Get to Know the Artist Behind HATCH - Pennonia Zodiac Inks Set

What Fountain Pen Ink To Get?

When it comes to fountain pen inks, there is a lot to choose from. With many fountain pen ink brands and other additives like fountain pen ink shimmers adding an extra layer of mystique and sparkle, it may be a Herculean task to decide on what ink to start with or what else you could get because, after all, one more or a few more won’t hurt right?

Good thing there’s a quick answer to this dilemma, why not get an ink set? Typically, you would note ink sets from different ink  brands like Diamine and Van Dieman’s release one for the holiday or the new year while there are also brands like Sailor and Pelikan releasing timeless special collections inspired by colors found in nature and more. These inks sets would range offering a good array of 20 ml ink bottles or a generous supply of as much as 50 ml inks. But if you’re not looking to keep a stock of so many colors and you’re just wanting to try a good range of colors, then the Pennonia x @poetryjunkies Zodiac Inks is the ink set for you.  

Through HATCH, the collaboration between Pennonia and @poetryjunkies made the concept of a Zodiac ink set into the ink collection you can now get for yourself. But aside from defining the concept for each color, what makes this even more interesting is the packaging. It’s not just a boxed set, it’s an experience. Inside the box, what hides behind each Zodiac ink animal is a set of one (1) ink, one (1) shimmer, and one (1) small pipette. If you didn’t sneak a peak yet, you can enjoy a little surprise and see what pair you get when you pop each Zodiac sign!

And because this is inspired by the animals of the Chinese Zodiac, this ink set comes with not just twelve (12) ink colors, each ink is also paired with a shimmer! With a 10 ml ink bottle for each Zodiac, you will not be overwhelmed and still get to enjoy both an ample amount of ink and shimmer. Explore the potential of creating interesting and wonderful combinations when you mix and match different colors and shimmers.

Curious to learn more? In tune with the celebration of Chinese New year, HATCH connected with @poetryjunkies for an interview so we can bring the spotlight to the project inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and his inspiration behind this ink collection.

Let’s Meet The Creative Behind This Project!

Question 1: You’ve been into fountain pens and inks for a while! Aside from calligraphy and ink swatching, what other sort of arts are you inclined to? 

PoetryJunkies: I’ve always had this soft spot for anything that lets me play with colors and textures. Aside from calligraphy and swatching, painting is something I keep coming back to—whether it’s simple washes or little moments captured on paper. There’s something relaxing about watching colors blend and settle, like they’re telling their own quiet story.

I also grew up loving sketching, writing poems and reading, which I think set the foundation for everything I enjoy creatively today. Even now, whenever I have a free moment, I’ll catch myself doodling or shading something random just to unwind. It’s funny how childhood habits become lifelong comforts.

Overall, I gravitate toward gentle, expressive forms of art—things that don’t demand perfection, just presence. It feels a lot like breathing space for me, especially on busy days.

Question 2: Can you tell us how you first got in to fountain pens? And what was your first fountain pen? 

PoetryJunkies: My fountain pen journey actually started pretty simply. I was fascinated by handwriting and how certain tools felt more expressive than others. Eventually, I stumbled into fountain pens and realized there was a whole world behind them—nibs, inks, textures, personalities. It pulled me in instantly.

My very first fountain pen wasn’t fancy (a Pilot Plumix), but it opened the door for me. It showed me how writing could feel less like a task and more like a small ritual. From there, the hobby slowly grew into something deeper—almost like a companion to all the little creative things I do.

Looking back, it feels like discovering fountain pens was inevitable. I’ve always gravitated toward anything that mixes creativity, emotion, and tactile joy, so the hobby fit me perfectly from the start.

Question 3: Beyond your creative work, what other passions or pursuits fill your days? Do you find your professional life and creative journey weaving together, or do they feel like distinct worlds? 

PoetryJunkies: Outside of the creative side of things, most of my days are filled with work, responsibilities, and the usual hustle. But even then, I find myself naturally weaving some form of creativity into anything I do. It keeps things lighter and more meaningful, even during stressful moments.

My professional life and creative journey actually blend together more than people assume. It’s not a perfect overlap, but they feed into each other in a really natural way—ideas, inspiration, even simple mindset shifts. Creativity doesn’t stay in its own box for me; it tags along everywhere.

Because of that, both sides of my life feel connected. One nourishes the other, and somehow that balance makes everything feel more intentional and grounded.

At work I’m more into the analytical side thus I need something to look forward to after a stressful day which is ART!

