RAÍZ — Imperfect Notebooks
CONTEXT
Independent craft project developed in Mexico focused on small-batch notebook
NAMING
RAÍZ — Spanish for “roots” and “origin”.The name reflects how the product is rooted in its context — shaped by mexican craft, material and process. Its character is not designed on top, but emerges from how it’s made.
CONTEXT
Independent craft project developed
in Mexico focused on small-batch notebooks
NAMING
RAÍZ — Spanish for “roots” and “origin”.
The name reflects how the product is rooted in its context — shaped by mexican craft, material and process. Its character is not designed on top, but emerges from how it’s made.
CONTEXT
Independent craft project developed in Mexico focused on small-batch notebooks
NAMING
RAÍZ — Spanish for “roots” and “origin”.The name reflects how the product is rooted in its context — shaped by mexican craft, material and process. Its character is not designed on top, but emerges from how it’s made.
CHALLANGE
How to create a product that feels personal in a market dominated by mass production. while collaborating with local craftsmen and adapting to their tools, processes and constraints
APPROACH
Instead of scaling production,
I focused on material, touch and imperfection as value. Each notebook was screen-printed by handmand bound in collaboration with local bookbinders. I treated the product not just as an object, but as a carrier of process and human presence. Material choices, colour palette and print technique were all designed to feel intentional, not decorative.
RESULTS
A small series of notebooks positioned as objects with identity
rather than interchangeable products. Selected by concept stores
and galleries in Mexico City as an alternative to mass-produced products.
WHAT I LEARNED
I learned how to design within existing systems instead of building everything from scratch. Working with local craftsmen required adapting to their tools, pace and decision-making process. This shifted my approach from designing outcomes to designing conditions for things to emerge
CONTEXT
Independent craft project developed in Mexico focused on small-batch notebooks
NAMING
RAÍZ — Spanish for “roots” and “origin”.The name reflects how the product is rooted in its context — shaped by mexican craft, material and process. Its character is not designed on top, but emerges from how it’s made.
