There’s something so special about holding a journal that’s been thoughtfully designed — one that feels like it was made just for you. For a business, a custom journal or notebook can do much more than serve as stationery; it can tell your brand story, promote pen to paper in a digital age, and offer a lasting way for people to connect with your values and purpose.
At Do Good Paper Co., I’ve been creating custom journals and notebooks for six years, and it’s one of my favourite parts of what I do. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with wonderful partners — including Neo, Chatters, and Goodness Gift, to name a few — to design journals that reflect their brand essence and inspire the people who receive them. No two projects are ever the same, and that’s what makes this process so exciting.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a custom-designed journal for your business, this guide will walk you through the key elements to consider — from choosing the right size to adding those finishing touches that make it uniquely yours.
And don’t worry — you don’t have to have every detail figured out before reaching out. I’m here to help guide you through the process and bring your vision to life.
1. Start with Purpose
Every great design begins with purpose.
Before deciding on materials, colours, or layouts, it helps to pause and ask: What will this journal be used for? Understanding its purpose is the foundation for all your design decisions.
Here are a few examples of different goals businesses might have:
- Employee gifts: A way to encourage mindfulness, reflection, or creativity at work.
- Client appreciation: A thoughtful branded gift that’s beautiful and practical.
- Event giveaways: Something memorable that aligns with your event’s theme.
- Product collaborations or retail: A co-branded design that customers will buy, love and keep.
When you know who the journal is for and how it will be used, it becomes much easier to decide on the right size, style, and layout.
2. Size and Shape
The size of your journal can influence both its function and how it feels in someone’s hands.
The most popular choice is A5 (5.8 x 8.3 inches) — compact, portable, and perfect for daily use. It’s the standard for a reason: easy to carry, yet large enough to write comfortably.
But depending on the purpose, other options might work better:
- A6 (small): Ideal for pocket notebooks, event swag, or jotting quick thoughts.
- A5 (standard): Great for journaling, meetings, or workshops.
- B5 or A4 (large): Perfect for sketchbooks, workbooks, or planners that need more space.
If you want something distinctive, a square format or custom dimensions can make your journal stand out visually — and feel more tailored to your brand.
3. The Cover: Where First Impressions Begin
Your journal’s cover is its first impression — it’s what draws someone to open it.
This is where design and material choices really start to bring your vision to life. Some questions to ask:
- Do you want your journal to feel luxurious, earthy, or minimalist?
- Should it feel soft and flexible, or structured and substantial?
Common cover options include:
- Vegan leather: Smooth, durable, and professional — a popular choice for corporate gifting.
- Fabric: Soft and inviting, adding a tactile warmth to the design.
- Paperboard or coated paper: Ideal for printed artwork, photography, or patterns.
You can also personalize the cover with debossed or foil-stamped logos, printed graphics, or inspirational text. Even small details like matte versus glossy finishes can make a big difference in how the journal feels.
The key is to design a cover that reflects your brand’s character while remaining timeless and practical.
4. Binding: How It All Comes Together
Binding isn’t just about how a journal looks — it affects how it’s used every day.
Here are the main options I recommend:
- Case Bound (Sewn Binding): The premium choice for a classic, elegant look. Case bound journals open flat, making them a joy to write in.
- Spiral Binding: A great option for planners or notebooks meant to fold back easily.
Each style has its own personality. Case bound journals feel polished and substantial, while spiral bindings add flexibility and ease of use. Choosing the right one depends on both your budget and how your journal will be used.
5. End Pages: The Subtle Details
When you open a custom journal, the first thing you see isn’t the main writing pages — it’s the end pages. These often-overlooked surfaces are a wonderful place to add subtle branding or storytelling details.
They can be:
- A solid colour that complements your cover
- A printed pattern or photo
- A short message or quote that ties into your company’s purpose
It’s a small touch, but one that adds polish and intention to the overall experience.
6. Inner Pages: Where Function Meets Feel
The inner pages are where your journal becomes truly functional — and where your audience will spend the most time.
Start by thinking about how they’ll use it:
- Lined pages are ideal for writing and note-taking.
- Dotted pages offer flexibility for bullet journaling, sketching, or planning.
- Grid pages are great for technical work, designs, or data-heavy notes.
- Plain pages invite creativity — perfect for sketching or brainstorming.
Another consideration is paper thickness, measured in gsm (grams per square metre). Thicker paper (100gsm or more) feels luxurious and helps prevent ink from bleeding through.
And if you’d like your pages to vary, that’s possible too — for example, a planner might have different layouts for each section, or include inspirational quotes throughout.
7. Accessories and Finishing Touches
Accessories can transform a simple notebook into something special. Depending on your needs and budget, you might include:
- Ribbon bookmark: Elegant and useful for marking pages.
- Elastic band closure: Keeps the journal tidy when not in use.
- Back pocket: Perfect for storing notes or small documents.
- Pen loop or buckle: Adds convenience and polish.
These finishing touches add both function and delight — the kind of thoughtful details that make your journal feel complete.
8. Finding Inspiration
If you’re unsure where to begin, one helpful shortcut is to browse our existing product line at www.dogoodpaper.co.
You might find a few designs that capture the aesthetic or mood you’re going for. From there, we can customize the details — colours, branding, page types, and finishes — to make it uniquely yours.
This approach often helps clients visualize possibilities more easily and gives us a shared starting point for conversation.
9. The Design Process: How We’ll Work Together
Every custom project at Do Good Paper Co. is a collaborative process.
When you reach out, we’ll start by discussing your goals, timeline, and preferences — even if you’re not sure about all the specifics yet. My job is to help guide you through each decision and ensure that the final result fits your vision perfectly.
Remember, the more features you want, the more costly the project will be. That's why it's important to have a budget in mind, and I'll work with you to find the right balance.
I’ll walk you through material samples, design mock-ups, and printing options. Once we finalize your design, I’ll manage production from start to finish, ensuring every detail is executed beautifully.
Ready to Start?
If reading this has sparked some ideas, I’d love to hear them. Whether you already have a clear concept or are just beginning to explore possibilities, I’m happy to help you design a custom journal that perfectly reflects your brand and purpose.
You don’t need to know every design decision before reaching out — that’s what I’m here for. Together, we’ll create something beautiful, functional, and meaningful for your audience.
Visit www.dogoodpaper.co to browse our journals or reach out directly to start your custom project.