First exposed to me by Lisa, at Olive Octopus Ink I wanted to take some time and reflect at my ideas and views of the stationary community. Plus it never hurts to practice writing. I have left the questions at the bottom of the post for easy copy paste!
If you consider the different ways you can engage with pens and stationery—as a user, a collector, a hobbyist, a creator, a maker, a vendor—which roles fit best and what percentage of 100% would you assign to each? Are you happy with the balance?
I am first and foremost a user of things. While I am dabbling into making things as a way to give back, if I am not using something with some amount of regularity I will get rid of it. I'm probably flirting with the line of collector, as I am finding that the amount of stationery items I'm gathering is getting larger than I would like.
What is something you want to understand better or develop more informed opinions about?
I've always been one to have opinions. Often they are very strong, and not well informed. I know what I like, but it is difficult to articulate the reasons why. I'd like to know more information about the properties of inks. I think that would be incredibly beneficial. I specifically am looking to branch out from my beloved Namiki Black, and Pilot Blue black. Recently, I got a few diamine inks, and they are great!
In the pen community, what's something someone has said or done that stuck with you?
To my own chagrin, I can't name a singular thing the pen community has done that's stuck with me. It’s the conglomeration of so many good people and good acts that sticks with me. The inclusion, encouragement, and sage advice that keeps me coming back. I find that throughout the 10 years or so of me obtaining stationery things, when I'm at my lowest I get the most involved. Always met with joy and delight, it can be a good distraction from real life.
There are now 25 hours in a day, a bonus hour is available to use however you like as long as pens or stationery are involved—how do you spend your hour?
I would 100% make pen trays, boxes, and pen holders. I'd love to make pens, but my abilities aren't there yet, and how could I hold a candle to the work of so many great creators out there. I think I'd be able to carve out a niche to help the community find even more things they like. Either that or journaling. I adore writing in my notebooks and getting my thoughts out. I can't often find the time.
In the pen community yearbook, what would your superlative be? (i.e. "Best __", "Most ___" "Most likely to ___")
"Most likely to prefer fine writing." I almost exclusively use EF nibs, I don't write particularly small, but the thinner the line, the more I like it. My Pilot PO 743 is one of my all-time favorites, and I think that the Uniball Signo DX .28 could be finer and I'd still like it.
How do you feel about your handwriting?
…Which one? I have a curly script, a block text, and a cursive, I switch between them on each word sometimes, and have no reason why. It can sometimes make me hate the look of what I wrote. One time in school I switched styles between paragraphs. This prompted my professor to put my essay up on the projector, and ask if I was schizophrenic. Looking back, this was one of countless times teachers created mental scars in me, but I digress.
What is something you are proud of doing, achieving, or overcoming?
As of writing this, I made the first prototype of my MM3 box. It's falling short of the quality I want to have before I start giving them away, but it's a start. The goal is to have it hold 3 pens, and multiples should stack nicely. Why 3 pens you ask? I'm glad you did, but there isn't a satisfying answer. I just like the number 3.
You're going on a writing retreat anywhere in the world—where would you go, what would you write, and what would you write with?
I'm not one much for traveling. I've been out of the country 2 times in my life, but each time they were not initiated by me. I think if I could choose, I'd pick some place with a cool ocean breeze and warm sun. The holdup is that I would want a writing setup like Roald Dahl’s. So if there is some way to integrate a warm, but not too warm beach, with a comfy chair and lapdesk I'm all over it.
For pens, I'd bring my matte black Vanishing Point with EF nib filled with Pilot Namiki black, and for paper I'd choose a Midori MD A5 notebook. I'm not a very complicated or interesting person. While I've dabbled with more colorful and interesting options, I seem to always come back to black ink and a fine line.
What's a current or favorite creative outlet?
I'm loving writing 'Morning Pages', although they are mostly 'Through the Day Pages.' I can't really find time to sit for 20–30 min and write. I also have an issue writing for long stretches due to an injury. Other than that, woodworking and CAD designing are always a joy.
What's something that causes you benign envy—the kind of admiration and desire that leads to inspiration or motivation?
When I see others be able to talk eloquently, or get things to fit just right and make it seem eloquent. Even way back in my middle school age when I skateboarded, I had a style that was determined 'sketchy.' This style carried forward into my musical playing style where I hit the notes, not bad or wrong, but not clean (somewhat good in jazz). So, in another sense I'm envious of individuals who can make things where even the details are clean. It drives me to clean up my act and nail things 100%.
What's a comfort item, material, or color?
I have a blanket that my sister made for me when I was 10. It might well be my longest-used item. It is ragged and falling apart, but I still enjoy curling up with it with my dog on my lap and reading a book. I also adore the stark contrast of a matte black pen on a white piece of paper. I find the possibilities, and lack of constraint calming.
What would be a dream collaboration, project, or partnership?
Oh goodness, I'm not much for collaborations or partnerships. I've yet to figure out how to play well with others. As far as projects, being commissioned to build people custom pen cabinets would be a dream come true. I've even started planning one for a certain penfluencer as a thank you gift.
Questions
If you consider the different ways you can engage with pens and stationery—as a user, a collector, a hobbyist, a creator, a maker, a vendor—which roles fit best and what percentage of 100% would you assign to each? Are you happy with the balance?
1.
What is something you want to understand better or develop more informed opinions about?
In the pen community, what's something someone has said or done that stuck with you?
There are now 25 hours in a day, a bonus hour is available to use however you like as long as pens or stationery are involved—how do you spend your hour?
In the pen community yearbook, what would your superlative be? (i.e. "Best __", "Most ___" "Most likely to ___")
How do you feel about your handwriting?
What is something you are proud of doing, achieving, or overcoming?
You're going on a writing retreat anywhere in the world—where would you go, what would you write, and what would you write with?
What's a current or favorite creative outlet?
What's something that causes you benign envy—the kind of admiration and desire that leads to inspiration or motivation?
What's a comfort item, material, or color?
What would be a dream collaboration, project, or partnership?
