#newpenday

[@SimplyAubs]

Thank you SOOOO MUCH, @Karyna!!! It is SOOO important for everyone to hear!!! I am a FAN of your "waiting" a few days before you buy. It ALSO looks like YOU are able to SLIM down your collection rapidly! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing with us!!! Cheers!!!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I am so glad this has been helpful! And thank you for your kind words - they mean a lot. 🥰

[@kolleenf]

Thank you for your honesty about the pen burn out. I’m quite new to the hobby (only started last October), and I think part of why it took me a while to finally purchase my first FP is because I knew it was such a deep rabbit hole to dive into, and that options are literally endless to the point of being overwhelming. I haven’t been in the hobby long enough to experience burn out, but at 9 pens in, I’ve started to feel like this is where I take a pause and enjoy each of the pens I have first before purchasing a new one.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

There is so much information and options available that it can be overwhelming! Yes, take a pause and take time to enjoy what you have. Thank you for sharing!

[@tennyotoys]

This video perfectly captures the idea that sometimes the wanting is better than the having when collecting. I’ve experienced that just wish I was better with release when I have buyers remorse.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yes to the buyers remorse! I try to be thoughtful with each purpose - make myself wait a certain amount of time before buying. But sometimes, you fall out of love with something.

[@Kris_413]

New subscriber here, loved this breakdown and honesty from you. I'm new to the fountain pen space so it's great to know I have someone who will always give an honest feedback.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KenchanKrafts]

Oh no!! Karyna! I did go “hmmm you bought a Sailor?” When you shared with me because I know you don’t love Sailors in general. One of my questions I ask myself is, “ do you use pens in this brand on a regular basis? Do you love the general pens in this brand? If not, don’t buy it” and that’s where I’m at with Benu pens. I don’t buy any because I haven’t found my love for them yet. I hope someone loves this Sailor and takes it from you ❤

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I am down to one Sailor, and it was a black and gold ProGear bought with Amazon credit. Which is now on a Just Turnings pen body. I do not need more than that!

[@muallaemine]

İn the last decade - decade and a half or so FPs got more popular then ever. Before that the idea of a new FP with many bells and whistles almost monthly from a gazillion brands was just none existant. I got soo excited at some point during those years that I started buying a lot of pens just out of curiosity more then anything else really. After covid the online shopping scene was so dominant that by that time we almost totally stopped trying the FPs in stores. Besides, that meant that we could access waay more easily a small pen maker from anywhere in the world. That opened up more and more doors to buy pens rather then experience them. Personally it took me quite a while to calm down and realise that I actually use and enjoy some of my pens but not most of them. You have just entered the FP world; so it is a different story for you of course but I think your decision is on point. There are sooo many pens around but if you have the ones that you love to use then you don't have to have the others really. As you use what you have and get more and more familiar with them, you'll know when there is something that catches your eye if you will actually use it. You'll also know if it is an eye candy that you want for real (and that's a perfectly valid reason btw 😅) As I had stopped buying every new pen that came out under the sun some years ago, I rediscovered the joy of a pen show last year in İstanbul. It reminded me that it is way more enjoyable to go and interact with brands makers nib meisters etc, and get something there if I want to. The list of pens I would like to get if I can is 2 pens for 2024. And as they are very limited pieces I'll see whenever my budget is ready and if these are still available by that time. Otherwise I'll keep my money and I'll still have my gorgeous pens that I love and use. I think that lately the only brand that I get excited about when they have a pen launch is kilk pens. And as they are local to me, I can go and have a chat and see the pens in person.... anyway. This has been a very very long way of saying: great decision and more power to you!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for taking the time to write this. I love how you said that there is something about interacting with pen makers/retailers that makes the experience that much more special. I've purchased so many pens online because I only have one retailer within my city, so my acquisition and experimentation has been limited to online. Thank you so much for your comment!

[@tbayless8324]

I agree, I have only been at this for a year, and you can get burn out real easy. It seems like some of the FP world seems repetitive. Same pen different color. It's like getting a new car after the new wears off, and here I am chasing that carrot with everyone else. Like most things, the brand makers run into a brick wall to keep the interested parties buying.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@tbayless8324 so true. Not much exploration can be done with a pen once you’ve written with it. You can try different inks and different papers but that’s it. Then you want the next new thing. It’s a vicious cycle.

[@tbayless8324]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan Very True, Karyna, right now I am exploring inks, I just bought some notebooks that I am regretting., not that their bad, but not exactly what I expected. I am running with a small budget, buying Chinese pens, some write just as good as others. Nothing wrong with changing your mind.

