Blog

Take the stress out of purchasing customized journals with this comprehensive buyer's guide.

Many of our clients choose custom journals as their go-to gifts for clients and employees and it's pretty easy to see why! Our custom journals are high quality, cost-effective gifts to promote your organization and boost your brand. Designed and made in Italy, Castelli journals are also a stylish addition to your desk.

Choosing a journal can be complicated. We've created this guide to help you navigate the decision process.

 

Finding the Right Journal:

There are many options to chose from, and that can be daunting. Start with the following details to narrow down your search:

 

Binding: Choose from hardcover (the most common type), saddlestitched (looks like it's been sewn together), spiral, staple-stitched, and hybrid.

 

 

Size: It's pretty simple. We have small, medium, and large.

 

 

 

Paper: Choose between white and ivory. There are also options for the paper type: lined, graph, dots, and blank.

 

 

Cover: On the website, you might find the same journal has slightly different names. This refers to the texture of the cover. Options include Tucson (leather-like), Appeel (100% sustainable), Matra (matte), Paros (glossy), Tahoe (wood texture), Calf Leather, Linen (textured), and Montana (textured).

 

Colors: There are over 25 colors to choose from, but each journal is only available in a select few. You can filter by color on our website to see which journals are available for each.

 

 

You can narrow down your journal search with the filter options on the left-hand side of the website. Still unsure of which journal to choose? Contact one of our specialists, we'd be happy to assist you.

 

Branding Options

Take your journal to the next level with a variety of customization options:

Logo Imprint A free logo is included with any Castelli journal purchase of 100+ units! Though the size varies, the average space allowed for imprint is 3"x3". Depending on the texture of the journal's cover, the standard imprint options are deboss, foil, or full-color print. For an additional cost, you can add multiple colors, combine foil and deboss, or add a gel dome.

Tip-ins Tip-ins are the best way to maximize the value of your journal. They can be functional as well as promotional: you can include a training schedule for new hires, a conference agenda and map for event attendees, and much more. This will be one piece of collateral that no one will throw out.

Personalization Add the names of each individual journal recipient for an extra touch—available with up to three lines of text, in gold, silver, or black foil.

Bellybands Add a band around the journal to maximize your message and branding.

Gift Box Add a gift box to make your gift extra special.

Pens What good is a journal if you don't have anything to write with? Adding a pen to make note-taking that much easier.

 

How to Order

It's pretty easy to create your custom journal—just follow the four steps below:

Step 1: Once you've picked out your journal, place your order on the website or reach out to one of our journal specialists.

Step 2: Send us your artwork in vector format and we'll prepare a digital proof and virtual of the final product.

Step 3: Approve the journal proof. Once the artwork is approved, the standard turnaround time is 10 business days. If you need them sooner, consider expedited shipping.

Step 4: You're all set. We'll send you the tracking when your journals ship!

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long will it take to process my journal order? After all design and artwork are finalized, the journals are processed and delivered within 10-15 business days.

What types of files are accepted for the logo? We prefer AI and EPS files, although we can work with any high-resolution images (TIFF, PNG, GIF, and JPG) of at least 300 dpi.

What if I don't have a graphic design department? We're happy to help! Contact us to learn more about our graphic design services.

Do all journals include a free logo imprint? All Castelli journals include a free logo imprint, but there is a $67 new die charge for orders under 100 units.

Can I get a sample? Absolutely! Hop on a call with one of our journal specialists and we'll send you a sample of the journal you're interested in.

I still need help choosing the right journal. Who can I contact? You can call us directly at 866-522-6657 or email support@book-pal.com and one of our journal specialists will be happy to assist.

Can I change the inside pages of my journal? Any changes to inside pages require a fully custom product that's manufactured in Italy. The standard turnaround time is 3 months and the quantity minimum ranges from 500-2,000 units.

How many tip-in sheets can I add to my journal? The standard tip-in options are 1 to 2 sheets, a trifold insert, or a bifold. For additional options, contact us.

 

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our post on journal examples and recommendations.

 

---

This post was written by Megan Habel, the Brand Strategist at BookPal. She is currently reading The Remix by Lindsey Pollak.