There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
This time, we’re talking to Liz Mullen, who leads the Writing team at Massdrop. First, we’ll let you read a little about her background and passions. Then, we’ll turn the mic over for a community Q&A.
Play with pens all day!
When did you start getting into the writing community? What got you interested?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved stationery and writing instruments. I started hoarding Sanrio pens and pencils at a young age, and grew into paint markers and brush pens as I got more into art in grade school.
My mom has always loved using fountain pens, but I never tried using one until I was recovering from a motorcycle accident in which I injured my dominant hand pretty badly. Since fountain pens can glide on paper and lay down ink without any pressure required, it was much easier for me to write with them.
What was your first fountain pen?
My first fountain pen was a Platinum Preppy. The Preppy was a great starter for me because it came in a bunch of different ink colors, and had two nib sizes to choose from at the time. I also really liked the clear body, and have since built up my collection of demonstrator pens—they’re my fave!
I have so many pens and notebooks to choose from that I’m constantly changing up my writing carry. I definitely use different sets for work, home, and EDC. Currently, my combo at home is the Pilot Falcon with a soft-fine nib and the Maruman Mnemosyne A5 grid notebook. At work, I use the TWSBI Diamond 580 Demonstrator with an extra-fine nib and the Rhodia Meeting Book 90. When I’m on the go, I use the Kaweco Liliput Fireblue with an extra-fine nib and the Midori MD A6 grid notebook.
What do you love about fountain pens? Are there times you use ballpoints, rollerballs, or pencils instead?
I love that there are so many different options to choose from in the fountain pen world: ink color, nib size, filling systems—all housed in different body shapes and styles. I use writing instruments that aren’t fountain pens, too, and usually carry at least one of each type with me at all times.
Each one (gel, ballpoint, pencil, permanent marker, etc.) is better for different situations, so I don’t discriminate. I use them all! For example, my favorite limited-edition Hello Kitty Uni Signo RT 0.38-millimeter gel pen lives in my purse, and my prized EDC ballpoint is the Fellhoelter TiBolt pen that I picked up in a drop last year.
Er, I might have too many to remember the actual number… My newest favorite is a Pilot Custom 823 I ordered from Japan: clear body with the FA nib. I love demonstrators, vacuum fillers, and flex nibs, so this pen is an all-around winner for me.
Favorite ink colors and brands?
I really dig Pelikan’s Edelstein line, especially the Ink of the Year colors, and I’ve liked almost all of the colors that Sailor has ever made. I particularly like shades of teal, and some of my favorites are the Sailor Jentle Yama Dori, the J. Herbin 1670 Emerald of Chivor, the new Edelstein Aquamarine, Diamine Steel Blue, and Bungbox Fujiyama.
For a while now, I’ve been wanting a rOtring 600 fountain pen to match my favorite drafting pencil. After that, I gotta have the Pilot M90.
What did you do before working at Massdrop?
I worked at an online retailer that specialized in pens and stationery.
What’s your biggest passion outside of pens?
Motorcycles! My dad has ridden since he was a teenager, so when I turned 19, I got my M1 license and rode my little vintage 1989 Honda VTR250 everywhere (since I didn’t have a car). I used to commute on my bike, and got really into track riding for the first few years. Now, I’m more into dirt biking, and am hoping to get a plated bike to try some dual sport rides soon.
Don’t worry about the ink stains on your hands. Wear them with pride!
Okay, last one: Red, blue or yellow?
Team Mystic all the way!