[@muallaemine]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan İn my school years I only had a couple of Parker Vectors and at Uni got into the Lamy Joy. They were enough because there wasn't much choice really. Everything else was the classics, the expensive stuff like the Watermans and Montblancs. And many manufacturers were based within their country and weren't much available elsewhere so we didn't even know about them. The inks were mostly limited to blue black red and green. And it was good. FPs weren't a hobby; they were mainly a tool. But they were always a fun tool for me. The reason why I got into the Lamy Joy at the beginning was because of its different nibs. I loved writing with that pen and it is still the best affordable Lamy in my opinion 😊 Nowadays FPs are a hobby. So having collections of pens does not seem weird to anyone. It has become the norm. I find it is easy to forget what you like about FPs when you become overwhelmed with the amount you have or the amount you 'have to pursue'. I personally love that I can get many different 'exotic' nib styles like the obliques, the stacked nibs etc. That gives me room to write creatively, to draw and have a more artistic outlet through my pens on the daily. I love that! Through the years I have gotten more beautiful bodies for those nibs as I could afford them by that time. And we have an abundance of different nibs that we can get nowadays... but still anything more then 50 pens - that's if I put all the different nibs in pens, have all the different fillings and all the eye candy pens etc - is just not practical and will not get used for sure. But I might like to have more just because I love a particular style or brand etc. But I wouldn't know that if I am constantly hoarding the next shiny thing. So it is a good idea to stop buying for a while.. this is a slow pace analog experience in a chaotic fast digital world. It is meant to be enjoyable and calming; not a source of burnout. So it isn't for everyone. But it is great for anyone who knows what they want and like out of their pens 😊

[@CreatingCuteArt]

This is so relatable! I’m proud of your honesty with us. ❤

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! 🥰

[@journalwithtiff7221]

I've been eyeing that pen on Pensachi. Waiting for it to come back in stock. ❤

[@Tina.Journals]

Thanks for posting this Karyna. It's been a hot topic of discussion lately. I've been pairing down my collection as well, have sold 9 pens so far this year and have 2 up for sale. Really want to focus on what I have instead of always looking for the next best thing. It can be exhausting at times. I took a break from fountain pens a few years ago. Not totally though, I was journaling in a Midori One Page One Day with lots of collage and color. For that year, I used one pen, my beloved Pilot Custom 912 inked with Pilot Iroshizuku fuyu-syogun (I actually used a whole bottle of ink). It provided me the much need reprieve and kind of a reset.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you Tina! Glad to hear it was a “break” and not a full “break up”, and you were able to find your way back to the joy in the hobby!

[@BlushnBlue]

I know the feeling. I really wanted the new Kaweco but I love the Kawecos I have now. So I won that mental debate...lol. I've found my favorite Sailor Pro Gear so I am set on that brand. Pilot is another story...lol..My favorite brand for many many years. My future goal pens are documented and I hope to just stick with that alone (Big ticket item Montblanc149 for when I graduate NP school). If I really love the TWSBI ECO newest color I will get it due to the low cost...which this newest release was another debate I won...lol...money saved. Wishing you and the rest of us the best on making wise decisions and enjoying the fountain pens that we have now.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you - I'm glad that there are others who feel similarly. And yes to enjoying what we have!

[@cherylclough4309]

It is such a beautiful pen. I don’t have a Sailor yet, but will buy one, one of these days… I recently decided that my collection needs some careful expansion. I’ve decided to purchase at least one pen a month after trying to decide what I really need and want. I bought a Platinum 3776 and really love it. So I am going to research the gold nibs a bit. This past month I bought the Esterbrook Winter White and really like it. Trying to go slooowwwly. That is so hard.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for sharing, Cheryl. Yes, trying to go slow is hard, especially when we're faced with so many new releases all the time. But enjoying and getting to know what you have makes such a difference to pens you want to acquire later. Good luck!

[@brittanyfreeman9101]

Thanks for sharing! I ended up getting a Lamy 2000 and love it! But I agree the burnout is real. When I was pregnant with my first I could not stand fountain pens and took a break from them. This time I’m enjoying them still during pregnancy but trying to have less. I’ve sold some that were great but didn’t reach for.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Congratulations on your Lamy 2000! And on your pregnancy! Good for you for taking a break when you needed to, and it meant that you didn't fall completely out of love them fountain pens, either!

[@Ali4451_]

Thanks for the honest video. Where do you sell your pens?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I sell my pens through Instagram, or KZbin Community posts. You can also sell via VirtualPenShow account on Instagram, or through r/PenSwap on reddit.

