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Winners
Höhle, rebirth of the classical writing instrument
The first prize of $10,000 was awarded to Jacques Laramie (22) of the University of Cincinnati in the USA for Höhle, a design that in the eyes of all five jury members represents a rebirth of the classical writing instrument. Its hollow barrel and matrix of holes are both functional and aesthetic. They improves grip and allows the fingers to breath, while at the same time, toying with transparency in a way similar to the design of contemporary buildings. The classic shape, quality materials and very thin wall create an exclusive image.
Its designer describes it as “desk art that is so simple and effective at its job that it frees the owner to focus on his or her thoughts”. The jury obviously agreed, and while there was a question about cost-effectively manufacturing it with such thin walls – which is an essential part of its appeal – its purity of design won the day. “I would like to own it”, said one juror, while another added that ‘It is one of the best I’ve seen”. PF Concept International will consider including the design in the Marksman Collection. The presentation was excellent, and its designer had clearly shown where his inspiration came from, and illustrated the concept’s evolution. It was the unanimous winner.
Second prize
Tin Pen, say goodbye to ink problems
Earning a very close second, the ‘Tin Pen’ from Patrícia Susana Santos (23) studying at the Faculdade des Belas Artes of the University of Lisbon in Portugal wins $2,500 for its unique approach. Using tips made of tin, which write on ordinary paper without the need for special preparation, the Tin Pen is inspired by a traditional technique known as metalpoint used by medieval artists and scribes. It doesn’t smudge or blur, the tips wear much slower than a pencil and it never needs sharpening. It can’t be erased either, making it useful for important documents.
The jury members were impressed by the fusion of ancient crafts with contemporary design. Writing with it has an “almost ritualistic feel”, said one juror, adding, “If I had one, I’d certainly use it”. Again, the presentation was well thought out, and the design was taken to a production-ready stage. Its elegant handle is fashioned from aluminium, and has a triangular profile for easier grip. It won’t roll away either. Four tips of various diameters that simply push onto the handle are also included, and the set is supplied in a velvet-lined aluminium case with ample space for logos. “It is a socially conscious design, environmentally sustainable and beautifully executed. A conversation piece”, came as praise from the jury.
Third prize
Contour, re-inventing the way you write
Jeff Mansur (35) of the San Jose State University in California won the third prize of $1,000 with ‘Contour’, a pen with a personalized grip inspired by Japanese tea brushes. The result is a visually stunning yet ergonomically responsible body that flexes and moulds itself to the contours of your hand. It “re-invents the way you write”, said a jury member, adding, “it is a tactile experience that you are compelled to explore”. After use, the grip simply returns to its original form.
The Contour’s structure exposes the ink cartridge colour, and gives the pen a feather-like appearance that mirrors a traditional quill. Yet at the same time, it has a jewel-like quality that elevates it to the status of a prestige gift. The designer suggests that grip should be manufactured using a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material to combine flexibility with structural integrity. It will be a challenge to manufacture the very fine spines that are essential to the elegance and functionality of the design, but as one jury member said, “It’s so beautiful, solve it!” Another added, “It is like something from a more graceful world. It crosses design boundaries, hinting at contemporary architecture. It goes beyond philosophy”.
The five honorable mentions are listed in no particular following order. Each winner receives $500.
Honorable mention
Black Box, first create, then draw
The ‘Black Box’ from Jeroen van den Bosch (25) of the University of Twente in Enchede, the Netherlands is unique among all entries as it engages the owner in the process of creating a writing implement. “This ritualistic, almost religious quality will appeal to creative people”, said one member of the jury. It involves selecting a twig, removing the bark and placing it in the box. After about an hour, tea-light candles in a ceramic chamber will have turned the twig into charcoal. A rubber holder is also provided for the self-created charcoal, while an active carbon filter keeps unwanted odours at bay.
