Introducing Art of Manliness Stationery (Win a Box!)

by Brett & Kate McKay on February 27, 2011 · 1,334 comments

At the Art of Manliness, we’ve long been proponents of hand-written correspondence. But if you’ve spent any time looking for stationery, like we have, you know that the selection of stationery designed for men is abysmal. Most stationery companies tailor their offerings for their female customers, and butterfly, flower, and polka dot motifs abound. To be sure, some stationery companies do offer options for men, but while these very plain designs are safe and acceptable, they’re devoid of any kind personality and most importantly, they don’t exude any good old fashioned manliness.

Unhappy with the lackluster stationery for men currently available, The Art of Manliness has teamed up with Page Stationery to create a line of letterpress correspondence cards. This line of stationery is traditional, distinguished, and manly.

Why Does a Man Need Stationery?

A man’s personal stationery can be used to drop a line to friends and family and to dash off notes of congratulations or condolence. Of course we know that while writing and receiving handwritten notes and letters is an incredibly enjoyable tradition, not too many men are ever going to get in the snail mail habit. Which is fine. But every man still needs to have a set of stationery stashed away in his desk. Why? If for no other reason then for writing thank you notes. Even in our modern age, a thank you note is still expected to be written by hand; emailed thank you’s are still not looked upon as carrying the same weight. We all are the recipients of gifts and good deeds from time to time. Instead of having to run to the store every time you need to write a thank you note, you should always have a set of correspondence cards at the ready.

Why Correspondence Cards?

Correspondence cards have been the traditional form of men’s stationery for more than two centuries. The reason? Men like to keep things short and to the point. The note cards are big enough for a proper message and small enough that you don’t need to feel pressured to write a long tome or guilty about leaving a bunch of extra space. They’re really the perfect size.

Why Letterpress Stationery?

Letterpress printing is not only the oldest kind of printing, it is also in my opinion the handsomest. Involving moveable type or images, it’s a process of relief printing in which a plate with a reversed, raised surface is inked, and then paper is pressed on top of the raised surface, transferring the ink. The design is indented into the paper by an experienced craftsman. For a tactile guy like me, who loves things with texture, letterpress is the only way to go.

Introducing Art of Manliness Stationery

We excited to announce our partnership with Page Stationery and our new line of Art of Manliness stationery. We don’t think you’ll find a more handsome line of stationery for men anywhere.

We offer 25 different motifs for you to choose from and have printed on your correspondence cards. The note cards measure 4.25″ x 5.5″. The paper is a thick 300gsm slightly textured writing paper that was chosen to highlight the unique dimension and character of the letterpress printing process. For the standard note cards, the motifs are printed in chocolate brown ink.

The standard note cards are packed 15 to a box and come with 15 unprinted envelopes. A box costs $15.

You can choose to get a box with all the same motif or get a box with a mix of different motifs. For an extra charge, you can also choose to customize your order by having your name printed on the card and your return address printed on the envelope flap. Going the customization route also allows you to choose a different color for the printing. The minimum order for customization is 50 quantity. You will be emailed a proof and will get to work with Page Stationery’s designers to create your stationery to your liking.

Stationery Giveaway

To kick off our new line of stationery, we’re giving away three standard boxes of stationery to three lucky AoM readers. To enter, simply visit Page Stationery, take a look at the different motifs we offer, and then leave a comment telling us what motif you’d have put on your cards if you win.

Everyone who enters the giveaway will be emailed a discount code worth 20% off your order at the conclusion of the contest.

Giveaway ends March 6, 2011 at 9:00 pm CST. Winner will be announced on the Art of Manliness Trunk.

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1001 Tom March 1, 2011 at 12:07 am: I’m loving the deer motif. Manliness and nature all in one!
1002 Robert Simmons March 1, 2011 at 12:08 am: I like the True Nortn motif.
1003 Ted Tenenbaum March 1, 2011 at 12:10 am: Difficult choice! The true north is direct, but the gentlemen (man) kind of sums it all up.

