Chasing ideas in a beautiful world

Beauty comes in many guises, and when it does, Carola Verschoor wants to be sure to capture it, wherever she is. As a self-described transformation designer, she is in constant conversation with the outside world and the inner sanctum of her mind.

“I just know that I have an incredible need to communicate the beauty and the joy that life is — in all its forms — and that the expression that I feel most comfortable in is writing,” she says.

Putting pen to paper

You may be wondering what a transformation designer gets up to day to day. While Carola uses the language of design, her work sits closer to strategic consulting. Here, she blends business expertise with creative methods to help organizations move and grow. And so using a pen and paper (or a paper tablet) is a crucial part of her work.

“Writing is a part of my life every day. Sometimes on paper, sometimes digitally, almost always by hand,” she explains.

Moving pieces

“What I have achieved with digital paper is that I can highlight things and move them around, and this is so important to me.” She often finds herself needing to transport ideas, words, or diagrams from one place to another, and so having a device that allows her to do this is invaluable.

“Figuring out how to digitize these drawings, these ideas, my own handwriting, was a fascinating process,” she adds. “And now I can do it in my own, more intuitive way as well.”

Distraction by design

Her love of the open air doesn’t end there. As soon as writer’s block hits, the Netherlands-based tactician heads for the door. “I immediately seek distractions,” she says. “I go outside and everything starts flowing again. Then I can create space where I can focus on the idea and take it where it wants to go.”

Cooking is her other go-to when it comes to stepping out of her own mind’s way. “I have Post-it notes in the kitchen because then thoughts will hit me, and I write them quickly, knowing I’ll repurpose them later.”

Next steps:

The paper feel, the effortless organization — there are many reasons why you should use a digital notebook. Find the one that works for you on our shop.