Making behaviour change simple, beautiful and accessible.
Our Beginning
Established in 2018, basenotes is a research, design and production team. Rooted in core values of simplicity, focus, and productivity in a dynamic world, basenotes strives to bridge the gap between physical objects and people in the digital age. Specializing in notebooks with a binding focus, basenotes also offers personalized services such as redesigning and custom product creation to cater to individual needs.
Preservation and Revival of Traditional Bookbinding Techniques
basenotes has been working since its inception to revive the artisanal bookbinding techniques and create a bridge between these ancient methods and modern life. These techniques represent a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down to us from generations of skilled artisans. They are not only beautiful and functional, but they are also a marker of the cultural identity of their place of origin. Our role is to create a link between the practical skills of the past and the needs of modern life.
Ancient Skills for Today’s Needs
basenotes products are made using ancient skills that have proven their durability and functionality over the centuries. We strive to revive these techniques and blend them with the sensibilities of modern design to create products that are aesthetically pleasing and functional for contemporary lifestyles. The handcrafted nature of the products helps us to have more control over the details, see them up close every day, and constantly change and improve them.
Simplicity, the Product of Expertise
The presence of simplicity in basenotes products is the result of a focus on the methods of construction and the very nature of the materials used in making a product. Simplicity is a tool for us to establish balance in design. We strive to pass all our choices through the filter of simplicity in all phases of design, material selection, binding method, and execution, so that the result is functional and reliable. Designing for us is a desire to have balance. Balance between functionality, beauty, and durability.
Empowering Master Craftsmen
basenotes products come to life with the help of the hands of skilled and native masters. Those who are the heirs of traditional bookbinding skills, but the change in the way of making paper products on a large scale of machine making and the spread of digital tools have prevented them from continuing to work in the previous way and also training students and future masters. It is for this reason that product design in its social dimension is very important for basenotes. We are trying to share the knowledge and skills of this profession with future generations and ensure that these ancient skills continue to flourish.
Sustainability and Responsible Forest Management Practices
basenotes takes an environmental approach in the production of its products and strives to use materials and processes that are friendly to nature. Paper, when responsibly sourced and effectively recycled, can be a sustainable resource. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) play an important role in promoting responsible forest management practices. Together, they provide a framework for the responsible management of forests and ensure that the forests of the Earth are preserved for future generations. We understand the importance of responsible forest management practices and are committed to using paper that is produced in responsibly managed forests.
