Obvious State is a creative studio, their artwork and goods are inspired by beautiful language that has stood the test of time, poetry that stretches the imagination, and philosophy that prompts us to think deeply. Obvious State takes snippets of text from literature, philosophy, and poetry as inspiration for a visual response and illustration. 

“It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

From Chapter 12 of his masterpiece, Moby Dick, in which we learn the origin story of Ishmael’s close companion Queequeg. The specific reference is to the obscure island where Queequeg was born, but we love the universal wisdom in the line.

Nothing reacquaints us with ourselves quite like travel. Here, we have a map that transforms into a Rorschach test, and a compass that points to things truer than North.

Product Details:

• Cover: 18pt recycled chipboard made from recycled content & books
• 32 college ruled sheets, uncoated 70# paper
• Pocket sized: 3.5 x 5 inches
• Saddle stitched with matching black staples
• Made in US in partnership with Scout Books.

You can shop the collection here.