From The Desk of Alissa Bell
Meet the creative behind our beautiful Notebook, insider-favorite stationer, Alissa Bell.
What inspired you to start Alissa Bell Press?
Prior to starting Alissa Bell Press I was working at a large accounting firm. I was craving a tangible way to get off the computer and use both my artistic and practical minds. Letterpress provided that perfect marriage of creativity via design with precise physical execution of printing. My mom instilled a love of paper and required my sisters and me to develop a disciplined practice of thank you note writing. Having spent my whole adulthood to that point studying and working in accounting and business, it seemed only natural that I look back to my childhood as a reference point for creative endeavors — leading me to paper. After spending time in the corporate world, I was also looking to create a business that could grow or slow down depending on the seasons of life — providing me the ability to be a present mom to my three kids.
Tell us about The Notebook.
I love using a notebook and great pen to take notes, make lists, sketch out an idea or to journal. I keep all my used notebooks as a personal catalog – I often reference an old list or important detail that will help provide context to a project I'm working on or insight into my former state of mind.
When designing The Notebook it was important for the size to fit perfectly into a handbag, making it versatile for personal or work related uses. I also love the eye-catching color of the cover — setting the mood for a journaling practice or being the final accessory of an outfit. I work better when I'm in an outfit that inspires confidence and The Notebook is often the final sartorial choice before I attend an important meeting.
Why do you believe in the power of notebooks? How does this tangible object help transform daily life?
In my experience, nothing can replace the practice of putting pen to paper. There is something about writing words down with a pen that is so visceral – it leaves an imprint on my mind and heart that a computer screen never could. If I write something down, it is forever marked in my mind. I'm always astonished that if I'm trying to recall a detail, I will know which notebook to go back to and reference.
It takes time for your hand to do the work, allowing your brain longer moments to process ideas. With so much of our world constantly being converted to digital form, the tangible things become that much more valuable.
Tell us about your approach to stationery.
I love that stationery has two users. First is the person who designs and purchases the stationery. They make the color and font selections to express their personality – their stationery is truly an extension of them as it will carry their words along to the second user. Initially, the recipient will encounter the color of the envelope and the feel of the paper which tells them a lot about the person who sent the note. Then they get to revel in the words and emotion that are spilled out with a closer connection than a text or email ever could.
Prior to having kids I printed far more than just stationery – business cards, wedding invitations, etc. Now that I have three kids and a restaurant, I've been able to tailor Alissa Bell Press to focus just on custom stationery and a few essentials for your desk including The Notebook and The Memo Box. I've narrowed my approach to only the fundamentals, just like my mom taught me.