[@afountainpenawakening]

yes the burn out is real, I've backed off from purchases since January and I only got the Esterbrook Estie as it was a pen that has been on my wishlist for the longest time, but I waited for the right price. I've also slowed down with inks and other stationery purchases. I want the time to enjoy the pens I have and use the inks that I have.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I watched your video on your Estie, and you did mention this as well! And yes, we should enjoy what we have!

[@courtneyruss9122]

Hi Karyna. That is a very nice pen. I own a Sailor Pro Gear and they are great pens. I like the two tone nib on the Mocha. Mine is single tone white gold but two tone is the best looking. I’m not at a point of burnout just yet. But I’ve been far more picky in my decisions. This year marks 10 years in the hobby for me. Like many others have said the market is flooded with special/limited editions which can make you feel overwhelmed. Not to mention I may want one but in many cases you have to put your life on hold to attempt to get one before they are gone within minutes. That takes the fun out of it and I have more important things to do. I can’t remember if you posted that pen yet for sale. If you haven’t yet already I’m going to keep an eye out for it. Please have a great day.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Hi Courtney! Yes, this pen has already been sold. Congratulations on 10 years in the hobby! Do you find it quite different now from when you first started? I have a black and gold Sailor Pro Gear with a two tone gold nib, which is now on the Just Turnings body. I prefer the two tone nib, like you!

[@courtneyruss9122]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan I do find things to be very different compared to 10 years ago. With the amount of “special” and “limited” edition pens coming out very frequently is one of the big things. Instead of maybe annually or less frequently than that it seems like it’s once a month. This really takes away from the meaning and just seems to be a marketing term to announce a new release and is a justification to charge more. More and more people seem to be into the hobby or are more public about it. A like seeing the smaller brands that are entering the market. Those are the ones I really watch closely and will try and support over the mainstream brands. Personally I would like to see more and more people get into fountain pens or writing in general. It’s becoming a lost art and when I receive a hand written note or letter it means a whole lot more to me than anything communicated by phone, text, or email. I take the time to write notes to the people closest to me often especially on special occasions or important events. Thank you again Karyna. Both of these recent videos spoke to me in a very big way. Hopefully you don’t get burnt out completely and the hobby will remain enjoyable for you well into the future.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

So interesting to see how social media has made the fountain pen world "bigger" in a sense! And I've reacquainted myself with some inks and pens and feeling better overall! Thank you!

[@putocuchinta]

I like Sailor but I feel like I’ve hit a threshold with them too, and I no longer feel the desire to buy the latest PG/PGS or 1911. Instead I’m looking to expand my collection of brands, similar to you!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for sharing! I do have other brands I want to try but I'm in no rush. I want to enjoy what I have, too. 🩷

[@Adventuresover40]

This pen is beautiful. I want to try out a PG at the Chicago pen show. I want to see how it feels to write with. I am feeling the same about my pens.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I highly recommend getting your hand on one before buying - it really makes a difference!

[@Adventuresover40]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan thank you... Yes I want to try the PG and a Platinum 3776. I also want to try a Pelikan.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@Adventuresover40 I tried a Pelikan M800 at SF and it is one of those you have to hold to understand!

[@Adventuresover40]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan oh okay... That makes sense. I definitely want to hold and try them. I've decided that I won't be buying a pen unless Ive tried it out.

[@TumescentPuma]

My wife approves of your channel!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

This might be the comment of the day!

[@TumescentPuma]

Yeah, but she has me on pen embargo until DC in August 😢

[@ichirofakename]

Are you selling it on vps? I'm looking for a brown PG, will buy it if I can afford it. Or I'd trade my 743 AND Kaweco Stainless Steel Sport for it. As I am trying to reduce my collection by getting rid of what I don't use.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The pen has already been sold! I found it on VPS.

[@bethg7026]

I have been fairly careful not to go overboard in my 1-year fountain pen journey. I own 8 pens, 3 of which are very inexpensive, and one was over $200. Part of that has been that I do have a budget, including lots of medical bills for my daughter. So I have been very selective and frugal - a variety of nibs, shapes and designs for as much variety as possible. I don't have a sailor yet. I've been thinking I may buy one as my next pen. I know I don't want a slim, it's too small for me. But choosing the nib size is soooo difficult! I want one I can use shimmery ink in, but I don't want it to be so broad that I can't use it for every day writing at work.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you for sharing, Beth! We all have different lives and budgets around this hobby, and we make it work for us. I do like the Medium nib on the ProGear - it is finer than Jowo mediums and handles shimmers well. Your list are all good considerations when looking at your next purchase. Sending healthy vibes to your daughter!

[@bethg7026]

@KarynaLovesToPlan thank you for your thoughts! I think I will likely go woth a medium nib when the time comes, thanks for explaining how it writes!

