Milligram Studio, Telegram Co.’s house-brand/long-term-dream was born from one pretty epic brainstorm agenda. ‘In a world filled with “peak stuff”, how could we create something special, responsible, Australian and unique?’ was the question proposed. The consensus on responses came down to core elements like minimal design, minimal impact, market gaps and, most notably, passionate creative partnerships.
A year on, and these ideas have materialised in the form of three 2018 diaries, made with creative extraordinaire Beci Orpin, canvas artworks and maps produced in Melbourne through collaborations with local creatives (more Beci, yes!), three natural-material notebook ranges, and the most swoon-worthy desk organisation tools in eco-friendly cork and sleek folded metal.
‘For a team with a passion (ok, let’s call it an obsession!) for stationery, objects focused on the work- place or study-space was a natural starting point,’ says Michelle Quinn, Milligram’s Product Development and Production Manager. ‘We’ve used natural materials to bring tactility, richness and quality and enhanced the base forms by: adding vibrant colour palettes; silk screen, UV and foil printing our diaries and notebooks; recycled rubber flecks to our cork; and incorporating practical elements, like dot grid ruling or paper that copes with most fountain pens.’
A long-time customer at Telegram Co.’s online store NoteMaker, go-getter Beci Orpin responded to an online call out for a designer to assist with Milligram’s first project. A paper-diary loyalist, Beci felt she had a lot of advice to contribute. ‘I developed a set of colours, which is used sparingly (especially for me!) across three different diaries. And then of course the Agenda’s special printed cover is where my signature style comes in!’ details Beci. ‘Oh, and stickers! I got to design stickers too (there is even a taco one!).’
Locally designed, useful,pretty; this range is the epitome of that ‘TDF style’ that Lisa Marie Corso first tweaked my radar for, when I joined team TDF earlier this year! And that is also is exactly why you’ll find Milligram Studio’s desk accessory range at our The Design Files Open House pop-up event next month!
Milligram Studio will be opening its first retail space next month (all eyes on level two at Melbourne Central), and their product range is set to grow with a Marc Martin collab, Kaweco fountain pens, and the addition of lighting with Melbourne-based One Design Office happening next. Follow it all, find stockists and shop online, here.
