J.R. Rotem is an important presence in the music industry and for over 20 years as a music producer and songwriter, he has worked with several popular talents in multiple music genres including Britney Spears, Nikki Minaj, Rihanna, Jason Derulo, and Gwen Stefani to name a few. You might be […]
From destinations around the globe, fountain pen enthusiasts, collectors, brands, store owners, pen makers, and more flock to the ‘show of shows,’ the ‘big one,’ the self-proclaimed ‘super show,’ you know ‘the one.’ That’s right, I am talking about the Washington DC pen show that takes place annually the first […]
Urushi lacquer pens are deeply desirable objects amongst some members of the pen community. Perhaps urushi lacquered pens attract collectors because of its history. Ancient Asian cultures dating back to the Stone Age used the sap of the urushi tree to create a shiny surface on various objects including pottery […]
In February 2020, Esterbrook hosted a competition for anyone willing to open their minds and allow their creative juices to flow. The premise was a sticker contest and all participants had to do, regardless of drawing abilities, was to design a sticker. Whichever design won would be honored as an […]
Art expresses life, beauty, and at times suffering that reveals an unspoken communication between artists and viewers. In many ways, writing with a fountain pen explores artistic abilities through several methods, which include writing about daily experiences in a journal, jotting down a swift expletive on a scrap of paper, […]
Pen brands that genuinely deliver a unique experience are far and few as pens seemingly imitate the same classic shapes—cigar shapes, long flat top shapes, and conical shapes at the finial and bottom of the pen barrel, which have dominated several pen silhouettes for decades. Of course, there are numerous […]
After the formal announcement that Italian pen manufacturer Visconti would be producing their 14 karat and 18 karat gold nibs in-house, which was back in August 2020, I was intrigued. Instead of using German nibs like JoWo or Bock, this signified that Visconti’s writing instruments would be completely made in […]
If ever there was a fountain pen so beloved that modern collectors searched for them, or a fountain pen that is so highly regarded that some of the most notable historical 20th century figures used their pens, Esterbrook would be that pen. From a span of about 100 years, Esterbrook […]
What fountain pen is truly one of the most iconic to ever be released and beloved? Your keen eye surely discovered from reading the title alone that the pen I am referring to is the Parker 51. Rich in innovation and history, the Parker 51 has experienced celebration from several […]
Established with a dedication to drawing and writing, many generations of creatives recognize Swiss brand Caran d’Ache as a constant provider of high-quality mediums. Let me give some insights in the history of the brand behind some of the most iconic creations in writing instruments as well as the colorful companions […]
