela

from Journaling Dan on TikTok is a great example. As an amateur journaler, there is nothing I love more than seeing into how, exactly, people journal and what they use to journal. With nearly 80k followers on TikTok, Daniela is pretty much a professional journaler which, naturally, intrigued me. Just wait until you see her stationery set up…

OM: Describe your workspace.

D: My workspace is in my bedroom, a desk that's traveled with me from NY, to LA, and back to NY. I work from home at my full time job + do this journaling thing on the side in the same space (I wish I had separate spaces but I chose to live in New York). :) My trusty desk holds my stationery supplies, art supplies, my monitor, and has a cubbyhole to store my work laptop while using my personal PC, or my keyboard when I'm drawing. I have a system of cables/inputs to switch my monitor from laptop mode (work) to PC mode (personal). Over the years I've perfected my method of switching between my "real job" and my passion project in the same space. I also have a bookshelf next to my desk that holds some knickknacks, chargers/tech accessories, and most importantly the notebooks and sketchbooks I'm currently using.

OM: What are your three favorite items on your desk right now? 

D: 1. This custom stamp from Casey's Rubber Stamps in NYC! (A gem of a shop in the East Village.) I had it made from one of my doodles, and I use it to stamp cards I made or to decorate pages in my journal. I always have it on display to remind me to create something. 2. This chocolate box of a watercolor palette from Charvin. I purchased it on my last trip to Paris and I am absolutely obsessed. It's smaller than an index card and in this gorgeous heliotrope casing. Sometimes I just open it to look at the pretty colors. Having it out on my desk inspires me to paint every day! 3. A Sakura Pigma Micron with the Pen Nib tip (PN) and Navy Blue ink. Pigma Microns are my holy grail pens for drawing. I always have a few of these out, but the PN size is my favorite lately, + I'm going through a blue line art phase.

OM: Do you keep anything specific at your desk that you use as inspiration to stay creative or positive? 

D: I have a bunch of swatches I made, and postcards by other artists to keep me inspired, but my favorite is this Kiki's Delivery Service postcard print (painting by Marlene Vega/ movie by Studio Ghibli). It's my favorite movie because it's about artistic burnout, but it's also so comforting, and the visuals are stunning. It's a reminder to take care of myself so I can continue to pursue my passions!

 OM: Is there anything you absolutely HAVE to have at your desk/workspace or you can't be productive?

D: It might be more on brand to say my journal, but I think it's my messy to do list. I get these long notepads from the TJ Maxx stationery section for like $3 (I'm a big Maxxinista), and this iteration is Peanuts themed. I keep a messy, running to do list here. When I cross off about 60% of the tasks, or run out of room, I transfer the incomplete tasks to a new page and then rip the old page to pieces. A very satisfying ritual.

OM: Is there anything you'd change about your workspace? If so, what?

D: I dream of having stronger, more constant source of natural light in my space. This is the best light to draw and film in, and it's such a limited resource in this apartment. Currently, my workspace window faces the wall of another building, so the sun shines in at very specific angles and times. There's a solid 4 hours, (6 in the summer) of natural light in my workspace, and having an unobstructed window would quite literally change my life with respect to the amount of time I can dedicate to creating in a beautifully lit environment! I hope I can upgrade my natural light situation next year.

OM: Describe your ideal work day at your desk.

D: Ideally it's spring, so the sunlight is maximal but it's not too hot, and it's not a work day. (Yes, my life is ruled by the amount of sunlight that enters my apartment.) 7:30 AM, before peak sunlight I have coffee at my desk and do JournalingDan admin (editing videos, answering emails, writing, computer stuff). 9:30 AM as the sun starts to shine into my window, I prepare what I need to film for the day. 10:30 AM Filming time! I shoot as much as I can while the light is strong. If I finish early I can draw or write in the precious light. 1:30 PM as the sunlight wanes, it's time to close up shop. 2 PM I go out to run errands, eat lunch, exercise, etc. etc. 3 PM-5PM edit videos, write, more admin!

OM: Where can people find you on the internet?

D: My main thing (where it all started) [is] TikTok. The thing I want to promote now: Substack. But also, I just made a website! JournalingDan.com to replace my previously very plain link in bio.

Note from Olivia: I have to say that with each piece of Daniela’s office and content I came across, the more obsessed with her work I became. I literally squealed with delight when I opened the homepage of her personal website. (If you haven’t checked it out yet… you really, really need to). Now if you don’t mind me, I’m off to journal…

Be sure to check out all the past editions of Desk Tour!

---

PS: One last thing before I go… you can order my first novel NOW! If you’ve already read and enjoyed, I would be honored if you would leave a kind review or rating on Goodreads or Amazon. It makes a world of difference. I appreciate your consideration, time, and support immensely.

A portion of November’s subscriber proceeds will go toward the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is currently working to build, enforce, protect and defend legal protections for reproductive rights around the world.