About the art and artist

What is RusaPen?

RusaPen is a one-man operation with occasional support from my canine assistant, Max.  I'm an illustrator, painter, and just a general creator!  I love making things and trying new things.  I'm constantly testing and experimenting with new techniques or materials. This is my part time job but I dream of making it full time in the future!

How long have you been customizing fountain pens?

It's a bit of a long story but I started customizing pens for sale in October 2024.  I've had to learn a lot of different things very quickly since then!

Tell me the long story!

It all started when I was born....but we can skip that part. I found an amazing artist on YouTube (Kaiteki Art) who used fountain pen inks and glass dip pens to make beautiful paintings and I wanted to try it too! I bought far more inks than was reasonable and eventually decided to throw in a fountain pen on a whim. A Platinum Preppy and boy did I love it! Still do, actually. 

Eventually I found the fountain pen community on Reddit and became active there. Then some things happened, my health took a hit, blah blah blah and I ended up taking a break from fountain pens for about a year. Once things settled a bit I decided to get back into fountain pens! I made a post on Reddit asking for ways to spice up a few of my pens and got some recommendations.  But when I posted my results I was SHOCKED at the support and encouragement!  People were upset to find out that the designs weren't official makes but just some nerd with paint and stickers! A few even compared them to actual maki-e pens (which I am still so flattered by). 

After a few days and a dangerous amount of encouragement....I decided to try making them for sale. I sold 2/3 on my first batch so decided to pursue it a bit more. I've tried to earn income off my art several times and in several different ways but none of them stuck or happened this fast! So I spent the next few months experimenting with sealing, layering techniques, different pens, etc. And...well now we're here!  I've sold out on most of my batches and decided it was time to get my own site!  Man, what a ride the last 6 months have been...

What materials do you use?

For fountain pens: stickers/decals, acrylic paint. and UV resin.  I have a Youtube video here where I show you the specific tools.

For traditional art: acrylic markers, alcohol markers, watercolors, gel pens, acrylic paint, literally anything I can get my hands on!

Digital: Samsung Galaxy tablet+Clip Studio Paint

Business

I have a problem with my order!

Ah, oh no!  I will admit that I am human and can make mistakes. You can contact me via the contact page here and I'll follow up with you in 24-48 hours.  Please make sure to include the order number as well as what the issue is.

Please note that I am not the pen manufacturer.  I will try to help you with your issue as much as I can but if it's about the nib/feed/etc then it may be best to contact the support for the pen manufacturer.

Returns or Exchanges

If you have an issue with your order then please let me know!  Exchanges are not possible for fountain pens but returns are on a case by case basis.  Please make sure to take photos of the issue as I will ask for them.

If returned, the pen must be in the same condition it was sent in.  Pen must be uninked/unused, any materials (eyedropper, cartridges, converters, etc) must be returned unused as well.

Where do you ship to?

I currently ship to Canada, Mexico, and the US. I'm working on adding more countries soon!

Why does my receipt/statement say Global-E?  I thought I was purchasing from you?

You are!  However, Global-E is a third party company that handles things like duties, taxes, etc due to the different laws and regulations in each country.  This requires that they be the 'merchant of record' and may be the name that you see on your bank statement.  But I promise, each pen is still done by me and shipped by me.  They just handle the legal stuff.

Shipping Time Frame

All orders will be shipped within 72 hours of payment being finalized.  Any digital items purchased will be sent via email with a link for you to download them.

Can I send you a pen I already own so you can put a design on it?

Yes, you can!  I open slots for commissions periodically (usually at the beginning or end of the month).  When I'm open for commissions I will have a form open and announce it on social media as well as via my email list!  So make sure you subscribe for any updates!

How does commissioning you for a custom fountain pen work?

The process will be like this:

1. Fill out form
2. If chosen, you'll get an email from me where we'll discuss what you want and price
3. After we've agreed on everything I will send you an invoice for either the full or half the agreed price (depending on amount).
4. Once that's been paid I'll send you the address to send the pen!  Please make sure to include tracking (for both our sakes! Don't want to worry about where your pen is)
5. I'll notify you once I have the pen and get to work!  The time it takes will vary depending on the design (and how long it takes to get to me) but I'll send you updates and may ask for feedback so make sure to keep an eye on your email!  If I don't hear back from you after 2 days then I will continue to the next step of the process (unless the next step is sealing).
   
6. If you paid half up-front then I'll send you an invoice for the rest of the agreed amount.
7. Once I've gotten the okay from you then I'll go ahead and start sealing it. If I haven't gotten the final okay after a week then I will start sealing anyway.
8. After it's all sealed up I'll send you some final pics and ship it right back to you! With a tracking number, of course.

Where can I see past designs?

You can find them here on this Notion page! I'll update each design listing with more pictures as I make more pens so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

What are 'glazes'?

'Glazes' are something I make to add depth and an extra sparkle to the pen! I have a few different ones I have made. If you want it added to your custom then it will cost a little extra. 

Also not all glazes work with all designs. While they add extra sparkle, that sparkle can sometimes make the actual design look dull in ways you don't want.  For this reason, there are some designs that I will not add glazes.

I don't see the design I wanted on the form! Why is it missing?

Most likely, I just don't have the supplies for it. I may offer it again in the future though!

I have an idea for a design/request!

That's awesome!  I'm not currently taking original customs but I have been known to make designs after comments on social media.  That's how Soot Sprite Soiree came to be, after all!