Manufactured using a combination of high-gloss ceramics and injection-moulded parts, it features a leather-covered console for a Marksman Collection prestige appearance. It also encourages the user to go outside to collect twigs, adding a healthy dimension. It missed the top three as the jury felt that it didn’t quite have mass appeal. “It is very specific, a niche product for artists. But the designer dared to think differently, and that deserves recognition”.
Honorable mention
EXTRUDE, more than a boxed set
Many entries included a case and two or more writing instruments, but one stood out from the crowd. The ‘EXTRUDE’, from Bart Koehorst (24) of the Christelijke Hogeschool Windesheim, Zwolle, the Netherlands succeeded in integrating the cool mechanical precision of extruded aluminium into an elegant and functional design. The leather-covered fold-open case, which neatly holds an EXTRUDE ballpoint pen plus matching mechanical pencil, is also integral to the overall design. The case alone would carry the logo to preserve the purity of the pen’s design.
One jury member said, “It has a high-tech, masculine feel that comes from the exposed extrusion in combination with the precision turned finish. A bold design statement”. “I would carry this set with me, in its case”, commented another. Very few writing implements use extruded profiles as a basis for the barrel, so the EXTRUDE pen has a degree of exclusivity that fits the Marksman Collection design ethos.
Honorable mention
Drop, sculpture you can write with
In the words of a jury member, Peter Harach (22) of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Brno University of Technology in Brno in the Czech Republic took a “very cultural approach” to the design of his ‘Drop’ pen, adding that it is “sculpture you can write with”. It has a very high-end look, although one juror felt it was “a very specific male gift”. Its profile is inspired by the Marksman logo, and this is most evident in the open-ended metal case containing two foam trays that sandwich the pen and reveal the characteristic ‘diamond’ profile at both ends.
All members of the jury were particularly impressed by the simplicity of the design that teases with a machined ‘notch’ that reveals the refill. This drop-shaped feature not only provides a name for the pen, it shows the owner how much ink remains and provides a convenient finger hold for comfortable writing. The Drop’s outer case is manufactured from stainless steel, and uses a permanent magnet to hold the cap in place.
Honorable mention
WOMpen, a feminine phenomenon
Undeniably feminine, the ‘WOMpen’ from Roni Margolin (27) of the Shenkar College of Design in Ramat Gan, Israel is designed to be carried as a fashion accessory as well as a writing implement. Its name is derived from ‘womb’, and its design is clearly inspired by this unique and wonderful aspect of a woman’s body. “Its design is very human, very friendly”, said one of the jury members, adding, “It dares to go for a specific user group, and is therefore a very personal gift”.
Designed around an organically shaped metal frame, a rotating centerpiece clicks into place to reveal the writing tip. Felt pads on this centerpiece and a soft felt case further emphasize the fashion dimension of the design. At just 90 millimeters long, WOMpen is very compact, and ideal for small hands with delicate fingers. And despite its obvious feminine appeal, a male juror said, “I would also like one. Its compactness makes it ideal for carrying around in your pocket”.
Honorable mention
Rotatory Pen, intuitive operation, simple aesthetics
Highly compact, foldaway writing instruments remain popular as gifts, and several entries chose this direction. Only one, however, made it to the final eight; this was the ‘Rotatory Pen’ from Laurent Falque (21) of the E.N.S.A.V. la Cambre in Brussels, Belgium. This pen is so stunningly simple in execution that one juror commented, “Sometimes an idea is so simple that it’s not even considered. But this design deserves recognition”. Comprising just four pieces including a standard ink reservoir, the whole assembly simply clicks together.
Another side to the design that impressed the jury is its intuitive operation. To use it, simply pull out and rotate the writing part. When folded it’s extremely compact, and as another juror commented, “There are no loose parts to misplace”. Made using quality materials such as aluminium, it is a high-end product. But in plastic, it could also be a mass-market gift. “The Rotatory Pen could easily form the basis of a family of writing instruments”. The well-presented design is virtually production ready.
Download report of the jury
Report of the jury
