Fountain Pens Predictions 2022

[@InkyRocks]

All the links are in the description box! Still working on adjusted subtitles.

[@djryandelap]

I really hope we see smaller bottles of ink also. Diamond’s Inkvent collection has the right idea with their small bottles in the calendar. As I grow my collection, I know there’s bottles I’ll end up ordering more than one of thanks to regular use, but others I think my kids will inherit someday!

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, I like the convenience of smaller bottles. I really don't like the plastic sample vials, so this is great for me. I would still buy larger bottles of ink for ones I use a lot or if they have a beautiful bottle hahaha!

[@schmetterliebling]

I remember being outraged by Sailor's transition to mostly 20 ml bottles but now I see the genius.

[@pamelamoniz608]

I really like how you produce your videos! They are so creative and fun. You have an eye for detail and staging items beautifully. And I especially like your sense of humor! I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Pamela! I get pretty punchy late at night and stuff just flies out of my mouth... Have a great 2022!

[@sarahburnett6502]

Oh I quite hope you're right about the smaller bottles of ink.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too! It seems to be a very popular idea!

[@wesdenham282]

The most creative pen, ink and paper KZbinr ever.

[@InkyRocks]

Whoa! Thanks so much Wes!

[@favoritemommy74]

Loved this. So much wonderful info! Awesome that women are making an impact on such a dynamic community.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! It really is. I find this community particularly welcoming.

[@rmoraespinto]

Thank you again! You are my favorite channel. Everytime you take a break I miss you.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Comments like yours keep me going as some of these vids are a lot of work. I really appreciate you Ricardo!

[@rachelwilliams4477]

Those inks cards are wonderful! There are so many things in Japan that just aren’t in my market. It’s definitely the year of the chromoshader. I’ve even started to soften to sailor’s new line of chromoshaders that I previously didn’t like. Though I’m a bit scared for the greater marketing thing. I came from makeup KZbin/ Industry where everything is marketed to death and marketing is used to sell everything instead of the products. I like that most of the time pens and inks speak for themselves.

[@InkyRocks]

Those cards just came out in a few shows. They seem pretty simple and someone has to start making more soon, I think. I have a love hate relationship with chromoshaders, they are a pain sometimes but then they look like watercolors and I love that. I don't think the FP world will be like the makeup one (which is quite frightening to me) as there just isn't the sheer amount of money in it.

[@carlharrison9503]

This was fun to watch. I always see things that make me want more. Happy 2022

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Have a great new year!

[@iamjenortiz]

I can’t wait to see what 2022 will bring. I really love Kakimori’s aesthetic and would love to see more pens and ink that have that style.

[@InkyRocks]

It IS a beautiful esthetic and their store is just beautiful. Very clean and restful.

[@wendyholiday2021]

Love your rock photos as well as your predictions. I think 2022 will be the year of high contrast in Shading, glitter inks and pens. Also, contrasting textures. Ti will also become more popular.

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Of course you like the minerals! Those are interesting predictions. I think high contrast is the way to go. It might be hard for some inks to do that.

[@davidanderson3425]

Your videos are always amazing. You have introduced me to many fascinating products that I've never seen before.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much David! Surprisingly, I almost always migrate back to my favorites--a well tuned F nib and a wet ink!

[@miltonbonani2952]

Beautiful video as usual. Great 2022 for you too with a lot of new inks, fountain pens and paper.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Happy new year!

[@Sonicman415]

I picked up a Franklin Christoph #20 in midnight blue w diamond cast.. holy moly. I’m hooked! It is completely stunning. Your vids rule.

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! Thank you! That FC sounds amazing! I am usually too late in getting any of their popular pens as they sell out quickly.

[@inkyfountainpen]

Lovely video! After this video, I think I'm ready for any new trend in the stationery world! The Godzilla chibi stickers were too cute!!! Happy 2022, Alesa!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I think the Stationery world DOES need more Godzilla. I remember Moleskine did a Batman series and it was super popular. Have a great 2022 Gabby!

[@korax67]

Amazing news and predictions s as always! Keep up the good work !

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! We will see how I did next year!

[@starr-starr]

Yay, I hope you are right about more chromoshading and smaller ink bottles. Cause I want all the bottles.

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! AAALLL the bottles!

[@peterhofmann8292]

All great predictions, and these are hard to do, as people's taste change in flash at times 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Peter! They really can. And people do have such wildly different opinions (I LOVE sparkly pens to I HATE all things sparkly hahha)

[@cyntoh9265]

Great video. I agree we will be seeing more ink makers going with smaller bottles or collections of small bottles of ink. Hope you have a Happy New Year.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! A lot of people seem to want these smaller bottles. Have a great 2022!

[@VAitken1]

I love that you see a trend for companies to cater to women more 😊 I’ve just started my collection and I love all the colours, styles and experiences of using fountain pens and all the beautiful inks.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too. When I first started this channel over two years ago, my subscribers were overwhelmingly male. Now it’s about 50/50

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Happy New Year, Alesa! Wishing you and your fam a happy and healthy 2022. All the best to you.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Cynthia! Happy 2022 to you!

