Group Eleven Memo Books: Collaboration or Chaos?

In the world of pocket notebooks, few names carry as much weight as Field Notes. Their iconic memo books have become a staple for writers, sketchers, and list-makers alike. But when a collaborative set like Group Eleven hits the shelves, it raises a question: does the magic of multiple artists and writers translate into a cohesive product, or does it spiral into visual and conceptual chaos?

We’ve spent weeks with the Group Eleven memo book pack, testing its practicality, design, and overall vibe. In this review, we’ll break down what makes this set tick, who it’s for, and whether it deserves a spot in your everyday carry.

What Is Group Eleven?

Group Eleven is a limited-edition collaboration that brings together a diverse group of artists, illustrators, and writers, each contributing their unique style to a set of memo books. The result is a collection of notebooks that feel less like a uniform pack and more like a curated gallery you can carry in your pocket.

Each notebook in the set features distinct cover art and interior layouts, reflecting the individual contributor’s creative vision. This approach is a departure from the standard uniform memo book pack, offering a mix of aesthetics that can either inspire or overwhelm, depending on your taste.

• Limited-edition collaborative set
• Multiple cover designs and interior layouts
• Pocket-sized for everyday carry

Design and Build Quality

The Group Eleven notebooks are built to Field Notes’ usual high standards. The covers are sturdy, the binding lies flat, and the paper handles both pen and pencil well, with minimal bleed-through. Each notebook is a tactile pleasure, with a slightly textured cover that invites touch.

However, the real star is the visual variety. Some covers are bold and graphic, others are subtle and minimalist. If you’re someone who likes consistency in your notebook stack, this variety might feel jarring. But if you embrace eclecticism, it’s a delightful surprise every time you reach into your pocket.

• Sturdy construction with lay-flat binding
• High-quality paper suitable for most writing tools
• Varied cover designs that showcase individual artists

Practicality in Daily Use

As a daily driver, the Group Eleven set is surprisingly functional. The pocket size fits easily into a jeans pocket or a small bag, and the different designs make it easy to assign specific notebooks for specific purposes—one for work notes, another for sketches, and a third for journaling. This organizational flexibility is a major plus.

That said, the lack of uniformity might be a drawback for those who prefer a clean, cohesive look in their notebook collection. If you’re the type who color-codes your life, the chaotic mix of designs could be a turn-off. But for others, it’s a conversation starter and a way to express your personality.

• Easy to assign different notebooks for different tasks
• Pocket-friendly size for on-the-go use
• Conversation starter due to unique designs

Comparing to Other Memo Book Packs

When compared to the standard memo book pack, like the Shenandoah Memo Book 3-Pack, the Group Eleven set stands out for its artistic flair. The Shenandoah pack offers a more traditional, nature-inspired aesthetic that might appeal to purists. On the other hand, the Group Eleven set is for those who crave variety and artistic expression.

Similarly, the Traveling Salesman Memo Book 3-Pack offers a retro, vintage vibe that is more cohesive. If you’re torn between the two, consider your primary use: if you want a dependable, uniform set for work, the Traveling Salesman might be a better fit. But if you want to inject some creativity into your daily notes, Group Eleven is the way to go.

• Group Eleven: eclectic and artistic
• Shenandoah: classic and nature-inspired
• Traveling Salesman: vintage and cohesive

Who Should Buy Group Eleven?

Group Eleven is perfect for creatives—writers, artists, designers—who appreciate a variety of visual stimuli. It’s also great for collectors who want to own a piece of collaborative history. If you’re a fan of Field Notes and love limited editions, this set is a must-have.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers a uniform, no-nonsense notebook for everyday tasks, you might want to stick with more traditional options. But if you’re open to a little controlled chaos in your life, Group Eleven will not disappoint.

• Ideal for creatives and collectors
• Great for those who appreciate artistic variety
• Not for those who prefer uniformity

Group Eleven memo books are a bold experiment in collaboration. They offer a refreshing break from the norm, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re ready to embrace a little chaos and add some artistic flair to your daily notes, this set is a worthy addition to your collection. Explore the Group Eleven set today and see if it sparks your creativity.