Bringing a brand to life, page by page
Crafting the experience
Titled Dream. Create. Achieve., these notebooks are a fusion of sustainability, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design. Every detail was carefully considered:
Reclaimed Italian leather covers – Made from upcycled leather scraps left over from fashion production, ensuring each cover is one-of-a-kind.
Recycled paper – Designed for a superior writing experience, we chose 70lb Options paper from Mohawk in Cohoes, New York, made from 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) using wind power and FSC-certified processes.
Sustainable binding – Partially recycled binding coils reinforce our commitment to reducing waste.
Custom Notebooks – Dream. Create. Achieve.
At McL, we’re passionate about creating brand experiences that leave a lasting impression—not just for our clients, but for ourselves, too. This project was born from the idea of transforming a simple, everyday object into a meaningful brand touchpoint. Enter the custom notebook: a tangible, functional piece that embodies our values while delivering a memorable experience.
The vision
Designed as a premium client gift and standout piece for marketing events, these notebooks go beyond traditional swag. We set out to create something that felt truly McL—an item that would resonate with our clients, reflect our commitment to sustainability, and seamlessly integrate branding into a daily task—notetaking! To bring this vision to life, we collaborated with Karl Heine, (Chief Fluorescent Officer) of Designer Journals, known for his expertise in sustainable, high-quality design.
With Karl’s expertise, we explored materials, tested combinations, and refined every aspect through prototyping and feedback, ensuring quality and consistency in the final product, which was hand-made in Bridgeport, CT.
More than a notebook—A brand statement
This project wasn’t just about creating a notebook—it was about telling a story. By blending sustainability, craftsmanship, and brand identity, we turned a simple object into a high-touch marketing tool that embodies what McL stands for.
The result? A custom piece that sparks conversation, delivers value, and reinforces our commitment to thoughtful, impactful branding.
Credits
Designer Journals, Mohawk, Karl Heine, Robin McLoughlin