If you add more motifs, an old-fashioned typewriter would be excellent.
1004 Russell March 1, 2011 at 12:12 am: Its between the true north and the moose for me. I have always lived in the north and I really enjoy the colder months in that part of the country, but the moose was the symbol of Teddy Roosevelt, and Teddy Roosevelt was awesome.
1005 Andrew March 1, 2011 at 12:20 am: Ooo, either the Moose or True North. I’d say True North, it’s subtle and flexible, yet still masculine at the same time.
1006 Michael Hilton March 1, 2011 at 12:28 am: I’d choose True North.
1007 Josh March 1, 2011 at 12:32 am: I’d have to say the razor or the ax.
1008 Don Fasig March 1, 2011 at 12:37 am: True North – Very classy design.
1009 Peregrine March 1, 2011 at 12:48 am: Good morning

I’d go with either True North or the Deer. They’re visually compact and well designed and while other AOM readers would “get” things like the boxer or the straight razor, they might confuse other people.

Perry
1010 Chris March 1, 2011 at 12:48 am: Definitely the rifle or knife! Awesome idea for some ‘manly’ stationery!
1011 Michael Mendoza March 1, 2011 at 12:49 am: If I had to choose from the existing motifs then I would have to go with True North. However, if I could customize my own then I would go with a wolf. Maybe a wolf silhouette howling under the moon. I’ve always been fascinated by the wolf. Beautiful animal. It brings back memories of one of my favorite childhood books, White Fang.
1012 Daniel N. March 1, 2011 at 12:50 am: I love both the Pointer and Skipjack designs! If i had to choose, Pointer would be on my stationary.
1013 Kris Bjerga March 1, 2011 at 12:56 am: I like Michael’s wolf idea. But as much as I enjoy nearly all of the options, my favorite is Skipjack.
1014 John March 1, 2011 at 1:10 am: I’d go with True North!
1015 Taylor March 1, 2011 at 1:11 am: I’d say the skipjack as I just joined the navy.
1016 Marc March 1, 2011 at 1:15 am: I’m not much of an outdoorsman, so out of the few motifs not dealing with the outdoors, I would choose either the dog or the pointer. I love beagles, so that might be what is pulling me towards them. Plus, the pointer to me just symbolizes that man has one direction: forward.
1017 Greg Shafer March 1, 2011 at 1:15 am: Challenging. I’d have to go with either the skipjack or the man. But I think I would go with the man if pressed to make a decision.
1018 Jeremie March 1, 2011 at 1:21 am: I think the razor and the true north designs are great. But I also really like the revolver, rifle and the man design as well. I think it’s a great idea to create stationary with men in mind. You can’t go to a store and buy men’s stationary – it doesn’t exisit! Thanks.
1019 Jared March 1, 2011 at 1:22 am: Deer, dog, or skipjack for me!
1020 David Franks March 1, 2011 at 1:29 am: Although I like the graphic weight and texture of the boxer, I would choose the knife, as its applicability to various manly pursuits speaks for itself.
1021 reagan March 1, 2011 at 1:30 am: either skipjack or catch for me :)
1022 Tommy Altman March 1, 2011 at 1:31 am: Definitely would choose the straight razor!
1023 Dave March 1, 2011 at 1:33 am: Not an easy choice. If I were using from our camp, I would use “catch”. For general use I guess I would choose True North or the skipjack. Thanks for a great web site!
1024 Ian March 1, 2011 at 1:34 am: The double edge razor wins for me.
1025 Sean Summerall March 1, 2011 at 1:34 am: I would certainly go with true north, orienteering and basic map reading/land navigation skills are certainly a must for every true man. I do not mind the others at all but I would feel ashamed to display an elk or trout or skipjack when I rarely hunt, am not the most avid fisherman, and have only been on a sailboat once. However, the compass rose is a beautiful design and serves as a metaphor for many things. An outstanding product indeed. -Cheers-
1026 Austen E March 1, 2011 at 1:37 am: True North, it is adventurous and yet distinguished.
1027 Larry March 1, 2011 at 1:53 am: I would go with the True North, but the Deer is also very nice
1028 Megan March 1, 2011 at 2:21 am: Oh, I quite like the pointer!
1029 Obadiah Rouse March 1, 2011 at 3:21 am: I would like the “True North” motif for my stationery. Navigation is integral to my current occupation.
1030 Drew Scott March 1, 2011 at 3:26 am: Such a wonderful selection to choose from. I myself have to go with “true north”. As I am approaching my 30th birthday I have taken a long hard look at the man I want to be and the life I want to live. Traveling is something that I have always wanted to do and because I live in Australia a lot of that traveling I will be heading north.

