I remember the first time that I came upon José’s inspirational manuscripts on his instagram in 2015, I thought that they couldn’t have possibly been done by hand. My eyes pored over every intricate and playful detail from the script to the illustrations, and they took me through an amazing journey from his imagination. Nine years later, I am thrilled to see that he is still pursuing his unique passion of putting pen to paper, and am so grateful to have this time to share a bit more about his life and creative process. - Eunice
BK: José, we are so grateful to have this time with you. You are so identifiable through your art and manuscripts, but beyond that could you please introduce a little bit about yourself and your background?
José: Thank you, Baum-kuchen! I’m José Naranja, 46, from Spain. My academic background is in engineering, and I worked as an Airbus airplane engineer for several years. However, my passion for travel and curiosity about exploring diverse fields led me to embrace a freer lifestyle, dedicating my time entirely to creative pursuits and discovery.
BK: What is your first memory of putting pen to paper?
José: I vividly remember that moment. One of my first days in kindergarten, the teacher handed me a plain notebook—not one with pre-drawn dotted letters for kids. The result was hilariously chaotic. I’ve been jotting down notes ever since, and that early experience opened the door to the magic of notebooks.
BK: You have such a distinct aesthetic on your pages. How did it come about? Did it start from something different and evolve, or is this how you always documented your experiences?
José: It has been an evolution. From the beginning, I focused on ideas. Over time, I incorporated drawings, collages, and other elements to visually enhance those ideas. Why not make something aesthetically pleasing? I love when everything on a page connects harmoniously, creating a beautiful composition. My style became recognizable through my consistent color palette, calligraphy, stamps, and a “horror vacui” approach, where nearly every inch of space is filled. All these elements naturally emerged through years of notebooking.
BK: When you open a new page, where and how do you start? Sometimes, putting the first stroke of ink on the blank page can be overwhelming.
José: It’s always a bit overwhelming, especially if you fear making mistakes. My approach depends on the page’s complexity. For intricate spreads, I often start with a rough draft to lay out the key elements. However, I leave room for spontaneity—overplanning kills improvisation. The process has its own magic and shapes the page’s aesthetic. By enjoying the process and allowing it to evolve freely, the final result reflects that organic journey.
BK: Your toolbox is really amazing! If you could only pick three of your favorite items to use for one year, what would they be?
José: I keep my tools streamlined since I travel light and prioritize reliability. If I had to choose only three items, they’d be:
- A 0.5mm HB mechanical pencil (such as the Rotring 600 or Pentel P205 lighter for travel).
- A 0.38mm fine-tip black ballpen (Pilot G3 or Muji).
- An orange marker with archival ink (like Kuretake).
These tools are versatile enough to cover almost all my creative needs.
BK: I know that you manually bind every single one of your manuscripts by hand. How long does that process take, and why did you decide to go that route instead of having them manufactured?
José: Years ago, I used Moleskine notebooks, but as their paper quality declined, I decided to switch to better paper. The best way to have notebooks with my preferred specifications was to make them myself. The process isn’t difficult once you practice, and I highly recommend every journal enthusiast try it. Now, I can customize the size, number of pages, thickness, and, most importantly, forge a deeper connection with my journals since I create them by hand.
BK: Do you enjoy other analog systems to keep your thoughts flowing and life organized? Could you please share how you use them?
José: I use a single notebook for everything—it’s a philosophy I love. When one is filled, I move to the next. These notebooks have become like a family, holding thoughts, dreams, ideas, and experiences. Recently, though, I started a second notebook for a specific project. It’s a work in progress, requiring drafts and brainstorming, so keeping it separate helps maintain focus.
BK: Do you have an outlet besides working in your journals that keeps you grounded from the distractions of everyday life?
José: Quite the opposite! My current project is a story set in a near future. I find the process of creating a fantasy world exhilarating—the possibilities are infinite. It’s like falling into a magnetic rabbit hole where everyday boundaries dissolve. This creative outlet feels like the highest level of freedom and imagination I’ve ever experienced, and I often prefer staying in that universe over engaging with everyday distractions.
BK: Where is your top favorite destination you have traveled to? Why?
José: That’s an easy one—Asia, especially Thailand! There’s something captivating about the respect and calmness embedded in certain parts of Asian culture. Thailand, in particular, has a unique enchantment for me. Each visit deepens my appreciation for its beauty, traditions, and way of life.
BK: What is your favorite movie, book, or motto that has shifted your perspective on life? How so?
José: Instead of a movie or book, I’ll share a personal experience that profoundly shaped me: my first solo round-the-world trip. It was life-changing, offering countless experiences and moments of growth. That journey marked a clear turning point, transforming my perspective and helping me see life with fresh eyes.
Where to find José:
instagram: @jose_naranja
Website: José Naranja
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