Field Notes is a passion project, and it shows. The Chicago brand takes great pleasure in the fine details of notebook-making, listing everything that goes into them from the ink to the staples with an attention to detail that only comes from love. There's a genuine sense of play that goes into each Futura-fronted notebook, from the natural wonder of the Autumn Trilogy to the child-like awe of Three Missions' tribute to the space-race. So it's worth celebrating an anniversary like this one – after 12 years of Field Notes' limited editions, Fifty deserves commemorating.
The Fifty Limited Edition Notebooks drop sly references to other limited editions that Field Notes has released since 2008. Peeking through the vibrant Pop-Tone "Red Hot" covers, you can see a flash of colour on the flyleaf through the die-cut "O" – Safety Orange from Dime Novel, Nightshift Blue from End Papers, and Gumdrop Green from Grass Stain Green.
For most other makers, this kind of retrospective might come off as a bit self-congratulatory, but from Field Notes, it feels more like a family album made by proud parents. Check out the accompanying film for the Fifty release below, and you'll see why Field Notes' approach to their craft is something worth looking back on fondly.