[@GS-cg3yn]

Always enjoy & appreciate your videos. 👍🏼

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much!

[@constantinosglam]

And just as I sat down to open some bottles of "new inks for the year" .... ding ding... Notification "New Inky Rocks Video", perfect timing, and a great start to 2022 :D

[@InkyRocks]

Oh awesome! Enjoy your new inks and have a great 2022!

[@dashsunil]

Excellent video. The BGM is beautiful today. 😁 I am a fan of traditional black with gold or rhodium trims. There are so many sparkles coming out lately that it's difficult to keep track of them.

[@InkyRocks]

It really is. That is why I think I'm hitting maximum sparkle and am enjoying some of my more "plain" pens! Thanks Sunil!

[@2_pencil]

Happy New Year Inky Rocks! I bought my first fountain pens last year because I am cutting back on plastic waste. I bought a LAMY Safari, which I like okay, and a TWSBI Swipe due to your recommendation. I love it! Thanks

[@InkyRocks]

Happy new year Julie! Sounds like you got some winners! My only problem with the Safari is that I leave pens lying around so much that it dries up sometimes. But if you use it regularly, it is great--lovely nib.

[@flabbybum9562]

I love these videos, it's just so relaxing watching them. Have a fantastic 2022!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! Have a great new year!

[@JannyHaak]

I love hearing your predictions, Alesa, to me they sound like very real possibilities. Looking forward to your video's this year and wishing you aal the best for 2022! 🥂🍀

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I figure making predictions just means we get tot talk about pens and inks more! Have a great new year!

[@v60please90]

Happy New Year, Alesa! I love the mini ink set prediction!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too. We will see how that prediction goes hahaha!

[@the_dark_forest]

Dayam! There's some awesome stuff in this video. That Godzilla stuff....??? Eye-popping & jaw-dropping. I absolutely MUST get my hands on some. Wow. I LOVE it. Alesa you are so lucky to live in Japan. We're a desert here in Australia in more ways than one and needless to say, your entire channel & IG account are absolute proof. Thank you so much for sharing the wonders of the fountain pen world from Japan. Eye candy (as are all your geology - wonderful to gaze upon; again, Thanks)

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I’ve only been to Sydney but I fell in love with Australia. I plan on returning to do a mine tour (probably Boulder Opal or silicate mines). Japan is definitely the land of awesome stationery/pens. I hope you enjoy the vids. Will be back on in a couple of weeks.

[@susancarr3673]

I hope we get some more pink in 2022! Usually the sailor pro gear slim do well with those colors but I don't care fore that size (more unfortunate for me personally). The perpanap is ready as my next every day carry notebook! Great video! Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Susan! Yes, those Pro Gear Slims are always so tempting but they are a bit on the small size for me now (I used to like slender smaller pens but now I prefer the larger ones, but they are more expensive!) Have a great 2022!

[@WayneEveland]

I have to agree on the sparkle. Short of a solidly pigmented dip ink, Golden Beryl has to be the absolute best gold ink. It even works on paper that's not white. Puts Golden sands absolutely to shame. I also have to say I've spent more on ink this year than I ever have. Now I've i can find that ink that has crushed amethyst in it, I would need that in my life!

[@rachelwilliams4477]

Golden Beryl blew me away. I’m so happy I bought it. I think it also got other companies to green light more shimmer combinations. I’ve been seeing more green, red, pink etc shimmer instead of just the standard gold and silver which I’m really excited about!

[@InkyRocks]

I'm glad that ink worked out so well for you. I actually haven't tried it--it's a little harder (and more expensive) to get out here. I hear you about spending on ink--YIkes! You can try messaging Yaching Style on IG but I think Japan Post isn't shipping ink now.

[@beautybug1831]

I love hearing your predictions about the different types of ink & fountain pens that have been popular over the past year, and in your humble (and most professional) opinion, are going to continue and shine-in through 2022 I've learnt so much through your in-depth videos, and thanks to your charisma, your loving & inviting approach that sweeps everyone - at least me - to love the subject with irredeemable enthusiasm, I'm in love with ink & fountain pens MORE THEN EVER (on the verge of... obsession 😂...) I'm not a huge fan of some of the trends you've been predicted (Glitter I can stand in small doses, but rainbow... no way... Please 😄... etc'...) but it's interesting, nontheless, and I most def appreciate all of your hard work & your extensive knowledge, that I don't have! BTW, I wanted to ask for your advice, regardless of the subject - I want to start a new INK SWATCHES NOTEBOOK, and I wondered whether the LEUCHTTRUM1917 is a good choice (I'd rather use up what I already have before I purchase MORE new stuff... as much as I am a #StationeryShopaholic 😜 I'd really appreciate your input! Lots of love, Liat

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much, as always, for your very kind words Liat! For me, any journal would work as long as you enjoy the paper and know that swatches look different on different kinds of paper (so I use white paper only). Leuchtrum is a great journal and I've used them before. So personal preference is key!

