A great notebook deserves the perfect companion: a writing tool that enhances your experience, complements the paper, and helps bring your ideas to life. Whether you're jotting down notes, sketching, journaling, or brainstorming, finding the right pen or marker can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the best writing tools and accessories to pair with your custom Origin Books notebook.
Best Pens for Writing
1. Gel Pens: Smooth and Vibrant
Recommended: Pilot G2, Uni-Ball Signo 207, Pentel EnerGel
Gel pens offer an ultra-smooth writing experience with deep, vibrant ink. They’re perfect for note-taking, journaling, and everyday writing. Be sure to let the ink dry fully to prevent smudging.
2. Ballpoint Pens: Reliable and Long-Lasting
Recommended: Parker Jotter, Bic Cristal, Uni-Ball Jetstream
Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink, which dries quickly and prevents smudging. They are great for those who need a consistent, long-lasting writing tool without worrying about ink bleeding through the pages.
3. Fountain Pens: Elegant and Expressive
Recommended: Lamy Safari, Pilot Metropolitan, TWSBI Eco
Fountain pens provide a luxurious writing experience with customizable nibs and refillable ink options. If using a fountain pen, choose an Origin Books notebook with thicker paper to prevent feathering or bleed-through.
Best Markers for Sketching & Doodling
1. Fineliners: Precision for Sketching & Writing
Recommended: Sakura Pigma Micron, Staedtler Pigment Liner, Uni Pin Fineliner
Fineliners offer crisp, precise lines for drawing, sketching, and writing. They are perfect for bullet journaling and detailed illustrations.
2. Brush Pens: Flexible and Expressive
Recommended: Tombow Dual Brush Pens, Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens
For artists and hand-lettering enthusiasts, brush pens provide fluid, dynamic strokes. They work well on smooth paper but may require notebooks with thicker pages to avoid bleeding.
3. Highlighters: Add Color to Your Notes
Recommended: Zebra Mildliners, Stabilo Boss, Pilot Frixion Erasable Highlighters
For annotating and organizing notes, highlighters in soft pastel or vibrant neon tones make it easy to emphasize key points without overwhelming the page.
Essential Accessories
1. Notebook Bands & Pen Loops
A notebook band or elastic pen loop keeps your writing tool secure and always within reach. Some notebooks come with built-in loops, but you can also purchase adhesive loops to attach to your favorite Origin Books notebook.
2. Sticky Notes & Page Markers
Use sticky notes for quick reminders and color-coded page markers to easily navigate your notebook.
3. Washi Tape for Decoration & Organization
Washi tape adds a decorative touch and can be used for borders, page divisions, or temporary notes in your notebook.
4. Rulers & Stencils for Bullet Journaling
A small, portable ruler is great for drawing straight lines, while bullet journaling stencils help create consistent shapes and layouts.
Final Thoughts
The best pen or marker for your custom Origin Books notebook depends on your writing style and purpose. If you prefer bold and smooth writing, gel pens are a fantastic option. For professional, smudge-free notes, ballpoint pens are the way to go. Artists and designers might opt for fineliners and brush pens to bring their creativity to life.
With the right combination of writing tools and accessories, your notebook will be more than just a place for notes—it will be an extension of your creativity and productivity. Happy writing!
What’s your favorite pen for your Origin Books notebook? Share your go-to writing tools in the comments below!
