Traveler's Notebook: Almost perfect
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- The Traveler's Notebook rides an interesting balance between form and function. It's an incredible case study of effective marketing with a clear target audience. But does that audience include artists like you and me?
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P.S. This isn't a sponsored video nor did Traveler's send me anything to review (can you imagine if they did and this is what they got lmao)
The perfect combination of paper, usability, aesthetics, etc is elusive. Half my notebooks, I just make myself.
I've only recently started doing this, so have made 2 so far, but yes this is it, I can pick what paper I use, I can use random pages from newspaper or something with an interesting texture. The whole book is now my piece of art, from start to finish
i took the passport sized kraft folder, used it as a template, copied it onto a cereal box, covered it in canvas repair tape, popped in a knockoff field notes and the result is a rugged, handy and pocketable journal/sketchbook/wallet
Okay long time travelers notebook user for drawing, I had some of the same issues as you and I wanted to share how I modified my kit to resolve those complaints. 1. I got a great 4+1 multipen from Uni Jetstream that has 4 ink colors and a mechanical pencil in it. It's wide enough that I can tuck it in the middle of an insert, close the notebook and put on the elastic band, and it will just stay tucked in to the notebook while stored. The pencil case insert gave me the same annoyance of the uneven writing surface, and just carrying one great tool OR accepting the seperate pencil case burden made this easier. 2. I carry a Clampy Penco brass clip as well as a shitajiki writing board (I use a traveler's branded one, but any a5 slim size piece of firm material works). By leaving the shitajiki in the back of the last insert and clipping the top of the notebook flat, I get a great firm surface across both sides of the notebook. These store well with the notebook, and keeping the clip on the long side of the notebook while in transit can keep my pen or even multiple tools held inside the notebook.
Both of these tips made the cons of the notebook manageable and the pros really shine through. I usually have a weekly memo insert for planning tasks and meetings, a personal sketchbook, and a sketchbook for client work. I had been carrying seperate sketchbooks and notebooks for each of these tasks previously, and the anxiety of "messing up" pages in large hardbound sketchbooks had kept me from sketching personally for years. The travelers notebook format of multiple inserts has helped me build a really robust sketchbook habit, and improve from maybe 60 pages of sketching a year to filling several inserts a month. I've also started making my own inserts! Thanks for making this video, I feel the bulk of people sharing Traveler's notebook content are using it for journaling and writing, so seeing other artists use it for drawing is awesome.
I love seeing artists pick these up to try, because I don't see it often in that area, and they're actually my favorite sketchbooks! I have a blue one that I've used exclusively as my sketchbook for almost six years now (and another passport sized black one as a sketch wallet)-- it's interesting that you mention all in one functionality and how you describe it, because that's the exact reason I initially got (and love!) mine, but the definition of "all in one" is actually different for me. I didnt pay much mind to the tools and accessories, but it was the multi-insert functionality of it that did me in. Prior to discovering this thing, I was usually carrying around a nice watercolor sketchbook, a midori md sketchbook, and a notebook for my graphic novel/cartooning work. Being able to keep all three in one package was a huge game changer for me. It was cool to see how you used yours and where you sat with it (and MD is my favorite paper, as well. If you haven't tried their cotton paper line, I highly recommend it).
from extremely rendered paintings , 3d work , beautiful mech drawings with great linework and much more .
Ken is a great artist all around , my inspiration , and he is at the point I want to be in art .
Thank you for these videos , you changed my life
same yo
I feel you. One thing I really like about the traveler's journal setup is how simple it is, to the point that before I bought one I decided to make one myself out of cheaper materials and now I just prefer to use my own instead of the original because I can customize it to my own needs and solve problems like the one you're having with the zip punch insert, like, maybe you can make one that flips over to get out of the way when you're drawing, I dunno, I feel like trying this now hahaha. Anyway, I kinda have a "anti consumerism" and "maker" mindset, plus I have ADHD so I really like tinkering with stuff that interests me, and for that, to stay out of the brands and try to make my own things feels way better than have the original. I love my own travelers notebook and try to make your own is really fun and easy.
