Reflecting on My Favorite Pen and Ink Pairings of 2024
Hey there, Julia here!
As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the things that brought joy and creativity to my life. For me, that means revisiting my favorite pen and ink pairings from 2024. This year has been full of experimenting, discovering new favorites.
A Year of Exploration
Throughout 2024, I’ve inked a lot of pens. To narrow things down and truly celebrate the best combinations, I decided to re-experience my monthly favorites one last time before choosing an ultimate favorite of the year. This approach not only brought back wonderful memories but also gave me the chance to appreciate how these tools performed over time.
My Monthly Process
To keep track of my favorites, I’ve developed a monthly routine inside of my ink journal:
Currently Inked: At the start of the month, I document which pens and inks I’m using.
Mid-Month Check-In: I evaluate how the pairings are performing and make adjustments as needed.
End-of-Month Ranking: This is when the real fun begins. I rank each pen, ink, and pairing on a scale of one to five, considering factors like flow, shading, and overall satisfaction.
Favorite Pairings of the Year
Each month brought its own standout pairing, and reflecting on them now, I’m struck by how each one captured the essence of that time:
January: TWSBI Eco Creme & Rose Gold paired with 2023 Diamine Inkvent favorite, Walnut.
February: Valentine’s vibes came alive with the Esterbrook Estie in Raven and Diamine’s Writer’s Blood ink. The deep red ink felt like a dark romantic classic.
March: As spring approached, I leaned on a Pilot Custom 74 and Robert Oster Fire & Ice, a vibrant teal ink that seemed to reflect the season's energy and renewal.
April: A Platinum 3776 Century Bourgogne with J. Herbin Rouge Hematite brought boldness and sparkle into the mix, making April feel celebratory.
May: My Kaweco AL Sport in Olive with Monteverde California Teal became a constant companion for outdoor sketching sessions. This combination captured the earthy and calming vibes of early summer.
June: I embraced the warmth of summer with a Pelikan M400 Tortoiseshell and KWZ Honey ink, a pairing that felt both luxurious and nostalgic.
July: Independence Day inspired my choice of a Sailor Pro Gear in Red with Diamine Blue Velvet, a nod to classic Americana.
August: A Visconti Homo Sapiens Lava paired with Pilot Iroshizuku Yu-yake (Sunset) mirrored the golden sunsets of late summer.
September: Back-to-school season called for a classic duo: the Parker Sonnet and Waterman Serenity Blue—a timeless pairing.
October: Halloween fun took over with a Lamy AL-Star in Cosmic paired with Diamine Pumpkin, a bright orange ink that screamed festive cheer.
November: As mentioned earlier, this was a tough month. A Sailor 1911 Large with Noodler’s Black seemed reliable at first but didn’t quite meet expectations. However, it reminded me of the value of simplicity.
December: I’m still finalizing my choice for December, but I’m hoping to close out the year with something joyful and bright—perhaps a Platinum Procyon with Ferris Wheel Press Jelly Bean Blue.
Choosing the Ultimate Favorite
Revisiting these pairings at the year’s end is both nostalgic and exciting. Each combination reflects my mood, projects, and even the challenges of each month. While I haven’t crowned the ultimate favorite yet, this journey has reminded me of how much joy pens and inks bring to my day to day.