True North is one part of the man I aspire to be.
1031 Ron March 1, 2011 at 3:27 am: The choice is difficult, I would have to go with the mallard though. My cousin is a duck hunter and would enjoy ducks on his stationary.
1032 C Ketcham March 1, 2011 at 3:54 am: I would choose the Boxer motif without a doubt. The illustration is spot on and it doesn’t get any more old school manly than a bare knuckle boxer.
1033 B Nagel March 1, 2011 at 4:03 am: While I do love old wooden ships (they’re beautiful!), I’m thinking the man is the best choice. The vertical against the horizontal orientation of the note makes a nice statement.

If I was a barber or a surgeon, I’d go with the straight razor.
1034 Daniel Toth March 1, 2011 at 5:10 am: I’d choose the “true north” label. I think it’s really manly, because every man should be the “true north” for his family, and in his life. I think it’s really great to tell other people, that they can depend on you, because you know where to go, you know the answers, so do the compass for the travelling ones.
1035 Sam March 1, 2011 at 5:50 am: Definitely would go with Skipjack. I’ve been overseas for some time now, and have just started to learn how to sail. It just seems fitting.
1036 Rich Haefner March 1, 2011 at 5:52 am: Definitely a tough choice but I have to go with the Boxer. It pays homage to the Art of Manliness and overall it’s a fantastic design. Sending notes and correspondence using these would be a truly special event to the recipient.
1037 Chris March 1, 2011 at 7:07 am: A hard choice for sure. I would probably go for a mix of the moose, deer, and pointer. It is good to see some manly stationary options.
1038 Lukasz March 1, 2011 at 7:27 am: Pointer, true north and skipjack are my types in this exact order. They all look great though.
1039 Adam March 1, 2011 at 7:44 am: Straightrazor, without a doubt.
1040 Makdisse March 1, 2011 at 8:12 am: The hunter!

Great work Brett!
1041 Kevin Sullivan March 1, 2011 at 8:28 am: It is a hard decision. I would probably go with the mixed option and since we want to show that manliness is still cool I would go with a assortment consisting of Boxer, Razor or Hunter.
1042 Andrew March 1, 2011 at 8:33 am: For sure going with “Man” if I choose to get these. Classic and since I don’t fish, those are out. And putting a razor on stationary might say “i want to cut you”. :)
1043 Jon March 1, 2011 at 8:41 am: My favorites are Man and Boxer.

It would be a shame to ruin those cards with my chicken scratch.
How about a nice article on manly handwriting?
1044 Jeff March 1, 2011 at 8:51 am: Easy choice .. DOG!
1045 Don March 1, 2011 at 9:14 am: I’m torn between Skipjack, Pointer, Man, and True North, but if I had to pick just one I think I’d have to go with True North. It’s both elegant and rugged. I also like Michael’s suggestion of a wolf design, it says “outdoorsman” without automatically suggesting “hunting”.
1046 Turner Armstrong March 1, 2011 at 9:19 am: I can agree with Theo. It is definitely between True North and the Man. I like the classic 3 piece suit look, but to me True North really symbolizes the Age of Adventure, where men like Allan Quatermain were busy being manly men in the jungle, and gentlemen in the Drawing room. I’d go with True North.
1047 Amy Kenny March 1, 2011 at 9:20 am: I’m not a man, but I’m sure as shooting not much of a girl. These are all awesome…I think I’d go with the moose, pointer or true north.
1048 Byron Williams March 1, 2011 at 9:21 am: Definitely the True North design. After all, who can’t use a sense of direction in their life?
1049 John Pinkerton March 1, 2011 at 9:23 am: True north as well. Classy.
1050 tc March 1, 2011 at 9:29 am: The Mallard.
1051 Sean March 1, 2011 at 9:34 am: Fantastic idea.

I would personally go with skipjack.

