during my first visit to japan several years ago, i picked up a bunch of goodies including one of my favorite items – a pilot petit1 fountain pen. unfortunately, i lost that pen and had been searching all over for them ever since. to my disappointment i found out they had been discontinued.

i did a quick search recently and learned pilot was planning to reboot these pens. i went over to jetpens and sure enough they had them in stock! i snatched up a few of them along with a bunch of other pens and stationary items, such a kokuyo buncobon dot cover notebook (my moleskin alternative) which i carry with me to work everyday.

i received my package the other day. thanks elizabeth and the jetpens team! pictured below from left to right:

zebra surari emulsion ink pen, pilot petit1, sakura pigma micron, uni-ball signo broad UM-153

although there a few differences between the old and new (ie – colors), this pen is awesome because it’s so compact. here is a close up of the pilot petit1 fountain pen:

i’ve been making it a point to indulge myself with good readings. whether it’s for its content or it’s beautiful artwork and photography, i find reading a good way to wind down during my long days of designing in front of the computer.

here are a few books/magazines currently in my reading rotation:

monocle
this is one of my favorite magazines. great photography of people, fashion, and travels. it covers global affairs, business, culture and design. i admit, i don’t always read all the pages but love this publication. i am a little behind in all my magazine piles. hence the may issue.

the alchemist
it’s not a new reading as an old co-worker recommended me this book several years back. i am re-reading this since it’s such a simple yet profound book. if you haven’t read this before, pick yourself up a copy as it manages to slip in a lesson or two.

clients from hell
an excellent reading for anyone who works in the design world. anonymous contributions to client horror stories makes for a hilarious read. just a few of my favorite quotes:

“i’ve printed it out, but the animated gif isn’t moving”

“thanks for the pdf, but can you resend it at 100% instead of 147%?”

“i really like apple’s logo, so i’ve taken it and put our name under it”

“i want you to design something that will make people horny when they see it”

pick it up!

music graphics
if you’re a lover of music and enjoy buying it not only for its sound but it’s content, this book is awesome! it contains a thousand music graphics – everything from packaging to posters. plus i find this inspirational as i have a music client i design for. but it here.