I really love the Traveler’s notebook - personally I don’t care about keeping my pens or anything inside it, I just use it and keep a low profile pen case in my bag. I have one folder add on for small paper scraps or stickers or whatever. My partner has one that he uses primarily as a planner/journal and he does just use one pen with it that’s always attached. I think it does have a lot of aesthetic appeal, which is important to me as it lends a certain joy to whatever I’m doing. Interesting video!
“I sit in the awkward middle”
I need that on a T-shirt, a button pin and probably a lot of stickers. I feel like that describes me way too well.
Great job nailing what it all about. Having it all in a single package that you can quickly grab and go. Most people I know don’t necessarily use that insert to carry bulging pens. Either they have a two the three pen slow that clips o the outside or use thinner pens. I’m not so much for drawing but journaling and keeping tracking of projects. What I love is that I can swap out inserts based on my needs. So if going on vacation would have different inserts than if I am heading into a meeting or just doing errands.
A few years ago I was really fixed on the traveler’s notebook trend but was afraid to spend 60€ (more or less 60$ USD) just for the cover, so I tried to make a cheaper version with a scrap of leather sold for a few bucks. It wasn’t perfect but give me a more in depth vision of the TN system. I agree that the plastic pockets insert is essential at least to hold on random ephemera and printed photos for future usage (if you aren’t looking for something fancy there are a lot of YT tutorials on how to make one). Never tried the pen holder but it looks kinda useless to me. Generally speaking for me it’s not a bad system but for it to function correctly you can’t bulk up the inside of the cover and so you need an extra pouch for pens and markers. Still, it’s nice to have it for a specific project (in my case it houses my anime journal) because it adds a little thrill every time I use it. Said that, my ugly duckling imitation will stay with me until it falls apart: 60€ is still too much.
Instead of removing the notebook from the case, it'd be cool if the clear pouch was held in with magnets or some other quick release mechanism.
id love to see a magnets thing
Finally, someone who is actually honest about the whole travelers notebook trend, so tired of it seeing hyped up by every single journaling channel out there
To each their own, we don't all use our tools the same way and some people genuinely like it!
Im getting mine in A5 today and cannot wait @@yan_guna
I mean he is drawing a lot. I would have never thought that the travelers notebook is for drawing. I only use one ball pen to make quick notes in the passport sized one. I just bought it so I don’t need to buy another notebook every few month but just a bit of paper. I could even just cut the paper myself.
Did they ever market themselves in a way that makes it seem like people who draw are their main audience and not journalers?
😂 Midori Travelers Notebook started in 2006. It no longer qualifies as a “trend”. If you are annoyed by it then don’t watch videos about them. I love mine. They’ve quite literally saved my life.
It is maddening but to each their own. I don’t understand why others have seen your comment as an attack as I agree with you and have this journal which I enjoy. He is honest and it is hyped up. The product is excellent but many get obsessive to the point that it seems I am witnessing a therapy session.
Well, I find the TN to be perfect for 2 reasons: 1. I just need a black pen and a ruler to journal/fill my commonplace book. Don't understand all that washi tape/stickers/fountain pens mania, to me it's nonsense. So inside the plastic pouch I just keep flat ephemera and the ruler. I have the Midori's pen clip for my single black pen. 2. It's so customizable (unlike planners) without being overwhelming like a bullet journal. You just buy the inserts you'll use and don't have to worry about anything else.
Take 2 of their craft paper sheets and paste them with one side over lapping. The far edge can then be pasted to the sketch insert. Fold the insert and now you can pull out the sketch insert without removing it
Your videos remain some of the only videos I fully sit through and listen to every word of - when they come up on my feed I'm like oh! gotta make time to watch that. Gotta be sitting down and taking notes!! I love how much thought and research you put into everything, and your editing is fantastic (when the music changed at 8:11 I laughed out loud). This is such a great review!
I use my TN for planning and journaling and I have only one pen with me at all times. I have a separate pen pouch for other pens, highlighters, washi tapes… that I use mainly at home or if I know I’ll need it on the go. I don’t think the clear pocket is to be used to store pens, as you showed, it clearly doesn’t work 😉
Depending on the use you can’t really swap a TN for a midori notebook as most TN users love being able to swith inserts depending on what they are doing. I have a monthly and a weekly insert and one I use for memory keeping and journaling and this is filled in within a month so I get a new one every month. Plus I make my own insert for habit trackers and the few things I need to track throughout the month.