[@beautybug1831]

@@InkyRocks Yeah, I realize that it's a matter of subjective perference, but I hear all the time the term "Fountain Pen Friendly Paper", so I wonder... of course I try EVERY piece of paper that falls into my hand... 😁 Needless to say... Thanks for your help!

[@jcparkins]

Happy New Year and may it be a better year for everyone! I hope you're right and more companies will start offering smaller bottles of ink. I have so many full size bottles and I'd love to have a wider variety of colors with a smaller price point.

[@InkyRocks]

Absolutely! I would occasionally buy a full bottle if I really liked the bottle or use the ink a lot. Have a great New Year Jackie!

[@gristlevonraben]

wonderful video, very smart predictions! Hilarious Godzilla notebooks, I'd love one, but I don't do instagram anymore. I'm just glad to see you here. I hope your new year is a blessed one.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I also have Godzilla socks, apron and a beanie hat. I think it’s hilarious! Have a great 2022!

[@apocalypse_frau]

A beautiful chromo shading ink paired with a uniquely hued, customized color block fountain pen sounds like paradise to me. ☺️🌈 Speaking of unique hues, I hope 2022 will grant my wish to find a wider variety of elegant, yet sturdy glass dip pens for sale in (or that ships to) the North American market. I daydream about such a find as a Hogwarts student might anticipate casting the charm for their patronus. 🪄🐇

[@InkyRocks]

Well there is a lot of chromo shading inks and color block out there now and the future will make your search easier. My next video is on a glass pen maker here and glass pens are a lot of work! That is one of the reasons there is not a lot out there. Maybe some of the N American glass blowers out to take up the challenge!

[@apocalypse_frau]

@@InkyRocks I realize that my comment about hand blown glass dip pens didn’t convey my intent very well. I would prefer to support a fellow artist for their inspiration, vision, passion, skill, and time for a one of a kind dip pen to last a lifetime and pass down to my children. I only know a few glass artists in the states who make them, and one artist has put dip pens on hold to focus on teaching and creating larger pieces for his body of work. That said, I am very grateful to you for the beauty, knowledge, humor and grace that you bring to our community. I very much look forward to your next video, and thank you for taking the time to reply to my initial post! ☺️

[@InkyRocks]

@@apocalypse_frau Thanks so much for your kind words. I agree, while I understand many may not have the means to, like you, I really like supporting artists. Have a great new year!

[@michaelt.t.hansen]

Always very interesting videos. So many new things. One of the best channels in this genre. Happy New year.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Michael! Have a great 2022!

[@_toffy]

I am going to slightly push back on smaller ink bottles just b/c anything that’s 15 ml or smaller feels like a “collectible” to me-I am too scared to use it in the bizarre fear of running out. Samples make sense to me since you can always buy a larger bottle. My ideal ink ml is in the 30-40ml range-gives me time to develop a relationship with an ink in various pens over years! & beautiful vid as always :))

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I can totally see your way of thinking! I think some (but not all) of the smaller bottles are just smaller versions of the larger bottle they sell. That was the case with some of the Chinese inks.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I’m a fan of the Pilot vanishing point line. they usually come out with a numbered limited edition around September. Bamboo Forest has some nice,soft colours.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, that Bamboo Forest is pretty amazing! I think they sold out in a couple of days.

[@nameissturdy1390]

Great review! So much to see that I usually take notes on your videos. Happy, healthy, safe New Year to you and your family.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much Laurie! I'm so glad you get value from them. Have a great 2022!

[@bujodogabs]

Hey Alesa! Happy new year. Thanks for sharing and hosting a giveaway! You did great with the predictions for 2021. The whole godzila stuff is adorable.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I am shocked at how many people enjoy the concept of Godzilla! My Godzilla socks are awesome! Have a great 2022!

[@c.catlover4080]

I love the sparkly pens, especially the clear demonstrator one you first showed. Thank you for all your interesting videos. Have a very happy new year from the US.

[@InkyRocks]

You are definitely on trend! The sparkle doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon. Thank you--have a great new year!

[@Perelka_L]

Oh, those Chinese Collection Trade (?) inks made me swoon when I saw them on Ali Express... They also come in massive bottles that made me positively swoon since I am big on price/ml. I still have to wait a lot until I get there, atm sadly my inks experience attack of slime... Btw, is Stuff in The Bottle something inkunuma fellas are scared of? I wonder, do you know? Thank you for the lovely review of all the 2021 predictions! I am a little sad Glass Pens didn't take off in West but ah well, one can hope, right... On a side note, those perpanep writing utensils are kind of pretty, in a minimalistic way... I stared at them a lot when I saw those online x3 Also wow, that ink-sage is something I aspire to be... But I cannot ever find a satisfying way of logging my inks. It drives me a little crazy, but that's me. Small bottles also are amazing, I kinda yearn to find a way to spill my inks in big bottles into tiny tiny bottles but I have no ways to get those (nothing to do with aforementioned attack of slime, ofc not. It's all about cute bottles!) TAG Stationery ink in stone looks so... soothing... Whoah... Aesthetics can be powerful but... personally it annoys me since it feels very insencere, personally. Oh my god this comment is so long but once I saw one of those Traveler's advertisments dip into oh, you know, travel around, cut yourself off internet and it felt immensely hispterish and also... I can't imagine Travelers ever taking off if not internet. Ah dear I spilled my salt. I'd take Colorverse Space Nerdery any day haha. Salon de Violet also looks great! Gimme more amazing aesthetics that dip into less generic things... does it make sense? It does, for me. Apologies for longass comment, your videos always make me think a lot about fountain pens and inks... And by the way, didn't Sailor release a dip pen last second xD? That fits your prediction here, haha Thank you for all the Godzilla stuff too! please do tell me if I am writing too much dsakjfhdsf and Happy New Year!

