Photo: Becoming Jane (2007)
Long gone are the days when writers and editors put an actual pen to paper in their professional lives. Nevertheless, there is something uniquely satisfying about the visceral experience of putting pen to paper, and the writers and editors of Australian House & Garden have strong opinions on the best pens for list-making, note-taking, and general jotting, and it seems we’re not alone. Beautiful stationery is perennially popular; there are even stationery subscription services for hardcore enthusiasts.
What type of pen is best for writing?
What type of pen you prefer for writing really comes down to personal preference. The main difference between the two most commonly available pens – rollerballs and ballpoints – is their ink.
Ballpoint pens use an oil-based ink that comes out smooth and dries quick – making a ballpoint the best choice for note-taking on the go (and for lefties who are tired of smudges).
On the other hand, rollerball pens use a gel-based ink that creates a bolder line. Choose a rollerball when writing a special note or card, or if you enjoy a ‘freer’ feeling and don’t mind waiting a second for the ink to dry.
The blue vs. black ink debate
A hotly debated topic in our team, the battle between blue and black ink can be a divisive issue. I generally avoid black ink (controversial!) and tend to go for unique shades of blue for my everyday pen, but I’m not opposed to writing whole swathes of text, diary entries and to-do lists in bright pink or jade green. But I realise this isn’t necessarily the norm.
Australian House & Garden category editor, Bethan Lacoba, agrees. “Blue feels more approachable than black – a black pen seems to have a bit more of a serious personality,” she says. Senior copy editor Debbie Duncan is also on team blue. “I prefer blue pens over black because blue ink is so uplifting and looks pretty on the page,” she says.
On team black is our digital content producer, Grace Flynn, who says: “When it comes to the age-old blue versus black ink debate, there’s only one right answer in my eyes. Black, of course. Perhaps it’s because I used a blue pen in my high school days, or perhaps it’s because black ink is the undisputed classic. Either way, black ink will always be my pick.”
Our favourite pens for journaling, jotting and drawing
01
Muji Smooth Gel Ink Ballpoint
$2.50 at Muji
“I’ve come a long way since my erasable gel pen days (shout out to the Pilot FriXion), and have now settled on what I can confidently say is my forever pen: the Muji Smooth Gel Ink Ballpoint, specifically the 0.5 mm. It glides across the page, dries almost instantly, has a satisfying clicker and feels…good. While the 0.38mm is a dainty whisper, the 0.5 mm has an authoritative voice, not quite a yell, just loud enough to be clearly heard..” — Grace Flynn, Digital Content Producer
02
Pentel Floatune Rollerball Pen 03
$6.89 at eBay
“If you like a super, super fine metal nib, this is the pen for you. I love the precise, smooth line this pen produces and the blue ink version is a really lovely mid-blue hue that’s perfect for everyday use.” — Rachel White, Features Writer
03
Rifle Paper Co. Gel Pens Set of 4
$39.95 at Milligram
“A beautiful floral pen by Rifle Paper Co gives me a little dopamine rush, which feels like a bit of a treat, especially if it has a bit of weight to it. Having a decent pen that provides a great handwriting experience can really get me into the flow, especially if I feel stuck or overwhelmed with a task ahead. Having a good pen can sometimes make all the difference to getting me started!” — Bethan Lacoba, Category Editor
04
Artline 220 Fineliner Pen
from $4.40 at Big W
“This felt-tip pen is the OG ‘fancy pen’ as far as I’m concerned. Way back when, I used to pilfer these lovely inky pens from my Dad’s collection once I realised the visceral pleasure they gave to ordinary tasks (i.e. homework). One of these Artline pens will instantly make your handwriting look 100 per cent more artistic – it’s the pen to choose when you have a special card to write, or a serious document to sign.” — Rachel White, Features Writer
05
Staedtler Pigment Liner
$8.95 at Eckersley’s
“I’m loving thin felt tip Staedler architectural drawing pens to do five-minute flower drawings at the end of the day. Its a quick creative activity and a way to connect with my daughters.” — Bethan Lacoba, Category Editor
06
Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner 0.4mm
$3.88 at Officeworks
“After years of writing every day on a laptop, I’ve returned to enjoying the experience of pen on paper. I write on most days, so I put a lot of thought into the pen I use. The Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner 0.4mm in Blue might look like an ordinary pen, but its performance is magic. It glides across paper like a dream and the ink is the most beautiful and delicate shade of blue. The Stabilo has a comfortable grip too, which is so important.” — Debbie Duncan, Senior Copy Editor
Related articles:
- 8 life-changing writing desks
- Country Style book club: what we’re poring over for the month of August
- Beautiful stationery items to elevate your desk space
