NDIS & Disability
Spotlight on a Planner featuring Becky Griffin (The Ginger Planner)
Welcome to Chasing Planner Peace's 'Spotlight on a Planner' series. We aim to show the world how planning has changed lives and showcase the different methods people use when chasing planner peace. This month, August 2020, we chat to Becky Griffin (The Ginger Planner) about her planner activities on YouTube and social media, and gain some great tips on which Australian planner brands to follow.
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Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm Bec, 33 years old and currently working full-time as an Administration Officer while studying my Bachelor of Arts part-time through Deakin University. I'm majoring in Digital Media and Creative Writing. I've always been artistic and dabble in all kinds of creative outlets, including music, painting and most recently, photography and video. My husband, Sean, lives in America and we are currently waiting for my immigration to process. Due to COVID, we have not seen each other since last November, so I've been throwing myself into my studies and planning to keep myself busy!
We also have a gorgeous Groodle named Teddy and share a love of music, movies and video games. In my spare time, I love horror and supernatural movies and books (Stephen King is my favourite author!). I listen to True Crime and Supernatural podcasts, and watch a ton of YouTube channels regularly in all kinds of genres. If I could change careers, I was always interested in Criminal Psychology.
I also love anime and Sailor Moon is my favourite TV show of all time. I'm a geek to the core, my friends would probably describe me as the funny one.
How did you get into planning?
I was a fan of Elle Fowler back when she was making beauty videos on YouTube. A few years ago, she started her planner channel and sticker business - The Glam Planner - and I enjoyed watching her "Plan With Me" videos. I honestly didn't really think I would ever start planning myself, but when I realised a large part of my studies was going to involve putting together a portfolio of Digital Media, I knew I needed to find something to focus on that would be enjoyable for me to document.
Planning seemed like a great answer. Not only is it visually appealing, so I can film and photograph my spreads, but being able to plan my weeks has made me focus on time management and helps me to structure my weekly tasks for both work and study. The added bonus of being able to promote Australian businesses in the planner community feels really rewarding too. I love hearing that people not only enjoy my content but are inspired to try out the same products that I'm using too.
What products are you currently loving?
So many! Honestly, I've yet to purchase from any Australian planner store and be disappointed. The community has so many options and I'm enjoying trying out products from many different shops! I'm currently representing LaBelle Stickerz and Pretty Planner Studio as a P.R rep, which is so fortunate because I love both stores. They are vastly different from each other aesthetically which works well because personally I have such varying taste. Some days, I want a really cute/kawaii spread which PPS delivers, other times I'm looking for the more traditional planner girl vibe which LaBelle does beautifully.
Aesthetically, I also love Live, Love & Craft Papercraft and Planner Goddess Studio. Both store owners have been amazingly friendly and kind to me, and I love the quality of both their papers and the passion they have for their stores really shines through!
I must admit though, I have a serious foil addiction. As the YouTuber Simply Nailogical would say - I am a holosexual. I love the foil work by Stickers4ubykate, and her kits are stunning too. Arctic Paper Studio is also a favourite, I adore the alternative vibe of Jaz's store. Monique Plans and Busy B Prints on Etsy also have gorgeous foil overlays that I've been using in almost every spread and Barney & Moon's foiled date covers are probably my favourite item in my kit! Of course, Simply Gilded and Bloomsical have the most gorgeous washi tapes, and when it comes to planner inserts - you guys have my vote!
What are your best tips for achieving planner peace?
It's easy to get overwhelmed because there are so many amazing stores and products to try out. I think getting involved in the community, asking questions and looking for inspiration from Instagram, YouTube and Facebook groups helps you to get the best idea of what kind of planner and style you might enjoy.
For me, the way I plan changes every time, but the biggest moment of planner peace I found was when I purchased the CPP inserts for my Personal Planner. Being able to do white space spreads if I wanted to and having the flexibility of choosing what style suited me was the best feeling. Now I am moving into an A5 with CPP inserts and I can't wait to see what I come up with.
You can follow Becky via the Ginger Planner's YouTube channel and social pages:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdmhLSljdf0MhoIqnrPv2OA
I make weekly Plan With Me videos on YouTube, and post Happy Mail hauls and product reviews on Instagram!
Instagram: @the.gingerplanner
Facebook: The Ginger Planner
Twitter: @thegingerplanner