[@InkyRocks]

Glad my video inspired your dialogue on pens and ink! Don't apologize for talking about pens and ink with me hahah! That's why I make an effort to answer all my comments. I'm not sure if Inku Numa people worry about ink slime more than FP people, but I really don't know. They did, and I'm going to get that dip pen this week. Khue brought it to a meeting and it was cool! Have a great 2022!

[@shortmom5764]

I hope your prediction of small ink bottles/sets come true, I can see those being very collectible. Here in the U.S. where I live, it is a desert for stationary, fountain pens and accessories stores, I need to figure out how to order from overseas. Thank you for all of your videos and introducing us to all that is out there.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! I think more companies are starting to ship overseas. But it is slow here in Japan. I think much of their stuff sells out domestically and they are maybe not as motivated to ship to other countries. You can try White Rabbit.

[@hannahf9301]

Deskbandit is going to get the Tono & Lims adventure sets around march and I'm so excited to get my hands on them! Ostrich inks came out with a new line of morandi pigment inks, and they came in those 5ml bottles as a set. Tag and J.Herbin also put out small sets this year too. My guess for next year is DIY/add your own shimmer. A lot of chinese companies (樱花彩墨, Starryink, Fanyantan, Banmi) are doing it, Tono & Lims have had them for a couple of years, and Pennonia released their DIY liquid shimmers this year too.

[@InkyRocks]

I had to look up Desk Bandit and they are really on top of the Asian trends--what a great resource! I agree, the add your own shimmer will continue. I have not tried any of the Chinese ones. I'll need to look into it!

[@HeidiRaatz]

Seems you had your fingers on the pulse for most of your 2021 predictions. So I'm looking forward to all the papers and smaller ink bottles in 2022. 😁 Still trying to figure out my best sources of Asian stationery goodness here in Suisse, though I probably ought to learn to embrace the abundant classic European brands. 😂 Happy New Year and thanks for all your great videos!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much! I love Asian stationery but I really want to go to the Dutch Pen Show and London Pen Show after the pandemic. I would like to see first hand all the cool stationery in Europe! Have a great 2022!

[@chrisrap52]

Well done. Predictions are not easy. I predict Chinese pen makers will continue to make more upscale & expensive pens. More gold nibs. Have a Joyous, Safe & Healthy New Year.

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks Chris! I totally agree and wish I thought of that! Chinese pen makers are definitely upping their game. Thank you for stopping by (and I owe you a letter…)

[@lukaszpokoju]

If you managed to get your hands on Iroful paper, I'd be curious to know what your final thoughts are. Aside from that, to me the most important thing of 2021 is the "resurection" of Tomoe River by Sanzen, review of this new new version are pretty encouraging. I believe the craze over Edelstein Golden Beryl stem from the fact it's a Palikan annual L.E ink rather than the fact it's a shimmery ink (for some reason the less inks one brand releases in a given time, the more attention it gets ) . Nobody talks about Diamine Golden sands for instance, despite it being analogous. It looks to me that Pelikan (amongst other European brands) just started to realize there's a new generation of pens enthusiasts interested in special inks, and got on the shimmer train late. Still better than Waterman and Parker that are literally stranded.

[@InkyRocks]

I did a very short comparison on this video awhile back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqbLpGhtraaEfKM Fudefan and I were the first in the west to do reviews on the Successor. I'm not aware of any reviews of it in Asia. I have not had the chance to try Golden Beryl as I'm spoiled for choice here in Japan. But it is getting such rave reviews, I may have to.

[@zenandink3531]

As always, this video is loaded with inviting products! So many!-but-loved the products that you are offering in the give aways-the ink cards are so cool-always makes me wish these were all more readily available here in the US (as always ;). Happy New Year 🎊 PS I’m having fun playing with new inks and a couple of new pens-I am especially loving my Narwhal Schuylkill Porpita Navy…

[@InkyRocks]

Hopefully someone will make or import those ink cards. They seem pretty easy to make--it's just paper that doesn't take ink made into a design. Glad you are enjoying your pen and inks! Have a great 2022!

