Show Notes
In this episode I welcome Dave Dollar of Dave Dollar custom pens to talk about how he transitioned into pen making from other wood working, and has turned that into a fulfilling retirement career of making custom fountain pens. Dave talks through his pen models, how he was able to find a unique niche that needed to be filled with one of his pen models, and how he has differentiated his pen models. Dave talks about winning the Orlando Pen Show makers contest and touches on plans for a repeat performance. This was a fun episode, so I hope that you enjoy. Show Links https://davedollarcustompens.com https://www.instagram.com/davedollarcustompens/ https://www.hellotellostudio.com https://www.logstotreasures.com/zodiac-pens https://garnyandco.com https://orlandopenshow.com https://www.littlecraftplace.com https://www.littlecraftplace.com/pages/events https://www.floridastationeryfest.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dave Dollar and His Journey 02:20 Diving into the World of Pen Making 13:45 Transitioning from Hobbyist to Business Owner 21:59 Innovative Designs and Niche Markets 24:23 The Art of Customization in Pen Making 26:39 Winning the Orlando Pen Show Pen Maker Challenge 31:12 The Dynamics of Local Craft Shows 36:41 Exploring Materials and Custom Commissions 44:11 Future Innovations in Pen Design 47:49 Outro
More from The DWRDNET Stationery Feed
In episode 14, I get to welcome Jonathon Brooks of Carolina Pen Company to talk about how he has become one of the most well known names when it comes to pen materials in addition to the pens that he makes as part of the Carolina Pen Company. We talk about how he got started, and the path that followed in terms of teaching himself to make pens which quickly led to pouring his own blanks, and things just kept growing over time.
In this episode I am joined by pen maker and artist Matthew Martin who talks about how he got into making his machined pens. Matthew talks about how a side project of helping his dad with some knife making ended up becoming his full time job of making bespoke metal pens. Matthew talks about how he explored different anodization techniques, and how that moved into using anodized titanium as a form of artistic expression.
In this episode, Derek interviews Diana from Moth and Maple who shares her journey into leather and stationery accessories, discusses her custom offerings, and explores her process of creating unique leather products and blanks for pens. Discover how her passion for leatherwork and stationery converges into a thriving small business, with insights into the latest trends and her upcoming projects.
On this episode I get to welcome writer Michelle Geffken to talk about her work in the analog space. She is the creator of the paperblogging.com website, and is a big proponent of embracing the analog tools and mindset when it comes to writing and creativity. Be it sketching, typewriters, or fountain pens, Michelle talks about how all of these come into play in her work.
In this Episode, I get to talk to Rich of River City Pen Company. We get to talk about how he got started, how he approaches his various pen models, when he decided to start creating some inks, his show schedule and more.