@nibsandflourishes

About the Creative

My fountain pen collection got started more than 40 years ago when I received a wonderful birthday gift for my 12th birthday - an Osmiroid calligraphy fountain pen with several interchangeable italic nib units, as well as the classic Speedball textbook. I was an artistically inclined kid, and that wonderful gift set off a lifelong interest in lettering of all sorts. I got into dip nibs, worked on lettering for all types for many years. During a year abroad in college, I discovered that using a fountain pen for regular, everyday writing offered a superb writing experience. I collected some pens in the couple of decades that followed but it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I noticed the variety of colors and materials and inks and nibs that were available had really exploded. My collection exploded along with it! I enjoy almost ALL types of nibs and I'm always searching for new nib experiences and experimenting to find what lettering styles bring out the best in those nibs.

Interview with @nibsandflourishes

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 was always the type of kid who loved school supplies and art supplies, but once I got my first fountain pen (a calligraphy set) as a gift at age 12 along with a Speedball lettering book, I was hooked on learning lettering styles and seeing what I could create with a pen and ink!

What do you do for work? Is there any way this hobby is intermingled with your work?
I have the very common Washington, DC title of "consultant" - I'll leave it at that. But other than using fountain pens to make to do lists, take notes, or keep track of projects, not much intermingling.

What else are you in to that you would like to share with people to better know you?
It's no surprise to those who follow me that I'm an avid gardener and nature photographer, but I also am an excellent cook and have been a vegetarian for over 30 years. I rarely go out to eat except for specific cuisines like Indian or Thai because usually what I make is tastier and healthier than the rather boring veg options in many restaurants.

What words/quote would you like to share to other aspiring creatives?
There is no substitute for practice to get better at any creative activity, and don't let the desire for perfection get in the way of having fun and expressing yourself.

What do you believe is the best starter fountain pen? Where should people start?
I've been in this hobby long enough that I haven't tried most of today's best "starter" pens and can't say which is best, but it's hard to go wrong with a low end pen from Pilot, or possibly a TWSBI Eco in a fun color for someone who isn't afraid of filling from an ink bottle.

What's your go-to pen and ink combo?
It's almost always a Sailor Fine or MF, and the one I reach for most is usually inked with Montegrappa Turquoise.

What's your favorite color? :)
Turquoise, with purple a close second.