At Appointed, the tools we make are only half the story. The other half is how our Notebooks and Planners find their way into real creative lives. In the Making is a new series about the people who bring Appointed into their process, from artists and designers to anyone who plans by hand. Each feature steps inside a creative's world and the small rituals behind their craft.
Next up is Jacky Lococo, designer and creator of Loco Note, a unique stationery shop and greeting card brand that specializes in crafting memorable hand assembled and handmade cards. Here is how she makes her work, and her days.
Tell us about your work and how you'd describe what you make.
In 2024, I started Loco Note, a small greeting card and paper goods brand rooted in a love of paper, craft, and playful design. Each piece incorporates an interactive or engaging element designed to create meaningful moments of connection, both with the product itself and between people.
This brand initially started as a college capstone project and has grown into a stationery business that recently began expanding into wholesale.
Walk us through what a typical workday or studio session looks like for you.
Each day looks a little different! Because Loco Note is a one-woman show, I tend to wear a lot of hats. I usually start by writing down everything I need to get done in my planner, then use my To-Do Pad to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
From there, I tackle the administrative side of things, whether that's responding to emails, fulfilling orders, or mapping out the month ahead. While I work through these tasks, I like to listen to wordless lo-fi music. Once the admin is out of the way, I switch to podcasts, mostly about storytelling or comedy.
I always try to end my day with my favorite part, product development. Whether I'm working on new releases, assembling products, or sketching out ideas, spending that last bit of time working with the products themselves helps me end the day on a good note.
Where does planning or writing things down fit into your process? Is it functional, ritual, or both?
Writing is definitely both a function and a ritual in my process. On the practical side, it helps me sketch out designs, make lists, and stay on track. I need to be able to think on paper, especially when it comes to product development and preparation. My sketchbook and Office Notepad often work as a team, helping me balance the creative side of my work with the more production-focused side.
Is there a specific point in your process where you reach for a notebook or planner rather than a screen?
I definitely like to keep my process as analog as possible. While I spend a lot of time designing and working on my computer, I prefer to begin each workday by writing in my planner and To-Do Pad. Throughout the day, I'll continue making lists and sketching ideas on paper.
I find that reaching for my paper tools throughout the day helps ground my process and keeps me from getting stuck in front of a screen for hours on end.
What does your workspace look like, and how has it evolved over time?
Oh boy! My space has changed quite a bit over time, and I think my relationship with it has changed, too. I'm a bit of a messy person, and when I'm deep in the creative process, things can get chaotic pretty quickly.
Loco Note has always operated out of my parents' attic, and while my 12' x 7' workspace can feel a little tight, I've gradually learned how to make the most of it. As the business has grown, I've developed some creative ways to fit production, order fulfillment, and studio admin into the same space.
Layered and modular storage has made a huge difference in helping me streamline things. On a smaller scale, my Toyo toolboxes have been especially helpful for keeping tools and supplies organized and within reach.
Are there objects, tools, or rituals you consider non-negotiable to how you work?
I've definitely developed a collection of go-to tools that have become part of my everyday routine. My writing utensils vary depending on what I'm doing: I love sketching with a Paper Mate Flair felt-tip pen, but when it comes to taking notes or writing in my planner, I have to use my Muji 0.5 mm gel pens or my Editor's Four Function pen.
To ease into the day, I also like to have a cup of tea (usually spearmint or ginger) in the morning. I've never been much of a caffeine person, so this little ritual helps signal the day is beginning, without coffee jitters.
How do you think about the relationship between structure and spontaneity in your creative practice?
Over time, I've learned a lot about the conditions that allow my creativity to thrive, often through learning what doesn't work. For me, it works best when I have structure in my day-to-day routine but leave room for spontaneity in the bigger picture.
I set a few guideposts each month to keep myself moving toward my goals, but I try to keep those plans relatively loose so I don't become overwhelmed. Rather than worrying too much about the entire month at once, I focus on what I can accomplish day by day and week by week. That balance helps me stay productive without feeling like every moment needs to be planned.
Who or what is currently inspiring you?
Nature is a constant source of inspiration for me. My design style tends to lean toward geometric forms and highly contrasted colors, which can feel quite different from the organic shapes found in nature. I love observing natural elements up close, noticing their rhythms, patterns, and underlying order, and finding ways to distill those qualities into my work.
Right now, I'm especially inspired by the colors of the changing leaves! This year has felt a little different because I've made a conscious effort to slow down and pay attention to the gradual shift in seasons. Watching the leaves transition from softer, muted yellows to bold reds has been incredibly inspiring. It's been a lovely reminder that there's so much to notice when you take the time to look!
If Jacky's practice resonates, start with a To-Do Pad to break big projects into small, doable steps, then pair it with a Notebook for sketching ideas and thinking on paper. Explore Jacky's stationery shop at loconoteco.com.
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