Mechanical Pencil
Lumin

Mechanical Pencil for Lumin

Lumin is a design made 100 percent from alluminium. Without a mechanism, the elasticity of the material is used to hold the graphite. It is produced using different numerical control machining processes, with a manual finish in each one of them. Identified with its engraved serial number and accompanied by packaging that authenticates its originality. Its designer wanted to represent in Lumin the emotion of emptiness. A fragment of the brilliance that lives in each person, not perfect but authentic. In this way Lumin invites introspection and personal reflection.

Alexis Zapata 2025 Professional Silver Press Kit № 165681

Download Press Kit № 165681

Download Press Kit № 165681 Mechanical Pencil for Lumin by Alexis Zapata to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


Available Now for Your Next Story

At innovation|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.


Please Note:

  • Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
  • Mention innovation|newsroom as your source.
  • Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. innovation|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.


Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.


Lumin by Alexis Zapata
Lumin by Alexis Zapata

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Utilize this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI for sharp, detailed prints up to 6 inches. When your narrative requires larger images, deploying it at 150 DPI allows for clear, impactful visuals up to 12 inches. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

Mechanical Pencil by Alexis Zapata
Mechanical Pencil by Alexis Zapata

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image offers versatility for print: achieve crisp, detailed prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or opt for larger, yet still sharp visuals up to 12 inches at 150 DPI. High-res images, watermark-free, are yours with press accreditation; or grab a low-res copy now, no wait required. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

Alexis Zapata Lumin
Alexis Zapata Lumin

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Harness the clarity of this 1800-pixel image for your prints—perfectly sharp at 6 inches with 300 DPI and equally clear at 12 inches when adjusted to 150 DPI. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. Image Credits Section holds all necessary photo accreditation details.

Alexis Zapata Mechanical Pencil
Alexis Zapata Mechanical Pencil

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

LuminBrand Logo
LuminBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Utilize this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI for sharp, detailed prints up to 6 inches. When your narrative requires larger images, deploying it at 150 DPI allows for clear, impactful visuals up to 12 inches. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

Unique Properties

Lumin represents an emotion, of emptiness, to give rise to the new. A fragment of light, not perfect but authentic, that shines one's own brilliance. Materialize the intangible. In its packaging, emptiness is symbolized. Where, for the light to find us, we must find that breaking point. The pencil, what must always shine, protect itself, defend...Education. "Alumina, light that propagates through the emptiness. Lumin, born from absence."

Tags

emotion, intangible, emptyness, authentic, light, absence, aluminum, alumina

Production Technology

Lumin is an exclusive design, made 100 percent from aluminum. Stripped of any mechanism, it uses the elasticity of the material to hold the graphite. It is produced using different numerical control machining processes, with a manual finish in each of them. Identified with its engraved serial number and accompanied by the packaging that authenticates it.

Design Challenge

From 2017 to 2022, I was a professor at a university in the model and prototype workshop. After the pandemic, classes were taught online, so the workshop became unnecessary. This made me think about how education changed, and today I think the pencil was an act of protest to defend it. It wasn't easy to find a CNC lathe operator willing to make only 100 units at first; they usually order 1,000 units. Costs also increased due to devaluation in my country. Even the cost of the packaging was high, given the small quantity, so I had to do it using digital offset. I made virtually no profit, nor was I interested in making any. It was a process through which I was able to understand the anguish I carried inside, and by materializing it, I was able to face it and thus let it go.

Project Duration

At the end of 2020, 6 functional prototypes were made and the pre series was launched in July 2023. It participated in Buenos Aires, Argentina in INNOVAR 2023 with the ID 23902 and Sello Buen Diseño 2025 with the ID 5834.

Operation Flow

Release the lead from the packaging by pushing the tip of the mechanical pencil inward from one side to eject it from the other side and pulling to remove it. Do not open, disassemble, or break the packaging. The lead is 5,5 mm and is adjusted when released, vertically with the tip pointing down, always opening slightly to the sides. Hold the lead with both hands on a horizontal surface to prevent the lead from falling out. If it has been held for a long time, you may need to open it and simultaneously press the lead on a horizontal surface to release it from its internal grip. The lead should fall freely when the clip is opened. Reload from the rear vortex by inserting a 5,5 mm lead, positioning it vertically with the tip pointing down, fitting the lead into the front hole, and opening it slightly to the sides again to adjust the length. The length of the graphite exposed is adjusted using the same procedure. Place the clamp against a horizontal surface and adjust it to the desired length. -The opening is minimal. While the material holds the graphite, it is not very elastic. If the graphite is moved without opening it, it will wear down and the clamp will no longer work.

