as an artist, and compulsive doodler, i can be pretty snobby about writing implements.

i can't stand lined paper. probably because any time i'm writing there is the distinct possibility of it turning into a sketch and i don't want the lines to interfere. the 8x12 artist sketchpad i currently carry is pretty typical for me.

i don't like writing with pencils. pencils are pretty much exclusively for sketching. i usually carry a range of Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils just in case.

my current pen of choice is the Pilot EasyTouch medium. blue and black are both good. i like ball-point pens with relatively dry ink that doesn't bleed too much; they let me get a whole range of shades almost like a pencil, but less prone to smudging.

anders pearson