Thanks for your content and the work you put in, it is so highly appreciated!
My pleasure!
What you say is the main reason I never got one of these, even though they look really nice. Most youtubers I saw using traveler's notebooks usually journal at home and they take the insert out every time. I just don't think that' very convinient!
Fair enough!
this is why i opted for kokuyo piiip pouch a5. i just journal/take notes, but i watched many videos of these leather covers.. and i just dont need a cover that's acting as a bag but it's not a sufficient bag. nor do i need to assemble a tome of multiple notebooks. i needed a pouch/pocket/envelope for notebooks and related stationary. take one or multiple notebooks out, up to me. store any number of pens, papers, random items, etc...
ngl thats super pricey. like you could just make it at home for less. i kind of have a travel kit, but its basically a small notebook, some pens/brushes, and some watercolors stuck in a ziploc bag.
I have one that I've carried around the world for years. It's a little pricey and you coul make it, but the leather is fantastic quality (the best leather product I've ever had). If you can afford it without it being a painful purchase, it's well worth the money imo. I went back and forth on it for a while before I bought it, but I have no regrets. It's a great notebook.
Japan's really good at romanticising unnecessary consumption
taking out the pages sounds like a pro to me, way more comfortable and then put it back in the binder for protection
I use a travellers as my journal and I do think that that is the intention. But also I have one pen and one ink, coz I like the uniformity of it. The pen loop is designed specifically for the Travelers Pen and basically doesnt work with any other pen
I love the breakdown of the midori vs traveler's notebook. I'm playing with the idea of getting the 3 pack A5 midori to cut it down into TN standard size cause those are half the price.
For my pens I usually use a small pencil pouch that holds 2-3 pens hold by elastics and just loop it over the cover, but I also have to take the pouch out if I want to write, so I get the gripe. Hope they create some accessories for that.
I also use the passport size as a wallet+EDC and has been loving it so far
I love TNs but i hate the inserts, i could carry a stack of heavy paper sure, but having them not lie flat, i cant get over! Took a lot of time and agonizing to realize what i was searching for was just a plain leather cover w no elastic binding i could but a normal lay flat journal in! Sure i could make my own inserts, but i dont have the time or money to spend on becoming my own paper company. Thanks for being real!
Hmm, as a fixer I would have a solution for me. Maybe it would work for you. Why not take all those nice concepts and repackage them? Take a rather sturdy ziplock bag, there are a few with a metal zipper-like closing. And put the much cheaper notebook, along with your pens. You get all the convenience, for a much lower price. You get the rapidity of having to pick one bag and put it in your luggage. And when you need it, you take out the regular not-so-fancy notebook, and whatever pens and brushes you have stored in the bag. As for drawing space: just toss the zip bag back into the whatever travel luggage you have with you.
I like having a proper hardbound sketchbook to store once im done with it. I wouldnt want all my collection to be made of loose folded paper booklets
I used to have a Travellers Notebook. I actually used to carry the passport size as a wallet. That was a good time.
Sketchbook wallet is brilliant, I can't believe I haven't thought of that.
I've found the midori MD A7 notebooks fit perfectly inside my wallet
Hi, maybe for your tools issue you can look for a book band pen case. It can double as the closing elastic too. Midori has just come out with a mesh book band pen case.
TN just seem to become cultish to me. I appreciate that more people are using and sharing how they using it online. Things just change once there become 2 ‘separate’ entites (Midori and Traveler’s company).
Thanks for the excellent informative review. I have both sizes. I totally agree with you. The regular size is excellent for journaling and the passport as a small diary/planner. I put pens in the plastic zip of the regular and a pencil and small fountain pen in the passport canvas zip accessory. Both are pretty lean and I like that I can have different inserts to segment my writing. Tbh journaling is easier in a regular A4 journal and I do that too. I can see why people love it. It is so versatile.
You are a very talented artist. Great video
The reason I like it because of the ease of creating my own refills. Also I change it up depending on my situation. Everyday it is slim and on travels chunky.
