Custom Moleskine

I don't know how I got into customising Moleskine Cahier covers but here I am. And I LOVE it! I admit it's not easy to get ideas on what to draw that sort of depicts the client's wants and at the same time project my style of doodling, but I try.

These are customised Moleskines I've done the past few months.

// Adrian & Adriana //

This was my first custom Moleskine order, by an ex uni mate. She pretty much left the entire design to me and just wanted the phrase 'Love Adrian & Adriana' to be on the cover. Adrian and Adriana are the names of her adorable kids. I put the names in the sun as I can only imagine the warmth the kids provide to their mother's heart every day. 

Moleskine type: Cahier plain journal

Size: Large

Cover colour: Kraft

Adrian & Adriana. Full cover.

Adrian & Adriana. Left: front cover, right: back cover

// Maynard //

Maynard was my second client. He wanted a total Borneo-themed cover, being a Sarawakian. I had to do some research on things he mentioned e.g. bunga terung, bidayuh ferns, baruk, etc. I never knew Bunga Terung is called that, even though I've seen a lot of the tattoo design before, being from Sarawak myself. The middle zen swirl in the Bunga Terung design was a big challenge for me, took me a while to practice before I felt confident enough to draw it. I was afraid to draw the wrong things as I understand that each symbol or design represent something in the Dayak community. 

Moleskine type: Cahier plain journal

Size: Large

Cover colour: Kraft

Maynard. Full cover.

Maynard. Details.

Maynard. Left: front cover, right: back cover.

// Ina & Mell //

Ina contacted me with this idea of including 30 personalised messages for her BFF's 30th birthday. At the time I was mulling over the idea of using pocket Cahiers to include messages inside for the client, apart from just a custom doodle in front. So Ina's order came at the right moment. The challenge in completing this order was in doing the handlettering for the messages. I tend to repeat the same fonts: Block letters or cursive so I had to look up online for other ideas. The birthday girl also love pastries and frogs so I drew a pastry garden for her. All the plants/flowers are actually a kind of pastry, see if you can identify them. I was really happy how this turned out.

Moleskine type: Cahier plain journal

Size: Pocket

Cover colour: Pastel yellow

Ina & Mell. Full cover

Ina & Mell. Details.

Ina & Mell. Left: Back cover, right: front cover.

To view the video I made of the 30 personalised messages, you can click on the following link: *CLICK*


// Miss Fazura //

For this order, I was approached by an old friend who was a close friend of Fazura (THE Fazura). He wanted to give her something that she might not have yet, I mean, what do you give someone who has everything? He told me to draw things she love, which are fashion and her boutique, House of Doll. Purple is her favourite colour but the only stock I had on me that time was the pocket size. So we decided that he should also add another illustration, a glitter gown I drew a few weeks before that, to be included as her birthday gift. I was actually given only 3 days to do this, pressure was HIGH.

Moleskine type: Cahier plain journal

Size: Pocket

Cover colour: Purple

Miss Fazura: Full cover

Miss Fazura. Left: Front cover, right: back cover.

// Aldrin //

I spent almost a month working on this latest custom Moleskine, due to heavy workload at the uni, where I teach. It's funny how I spent weeks thinking of what to draw to no avail and hey presto, filled up the space pretty much in one day yesterday. Aldrin wanted the following elements to be included: his love for tennis and sports, photography particularly lomography and some Borneo motif. I also drew photos of himself, his wife and 2 beautiful daughters that I think made this Moleskine even more personal. Frankly I was so nervous about drawing them that I put that off for 2 weeks. Sorry I still f-ed up your photos Aldrin! -_-

Moleskine type: Cahier ruled journal

Size: Large

Cover colour: Grey

Aldrin. Full cover.

Aldrin. Details.

As much as I love to draw unique, personalised Moleskine Cahier covers, I have to stop taking all orders for this year as I would need to catch up on current orders first. Moleskine custom orders would resume in March next year.