Pen talk : My love affair with Ink♥

As a journal, notebook, and stationery junkie, it’s no surprise that I’m also obsessed with pens—from ballpoint and gel to fountain. I grew up collecting them, though the one downside is that they eventually dry out (you really can’t keep them forever!).

Back in my school days, I loved Sanrio pens—from elementary all the way through college (and let’s be honest, even now!). In high school, while everyone else was using Bic ballpoints, my sister and I swore by Reynolds for its fine, smooth ink. I was also lucky enough to experience the iconic scented pens of the '80s and '90s.

My Fountain Pens at the moment

My fascination with fountain pens started with my Lolo’s vintage pen. I used to sneakily play with his pen, which naturally got me scolded a few times. Years later, I bought a Platinum Preppy fountain pen at Scribe. Unlike traditional fountain pens—where you submerge the nib into an ink bottle and squeeze a converter—the Preppy uses convenient, replaceable cartridges. Now, thanks to my cousin and her amazing collection re-inspiring me, I am officially back in my fountain pen era. My sister even gifted me a Pilot Kakuno, and I’m hoping to try a flex nib soon so I can dive into calligraphy.

I’m not particularly into ballpoint pens at the moment, so my old Pilot ballpoint has been on hiatus for years. My last ballpoint purchase was back in 2019 when I picked up a Hedera retractable pen in Japan.

Pilot G-2 0.5 pen - My all time fave

Artline J-pop metallic pen

M&G U-Star & Uniball-One

Gel pens, on the other hand, have my heart. The Dong-A My Gel was my first true love, and I still use it to this day. When I started creative journaling in 2018, I developed a bit of a Muji pen addiction. However, my absolute favorite gel pen is the Pilot G2 in 0.5mm. It’s retractable, refillable, and glides effortlessly across the paper. Best of all, its comfortable rubber grip keeps hand fatigue at bay. Some of my favorite recent finds include the M&G U-Star, Artline J-pop and the Uni-ball One.

As for brush pens? My apologies to the brush lettering community, but I’m just not a fan. I bought a couple of Kuretake Zig brush pens a while back, but they sat unused. I’ve finally accepted that they’re just not for me!

At the end of the day, my desk might be overflowing and my fingers might occasionally be covered in ink, but I wouldn't have it any other way. On to the next notebook!♥