The inlay problem I solved with being picky about what gear I choose to put in there. When I start to sketch I can easily take out one pen, while keeping it still flat. The contents are same in height, fill the whole space and I got a plastic sheet in the last page to smooth out the rest and give me a stable surface to press against. (Mostly using pencils.) But I also use it mostly in hand standing, perhaps that is also the factor that makes it easier for me.
It feels as if you have more complaints of the pen case insert than you do of the notebook itself, and most of the complaints should be directed at that. Again. I'm different. I have the passport notebook because needing to store my notebook in a bag to me is a waste of time as I don't walk around carrying a bag.
Going to a restaurant? Pull out my notebook. Need to jot something down? Pull out my notebook. Taking a deuce? I can pull out my notebook.
I have my fountain pen and mechanical pencil clipped to my chest. Even when I'm wearing a T-shirt.
Maybe they could have done something where you can flip the case outwards so it’s still “in” the sleeve, but you have flat surface room to draw.
I have one, I use it as my weekly planning, todo list and for making some quick notes. Not sure is a best option for sketch book, it seems to be too small. Anyway I love the system of having different blocks that be organized however you like
My mans is simply inspirational!
Hey Moma, really appreciate your channel. Your vids are always on while I'm drawing/painting. Nothing but the best man👌🏼👌🏼
I bought my first Traveler's insert awkwardly because I stumbled upon it before I figured out what the whole system was. That ended up working better for me in the end, since I have some DIY sort of folding boards to address the surface problem you mentioned. ALSO, if you are a weirdo like me and like hand drawing pixel art, they also have some of the smallest usable gridlines available at a reasonable price.
Great video! Love the elements of design book. Rowena Reed Kostellow is my great grandmother lol.
I can relate, I primarily use my regular sized TN as a planner and a journal, and i WISH i could use it for more than quick sketches, but it doesn't quite work for that.
You've been inspiring me to get back into finding a sketchbook that works for me, though! As a primarily digital artist, i miss the days when i had STACKS of old sketchbooks. Just wish i could keep my entire system as simple as a TN, they're so dang easy to use.
I used to be on the bandwagon that the traveler’s notebook was overhyped but one fine day I just decided to get it as the olive coloured one as came back in stock, and I quickly fell in love with it after. It’s modular which is why I started to appreciate it more. I usually carry my Hobonichi Weeks, a sketchbook and a watercolour sketchbook with me when I travelled. Now with this I can just remove/insert whichever refills i need, plus making your own inserts is pretty easy. You can opt for the paper that you want.
I enjoy doing plein air, so the passport size was just perfect for me. I even bought the leather pouch and plastic insert so I can carry some cash and debit card with me so I can go about town and sketch without the bulk.
As for the pen loop, I use it to carry my fountain pen which is used for lining my sketches before I paint, but I do still carry a pen roll with me all the time as I prefer working with mixed media.
At the end, to each of its own. They are simple and customizable, and purely because of that many will find it appealing. They do require some maintenance as it is still leather, however it is not something you need to do everyday.
Thank you for making these points. The Travelers Company is not in my budget. Then I think, others without all the traveler themes are more versatile anyway.
I dont blame you. i made one cause i didnt want to spend $55+ on it. I find the leather really cool but its really not all that its cracked up to be in my opinion.
I actually JUST set up my first TN (while watching this video, lol) as my all-in-one language study kit (monthly insert to track study plan/what gets done on what days, an insert for notes, and an insert for practice, all of which I was previously doing in separate places and ultimately not keeping very good track of), so not really the use case Traveler's Company intended, but I think the issue of the writing over the zipper pouch could likely be remedied with something like using a bag-in-bag instead! I happen to have one already that most of my travel journaling supplies are in and the normal sized TN (with four inserts inside) fits perfectly! That way, you still get an even writing surface and if you're notoriously unlucky like I am even getting absolutely everything on your person totally drenched is less likely to destroy everything!
