Chronicle Books Blog

Getting to work with some of the most inspiring and creative artists around today is definitely one of the best parts of my job. I sometimes have to pinch myself because I can’t believe that I’ve been lucky enough to work with artists such as Susie Ghahremani, Grady McFerrin, Jill Bliss, Lisa Congdon, Blanca Goméz (just to name a few)… and now, I get to add Christine Schmidt and Evan Gross of Yellow Owl Workshop to that list. I am so very thrilled to be sharing with you today our new stationery line with them!

About two years ago, we fell in love with Christine and Evan’s work and knew that we wanted to collaborate with them in some way. One of the interesting challenges of working with artists who produce their own successful lines of stationery and paper goods is figuring out how to create a distinctive product that builds upon the success and strength of their work, but differentiates it enough to avoid competing with their existing line. Sometimes we are more successful than others, which is part of the reason I am so excited to introduce you to our new line with Yellow Owl Workshop.

Inspired by their tree journal and LCD card, we set off to create a Chronicle Books version.

How to repackage an already interesting concept and product was a huge challenge. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” kept going through our minds, which was quickly followed by, but then how do we make it different? Instead of trying to change something that was practically perfect in every way, we decided not change the idea at all, just offer more of it, in a variety of sizes! And so here they are, the Woodlands Notepad Set and LCD Notecards by Yellow Owl Workshop.

The idea of offering three different sizes began with the notepad set. We thought about the functionality and realized that we all use multiple notebooks for different things and lists, so why not offer one set that would meet all your list-making and note-taking needs? We also thought about wear-and-tear in your bag, purse, or pocket, so we added the elastic bands (in electric colors!) to help keep the pads together. Best of all, the interior pages are perforated so you can neatly tear out those lists and notes.

We thought that the set of three notepads created such a handsome package, we decided to carry the theme through to the notecards. Also thinking about the functionality, the set comes with a pencil and a cheat sheet for how to write the letters in LCD style. All you have to do is sharpen the pencil and you’re ready to go!

I know what you’re thinking, “I must have these, where can I find them?!?” The Yellow Owl Workshop line will be available on Chroniclebooks.com starting March 17th. The Woodlands Notepad Set is available now at UrbanOutfitters.com.

AND we have very exciting news!!! Next week, Readymade Magazine will be giving away 5 sets of our Yellow Owl Workshop line. So, make sure to check back in to our Paper Goods post on Friday for more details on this exciting give away.

Kristen Hewitt
Senior Designer

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