[@zenandink3531]

@@InkyRocks haha…during my swim this AM I had ideas!-I could use a stencil on multi-media paper using a wax resist or a gel medium; then, when applying the swatch it won’t penetrate the design-I’ll try it!-However!-I don’t even want a new system for watches-lol-I like my little booklets! 😂…ahhhh…the pull of new and fun products-Happy New Year!

[@octothorpe12]

I need a giant mouse mat with that Hokusai Wave/Godzilla picture!

[@InkyRocks]

That would be awesome. I'm in a Godzilla kick now...

[@octothorpe12]

@@InkyRocks This may not be your thing, but Criterion released an *amazing* boxed set of the original films. Worth it for the packaging alone!

Thanks for a new beautiful video!

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Mariela!

[@mirjameladhari]

Oooh the White pen with the beads on the end is truly beautiful. Wood in materials for pens appear to be passé? Perhaps they come back in a few years…

[@InkyRocks]

It really is different and I enjoy it. At the last Tokyo Pen Show, the biggest seller was mechanical pencils made from different kinds of wood. People waited hours in line for them!

[@jom6829]

What a lovely review and predictions video. I agree that smaller ink bottles will become more popular. Having now run out of room to store my burgeoning collection, smaller bottles are definitely appreciated. Of course the only worry then is if I particularly like an ink I won't want to run out of it, so bigger bottles on offer would also be appreciated, but I don't know how sensible that is for a manufacturer. I am somewhat disappointed about the colour blocking not taking off. I loved the concept and hoped to get a pen with different coloured parts, but alas no. I am a sucker for all things shiny and sparkly, but on the whole I prefer the ink colour without sheen or sparkle, so often don't agitate the bottle if I really like the base colour. Who knew you could get excited by paper, but I certainly have. I like that other companies are working to bring out different paper, so even when the successor comes out, I hope there will still be interesting paper options. Wishing you much inky goodness for 2022.

[@InkyRocks]

You have such a lovely attitude about all this! I think the Asian market is producing most of the color blocking. It's been around for awhile but really took off a couple of years ago (mainly because you can fit each of the different colors to your story about the pen.) I think it's hilarious you use shimmer inks without shaking the bottle to get the base color--I need to remember that! Thanks so much and have a great new year!

[@fudefan]

Another fantastic video! Definitely agree about the last point. Look no further than grumpy old Mori-san's shimmering ink experiments. Now I need to look up those Collection Trace(?) inks...

[@InkyRocks]

thanks Jacob! Yes, Collection Trace--they were pretty bright chromoshaders!

[@hypnoshypnos4755]

@@InkyRocks I can't find anything on the internet about this company, do you have a link?

[@InkyRocks]

@@hypnoshypnos4755 Collection Traced is on AliExpress

[@hypnoshypnos4755]

@@InkyRocks Can't find it there, I'm afraid :(

[@donnabulman3690]

I love the idea of smaller bottles also! I need more ink! (and pens) lol!

[@InkyRocks]

It's quite the popular idea here--I think smaller bottles will go over big!

[@julienotsmith7068]

Recently I got a set of fine point not-italic-nib fountain pens and filled them with some ink I had sitting around (Pelikan and Diamine) and was super happy with them and then I came over here and I want to buy everything. You should be on the payroll somewhere, a stationery store maybe? Thank you for all these reviews, now I have a list of ink to buy that'll keep me busy.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! It can be a real rabbit hole! But in the end, the classics are the best (like your fine point pens)-I always return to them.

[@cesspresso]

I agree that the inks that chromo and sparkle will be more popular. The last two years have been very rough and we need more pleasant and enjoyable things that are typically considered mundane. I also believe that demonstrators and metal pens especially copper, will increase in visibility too.

[@InkyRocks]

I really agree! Demos are always going to be popular and I’ve been seeing an uptick on metal pens.

[@docfrayon]

Congratz to chatterjeeprerana ! I'm consoling myself by its probably too small size for my big hand :)

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! It probably is. Strangely, I'm now enjoying larger pens now (just got the Pilot Custom Urushi and a Santini that is close to that size and those are my daily writers now!) That is bad news as these larger pens are more expensive!

[@naeemahjs]

Thank you for another amazing video…

[@InkyRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@julierak343]

Another great video--I think you're right that the pen industry will figure out that young women are an important target market. The sparkle pens are part of that.

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you so much Julie! Yes, it's nice that young women (that don't necessarily do calligraphy or art) can also participate in this wonderful community. It's a great inclusive group of people.

[@thorhilda]

I don't recognize myself in these trends. Everything seem to geared toward inkuma ladies. I actually write with my pens. I take notes. I put ideas on paper. I don't doodle in scrapbooks to make them look pretty or to impress people on social media with carefully staged ensembles. By copying each other, these companies are competing for what seems to me to be an increasingly caricatured clientele, and they are leaving out large segments of fountain pen enthusiasts. If these predictions prove to be true, I am not excited about the coming year.

[@InkyRocks]

I said they would shift the market, not dominate it. The vast majority of pens and ink are very user friendly. Your fears are unfounded.

