In this episode, we sit down with Ian Schon, owner and designer behind Schon DSGN, and Azizah (GourmetPens) for a deep dive into innovation, craftsmanship, and the world of boutique fountain pens. We explore the highly anticipated MONOC nib and the upgraded MONOC EVO, with Ian sharing the design thinking, engineering challenges, and performance improvements behind both models. Azizah adds her expert writing impressions and practical insights for pen lovers.

One of the highlights of the episode is an exclusive workshop tour, where Ian walks us through the tools, machines, and processes that bring Schon DSGN pens to life. It’s an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at true craftsmanship.

We also break down the pros and cons of Black Friday sales, how discounts impact small makers, and what listeners can expect from Schon DSGN’s upcoming Black Friday promotions.

The Buzzsprout listeners will also appreciate how amazing the YouTube Live chat was during the recording, contributing thoughtful questions and adding energy to the entire conversation.

In This Episode:

• The story and engineering behind the MONOC nib
• What’s new and improved in the MONOC EVO
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the Schon DSGN workshop
• Writing impressions from Azizah (GourmetPens)
• The realities of Black Friday for small creators
• Sneak peek at upcoming Schon DSGN Black Friday deals
• Community-driven Q&A from the fantastic live chat

If you love fountain pens, maker culture, product design, or behind-the-scenes insights from small creative brands, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable knowledge.

Follow, rate, and subscribe for more interviews, deep dives, and conversations with makers and creators!