The Pen Addict Podcast: Episode 149 - We Have A Drone

Myke was off looking for vampires so my friend and Relay.FM tech guru Stephen Hackett joined me on the podcast. This is the last episode before the big Atlanta Pen Show extravaganza and we discussed that along with new pens on the market, digitizing notebooks, and finding Stephen a new pen.

I also fell for an April Fool's Day joke.

Show Notes & Download Links

This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:

Squarespace: For a free trial and 10% off, visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code INK at checkout.

Hoban Cards: Affordable and beautiful custom letterpress printed calling cards. Use discount code WASHBURNE for free shipping anywhere in the world.

1Password: Put passwords in their place.

Uni-ball Signo Limited Edition Hello Kitty Gel Ink Pen Review

Image via JetPens

I have a Hello Kitty pen, and I'm not afraid to use it.

I mean look at this pen - it's amazingly well done. I wouldn't expect anything less from Uni-ball, especially with their premier gel ink pen lineup in the UM-153. And including one of Japan's most timeless characters in Hello Kitty they had to get this right. And they did.

The Uni-ball Signo UM-151, also know as the DX, is the best gel ink pen on the market, especially in the sub-0.5mm range. It has been atop the rankings in my Top 5 Pens list for ages, and is a joy to use. Pilot Hi-Tec-C owners may want to challenge you to a duel over statements like these, but their pen will likely misfire when challenging you, leaving you to walk away unscathed. I should know, I used to be one of those people.

What makes the DX so good is the consistency and sharpness of the line. It is always ready to write, and when it does, it does so perfectly. The colors are brilliant too. Uni-ball has the best non-standard colors in my opinion, just like the orange seen here.

In a non-surprising twist, the Hello Kitty Signo DX is fyling off the shelves at JetPens. Five of the eight colors are out of stock, and being a limited edition, I don't know if and when they will be back. If you are interested in picking one, or several, up keep your eyes peeled.

(JetPens provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

Three Questions With Scott Fuller

I talk often about how the people I meet are the best thing that has come from this blog, and meeting them in person is even better. Resident ATL-ien Scott Fuller is the man behind The Studio Temporary and maker of some of the coolest designs on the planet. My thanks to Scott for answering Three Questions.

1. What role do analog tools such as pens, pencils, and paper play in your day to day life?

Oh, a huge part! Every day, project or list starts with these tools. I'll usually map out my day in my Field Notes (currently using an American Tradesman) and carry it with me wherever I go. Never leave home without your tools, right? My pen (a basic BIC) is always at the ready. With the amount of illustrations, logos and ideas I have running through my head, you never know when inspiration will strike!

There's a freedom with pencil/pen and paper that you don't get on a computer. And I would know; as much time as I spend sitting in front of that screen. I can erase sketches, fix angles and write things that only I can read. There's no default settings in a notebook. It's MINE.

I've heard it said before, but you really can chart your life with these tools. Looking through old design school sketchbooks, I could tell you EXACTLY what was happening in my life at that time. Granted, I don't have to look back as far as most...

2. What are your favorite products you are currently using?

Gotta give a shout out to the good folks at Field Notes; they really do make the best product on the market. As far as new tools go, I've started using old bullet pencils on a consistent basis. A few of them caught my eye during my latest junking excursion, and now I'm obsessed. My favorite so far is this little guy from Brunson Hardware. I mean, just look at that type! And portable like no other pencil I've ever used. 

For all you EDC folks out there, I tote all my gear around in a Booq Boa backpack. A real workhorse! I've had that bag for 4 years, but you'd think it was brand new. Those guys really know quality.

But where to store all these tools? My pocket, when I'm on the go, but Mike Dudek solved my desk storage problem with this beautiful block of mahogany and maple we recently collaborated on. That's my USA logo on the front! Thanks, Mike!

3. What creation or design of yours are you most proud of?

Can I choose two? Ok, cool. I have to say the Fountain Pen Day logo has been the biggest surprise of all. I didn't know that world even existed, and now my little logo I designed with Cary Yeager represents the movement? Crazy. And it opened the door to all you guys, so there's that, too.

But my favorite has to be the logo I recently designed for my dad's CNC machine shop: Canon Machine Services, Inc. Back in 1992, dad got to chose a logo from Office Depot, as a bonus for printing X amount of invoices or something. A micrometer for precision; that was always his m/o. And I couldn't save him from that design until now. The lessons dad taught me in my years there will last a lifetime, and now, so will his logo. Love you, dad!