In this episode, Logan Merrill from Little Hollow Customs shares his journey into the world of pen making, discussing his creative process, the technology he employs, and the community of makers he engages with. He highlights the importance of functional art, the evolution of his pen designs, and the impact of 3D printing on his work. Logan also shares insights into his future projects and innovations in the pen-making space.

Show Links

https://littlehollowcustoms.com

https://www.instagram.com/littlehollowcustoms/

https://www.carolinapencompany.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mikes_metalworking/

https://papajstudio.com

Takeaways

• Logan Merrill is an outside-of-the-box thinker who enjoys functional art.
• He started making pens as a challenge after moving and setting up a new workshop.
• Logan’s first fountain pen was made in May 2023, a year after he began with kits.
• He emphasizes the importance of repeatability in pen design for customer satisfaction.
• The CNC machine has significantly improved his production capabilities and safety in the workshop.
• Logan’s 3D printing experience predates his pen-making journey and has become a valuable asset.
• He created a folding pen stand to save space at pen shows, which has gained popularity among other makers.
• Logan is experimenting with hybrid pens that combine metal and resin for better balance and usability.
• He is exploring new materials like gem bronze and Shibuichi for his pen designs.
• Logan’s future projects include a rollerball option for his pens, expanding their versatility.