I’ve always heard creative people talk about how they carry around a notebook, to jot down ideas, observations, sketches, and cool creative ideas. I wanted to be one of those people.
I first discovered the Japanese Traveler’s Company notebooks from illustrator and author Lian Cho’s newsletter. These notebooks consist of a leather cover, filled with any number of inserts. There are many different types of inserts available, and owners can customise their notebooks according to their needs. I guess that makes them more like a modular notebook “system.” (Note: there are multiple brands who make similar notebook systems. I just happen to have the Traveler’s Company one, but I’m sure anything similar is just as good!)
I bought my passport-sized version at Hands while in Singapore just before Christmas last year. I fell in love with this department store on a trip to Japan a few years ago. The Singapore outpost wasn’t quite as impressive as the Shinjuku version, but it still had what I wanted.
Right from the start, I needed to make decisions about how this notebook would represent me. I chose a size (passport), a colour (brown), inserts (three), and a pen clip. When I assembled it, I could also choose a colour for the belly band elastic: orange.
I chose the passport size for better portability, but the original version is a nice size as well. Some people have both, and I can see why!
I started out with three inserts: the regular notebook, a watercolour paper insert, and a monthly free diary. A year on, I have the same type of inserts, although next year I’m going to branch out and try some more. I might also try making my own inserts, as I’ve read others do.
I bought the free diary insert with the thought that I would use the notebook as a paper calendar, but pretty soon I realised that a digital calendar is so much more convenient (even if I like the idea of a paper diary!). I searched around for inspiration on another use for the insert, and came across a suggestion to do a small drawing every day. So that’s what I’ve been doing all year! I won’t repeat that next year, but for this year it was fun.
With the notebook, I bought a Pilot Frixion erasable pen. I was nervous about making mistakes, and wanted something I could erase. But that’s not really in the spirit of a creative EDC (everyday carry) notebook. I don’t think the creatives who inspired me to carry a notebook would erase lines. They would make choices with certainty! So as a one-year anniversary gift to myself, I recently bought a Lamy Safari to use as my regular notebook pen, to enter the new year with a bold line.
The beauty of the Traveler’s notebook is personalisation. Notebook owners can make it their own, via the range of inserts available (or DIY). But there are a lot of other accessories, too.
During the year, I added a zipper case (to hold stickers and other small pieces of paper), a brass clip (to hold down pages while sketching), and a little camera charm (which looks cute but also makes it easier to grab the belly band).
They also have partner shops around the world, and sometimes put on events. I’m excited to go to one of those someday, as they often have unique stamps, and sometimes limited-edition inserts and accessories.
So, that’s how my first year with a Traveler’s notebook has gone. I’m looking forward to trying out different types of inserts in the coming year.
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