How did you fall down the rabbit hole of fountain pens and stationery? AKA, the moment that made you fall in love with writing tools and supplies.
I've always been really into stationery. I was drawing and creating from a very young age and would constantly ask for packs of blank printer paper and writing tools for Christmas so I could make my own storybooks and sketchbooks. I loved school shopping and choosing the perfect pencil cases, binders, folders, and notebooks.
Going to art school was really special because I got to dabble in so many mediums (and even more supplies!) and learn how to express myself in different ways. When it comes to fountain pens though, they were always in the picture looking back, but they were scary to me (and not really functional because I didn't realize there was anything beyond a dip calligraphy pen for so long!). It wasn't until I received a Kaweco Sport in a Paper Crafty Pantry Pen Club subscription box, along with picking up a Zebra Zensations pen for fun, that I realized how wonderful - and yes, also functional - fountain pens truly were. And the next thing I knew, I was in the famous fountain pen rabbit hole.
What do you do for work? Is there any way this hobby is intermingled with your work?
So yeah, I mentioned art school and how that really opened me up to different forms of creativity. I got my Bachelor's in visual art with a concentration in graphic design. From there, I got my Masters in media design and had some really great experiences and opportunities in the field before my husband and I started our own design and brand strategy business, Leighton Moon. We get to work with all sorts of businesses in so many different industries to strategize and create visual assets that are meaningful but are also data-driven.
I think what I do for work is very much so intermingled with the hobby. I absolutely love to keep up with what businesses (both the pen brands and the related retailers) are doing visually and strategically in the space. I've been able to collaborate with and offer experienced advice to makers and retailers. As an extension of the hobby, I also create stationery-related content so design practices, brand-minded strategy, and creative thinking all come into play with that. I think being able to mix what I do for work (which I love) and what I do for fun (which I also love) enriches both avenues.
What else are you in to that you would like to share with people to better know you?
I've sank my teeth into a lot of different things over the years so I have a pretty varied interest and hobby repertoire, if you will. I absolutely love music and play several instruments; I've been dancing (tap, jazz, and ballet) since the age of 3 and still love learning choreography; I've been a tattoo apprentice and even got to tattoo my dad! I've recently completed nail classes so I'm very much into doing my own nails; I'd love to be on Big Brother one of these days; I love geography and travel, and I have a karaoke list ready to go at all times.. just in case!
What words/quote would you like to share to other aspiring creatives?
Suzy Kassem has two really good ones I want to share:
"Nothing exists without a purpose. Every experience you have in this lifetime was written for you to grow into the light you were meant to become."
"Be yourself: because an original is worth more than a copy."
What do you believe is the best starter fountain pen? Where should people start?
I recommend starting with disposable pens like the Zebra Zensations Fountain Pen. It's a great writing experience, yes, but you can see if you even enjoy writing with a fountain pen nib without some of the more intimidating aspects of the hobby (i.e. filling, cleaning, nib sizes, etc.). I think once you decide you enjoy the writing experience, the rest is an exciting journey that you're more willing to actively participate in.
What's your go-to pen and ink combo?
My most recent favorite has been the Pilot 743 (Verdigris colorway with a medium nib) paired up with Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-Ryoku. It is such a satisfying match!
What's your favorite color? :)
Oh, the ever-moving and changing question.. apparently, I'm happily in a moody teal phase.