[@blackletter2591]

I am hoping that they will merely calve off their own segment of the market, with their glass pens and little ink bottles that won't be big enough to put a large fountain pen into. Looking at some of these collections of paraphernalia - the little inks, papers, pens, boxes etc etc I have the impression that some will never be used. They will just be photographed and uploaded to social media and their owners' hands will remain unstained. Some of it reminds me of what goes on in the tea-making groups, with all the packaging and paraphernalia. I can't blame the industry for exploiting it, I suppose. I don't like buying batches of little inks either - half of them usually turn out to be the colour of dishwater. OK to make tests of, but bad for writing with. There are still gaps in the mainstream offerings that are not met, which make me cross. I too have the Edelstein gold ink, and it is a beauty, but it's so disappointing that there is no fountain pen I can safely use it in. Even if I empty it immediately after, this stuff settles so quickly in the pen that you have to shake it to get some moving down to the nib, and that never ends well. Clogged up feeds, ruined pens, who needs it?

[@davidanderson3425]

My predictions for 2022 will never happen but here is one: Lamy will introduce a Limited Edition Safari in a range of different woods. Same clip, same nibs and same ink window but a selection of light and dark woods. I know you want one already!

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! At the Tokyo Pen Show the biggest seller was mechanical pencils made of different wood. People waited in line for hours to get them--so maybe Safari should try it!

[@ameliabuns4058]

OOOH A PEEK PEN?! as someone who does hobby mechanical stuff and 3dprinting I know about peek and I love it :D I'd prefer an ULTEM 1010 pen tho :O that filament is gorgous :D and less brittle

[@InkyRocks]

Kasama from the Philippines also does Ultem along with Schon Design!

[@ameliabuns4058]

@@InkyRocks Ooh that's cooL! tho i'm too broke for that kinda stuff :D

[@archivist17]

5:25 may give some people nightmares 😆

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! That pen can take it (though I've let that happen to a pen that couldn't and the results were ugly...)

[@namope359]

I'm looking to see how the small bottles might fare as well. Starting to make a little dent in the samples and 30 mL is still a commitment considering my set up.

[@InkyRocks]

I stopped buying and asking for samples many years ago as they can get out of hand! It seemed like I was always "organizing" them. Now I may just fill a pen with a friends ink or just say "no" hahaha!

[@marilyngardner4269]

What a fun and insightful video. I'd add Colorverse to the list of companies offering small ink bottles. They now offer many of their earlier inks that were only available in 65 ml bottle sets in "mini" 5 ml bottles, and their new USA Special line features 15ml bottles. While the cost per ml is still high, as you say, that calculation becomes irrelevant when you're actually getting an amount of ink you might use in your lifetime.

[@InkyRocks]

Yes! I remember when I first saw the Colorverse little bottles--I thought it was such a great idea. I think they were probably one of the first.

[@lanaavrutova9599]

You are giving me pen dreams.

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Good then

[@arcfide]

in Japan, given strong support for glass pens and "ink collecting" to drive bottled ink sales contrasted with an observation you made about the reluctance of some people to change inks in their fountain pens, as well as the huge dominance of C/C pens in the Big-3, how do you think bottled ink vs ink cartridges use is distributed among fountain pen users in Japan? Are cartridges strongly preferred, with users preferring to enjoy bottled inks independent of their fountain pens, or do the majority of Japanese fountain pen users use converters? I get the impression that cartridges are pretty dominant. For example, the Shikiori cartridge set by Sailor and Platinum's wide range of cartridge inks that they don't make available in bottles. Is it just that Japanese are comfortable with cartridges for their fountain pen needs and then enjoy bottled ink with dip pens more readily, or am I totally off on that impression?

[@InkyRocks]

I’m not sure I agree with your premise (though you ask some really intriguing questions). Do the Big Three really have disproportionately more C/Cs than other companies? Also I may have given the wrong impression: the Inku-Numa ladies do drive a lot of the ink market but they are not an overwhelming dominant force. There is such a large number of FP users here that they affect the ink market but none of the Big Three even make shimmering inks! I think the reason there are interesting cartridges is because they have a big enough market to support it. I think cartridge versus C/C is more divided along the lines of casual user versus a more passionate user.

[@arcfide]

@@InkyRocks Thanks for going into more detail on this! It's great to hear your experiences, since I love watching "trends" across geography in pens. Your casual/passionate division seems like a reasonable explanation, in the absence of any real public data on the matter.

[@AF-yq6ew]

I love your videos so much! Have you got any recommendations on where to get a japanese dip pen for international customers! Would appreciate your advice :)

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you! You may want to look at the Kakimori dip pen. I have it in m nib video. You can either order it directly from Kakimori (they ship international) or from Yoseka if you are from the States.

[@ddk5431]

Happy new year to you, may thiS Young year keep you an yours healthy and sharing delicate beautiful moments together My prediction for 2022. China will issue an innovation in nib grinding

[@InkyRocks]

Oh what an interesting idea! I would be curious to see that! Have a great new year!

