In a world where technology seems to dominate every aspect of our lives, Alberto Magaña, a passionate industrial designer with an artistic streak, found his muse in an object that many of us take for granted: the pencil. But what makes a designer focus on such an everyday instrument and turn it into a work of art? For Alberto, designing pencils was an incredible discovery, a challenge that motivated him to give this simple utensil a unique character, transforming it into a magical tool for creativity.
Pencil design is for Alberto a 100% playful process. His approach starts directly with the material, carving and tracing on the wood until a prototype is achieved which, over time, is polished until it becomes the final piece ready for production and sale. “What I enjoy most about this process is seeing how a simple block of wood is transformed into a special object that is not only functional but also tells a story,” he enthuses.
His commitment to sustainable design is reflected in his choice of materials. He uses mainly reclaimed wood, brass that ages naturally, and leather that enriches the brand. These choices not only add to the unique character of his pencils, but also address a significant environmental concern. All pencils are handmade in Mexico, using tropical woods such as oak, parota, walnut, purple rose and teak, sourced from the southeast of the country. Alberto stresses that he does not cut down trees for their manufacture; instead, he reclaims wood that would otherwise be discarded, transforming it into unique objects.
To date, Alberto has designed six writing products, the most recent being a fountain pen that took almost three years to create. This product not only represents dedication and commitment to quality, but also sets Numen at a very high level in terms of exclusivity and refinement. “Ergonomics are crucial,” he explains, ensuring that each design is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and functional for the user.
Despite the challenges they face using analogue tools and slow production processes, Alberto and his team are committed to maintaining high quality in every piece they create. They find inspiration from diverse sources such as travel, books, music, photography, theater and contemporary dance, using these influences to visually enrich their designs.
When asked to describe his designs, Alberto defines them as timeless and minimalistic. Each pencil is not only a functional tool, but also a work of art that invites creativity. With each creation, Alberto strikes a perfect balance between functionality, sustainability and beauty, making each Numen pencil more than just a writing utensil: it is a statement of style and a tribute to human creativity.
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