If you don’t know, and you haven’t already seen on my website, I create notebooks. Over time, I’ve designed more than 50 different covers — but the very first one still means the most to me. Not because it’s my bestseller, not because it’s the most beautiful design I’ve ever made… but because it began with a pile of toy cars and a shared moment with my son.

Years ago, when I was studying photography, I was constantly searching for subjects that were both colorful and full of character. One afternoon, my eyes landed on my son’s sprawling collection of toy cars. They were everywhere — bright reds, deep blues, shiny silvers — a jumble of miniature adventures.

I asked him if he’d like to help me with a photo project, and his face lit up instantly. We spent the next hour arranging the cars together, carefully deciding which colors worked side by side, which cars “belonged” next to each other, and which ones had the most “battle scars” from countless living room races.

When we finally had them lined up just right, I set up my camera. My son stayed beside me, handing me cars, offering “expert” advice, and making sure every wheel faced forward. It wasn’t just a photoshoot — it was a memory in the making.

That photograph ended up winning second place in a “Photo of the Month” contest. I still remember the pride in his eyes when I told him. It was our win, not just mine.

Years later, when I started creating notebooks, I knew without a doubt what the first cover would be. I chose that photo — our photo — as a way to honor where my creative journey began.

Today, my collection has grown far beyond that single design, but that first notebook will always be my favorite. It’s a reminder that sometimes inspiration is right in front of us, waiting in the most ordinary moments.

📚 You can preview a selection of designs in the My Notebooks section on my website.
To see every notebook and find the listings, head to the Where to Buy section — you’ll find all the Amazon links there.

GK

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Published by georgi.kisyov

24 thoughts on “The Story Behind My Very First Notebook”

    1. Hello, my friend.
      Thank you so much! 😊 This photo will always be special to me — my son and I arranged all the cars together, so it’s full of memories. I’m glad you love it too!
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Regards,
      Georgi

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    1. Hello there,
      Thank you! Your scrapbook story sounds so special — those projects we share with family stay with us forever. I hope my son will always remember our little car photo day the same way you remember making that scrapbook.
      Have a great weekend.
      Georgi

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    1. Hello,
      Absolutely! Those shared moments become more than just the project itself — they turn into stories we carry with us. Your daughter’s perfect pizza sounds like such a fun and memorable adventure.
      Have a great weekend.
      Georgi

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    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I truly do cherish that moment — the picture is special, but the memory and meaning behind it are priceless to me.
      Have a great weekend.
      Regards,
      Georgi

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    1. So true — the story gives the object its soul. Without the memory behind it, it’s just paper and a cover, but with it, it becomes a piece of our lives.
      Thanks for stopping by.
      Have a great new week.
      Georgi

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    1. Hello there,
      Thank you! 😊 I know exactly what you mean — sometimes notebooks feel too nice to write in. And yes, sewn binding has such a classic, satisfying feel to it.
      Have a great new week.
      Georgi

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    1. Hello,
      You are so kind, and THANK YOU for your warm and beautiful words. The truth is that I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to create unforgettable memories.
      Have a great rest of the week.
      Regards,
      Georgi

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      1. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good father. Just being there is perfect enough. I never had a father that your son has. He was a good man, but he wasn’t perfect, and he didn’t know how to be a father. He was never there for me, and he’ll never know how much that hurt me. Your son know’s a father’s love and support. In my book, that’s perfect enough!

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  10. I love the father, son angle here. My younger brother collected Hot Wheels. I began before him with my Matchbox collection, beginning with a green Aston Martin. Being the brothers we were, few of those cars survived. I did recently buy a Matchbox Triumph TR-6 and a Batmobile. Nostalgia does creep in, doesn’t it?

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    1. Hello there,
      I love that story—and yes, nostalgia has a way of sneaking up on us! It’s amazing how something as small as a toy car can carry so many memories. That green Aston Martin must have been a beauty, and I have to say, the Batmobile is a fantastic choice. Thank you for sharing this—it brought a smile to my face. 🚗✨
      Have a beautiful Friday.
      Georgi

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