Question 4: Do you have a favorite fountain pen and ink besides the Zodiac Inks of course😏? 

PoetryJunkies: Yes! My absolute favorite pen is the Pilot Custom Heritage 912 Fountain Pen with the FA nib. There’s just something magical about how expressive and flexible it feels. Whenever I want to create something soft, flowing, or emotional, that pen is my default companion.

For inks, I tend to lean toward anything light and easy on the eyes—those soft, refreshing shades that feel like a gentle breath. Diamine Meadow is one I always go back to, and Rohrer & Klingner Helianthus is such a warm, uplifting ink. They make writing feel like a quiet moment of joy.

I think I’ll always be drawn to inks that feel calm and approachable. They match the way I like to write: unhurried, reflective, and a little whimsical.

Question 5: Among the Zodiac Inks, is there a particular ink and/shimmer that you like best? 

PoetryJunkies: Absolutely—my favorite from the Zodiac set is Year of the Dog (Cool Jade). There’s something about that shade that feels instantly soothing but still full of personality. It has this calm clarity that just fits my style perfectly.

Every time I swatch it, it gives me the same gentle satisfaction—like a cool breeze or a quiet morning light. It’s the kind of color that doesn’t shout for attention but still leaves a mark.

Among all the inks, Cool Jade feels the closest to the way I approach art: soft, thoughtful, and subtly expressive. It will probably stay a go-to for a long time.

Question 6: We know briefly from your HATCH creative video about the Zodiac Inks. Can you take me through the story behind this project?  

PoetryJunkies: The Zodiac Ink project started as a fun challenge—one that felt both personal and exciting. I loved the idea of translating something as big and symbolic as the zodiac into colors and textures that people could actually use. It felt like bringing stories to life in a way that’s tactile and intimate.

It is not just a straight up ink that you can readily consume it caters to regular ink lovers and to those who loves being extra by adding as much shimmer as they want. The color combination is ENDLESS!

Every shade in the set came from moments of reflection and connection. I wanted each ink to capture a feeling, not just a color—something people could resonate with when they wrote or swatched. It became a chance to blend creativity, culture, and emotion into one cohesive project.

Working on it with HATCH made the experience even more rewarding. It felt like a bridge between my personal creative world and something bigger that others could enjoy and interpret in their own way.

Question 7: What other creative projects have your worked on outside of HATCH? And where can we find your work? 

PoetryJunkies: To be honest, I don’t have other major creative projects outside of HATCH—at least not yet. Most of my energy goes into everyday creative habits like painting, sketching, writing, and playing with inks. They’re small but meaningful parts of my routine.

But if you want to explore the creative things I do share, I’m pretty active online when I have the urge and the time to dabble with art. I post ink-related content, small artworks, and personal musings whenever inspiration hits. It’s a mix of quiet creativity and little joys.

Question 8: Do you have other upcoming creative projects we should watch out for? 

PoetryJunkies: Yes! I’m currently working on something really exciting with Leonardo. It’s inspired by one of my own ink swatches, so it feels incredibly personal and fun to explore. Even though it’s still in the early stages, the concept is already shaping into something that feels very “me.”

This project is giving me space to experiment with colors, emotions, and pen design in ways I haven’t done before. It feels like a natural continuation of my creative journey after the Zodiac Ink set—more intimate, more experimental, and definitely something that makes me look forward to creating every day.

There’s no exact date yet for when it will come out, but I can say that it’s something I’m genuinely excited about. I hope people who follow my work will enjoy watching the process unfold just as much as I enjoy making it.

Question 9: What’s the best way to keep up with you and your work?

PoetryJunkies: The easiest way to keep up with me is through social media, where I share snippets of art, fountain pen moments, and little glimpses into whatever creative thing I’m working on. I love connecting with people who enjoy the same mix of pens, inks, and gentle creativity.

Instagram is where I’m most active, especially for visual things like swatches and pen-related posts. My blog holds longer thoughts and writing, while YouTube is where I share videos whenever inspiration strikes. Together, they create a complete picture of my creative world.

You’re always welcome to follow along here:
https://poetryjunkies.blogspot.com/
https://www.instagram.com/poetryjunkies/
https://www.youtube.com/@domdomruel

Where to get the Pennonia x @poetryjunkies Zodiac Ink Set?

Visit our HATCH shop and find this exclusive ink collection designed by @poetryjunkies and made by our partner ink maker, Pennonia.

Find other exciting fountain pen inks and maybe even fancy a new fountain pen when you browse for other exciting stationery finds our website.

By Some Folks at EndlessPens