If you make additions in the future, may I recommend something in the vintage bicycle realm? Either a penny farthing or early safety bike?
1052 Shane Kasson March 1, 2011 at 9:36 am: I think that I would have to get the mixed box. I like so many of the motifs, and that way I could choose one based on the occasion for the correspondence.
1053 Richard Stephens March 1, 2011 at 9:45 am: Not being a hunter, or avid fisherman, I had a hard time deciding. I was leaning toward the “True North” motif, but I actually think I would prefer a mixed box. It’s definitely good-looking stuff!
1054 Peter March 1, 2011 at 9:49 am: These are fantastic. I’d choose either the True North or the Moose motifs. They’re all very well designed though. As someone said above, a mixed box would be awesome.
1055 David Geriminsky March 1, 2011 at 9:51 am: I would have to choose either the Revolver or True North. If I had to choose I would pick True North. It has a classy simplicity and suits any situation. I’ve always had stationary with just the Initial of my last name on it. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
1056 Chris Visser March 1, 2011 at 9:53 am: Definitely Catch.

My surname means fisher and I consider it a rather apt motif because of that.
1057 Carol Peterson March 1, 2011 at 9:55 am: I would go with a mix of the axe, the straightrazor, and the net!
1058 Nathan March 1, 2011 at 9:59 am: An excellent idea for an excellently manly article. I’ve long believed in the fading art of letter writing and handwritten notes and this article is all the more encouragement. If I were to be given a pack of manly stationary, I’m osculating between true north (obviously the most popular considering above) and the revolver. I would probably have to say the revolver. Might I suggest a classic rope and anchor design? … Thanks AOM!
1059 Ed Rowell March 1, 2011 at 10:04 am: Love ‘em all, but if I had to choose one, it would be the fly. I can’t tell from the picture, is it a royal wulff?
1060 Rob Allen March 1, 2011 at 10:19 am: The animal motifs are all great, but the way the pointer is framed just gives it an extra bit of panache, definitely my favorite of the group. Unfortunately, the AoM motifs don’t appear to be available for their calling cards … It’d definitely be awesome to have coordinating manly calling and note cards.
1061 Cameron Robinson March 1, 2011 at 10:23 am: Great idea. Stationary is always useful.
I would probably pick the dog.
1062 Bryce March 1, 2011 at 10:28 am: The skipjack would be one of my top choices. It stands as a reminder of the confidence and manliness characteristic of the old world sailors and adventurers!
1063 Matthew Waugh March 1, 2011 at 10:38 am: I have always been a fan of the AOM mascot. What could be more manly than sending a thank you with grizzled boxer on it.

Bully!
1064 Dustin Boring March 1, 2011 at 10:40 am: The Man
1065 Aaron Garrett March 1, 2011 at 10:48 am: I would say True North.
1066 Larry Kloess March 1, 2011 at 10:51 am: The Pointer
1067 Michael Minerva March 1, 2011 at 10:52 am: The Revolver, its classic. But also the Moose-in honor of my boss, Moose, of course.
1068 Derek March 1, 2011 at 10:53 am: great idea! finding manly stationary is nearly impossible.

Shipjack is easily my favorite.
1069 Tyler B. March 1, 2011 at 11:03 am: I think the moose would fit rather well with my living in Minnesota. This stationary is an excellent idea!
1070 Andrew Cox March 1, 2011 at 11:04 am: The duck or the moose, two of my favourite animals
1071 Ramona Trabue March 1, 2011 at 11:10 am: I like the moose! The boxer is great too, but I prefer the moose.
1072 Ben March 1, 2011 at 11:17 am: This would be a hard choice for me. You want to put something on there that says something about you – or has somewhat of a metaphor. For me, I’d probably have to run with either the Trout, Skipjack or Pointer. Some of my earliest memories were trout fishing with my dad – and it remains the in my humble opinion the manliest of all game fish as it is the most difficult to catch. The skipjack would be a fitting choice as am also a “son of a sailor” and have spent many days of my life sailing the blue waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Finally, the pointer has no history with me (as I’m not a hunter) but the symbolism and imagery are fitting of a note.

