In the realm of stationary aficionados, there’s nothing quite as personal or expressive as one’s choice of pen. From the artistic flair of a Sharpie to the elegance of a Montblanc, pens are more than writing instruments—they’re an extension of our personality and a tool for creativity. On the latest episode of “This is So Nerdy,” hosts Amy and Jess dive deep into the world of pens, discussing everything from marketing strategies to the emotions stirred by ink colors.
The Aesthetics and Marketing of Sharpie: A Missed Opportunity?
Amy sheds light on how Sharpie, a brand renowned for its permanence and versatility, might be missing a beat with today’s generation. Despite their striking social media presence, Sharpie’s engagement level leaves much to be desired, particularly with Gen Z. Amy’s daughter, as an example, gushes over color-coding with pens, underscoring an ongoing affection for the handwritten in a digital age. Amy’s advice to Sharpie? Adapt to the evolving aesthetic preferences of younger demographics—and perhaps, a collaboration with influencers or TV shows could just be the perfect pen stroke to elevate their brand visibility.
From Calligraphy to Collectibles: The Wide World of Pens
It’s not just about function; pens can be a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship. A million-dollar pen like the Fulgore Nocturnus by Tibaldi certainly piques Amy’s interest, while Jess’s suggestion of gifting a Mont Blanc speaks to the timeless appreciation for fine writing materials. Our hosts aren’t shy about their love for pens, with Amy discussing her calligraphy prowess and the largest pen crafted in India, while Jess reflects on the emotional symbolisms behind different ink colors.
A Passionate Call for Bold Marketing Strategies
Throughout the episode, Amy and Jess express their dismay at Sharpie’s timid approach to marketing. Their advice? Leverage platforms like TikTok to engage with dynamic audiences such as college students and budding influencers, like Chloe Holliday from the University of Alabama. They point out Sharpie’s meager efforts on YouTube and TikTok, suggesting that the pen giant’s social media presence requires a complete overhaul to stay relevant and attractive to the next generation.
Nerdy Nostalgia: Personal Tales of Pen Preferences
While discussing their enthusiasm for pens, Amy and Jess delve into personal choices—a testament to the bond pens can create. Jess confesses her penchant for BIC point 7’s smoothness, contrasted with Amy’s preference for more substantial, chunky pens. Their reminiscence is not only reflective of their tastes but is also indicative of the significant role pens play in their daily routines and major life events like weddings—with yellow being a shared favorite color.
The Surprising Parent of Popular Pen Brands
A fascinating revelation emerges as the hosts discover that Sharpie and Paper Mate share the same corporate parent—Newell Brands. This prompts them to ponder the challenges of marketing an eclectic product range. They’re quick to note the subpar blog content and SEO optimization, hypothesizing that such brands might be complacent due to their established market dominance.
Conclusion: Penning a New Chapter in Pen Enthusiasm
“Pens might be one of the last remaining reflections of our individuality in this highly digitized world,” Amy reflects. As she and Jess discuss the college-ruled pages of their notebooks, it’s clear that for them, pens are not just writing instruments but narrators of life’s stories, organizers of chaos, and canvases of self-expression. The nerdy case for pens is made with love, laughter, and a genuine passion for the click, the cap, and the colorful ink that flows onto the pages of our lives.
