Mike Matteson, a pen enthusiast and YouTuber, joins Brad on this episode. They discuss Mike's YouTube milestone, his local Pelikan Hub, favorite inks, and what makes a great pen show experience. They also talk about creating content for YouTube, ranking pilot nibs, favorite nibs, new pen ink, improving pen shows, the importance of Wi-Fi, fundraising for St. Jude, and their social media presence and giveaway.
Pinshows should optimize the flow and organization to encourage cross-pollination between different types of pens.
Adequate space, proper lighting, and access to electricity should be prioritized in pinshows.
Pinshows could benefit from offering guided tours for newcomers to navigate and explore the event.
Deep dives
Improving Flow and Organization
Pinshows should focus on optimizing the flow and organization of the event. The layout of the floor should be designed to encourage cross-pollination between different types of pens, such as vintage and modern. Additionally, there should be a designated area for services like nib grinding and repairs to make it easier for attendees to find and access these services.
Addressing Space and Lighting Issues
Pinshows should prioritize providing adequate space for both floor and table setups. This includes ensuring there is enough aisle space for easy navigation and sufficient space behind tables. Lighting is also crucial, as many shows suffer from either too much or too little light. Show organizers should consider providing tables with access to electricity and vendors should be encouraged to bring their own lights to improve visibility.
Implementing Guided Show Tours
Pinshows could benefit from offering guided tours for attendees, especially for those who are new to pinshows and feel overwhelmed by the space. These tours could be organized at specific times during the show and led by knowledgeable individuals who can show newcomers around, provide information about vendors, and help them navigate the event.
Improving Heating and Cooling
One area for improvement is the heating and cooling systems at pinshows. Show organizers and venues should strive to provide comfortable temperatures that neither freeze nor overheat attendees and vendors, ensuring a better experience for everyone.
Exciting Ink Discoveries
The podcast episode discusses the host's recent Ink discoveries, including the Nagasawa Kobe inks and the Nagasawa Audemodapia inks. The host highlights the unique colors and qualities of these inks and expresses their enthusiasm for trying new shades. They also mention other ink brands like Color Traveler and Enigma stationers, noting the impressive shimmer inks and exclusive ink options available.
Impressive Pens
The podcast episode also covers some noteworthy pens, such as the Platinum 3776 Silhouette, Diplomat Excellence A Plus, and Esther Brook Model J. The host shares their positive experiences with these pens, highlighting features like the matte finish and evocative color of the Platinum model, the executive feel and twist-off cap of the Diplomat model, and the Ebonite material and unique design of the Esther Brook model. The host expresses their excitement and satisfaction with these pens.
This week, Brad is joined by correctly-spelled Mike, the one and only Mike Matteson from Inkdependence. We discuss his recent YouTube milestone, his local Pelikan Hub, some of his favorite inks, and what makes for a great pen show experience.
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PENADDICT.
Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.