In the end, if I had to pick one – i’d pick the pointer.
1073 Isis March 1, 2011 at 11:20 am: It would be for my fiancé, and I think he’d enjoy either the dapper man or the mallard. Since I’d get to choose the one *I’d* prefer, I’d have to go with the man. Such style!
1074 Ben March 1, 2011 at 11:31 am: AoM mascot (the gentleman boxer)
1075 Tryclyde March 1, 2011 at 11:34 am: Trout. Hopefully I’ll have the stationery for the start of trout season next month!
1076 Scott Shaffer March 1, 2011 at 11:41 am: I like them all, but I would add a canoe or kayak motiff.
1077 Ben March 1, 2011 at 11:50 am: Is there international delivery on these bad boys?
1078 Q March 1, 2011 at 11:53 am: Decisions, decisions. Straightrazor…it is a tool that differentiates the pack…skillfully used gives you the best shave, but without skill and it becomes a self-inflicted danger. Visually, it provides a sense of history…something your great grandfather may have used and passed down.
1079 Dylan March 1, 2011 at 11:57 am: I think I’d go with the “true north” motif as I see me using stationary to keep myself headed in the right direction in regards to the path of my life, both daily activities and personal relationships.
1080 Alex March 1, 2011 at 12:00 pm: I like the whale and the oak and tobacco leaves are great.
1081 Jonathan Deng March 1, 2011 at 12:05 pm: The army knife, definitely
1082 nathan clark March 1, 2011 at 12:15 pm: I would go with a mix of them all but i like the moose or dog the most.
1083 F_Brian March 1, 2011 at 12:23 pm: I like the “True North” motif. The idea of True North swims against the current of post modernism by showing their is an absolute truth.
1084 scott March 1, 2011 at 12:24 pm: I would go for the boxer to show others that, instead of hiding, I’m always willing to face every situation with resolve, even when it’s a battle.
1085 Nate Hardy March 1, 2011 at 12:27 pm: These are great! I would pick the Deer motif, although the Boxer is classic manly.
1086 Randy W. H, March 1, 2011 at 12:37 pm: They are all interesting, but I would pick the “Shipjack” or “True North”, being partial to the nautical themes. This is a great concept and idea!
1087 406Pat March 1, 2011 at 12:46 pm: For sure the Boxer!
1088 Nick Butcher March 1, 2011 at 12:47 pm: man or distinguished gentleman as it should be refereed
1089 Preston Hawkins March 1, 2011 at 12:53 pm: I would choose the skipjack. Man against the elements, man harnessing nature (the manly form of green wind power, adventure, exploration, freedom, grace, beauty and disciplined skill.
I also like the revolver. “God made man, Sam Colt made them equal.” When gentlemen carried sidearms, civility and manners were important.
1090 Kwame Jackson March 1, 2011 at 1:02 pm: Army Knife
1091 Matt March 1, 2011 at 1:16 pm: These are all nice for the gentleman and sportsman. I would like to choose the Compass, please, to reference inspiration and guidance of the written word.
1092 Ryan March 1, 2011 at 1:19 pm: Put me down for True North.
1093 Ben Neufeld March 1, 2011 at 1:20 pm: Always liked the boxer and as I am not a hunter or fisherman that would be my choice.
1094 Ernie O'Malley March 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm: These are beatiful stationaries! Brilliant.

Especially I like the safety razor one. I love my safety razor and all my freinds no it. Perfect sign for me ;)
1095 Peter March 1, 2011 at 1:24 pm: I’d go with the Moose. Great stationery!
1096 Andrew March 1, 2011 at 1:24 pm: True North seems like the perfect one to me.
1097 Bobby March 1, 2011 at 1:33 pm: I’d definitely go with Trout.
1098 This Much March 1, 2011 at 1:38 pm: I would order the True North motif. It’s rad and could be used for a lot of different purposes and occasions.
1099 Trevor S March 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm: I’d have to go with the Catch.

Old school “ain’t-a-good-day-unless-you-catch-your-limit” mentality is awesome.
1100 Philip March 1, 2011 at 2:02 pm: I would have to mix it up with a couple of boxes – my top choices would be the classic boxer, the man, and the axe. I think all three would make someone think twice about not putting my note on the fridge or on the mantle… and isn’t that the point?!?