Talk with the creators of the iconic TRAVELER'S Notebook
April 04, 2023
We had the privilege of hearing directly from the creators of the TRAVELER'S Notebook about the unique inspiration and insights behind the creation of this iconic notebook.
They shared the story of how they came up with the idea for the TRAVELER'S Notebook . We discussed the philosophy behind the notebook, and as we delved deeper into the creation process, we discussed the challenges they faced in bringing the Traveler's Notebook to life.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creation of the TRAVELER'S notebook?
In 2005, there was an in-house competition for a notebook.
We sent a rough sketch to a workshop in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with which we had been in contact for some time, asked for a sample leather cover, and came up with the idea of a notebook combined with refills made in Japan, which we then proposed.
As it was a competition, we simply wanted to make the notebook we wanted, without thinking about market competitors or marketability.
We then won second place in the competition, which led to the decision to commercialise the product.
Later, when we were deepening the concept for the launch in 2006, we set the target audience as ourselves and focused on what we liked and thought was cool.
That said, we created the packaging, catalogue, and website while having fun as if we were pursuing a hobby, without thinking too much about efficiency.
How has the TRAVELER'S notebook evolved since it was first introduced?
Immediately after the launch, we read a blog post by someone who had bought and used the product; we were thrilled that our product had been well received. We also wanted to meet actual users, so in 2009 we organised an event. We created a space and people were able to experience customisation for themselves. By meeting and talking to the users who came to the event, the world of the TRAVELER’S notebook expanded even further.
The event inspired us to open our own base, and in 2011 we opened the TRAVELER'S FACTORY in Nakameguro, Tokyo. Since then, we have held events in Japan and abroad, collaborating with creators we have met along the way.
Having our own establishment has allowed for our world to expand; our focus is still on the notebooks but we sell bags that go perfectly with them and serve coffee that our community can enjoy alongside our notebooks.
Can you walk us through the design process of creating a new TRAVELER'S COMPANY product?
There are various triggers for this, such as ideas that come from using the TRAVELER'S notebook, user feedback, or encounters with factories and materials; however we place importance on whether we ourselves are excited by the idea.
For example, we wanted to create a pen that we can use with the TRAVELER'S notebook, so we focused on solid brass, which changes over time, and BRASS PRODUCTS was born. Based on our imagination we thought it would be fun to have a TRAVELER'S hotel or airline, so we introduced limited edition TRAVELER'S notebook sets in 2022.
How do you source the materials used in the TRAVELER'S notebook, and what factors do you consider when choosing them?
As much as possible, we value the solid, natural texture of the material itself, so we want to use materials that will become more and more attractive as they age and change over time; we want to create a product that you will cherish and use for a long time.
Can you share any customer feedback or stories that have inspired you or the team in your work on the TRAVELER'S notebook?
The most inspiring thing for us is to see TRAVELER'S notebooks in use at events and in the TRAVELER'S FACTORY.
We get to see ways of using and customising the notebooks that we, the creators, had never envisaged, and each notebook reflects the individuality of the person who is using it so although they are the same product, the look is completely different!
We will continue to embrace the wide variety of personalities that are depicted within the pages of our notebooks.
We are thrilled to invite you to our TRAVELER’S Company Stamp Caravan event!
Join us from April 13th until April 20th to embark on a journey through the world of travel and journaling and discover why the TRAVELER’S Notebook has become a favourite among the global journal community.
Throughout the event, you will have exclusive access to their iconic stamps, which are sure to elevate your journaling game. And on Saturday, April 15th, from 11 am to 6 pm, you can even personalize* your TRAVELER’S Notebook cover for that extra special touch.
*To avoid any issue with the customisation on already used surfaces, only notebooks purchased in store on that day will be personalised
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