After I’ve been carrying Field Notes consistently for over a year now, I’ve noticed that I use a pocket calendar a lot. Field Notes sends one when you order and I wanted to provide one for our customers.
Why?
I started using Field Notes to intentionally be off of my phone or an electronic device when planning/jotting down notes for phone calls or events. I’m going through iterations of how my notebooks are laid out. Using a pocket calendar helps me plan out my month and/or days. Without going into too much detail about my notebook system, I use a modified bullet journal method. I have a basic 2 page “monthly view” where I list out the days of the month and have an overview of what’s planned like appointments and/or reminders.
Creation Process
I’ve wanted one for Kraken’s Key Trading Co. ever since I’ve been using a Field Notes. The plan was to do notebook covers and offer Field Notes to customers, but something would be missing if I didn’t include one to send with orders. Inkscape is my go-to when designing logos and things for print. I’ve designed all of the paper products that are used as well as my logo. It’s a “perk” of owning a small business. You have to learn some things that cost money to outsource and create a balance on costs.
I knew that I wanted to make it the same size as the one that Field Notes provides. It fits in the back of a Field Notes or pocket notebook, which means it’ll fit in leather covers. I also knew that I wanted to have a similar look, but not rip off what they have. It is “heavily inspired” by theirs, but I designed mine from scratch. I used some of their design cues while maintaining my own style. A part of this process was creating my own style. Choosing fonts, margins, logo placements, was so fun.
I’ve designed some print products before, but I’ve never sent them to a “print shop”. I’ve used services like Vista Print, etc, that have pre-defined sizes. I wanted to go local with my first “full custom” design. I had to add “cut lines” and figure that all out. I’m so glad that I went local with the print and will do so again.
Improvements
I’m very happy with the way it came out. I still want it to be better. Next year’s calendar will be on slightly thicker paper. I think that’s my only “real complaint”. I’d love feedback from people that get to use it!
Will they be on the store?
No! Well, yes, but no. We’re closing in on the first drop of Field Notes and notebook covers (Cove and Slip), and I feel this is an important time to highlight the calendar. Why? Because they will be included with orders of Field Notes and notebook covers for free. So they’ll be “on the shop”, but not directly able to be purchased.
Thanks for reading,
Set Sail.
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