Last year around this time I wrote a piece that, looking back 12 months later, sounded more frustrated than I probably intended. That said, after a difficult 2021, in which everyone - companies and community members alike - were trying to navigate the world post pandemic and just keep their businesses afloat, I felt like we needed a reset. Did 2022 accomplish that? What should we expect from 2023? Let’s check in and take a look.

Goal One: I’m Enjoying Pen-Based Social Media Again

Setting aside Twitter (which I’ve never used as a primary T.G.S. social media channel other than to announce blog posts) pen-related social media seemed to be a more positive experience in 2022. I spend most of my T.G.S. social media time on Instagram, and over the past year my feed has seemed much more focused on promoting independent makers, smaller retail outlets, and creators. Part of this is intentional, in terms of the accounts I’ve decided to follow and how I’ve narrowed what I view on my feed, but another major factor is the overall community emphasis on smaller businesses and independent creators (more on that below).

Goal TWO: A Proliferation of Independent Retailers and Makers

If I had to remark on one trend that seemed to absolutely explode in 2022, it was the emergence of dozens of new independent makers and small retailers. A big part of this was likely the decision by many to go full-time (or at least go public) with their stay-at-home projects from the pandemic years, resulting in a wealth of new penmakers, ink brands, and curated retail shops offering a range of choice that previously has not been available. Reading through the year-end blog recaps summarizing favorite acquisitions, I’ve realized that there are so many independent makers that I haven’t yet experienced. I’ve also been fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of multiple penmakers in my own town, many of whom have been turning for years at a very high level of quality and are only now discovering the online pen community and bringing their creations to a wider audience.

Goal Three: Less Hoarding

Personally, I acquired much less in 2022, and what I did purchase for my personal collection/use was done in more intentional way, after first considering how I would use it and the role it would play in my collection/everyday rotation. My ink accumulation is WAY down after a series of sales, and I’m in the process of reducing my pen accumulation by half. In general, I’ve noticed less online discussion about ink and special edition hoarding, though there are still frustrating accounts of people snapping up pens such as the coveted Bungubox Fujiyama Blue Pilot 823 and immediately trying to flip it on eBay for 3x the price. Don’t be that person. Please.

I’m looking forward to adding many new independent brands to the Curated Shop in 2023.

I’m Not Changing My Wishes for 2023 at All

I delayed writing this follow-up for a week (we are almost halfway through January), because I couldn’t think of anything new to add to my list. I finally decided to go ahead and post this because that may very well be the point: I’m content with the direction in which things are moving and would like to see this trend continue. While I’m always excited for pen show season, I absolutely cannot wait for the upcoming year. So many people are doing shows, and at the moment I plan to be at the 2023 Baltimore Pen Show as well as the Arkansas Pen Show, with more dates to be determined in the near future. Stay tuned!