Atheriniform - Mechanical Pencil
08.2025
The goal of this project was to design a mechanical pencil informed by years of using and collecting different pencils. I wanted to create something ergonomic, durable, and easy to repair or maintain. The design aimed to facilitate writing by minimizing hand fatigue and ensuring the form remained understated and unobtrusive, allowing the focus to stay on the act of writing itself.
Design Precedents
Pictured on the left is my collection of mechanical pencils, each with qualities I’ve come to appreciate or find limiting. My goal was to identify the most effective aspects of these designs and combine them into a single concept.
Inspiration
Design + Assembly
Although a hypothetical project, the Athernirom pencil was designed with manufacturing in mind. It consists of five parts: body, clutch, clip, cap, and nose. The body and nose are turned as a single piece on a lathe, then separated to machine the threads. The clip is a machined part, secured to the body with a single standard-size torque screw. The internal mechanism is sourced from a widely available existing model, allowing users to easily repair or replace parts as needed. This decision supports the pencil’s focus on longevity and practicality—encouraging maintenance rather than disposal.
CMF options
The Atheriniform pencil uses metal finishes that mimic the reflective quality of Atheriniform fish scales underwater, capturing subtle shifts in light and tone. Each colorway is drawn from a specific hue found in the fish’s natural coloration. Using powder coating allows the finishes to be durable while also making it simple to introduce new color options in the future.
