As a stationery brand, we are always curious how and what people use our stationery goods for. With this blog series, focusing on the hands at "work" and beyond, we ask five questions about the usage and meaning of the stationery tools to our friends in Los Angeles.
It's March and at least in LA, Spring is here.
For the thirty-fifth post, we visited a graphic designer and a faculty at CalArts, Tiffanie Tran and her resident cat, Sofie at her home / studio in Lincoln Heights neighborhood.
It’s been great to sketch out the school semester and get a feeling of how much time is in between assignments and deadlines. I’m currently counting down the weeks until Spring Break 😬
Q1. c. You have a nice collection of Hataguchi Collective Box Card Sets. What occasions do you send a greeting card?
I looove these cards – they’re printed so beautifully and can be used for any occasion. I’ve sent one to console a friend after her beloved pet passed away, my dad as a last minute Father’s Day card, and many birthdays!
Q1. d. Last but not least, the Papier Labo. wall calendar! What made you grab this calendar for 2026?
The cool lettering is what caught my eye! I’ve also been enjoying looking up the Japanese holidays listed, such as Greenery Day and Respect for the Aged Day.
Q2. In our technology driven world, what does it mean to make things by your hand to you?
It feels very centering to make things by hand. I get so lost in the digital world.
Hand-crocheted ornament by Tiffanie's mom.
Q3. Pencils or Mechanical Pencils?
Mechanical pencils are too dainty for me. I shudder when the skinny lead snaps. I love a healthy bold B pencil!
Q4. What’s in your pen case – Penco® Storage Caddy in Large?
Lots of stuff for making cards and sending out mail — an xacto knife, stickers, dots, washi tapes, and drawing tools. It almost looks like a Tiff starter kit.
Pictured above: Tiff's starter kit stored in Penco® Storage Caddy in yellow, large. Besides the kit, a stack of bumper stickers, Tiffanie designed. It says Keep APPRECIATING.
Q5. What is your most favorite stationery?
I love the loose paper ends at McManus and Morgan in MacArthur Park. Gary, the shopkeeper, sells them by the dime!
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Tiffanie Tran is an LA based graphic designer and faculty at CalArts. Her design work includes several print designs for Los Angeles Public Library, spirited merch designs for Vidéothèque, the dazzling packaging design for the recent reissue of Flora by Hiroshi Yoshimura and more!
Tiffanie's Instagram
Tiffanie's website
