With your support we want to turn our long-awaited dream into a reality: the publication of an innovative series of travel books. With very first edition: Marrakech, Morocco - A visual travel essay by Studio Joko

Introducing: the creative duo behind Studio Joko

We are Debbie Trouerbach and Edith Scharloo. As photographer, designer and copywriter we join forces to Studio Joko - a creative studio & independent journal based in Amsterdam.

We met at slow-design store Restored in Amsterdam: the fertile soil where we developed our creative talent as a duo. From here we decided to join forces with an online journal Joko - friendship in old Japanese. Through this platform we share with love and passion our refined and playful aesthetic vision - partly shaped by our joint travels - with like-minded people.

This initiative has grown organically into Studio Joko, a multidisciplinary creative studio.Conscious attention to beauty, a refined eye for detail and an intuitive working method is what distinguishes our work. We are observers. We closely follow new movements to develop sustainable concepts, with an aesthetic that we call "a sophisticated kind of playfulness".

Our project

This project is part of a unique series of travel essays with Marrakech, Morocco as the very first edition. A visually stimulating coffee table book in which we share how we experience the city and its surroundings, and where we highlight the rich Moroccan culture and history.

With this series of travel books we aim to stimulate a more conscious way of traveling: derived from the slow-living philosophy. Mindful, with attention and an eye for detail. The publication is a visual essay: a composition of fragments which define our journeys. We avoid the regular 'hotspots'. No fleeting lists to tick off: we offer full-page analog photography and inspiring stories. We focus on the elements that stand out when you take your time, and omit the more practical information. With our book series we serve a growing group of travelers with an interest in design, architecture, culture and the natural world. A visual journey translated into an elegant series of premium hardcover travel-size A5 books. Next editions will cover other awe-inspiring locations: think of Japan, California, Mexico & Namibia.

First edition: Marrakech, Morocco

Ever since our first journey to Marrakech in 2016, the city continues to fascinate us with its refreshing citrus scents, vibrant play of colours and friendly faces. We have experienced firsthand, that visiting Morocco is a truly transforming experience. When you are open to it, the powerful nature, rich culture and hospitality are able to change you in a positive manner. Beauty is of paramount importance in the Moroccan culture, reflected in Moorish architecture and the paradisiacal gardens. This what fascinates us endlessly; the aesthetic beauty as well as the rich cultural history and religious mysticism. Read all about it in our book.

Morocco is also a land of shrill and striking contrasts. Absolute chaos versus silence, luxury versus simplicity, warm days versus cool nights: the opposites seem to alternate effortlessly and with grace. The way of living, close to and together with nature, is something beyond our imagination. This is why we resolve to return every year. To ease our minds, to connect with the healing nature and to enrich our soul with infinite visual and cultural beauty. These experiences have inspired us to develop a series of visually stimulating travel essays: a unique collection of high-quality analogue images and in-depth travel stories. With this elegant coffee table book, we hope to bring Morocco closer to home.

Marrakech is the bustling heart of Morocco: the beginning of a journey along soothing riads, holistic retreats, ecolodges and refined restaurants. As the journey continues you will discover the rest of the area, such as the impressive coastal town of Legzira in the South, majestic Atlas Mountains and tranquil desert areas. You are invited to discover the places we have carefully selected. In this way, we cater to a conscious & design-minded community of travel enthusiasts that will help us realize our long-awaited dream: the publishing and further development of our innovative series of travel books.

We can't wait to shine a grateful light on Morocco and share its enriching beauty with the world. Every contribution would absolutely mean the world to us!

Why crowdfunding

After careful research and conversations with potential publishers and partners, we have come to the conclusion that self-publishing this first book best suits our philosophy. We believe in the value and authenticity of our initial concept and strive to ensure this.

The book is ready to be printed. The only thing missing is (you guessed it!) the funding – and we could use your help with that! We invite friends, family and like-minded travel- and design enthusiasts to be the first to order the book, get hold of a card set or make a donation. It would be truly amazing to realize this dream project. In these challenging times, in which travel is off the table, we bring a beautiful travel experience closer to home. We hope to bring enlightenment and inspiration, while at the same time stimulate the travel industry. Better times are coming!

This is how you can help us enrich the world with our book series

Do you feel connected with our project? And do you want to support a young and passionate creative team in realizing a creative dream project?

Every donation is more than welcome! Of course, all exposure is welcome in order to reach our community. Do not hesitate to share this campaign within your network! We truly appreciate your effort.

Choose the way you want to contribute and receive your reward of choice – and our eternal gratitude.

With your help we got this!

Do you want to learn more about this project, do you have any questions or helpful ideas? We’d love to e-meet via [email protected]. You can also follow our journey on instagram.

Visit www.studiojoko.com to discover more of our work.

Our Rewards:

Book
'Marrakech, Morocco - A visual travel essay by Studio Joko'

Embossed hardcover 160 pages analog photo book in english, expected delivery in August 2021

Postcards from Morocco

Postcard set of 5, printed on 350grs matte paper A5 size.
Delivery in June 2021

Fine Art prints

Analog photo prints from the book. Printed and signed on Hahnemuhle fine art Hemp paper in size 30 x 45cm. Delivery in June 2021