I just found this video posted by Scout Books, showing their process in today’s most common fashion: well-shot video of the machines dancing around to a delightful indie soundtrack. I love these videos, but I love this video especially because I’ve used this company before! Story time…

Back in May of 2011, when my best-friend/design-comrade Kyle Koch and I were gathering the final touches on our joint thesis, we knew we want to make a little thank-you/swag item for those who came to see and critique our work. Being designers who both take a lot of notes, and Field Notes fans to the core, we wanted to make our own little notebooks.

Our main criteria was that the books be “as environmentally friendly and American-made as possible.” So we were delighted when we found Scout Books. Scout fit both of our criteria, being that they are printed in Portland and are 100% recycled. They also had a really streamlined process for getting our design on the books. Not to mention, Scout had an affordable price for our modest collegiate budget.

In the end, the books not only looked great (see photo below), but we had plenty to pass out to critics, potential employers, and friends. In fact, I think we both still have some left over. But they’re durable little guys full of grid paper, so we’re glad to have a few still in need of some use! Should the chance arise, I’d order from Scout again, so be sure to check them out if you’re in the market.