[@DavidGarcia-te5vy]

Thank you as always for such great videos. You said your daughter has a fountain pen KZbin channel? Or was I misinterpreted? The name sounded familiar!

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks so much! No, she doesn't use fountain pens (she did in high school for awhile as one of her favorite teachers uses them). But she liked the packaging to that pen so much, that it interested her.

[@Derek.LeStrange]

I just want more options for an ink bottle like Akkerman's marble stopper bottles!

[@InkyRocks]

I so hear you! I love those bottles.

[@animula6908]

I think you were harder on yourself than I would have been in evaluating your predictions. Next year you should poll us to see how well you described our own buying trends as your viewers. If it’s any comfort I recently decided I want glittery pens and chromashading inks instead of sparkle inks in utilitarian pens. Lower maintenance. For what it’s worth, even termites and fish love sparkles, but as apex sparkle collectors we have a superior ability to direct ours wisely, so I think you were just ahead of your time on sparkle inks taking a backseat. #sparklesnob

[@InkyRocks]

Hahaha! Apex sparkle collector is now permanently in my FP lexicon. Awesome!

[@darkchocolate4643]

A new video! Yaaay!

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! You are fast!

[@hekatsees9449]

P.E.E.K and ULTEM are high end plastics which have high melting points, high freezing points and are very strong plastics, making them difficult to break or crack. I wonder how these products will enter the industry and if they’ll make their way into the fountain pen mainstream?

[@InkyRocks]

Part of the hard sell is that they don’t have good colors.

[@lanaavrutova9599]

Peek, ultem also is NICE. I a sucker for ultem.

[@InkyRocks]

Me too!

[@strshooter7399]

Godzilla!!!!! Wow, not a huge fan of Godzilla, but that might just change 👍. Thanks for the great video IR 👍🙏😎

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! I love the idea of Godzilla. I didn't watch the recent movie that all this merch was for. Thought I did know one of the people that used to wear the Godzilla costume on the TV show here like 50 years ago!

[@bieberninja1]

i would like to see twsbi come out with an oversize fountain pen and for diplomat to finally come out with a stub or italic nib

[@InkyRocks]

Those would be interesting!

[@bieberninja1]

@@InkyRocks i think twsbi blew it by not making the precision fountain pen an oversize and as much as i like diplomat, they need to start something new, right now they are just releasing different colors for their aero fountain pen, they better be careful because that can get stale really quick, it's ok for lamy to do that with the safari since they are usually below $30 but the typical aero is $156

[@tuhkathri9126]

TR4L Tomoe River for life 😄 at least the old 68gsm version.

[@InkyRocks]

hahaha! It is so popular for good reasons!

[@メキシコ人-k2v]

Honestly I don't see why people love the Pelikan golden beryl ink. Its an interesting ink but I find it too..shiny of an ink if you get me. I mostly write on my journal so for me it's not an ink I want to write with, I like some more quiet inks, some shading ones. I would try it out just to satiate the curiosity but not on a regular basis.

[@InkyRocks]

Shimmering inks are my “play” or “doodle” inks. I have a separate set of “serious” inks.

[@beautybug1831]

Hey, Dear Alesa! I hope everything is okay with you, and you've "just" decided to take some time off of YT in order to clear your head a lil bit & draw some creative inspiration - not that you need more of it... - from external inspiration sources... (In other words, I hope these are just positive, HAPPY reasons for your time out ... 🙄) I truly miss you, our inner circle jokes about ink, pens and being a FP geek... 😄 Lol...) It's funny how things works sometimes. I was thinking of you the other day (I think I saw some gimmicky pen, I can't even remember which one it was) and all of a sudden I ran into a series of videos by that Appelboom guy (Sorry, I guess he's a well known person in the FP community, but as a novice 🙃 I've never heard of him before). The name of this series is TOP 3 PENS OF... Does it ring a bell, Alesa 😉?! Ahah... I saw a lot of well known KZbinrs (in our community, and in general), and than I saw... Y-O-U!!! I was so excited as if you were my sister, my mom, or a really close friend... 🤔?! (I haven't watched the video YET. I had to contact you first! I didn't want to bother you earlier, but I really wanted you to know - and I'm quite sure there're a lot of ppl who feel exactly like me - that you are much loved & appreciated! However, if you need to take some time-out, for yourself or for your beloved ones, by all means! Good for you! You've got your priorities straight! We'll always be here for you. Now it's your time to take care of yourself and support your immediate family & friends (in every possible sense - physically and/or mentally). Sending you lots of love, and best wishes for good health did no harm to anyone 😇💕!!! Take care, Liat

[@InkyRocks]

Liat! Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comment! I AM taking a break. One reason is that I'm seriously working on my health--I've been fasting and working out. I've gotten some really great results and will probably do a video on it in a few months. The other reason is because I'm going thru my collection and streamlining it. I'd like to do more "tight" videos instead of the rambling ones. I'm also rethinking some of my topics for videos. So yes, it's a kind of creative break. Once I get organized I'll be back (like in 2-3 weeks). Thanks so much for looking out for me! I do miss the community but I've really enjoyed my break too! Take care of yourself and keep up with your very lovely attitude!

