Have you ever wondered what the people behind Paperblanks get up to every day? Did you ever look at a Paperblanks design and wonder, “Hmm, how would this look on my desk?” Well, in this new exclusive blog series, we are diving headfirst into uncovering what our staff have on their desks.
For the first installment of 2026 of our Daily Desk series, we head to our Canadian headquarters to speak with Graphic Designer and long-time Paperblanks team member Coral. Having joined the company in 2007 in our Vancouver office, she has witnessed many eras of Paperblanks. In 2025, she relocated to Toronto and has been working remotely ever since. While she enjoys being closer to family, Coral admits she misses the camaraderie of the Graphics team during the workday. “I miss seeing the Graphics team in person,” she says, “so I usually try to make an appearance in the Vancouver office about once a year.”
When asked about her day-to-day routine, Coral shared that much of her time is spent creating first stage dies for our journal covers and designs. This process can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on the complexity and intricacy of the design. Working primarily in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, her role is highly detailed. From assessing which elements should be enhanced to deciding on finishes and treatments, it’s all about blending dyes and achieving the perfect balance and flow.
“It’s a creative process that I really enjoy,” Coral explains. “If I’m unsure about a cover, I’ll consult with the Graphics team, who meet twice weekly.” In addition to her design work, she also supports the process of adding dates to our planner covers.
To stay organized, Coral relies on a selection of Paperblanks favourites. She uses her Dreamscapes journal to track tasks, reflect on her day, and note anything important from meetings or team discussions. Her Kikka pencil case keeps her pens and pencils close at hand, while also adding a touch of beauty to her workspace. As Coral puts it, “Beautiful things like our Paperblanks products can elevate one’s state of mind. I like beautiful things.”
Among the non-Paperblanks essentials on her desk are her earbuds for weekly Graphics meetings and printed lists outlining upcoming planner covers. Even in an increasingly digital world, Coral prefers working the old-school way, with hard copies she can write on. Spoken like a true Paperblanks employee!
One of the most sentimental items on Coral’s desk is a framed portrait drawn by her mother, accompanied by a poem she also wrote. “She was an artist, a poet, and a big user of Paperblanks journals,” Coral shares. “This portrait is a copy I made from a drawing in her Filigree Floral Ivory journal.”
From colourful die creations to personal portraits, we thank Coral for giving us a glimpse into her Paperblanks Daily Desk. Tune in next time to discover what inspires other members of the Paperblanks team each day.