[@rgcainmd]

If you’re feeling burned out, sell the pens that no longer bring you joy and then take a break from the hobby for awhile.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

I have sold 15 pens so far this year!

[@dianalovestoplan]

Great review and great message for us newbies. We don’t need it all and I’m doing the wait period you suggest. It really works as I changed my mind on 2 that I just didn’t need. Impulse buying is tough to battle.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for sharing that, Diana!

[@snarkywordsworth]

I was so surprised to see this thumbnail pop up in my feed as I know you'd mentioned not always being 100% happy with Sailors, so of course I clicked right away because I was wicked curious how this purchase came about and what drew you to the pen. Definitely appreciate the honesty about how maybe the allure of wanting this colorway from your wishlist outweighed a lot of factors you normally consider, as well as about how burnout is affecting you. I'm sorry the purchase didn't end up being one you could be super excited about, and I hope that your next NPD is a much more enjoyable one for you. I'm not precisely in a burnout phase, but I am finding myself trying to engage in the hobby in different ways than I was in the past. Exploring indie bespoke pen makers has definitely made things new again for me (thanks for that 😉), as well as playing around with my ink collection and mixing my own blends.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! I'm definitely trying to find different ways to engage in this hobby, by looking at what I have, exploring different pen/ink combinations, by using my pens more. I so enjoy watching all of your explorations!

[@KatiesCraftStudio]

👋👋👋

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

If I could reply with GIFs I would! 😁🥰

[@marilyngardner4269]

It appears that the fountain pen burnout topic has gone a bit viral among pen influencers. I'm seeing it everywhere now. A necessary correction from the excesses we all engaged in during COVID, perhaps? Also, pen manufacturers may be bringing this on themselves to some extent with all the new, special and limited editions.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

It is definitely a mix of all of these. I only started in the hobby during COVID (late 2021) so my length of time in this hobby is so short compared to others. And yes, the amount of special and limited editions is overwhelming.

[@marilyngardner4269]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan To be completely honest, there are too many "currently inked" videos out there now too. I don't deny that anyone who enjoys making the videos should do so to their heart's content, but I now pick and choose my favorite content creators. I suffered a bad injury after COVID that had me home a lot and hooked on KZbin. Now life is busier again, and watching other people talk about their pens and inks for the month doesn't always feel like a good use of my time. (KZbin was also cutting into my reading time.) And I tend to favor the shorter videos, as I ask myself, "is this really how I want to spend the next 45 minutes of my life?" The whole hobby can get overwhelming unless you give it the right place in your life.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

@@marilyngardner4269. To each their own. I love making currently inked videos and love watching them. Makers shouldn’t change what they create just because one person does not like their content. And that is the beauty of this hobby - pick and choose what works for you. Don’t judge anyone for what they choose to create or buy or watch.

[@marilyngardner4269]

@@KarynaLovesToPlan I totally agree. That's why I said "anyone who enjoys making videos should do so to their heart's content." I never asked anyone to stop. I'm saying that excessive video watching can be another aspect of burnout, or at least it is for me. I now pick and choose, based on the day's schedule or my mood, rather than feeling like I must watch every single one. I don't judge people for making videos and also shouldn't be judged for saying I don't have time to watch them. I am actually working really hard to break my addiction to pen and ink videos and am proud of myself for identifying this as something I need to do. It helps me curtail excessive spending on my collection as well, because it reduces the FOMO.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you Marilyn. Not saying you said to stop. There have been other videos recently that made comment about currently inked videos. We all have our preferences for what we like to watch or what helps us in this hobby. Good for you for recognizing what has helped you and how to protect your peace. I am learning that as well, and part of that is controlling the content I consume, which is what you have done. Thank you for sharing. Your feedback in this community is so helpful!

[@omyogagal]

I'm blessed with joinng a local pen club meetup every month. Meeting other FP collectors and trying out a wide variety of pens and inks really helps to fulfill my curiosity. As the actual experience of writing with different pens grew, I no longer have the urge to buy the newest pens, or want more pens than I need.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

What a great experience! And you are right - there is a curiosity about fountain pens that is hard to fulfill with just social media. Having the chance to try pens in person is so helpful!

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Hobbies are cyclical in nature. I think the cycle is around 2 years. I started at the same time as you. Personally, Im burned out on all of the cheap Chinese-made clone pens that are constantly being reviewed on KZbin and other media.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

This is good to know! Most things in life go through phases, and hobbies are not exempt from that.

[@sushanart]

While the pen is beautiful I understand your feelings of burnout. I have several interests and hobbies so if I don't feel it for one interest I can turn to another hobby or take a break from them all. 😇🩷🙏🙌

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Well said! I do have other hobbies but fountain pens do take up so much of that! Thank you for sharing.