I think that an insert that has three sheets (1 with the pocket for pencils, two with a folder for papers) and that the pocket with the pencils folds inwards and folds outwards when you are going to write or paint, would be a great solution :)
FYI, you're supposed to remove that white cardboard that is inside the notebook cover. That will make it a lot easier to take the notebook in and out. :)
I knew writing on a the zipper case would really annoy me so I opted for the pen loop and a seperate pen case. I keep a durable pen like the Kakuno in the pen loop if I am traveling
I went and made one of these just to realize you were right. Its cool that its leather, but you still need to carry a pencil case if want to draw with more than 2 pens. inserts are kind of just an inconvenience. I still use it as my everyday sketchbook but its not the solution to all my problems like i hoped it would be 😢
Taking the insert out doesn’t defeat the purpose lol.. you make the purpose. Some people see the leather back as the carrying case and take out the insert to do extensive work on the page.
To be fair the travelers notebook was never advertised to hold pens like this and I don’t understand why anyone would try to write on top of the pens. Seems like just finding a flat pen case would work fine. And if you want to remove the inserts more easily there are solutions. If you’re looking for just a great sketchbook it’s not great but for notes, sketching, planning, painting, all in one? Yeah you can do that and that’s why I like it. I don’t really see it as just instagrammable since it’s somewhat simplistic and serves a very clear function. Just my two cents though, of course there’s no shame in not liking a tool or system
Never heard of this complaint before😅😅😅
I have been using Travelers Notebook as my work planner and random art whatever journal for 10 years and it has changed my life. I dont like using the zipper pouch or any clear folder, or the leather pen loop clip thingy (pretty stupid design cuz it can't fit most of my pen) but I use a utility pouch as a pencil case to store my everything, I tried using the MIDORI 365 as well but it became a waste, unlike the TN where we can customize the inserts, remove and reusing the leather cover. The price for a TN 10 yrs ago was so much lower but now it has doubled up which is crazy!! BUT still, I think I am still using this brand for a long time haha. TQ for sharing this video!
ahhh dude, you are my favorite artist for reaaal , i can't wait to get home and practice
I just started getting back into journaling this year, and everyone and their grandmothers seem to have a traveler's notebook, so I got a passport size to try it out.
I'm mainly trying it out for travel documenting and writing about stuff with small doodles (life drawing), but when I'm not going on vacation I'm going to use this as a café journal.
You brought up a good point with the annoyance of having that plastic pouch for pens, I'd be so annoyed having to draw with that bulk right underneath.
you inspire me so much bro!
I think a fix could be to have the ziplock bag as a 3-folded sheet rather than 2. 1 of the sheets would stay flat while you could flap out the 2 compartments with "stuff" inside... but then it'd make the whole thing wider so maybe if the outer or middle flap had a FLAT and sturdy backing inside, you could flip it all around your notebook without having to take it out 🤔 just a thought
I sketch a ton and I LOVE Sketchbooks but I must say this does seem like a lil bit of a product that delivers more than asked for and creates odd hurdles along that way. I use a DINA5 ArtCreation 140 grams sketchbook for traveling. 8$ a piece, paper is amazing, lays flat, comes in a multitude of colors and has not disappointed me ever yet.
I don't have a clear pouch in my travelers notebook...have I been using it wrong all this time? :P No but I really enjoy it because it allows me to have multiple inserts with different purposes. One for art and sewing projects, weekly planner, ink experiments and so on.
Dude I love your channel! I´m a sucker for notebooks haha, needless to say I love the concept of these! But I think I know a brand that has found a solution to the stationary bulk issue. Antou has a kickstarter project called NOTA. The first versions have been on the market for a while and I´m waiting to recieve mine in the mail. They use magnetic rods to clip single booklets/accessoires onto the leather cover. You can also use your own paper since it comes with a special hole puncher and binding mechanism, so it basically lets you fully customize and build your sketchbook to your individual liking. An awesome concept, just sadly very pricey. Still worth a look though!
Honestly I got one of these for myself last Christmas because of your videos lol. They’re not necessarily bad but for the type I got, the paper was yellowish which I didn’t like, too thin, and it being taller than it is wide makes it kinda inconvenient as far as space to draw in. I love the flexibility and idea that you can insert whatever in it but for me small bullet journals do all I need it to better
The Traveler very much feels like an Instagram thing. It looks aesthetic first and foremost, and as someone who's tried a buddy's, I can't help but everytime I use it, I'm just thinking that any hardback sketchbook would do better.
