The opportunity for an actual fountain pen meetup came up not long after I joined a local fountain pen group chat. There was talk of a mini-penmeet to hang out with a couple of members who were about to travel. They were collectors of vintage pens, so I didn’t pass up the chance to meet them.
The mini-penmeet happened on a Sunday afternoon at a local coffee shop. One of the pen group members was already there when I walked in. After some short introductions, the rest of the members slowly arrived, eight of us in total that day.
Vintage Pens at My First Fountain Pen Meetup
We thoroughly enjoyed the vintage pens in front of us. Around 30+ pens were laid out in a box on the table, each with an interesting story about its features, materials, and how it was restored.
Most of what makes an old pen worth collecting comes down to three things: the nib, the material, and the story behind the restoration. Vintage nibs, especially the flexible gold ones from the early 1900s, write with a softness that modern steel nibs rarely match.
A lot of the pens on the table that day were made from celluloid, an early plastic that was prone to warping and cracking, which is exactly why a well-restored one is worth so much more than a rough one.
We even got the chance to write with them. Holding a pen older than you, most dating back to the 1920s, was a magical experience.
Bringing Out My Sketchbook
Since it was my first time going out in a long while, I didn’t miss the chance to meet fellow artists either. I already had my painting sketchpads in my bag, ready to bring them out anytime.
Thankfully, my seatmate was an artist. She made amazing digital work and had a background in animation. We talked about different art mediums and showed each other our work.
My sketchpad was pretty large, so it inevitably caught the eyes of the other members. I gave them a quick tour of my other work, and they really liked the cat series paintings I’d made. It was nice seeing how everyone appreciated creativity in all its forms.
What I Wish I Knew About Selling My First Painting
Among the pair who were flying out that evening, one was an avid supporter and collector of local art. She took an interest in one of my paintings depicting a fisherfolk, worthy of an exhibit, she said. I was genuinely touched by the compliment.
After a few more exchanges, she offered to buy it. I was in shock, it was the first time anyone had offered to buy a painting from me in person. She told me all I had to do was name a price and she’d take care of the rest. I did, and I sold my first ever painting.
If you’ve never priced your own art before, naming a number on the spot is harder than it sounds. I didn’t have a formula. I just thought about the hours it took, added a little for the materials, and picked a number I wouldn’t feel bad about later.
Most first-time sellers undervalue their own work by a wide margin, so if you’re ever in that position, it’s worth erring higher than feels comfortable. Worst case, someone negotiates. Best case, you realize your work was worth more than you thought.
Being surrounded by people who appreciate the same things you do feels amazing. I was nervous going out and meeting new people for the first time, but it didn’t take long to fit right in. Already, at that point, I felt like I’d found my tribe.
Around that same time, another invite came through the group chat for a full afternoon inside the National Museum of the Philippines Iloilo, gouache and paintbrush included.
Quick Answers
How much are vintage fountain pens worth? It depends heavily on the nib material, the body material, and the quality of restoration. A well-restored gold-nib pen from the 1920s can be worth significantly more than a similar pen with a damaged nib or an unrepaired crack.
How do you price your first painting sale? Start with your materials cost plus a fair rate for your time, then round up. Most new artists undervalue their own work, so if you’re unsure, it’s safer to price slightly higher than you’re comfortable with.
What should I bring to my first pen meetup? Bring whatever you already make or collect, even if no one asked. I brought my sketchpad out of habit, and it ended up being the reason I met the person who bought my first painting.