Design Crush » notebooks + journals

May
02

What Will You Make Today?

Massimo Vignelli has five decades of award-winning book design under his belt, so it’s only natural that he would support Mohawk‘s What Will You Make Today? campaign by co-developing a limited edition journal. Any designer knows how integral the grid is to designing, and the 7 x 7″ journal includes 100 interior pages with 24 perfect rectangles on each as well as debossed front and back covers with the same design.

Vignelli’s grid explanation is fantastic,“The grid is an integral part of book design. It’s not something that you see. It’s just like underwear: you wear it, but it’s not to be exposed. The grid is the underwear of the book.”

Massimo Vignelli Makes Books from Pentagram on Vimeo.

Apr
17

Note Takin’

ROW 1: Postalco Wheel Printed Notebook // Creatures of Comfort Graffiti Memo Pad // Kate Spade Saturday Slim Notebook in Signature Zig Zag ROW 2: Omoi Zakka Shop Mark’s Decorationery A5 Notebook // Season Paper Set of 3 Notebooks ROW 3: Arminho Marbled Notebook // Arminho Lot 3 Shopping List Notepad // Jen Garrido Neon Notebook Trio

Apr
16

April DIYs

Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

Dec
31

Noteworthy Notebooks

Row 1: Antica Cartotecnica Notebook Set, Meridiano Notebooks, Breakfast Club Notebook // Row 2: Daily Notes, Draw Your Mind Journal, The Bureaucrats Notebooks // Row 3: Scrivblock Block, Lines Notebooks // Row 4: Geometry Set Jotters, Daydreams & Grocery Lists, MUCU Blank Note Small // Row 5: Native Summer Notebooks, Price Tag Jotter, Honey Journal

Oct
16

From Here to There

I’m off to Italy for Design Lab a week from today! International travel always feels way different than domestic to me. Of course there’s the extended time in the air and the time change to contend with. But for me it’s always a matter of what to do while in-flight. My usual go-tos are reading, writing, and attempting to catch a few Zs. There’s also the small matter of making sure all of my immediate necessities are within arms reach, I never pack anything I can’t go without for at least 12 hours after arrival (blame that on one too many lost bags). Throw in a tote to carry it all and we’re airborne!

Clockwise from top left: Sally Passport Holder from Lisa Stickley, Smith’s Rosebud Salve, F1 Go Clean Set, Holly GoNightly Sleep Mask, BAGGU Zipper Bag Set, Scratch Travel Journal, Aztec Print Shopper Tote, Berry Tree Notebook from nollison

Aug
13

Back At It

I am in a constant state of missing school. I wasn’t a straight A student (more like an A-B 50/50 split), it’s the learning I miss. The bottomless well to draw from, especially in college where there were so many options from which to choose. I’m also a school and office supply junky, I doubt there’s ever been a kid (or adult) quite as enthusiastic when the big box stores roll out their masses of back-to-school inventory. Most years I limit myself to buying a fresh notebook or set of highlighters, just to satisfy the itch. But if I were to be a little more adult about it, I’d take this opportunity to freshen up my office space. Maybe with a few of these.

Clockwise from top left:
An illustrated Lined Paper Notepad for important notes and messages.
From the Desk Of cards to jot out quick thank yous.
Monthly Sticky Notes to keep my schedule in order.
Yellow highlighter ink because it’s more fun than a regular pen!
This backpack from Herschel Supply Company for Madewell because, well, I want one.

What are your favorite must-have supplies?