I have my own Moleskine notebook!

Last Friday was our office Christmas party. As any Christmas ritual, we had our exchanged gifts and I got my first ever moleskine pocket-sized notebook based from a wishlist I told my officemate a few days ago. Ever since I saw the Smashing Magazine Moleskine Art article, I had longed to own my own travel size companion bound in oilcloth-covered cardboard.

IMAGE ABOVE: My Moleskine notebook with some pens and colored pencils I bought.

For newbies, here is what Moleskine is all about:


Moleskine is a brand of notebook manufactured by Moleskine srl, an Italian company. Although the name implies otherwise, the notebook is not bound in moleskin, but in oilcloth-covered cardboard. Other distinct features include an elastic band to hold the notebook closed, a sewn spine that allows it to lie flat when opened, rounded corners, a ribbon bookmark and an expandable pocket inside the rear cover. ~ Wikipedia


MOLESKINE is the legendary notebook that has held the inspirations and ideas of everyone from Van Gogh, Picasso and Hemingway to famed author, Bruce Chatwin. Artists, authors, and geniuses of all variety have long appreciated the simplicity and superior functionality of these notebooks. ~ Moleskine


I don’t consider myself as an excellent artist who can create excellent sketches or drawings on the spot. Even if If I’m a technology oriented person preferring laptop over pen and paper, working with traditional writing instruments still does wonders to the soul. Despite the magic of photo, vector or any drawing editing software, working with your own hands gives the best amount of artistic satisfaction. No matter how simple an art is, if it was done with full feeling, everybody appreciates it.

For most it may seem too much to invest on a bit expensive notebook for sketching or writing usages. As an artistic methods may go, you can be creative in any medium with any resources available. So why buy this moleskine product if you can avail of less expensive sketchbooks or unruled notebooks? There is also this “moleskine art” phenomenon they are talking about. It sounds as if any sketch, watercolor, charcoal or otherwise done on its pages are any different from any other work of art. In truth, no, I don’t see any difference. So why does this moleskine phenomenon seem to take on such popularity?

I’m not sure how either. All I know is when I checked out the product on a local Powerbooks store, I really liked the texture of the blank pages, the soft hardbound lining and the size that perfectly fits in my all-to-crowded bag. I’m a fan of sketching and sometimes use different colored pens (milk pens, gel pens, metallic pens, etc.) With those pens I need a portable canvas that has the kind paper that would not blotch if I doodle on it. Sketchpads would probably do the trick but those I find in National Bookstore is either too big, has soft covers, paper is not thick enough, etc. The notebook just fits my needs. Nothing more nothing less. It’s perfect for me.

But no, I am not thinking there are any type of magical voodoo going on in Moleskine notebooks as some people say. To that statement, I think they are referring to the therapeutic effect of placing thoughts into visuals or writing. It really helps the soul to let out creative juices and having tools handy whenever inspiration strikes is the best method to capture a moment.

Just check out the moleskine videos I found in youtube. I bet you will fall inlove with them. *heart heart*

Here are some Moleskine works I found on the net. They are worth the viewing time. ^^

If you have any Moleskine thoughts or links to share, don’t hesitate to comment.

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