Anabelle Hiller is a talented goldsmith specializing in handcrafted fountain pen nibs, and she's taken the stationery world by storm. In this conversation, she shares her journey from Austria to self-employment, highlighting her passion for pen craftsmanship. Anabelle discusses the intricacies of creating custom nibs, her love for vintage pens, and the delight of attending pen shows. She also touches on the community support within the pen-making niche and the thrill of documenting her experiences through stationery journaling, blending her love for F1 with artistry.
Anabelle Hiller's journey from childhood fascination with stationery to becoming a goldsmith highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion.
Her innovative custom harmonic nibs showcase a blend of traditional goldsmithing techniques and modern design, enhancing the fountain pen experience.
As a newly self-employed artist, Annabelle aims to connect with the stationery community at pen shows and expand her custom offerings.
Deep dives
The Evolution of a Stationery Lover
Annabelle Hiller shares her journey from a childhood fascination with stationery to a professional career centered around fountain pens. She fondly recalls her early experiences in an Austrian stationery store where she would eagerly select notebooks and pens based on their potential for creativity. One impactful moment was receiving her first fountain pen, which allowed her to write cursive in school, sparking a lifelong love for the medium. Annabelle's unique perspective as a left-handed writer influenced her choice to stick with fountain pens, as they provided a more comfortable writing experience compared to ballpoint pens.
The Transition to Goldsmithing
Annabelle's deep-rooted passion for fountain pens led her to pursue a career in goldsmithing, with the intention of working specifically with nibs. After studying the harp and spending time in the banking sector, she decided to follow her true interests and enrolled in a four-year trade school to learn the intricacies of metalwork. Despite her teachers primarily focused on jewelry, Annabelle's determination to specialize in fountain pens allowed her to pave her own unique path in this craft. This decision proved essential, as it laid the foundation for her future career as a nib specialist.
The Impact of Collaboration
A significant turning point in Annabelle's career was receiving a job offer to work as an in-house nib specialist at a prominent pen shop during her studies. This opportunity allowed her to gain hands-on experience and hone her skills while interacting closely with a variety of pens and customer needs. Collaborating with others in the stationery community fueled her enthusiasm and provided her with unique insights into crafting nibs. Through these experiences, she established a strong network and developed a reputation for her expertise in the field.
Innovations in Nib Crafting
Annabelle's creations, particularly her custom harmonic nibs, have garnered considerable attention for their innovative design and exceptional performance. Unlike traditional nibs, her harmonic nibs offer enhanced tipping material and a unique layered construction that provides a distinct writing experience. Each nib is meticulously crafted from scratch, showcasing Annabelle's dedication to artistry and quality. Her approach to crafting nibs—combining traditional goldsmithing techniques with modern innovation—reflects her passion for creating functional art that enriches the writing experience.
Embracing Independence
With a fresh start in her career, Annabelle is focused on embracing her independence and exploring new opportunities within the stationery community. She plans to travel to various pen shows to connect with fellow enthusiasts while expanding her offerings of custom nibs. By cultivating her creative ideas and engaging with her audience, she aims to make a significant impact on the niche market of fountain pen users. Annabelle's journey exemplifies how passion, collaboration, and innovation can lead to fulfilling work that resonates deeply with both the maker and the community.
Brad is joined this week by the newly self-employed Anabelle Hiller of Opus Cineris. They discuss her stationery journey from the early days in Austria, becoming a Goldsmith, and now striking out on her own to share her art with the world.
This episode of The Pen Addict is sponsored by:
Enigma Stationery: Join Enigma's support of LGBTQIA+ youth. Visit their fundraising page now.
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PENADDICT.