It's not really made to be an artist tool. Like it can function as one, but of course an actual dedicated sketchbook will be a better sketchbook. This is meant to be a multipurpose, flexible, portable notebook system. It's a jack of all trades-- good at a lot, but master at none. You have to decide for you if that's the tool you are looking for.
Your reviews are always so interesting and unique. Like as much as you’re reviewing the product itself, you’re also sort of reviewing consumer culture in general which is super cool
My major gripe with the travellers company notebooks has always been the dimensions. Why are they so skinny??? I don’t understand this weird trend with A5-ish sketchbooks, from just about every brand moleskine, royal talens, handbook, stillman and bern etc. where the width of their small/medium sketchbooks is about an inch or so narrower than true A5. If you like these paper dimensions, then I love that for you, but I like a little extra space to rest my hand and to draw on, so I want the extra inch back!!
I like the TN idea, but I don't like their size for drawing. A5 is wider and better, but they don't have it😅😅
Try Galen Leather's TN. They make theirs in multiple sizes, including A5, I believe.
4:59 Out of topic but what is that bag you have there?
I've seen these notebooks everywhere and from what I've gathered these notebooks are more for recording events and more typical "diary/scrapbook" vs sketchbooks and other arts. It's not a bad thing but it's not for everyone. Plus they look so fancy that I personally wouldn't be comfortable scribbling on it all willy-nilly. 😅
the pen holder is for me and my Pentel Multi 8
I was trying to find this channel and tried to remember the name.. So what I typed was "Moba Boba"
Thanks for this perfect vidéo 😁😁👍🌌🌌
Wonderful review!
Thank you!
The travelers notebook is not for me, I was wondering why I was having so much struggle with it. It’s too small, but at the same time it’s far from minimalist. If I’m aiming for a smaller canvas, I want it to be minimal and do 1 thing very well. The travelers notebook is a Jack of all trades, which isn’t really what I want at the price point of the TN. I also find myself running out of pages way to quickly - which makes it impossible to travel extensively with. I personally would just rather carry around a notebook and sketchbook if I wanted different “inserts” or papers, but that’s just me.
It is too bad you cannot order one without a hole dead center. There are certainly better ways to keep the notebook closed.
I use only the inserts. Never bought the case. It was way too expensieve for my taste 😂
One-pen user here: I use a hi-tec-c .25mm... and that pen loop clip thingy would SUCK because that loop thing would be wayy too big. :)
yay another video
Thank you for this review! How does the sketch paper perform with paint? (I think I saw you using gouache?) I really disliked the watercolor paper because it resists water, so I am wondering if the sketch paper is actually better for watercolor/gouache.
Hello!
I’m looking for livestreams of artists drawing in real time doing construction and blocking out in primitive forms what they’re drawing.
Like everyday objects and vehicles
I wonder if you know someone who has sources of real time livestreams of this? Or if you have streams like that, blocking out in primitive forms?
Thanks!
You could just place the zipper case on the other side
What size is the midori sketchbook you have? Great video btw!
babe wake up new chromamoma video just dropped
Tangela appreciation comment❤
Bless up
Yaassss
Drawing:)
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You do a lot of mech stuff and it looks fantastic! I’d love to get in touch with you. I’m looking to hire an artist for comic book series that would be right down your alley. I’d love to get in touch
make more videos pls
I just keep paper in my wallet (I’m broke)
The zipper case is also not a must… you can use just one pen, it ain’t boring for everyone… people also like multi pens… also people who journal typically also have a case for their pens… lol this is an awkward video… it sounds more like YOU had an idea about how to use the journal and you haven’t found the way to make it happen yet.
Definitely INTERESTING subject...with over 45 ,000 views...is proof.
can you draw something from cat game named 'stray'
You had a transphobic hate speech ad from the epoch times on your video. I've reported that ad before & they didn't do anything about it, so you may want to say something about it yourself.
Lol if you don’t like it don’t use it.
so you have a purse?