[@beautybug1831]

@@InkyRocks I'm so happy you're in a good place - both health wise & creatively. I truly believe the best thing one can do for him/herself is to... fine-tune themselves, not just their nibs... 😁 I'm sure you're going to come back when you're looking fab! Take your time, enjoy your creative vacation & remember we're thinking of you and waiting for you! #WhenYourReady

[@ColeTrain9984]

Where do you get those ink swatching cards?

[@InkyRocks]

They have been offering them at the shows here lately. I'm thinking they should go international soon. I'll post on the pinned comment when I hear news of it.

[@susanorban3059]

Fabulous video! Could someone please tell me how to differentiate glass dip pens? Most are long skinny nibs some are fat bigger around nibs. I'm looking for one that is the the fatter around kind. Thanks for any help!😊

[@InkyRocks]

Thank you Susan! Right now, for me, the only "thicker" line I get from a glass pen is the italic ones. And the only person I know that ships overseas is Hanabi Glass Studios.

[@paulfiorino7463]

Can you give a definition of Chroma Shading? Is it the property where the ink shades a different color? Thanks for all the great ink porn!

[@InkyRocks]

Yes, it's an ink that shades different colors. I did a video on Ha Ha about 2 years ago and there was no way to describe what that ink was doing. So I made up the word as a joke (being that chromo means color) and it kind of stuck. Have a great new year Paul!

[@TheKeeny]

I need to know what ink was the third shown during the color swatch segment. Timestamp 8:56.

[@InkyRocks]

Maruzen Athena Ginkan. I think Sailor's new ink line, Yurameku, has the color Kangyou, which is supposed to be a close match.

[@miroslavpavlemanovski3886]

🎁

[@InkyRocks]

😊

[@hekatsees9449]

Fountain pens can become the new fashion accessory with the right marketing and pairing of the unexpected… There is a whole world waiting to accessorize if the industry decides to share…

[@InkyRocks]

I really love this idea! It’s fresh and out of the box. Wether or not companies would go for that is the unknown.

[@hekatsees9449]

@@InkyRocks It’s almost a different industry in that many of the ‘old guard’ would not fit or even understand this vision. You are what I think of as ‘talent’ because you seem to push yourself to see things a little differently, rather than just dutifully following along. You could probably transition between the worlds more easily than most in the industry. The thing is, if it works, it’s a ‘new’ market share… I can’t get it out of my head that the timing seems so very appropriate… Although, this is not my world; I do enjoy it…

[@arcfide]

Is there a trend with Japanese fountain pen users regarding posting pens? Is it the default practice like it is in the U.S.?

[@InkyRocks]

I don't know of any "research" about it, but I would say the people that post pens the most tend to be the traditional collectors (generally older men that buy nicer pens). A lot of the younger people don't seem to (like the inku numa ladies).

[@hekatsees9449]

There were some Taiwanese fountain pens which entered the market, but the retailers and reviewers didn’t make a big deal. There are some nice brands which I discovered by happenstance…

[@InkyRocks]

Which ones?

[@hekatsees9449]

@@InkyRocks Well, not counting Y Studio because they have made it into the United States market after my few purchases, there are a few more I really like. My problem is most of my inventory is in storage till I figure out where I plan to settle permanently and I don’t recall the brand names. I’m waiting until the housing market calms down to settle. I’ll check what I’ve purchased lately and let you know for sure. But this is what I know off the top of my head. I bought 3 different brands other than Y Studio. One fountain pen is made with bamboo inside the fountain pen if I remember correctly. Another is acrylic with some very interesting (not typical) treatments. They can be used as eyedropper or cartridge fill. Beautiful fountain pens. There is another one which is a combination of decorative brass metal and clear acrylic. It is beautiful. Damn! I wish I could remember the brand names. Although I’m not sure the brand names are written in English. One fountain pen is a teal green color with streaks of brownish enhancements + clear acrylic. The same company made another acrylic fountain pen with a multi-blue and a clear theme. There are other motifs that did not appeal to me, but that is just my personal taste. The fountain pens seem well made, they also write well + include steel nibs. They are nothing like TWSBI, completely different design feel…

[@InkyRocks]

@@hekatsees9449 that's interesting. I'm just not familiar with any pens other than TWSBI from Taiwan. I'll need to look into it!

[@eprohoda]

spelndid - see you on my side-

[@InkyRocks]

Thanks!

[@nealbapat567]

What is the paper called at 8:30

[@InkyRocks]

They are called "Ink Card" and are sold at Nouto.co I'm not sure if they ship overseas.

[@MysteryArts]

I'd like to think I still qualify as a "young woman" at 46/47 in 2022.....

[@InkyRocks]

You do! I'm considering myself as a young woman at 64 (very much in my head, and in the end, that's all that matters...)