HN Explorer

Would the smoothness of your pen affect your creativity?

7 points by samzhao ↗ HN
An interesting discovery I found today: the smoothness of my pen actually affected my creativity when I was writing an essay for school. I don't know if this is based on any scientific facts, but I could definitely write more and make more sense when using a black pen which is very smooth (although a little too dark).

Does anyone have the same experience as I do?

14 comments

[ 4.9 ms ] story [ 42.3 ms ] thread
HedgeMage
Yes! The smoother a pen writes, the less your brain has to be engaged with the physical action of writing (constantly modifying the motion of your hand to accommodate changing friction depending on the part of the paper, direction of the stroke, etc.).

This is one of the many reasons I only write with fountain pens. They write smoother than other pens (rollerballs, ballpoints, gel, etc.), require less pressure, and are less expensive in the long term due to the low cost of bottled ink and the longevity of even mid-range pens.

samzhao
Wow! Thank you very much for replying! And you actually explained the science behind it for me! The only impression I have with fountain pens is that they are not so convenient as you can easily get your hands dirty. It is also not a good idea to carry a bottle of ink around in school environment. I think that's why I don't see many people (if there is any) using fountain pens in school anymore.
jackelk
Nowadays we have ink cartridges instead of ink bottles which are thankfully much less prone to ink explosions. Ink cartridges do tend to cost quite a bit in the long run, but I think it's a good trade off, especially if you have an awesome pen. (I like Lamy)
samzhao
Some manufactures even offer life time warranty!
parenthesis
I carry a fountain pen and a bottle of ink around with me (and some toilet paper to wipe the pen after filling). I've refilled on the bus, in other people's houses, in lectures and tutorials, all without making any more mess than sometimes some ink on my hands (but I don't mind if people think I'm an artist). Only once (eight years ago, almost to the day) did I have an accident, flooding my bag with ink just before an exam (the lid of my bottle of ink was not on properly).

Edit: And as for the pens themselves, I've used a mere four pretty basic Parker fountain pens during the last twenty years, two of which are still in service. Of the other two, one was broken by a classmate in high school messing around, and the other by me dropping it nib-down onto the floor.

samzhao
Haha! Interesting story! I would definitely be amazed if I were to use a pen for 20 years.
HedgeMage
Fountain pens aren't as messy as you may think.

I usually fill at home and carry 2-3 pens if I'm going to a conference or something where I may write a lot. However, if I do need to fill on the go, I carry ink vials instead of bottles (the smaller vials don't need a big, clear space to be used for refilling) and a couple of wipes. Dip the pen, suck up ink, wipe the section, done. I usually don't even get any on my fingers, and if I were really worried about it I'd carry ink nix or amodex to wash it off before it stained.

samzhao
Stains! Refilling needs skills, lol.
zmmz
I'm also in the smooth writing apparatus camp.

I see why you would go for fountain pens, but insead I would recommend to go with a simple soft pencil (anything beyond 5B). Smoother than anything with ink in it.

jenniart
I always found this to be true as well and I actually got really into zebra pens because I like the way they feel and I found that I tend to write more when I have a good pen. I also find that I'm more creative when I type on a good keyboard... which plays in to the theory that working against a crappy pen is distracting.
robertskmiles
What level of pen smoothness does a keyboard correspond to?
munsito
I'm absurd, but I am constantly on the hunt for pens with a good flow that don't smudge the second you accidentally rub your hand against what you just wrote. I love the uni-ball pens, but unfortunately my handwriting is completely illegible with these :/ It's a mental thing - I feel like my hand is an extension of my mind and I can't tell you how many times I write code on paper before typing it up. It just helps me organize.
HedgeMage
Have you tried a fountain pen with a quick-drying ink? Noodler's Bernanke black and blue, or a Private Reserve fast-dry ink, are good choices, especially if you are a lefty.