Research

The initial idea was to create a mechanical pencil using discarded aluminum. Information was collected on different mechanical pencils and their possible mechanisms. At that time, as a teacher in a model and prototype workshop, I had access to lathes where the first six prototypes were created. They were so popular that I began researching how to mass-produce them, since making them individually is time-consuming. Today, it has become a coveted object for designers, architects, and artists. I would like to make a more democratic product, making it accessible to everyone, but production costs are high for the quantities I can make.

Inspiration

It was an exploration of personal introspection of my emotions. Lumin was the key to a new stage. It was my breaking point, to change my reality.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Federico Ariel Serrano, 2025. Image #2: Photographer Federico Ariel Serrano, 2025. Image #3: Photographer Federico Ariel Serrano, 2025. Image #4: Photographer Federico Ariel Serrano, 2025. Image #5: Photographer Federico Ariel Serrano, 2025.

Project Overview

Lumin Mechanical Pencil has been a Silver winner in the Art and Stationery Supplies Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

 Award Logo
Silver Recognition

Alexis Zapata was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Lumin Mechanical Pencil.

Newsroom
Alexis Zapata Newsroom

Unlock a treasure trove of award-winning designs by accessing Alexis Zapata Newsroom.

You are currently viewing Media Showcase № 165681. Visit Alexis Zapata's newsroom to access their celebrated portfolio, high-resolution media, insightful interviews, and extensive links. You are here: Press Kit / Media Showcase 165681 about Lumin. Additional content is available in Newsroom 361017.

Explore Now

Shearing Magnetic Absorption
Shearing

Magnetic Absorption for Niceobject

Xin Se 2025 Professional Golden
Full Ballpoint Pen
Full

Ballpoint Pen for Rongqi

SONG LIU and LEI WANG 2021 Professional Silver
Les Quick L-Shape Ruler
Les

Quick L-Shape Ruler for George Galcsik

George Galcsik 2019 Professional Silver
Renew Replaceable Refill Marker
Renew

Replaceable Refill Marker for DaoDun Design

Yunsong Liu 2022 Agency Silver
Vector Scissors
Vector

Scissors for Openend Design Ltd.

Tamás Fekete 2025 Professional Silver
Serpentinata Pen
Serpentinata

Pen for Page gallary

KAIRI EGUCHI 2021 Professional Silver
Pineapple Pins Stationary Packaging
Pineapple Pins

Stationary Packaging for Sarthak Tavate

Sarthak Tavate 2021 Emergent Golden
Robot And Roboni Pencil Sharpener
Robot And Roboni

Pencil Sharpener for Carpenter Brother & Sister Technology Co.,Ltd

hsin hung chou 2025 Agency Golden
Qui Magnetic Pencil Holder
Qui

Magnetic Pencil Holder for Ozio design

Piero Quintiliani 2021 Professional Silver
Traces Of Zero Calendar
Traces Of Zero

Calendar for Shilushi Inc.

Shilushi Inc. 2023 Agency Golden
Eternity Pen
Eternity

Pen for BEIFA GROUP CO.,LTD

Jianzhe Xie 2021 Enterprise Silver
Table Dancers Stationery
Table Dancers

Stationery for Hebei University of Technology

Zhang Yingli 2020 Collective Bronze
Create Newsroom
Create Your Newsroom

Establishing your own newsroom is a strategic move to effectively communicate your designs to a targeted audience of journalists and media editors. This direct channel enhances your visibility, significantly increasing your chances of being published and featured across a wide range of media platforms, from magazines and newspapers to journals and online media. Take the first step towards amplifying your reach and influence in the design community.

Create Media Account
Create Account to Unlock Exclusive Resources
  • High-resolution images for your stories
  • Ready-to-publish press kits
  • Access to exclusive content

Quick sign-up. Instant access. Elevate your reporting now.

Create Newsroom
Submit Your Design

Submit your design and seize the opportunity to be featured across a global stage. Gain exposure by connecting your work with our extensive network of journalists and leading media outlets. Start your journey to worldwide recognition today.

Submit Design

Have your work recognized and featured globally. Submit your design today for a chance to be promoted to a wide network of journalists and media outlets.

Submit Design

Featured Now

Design of the Day
DESIGN OF THE DAY
Design Team of the Day
DESIGN TEAM OF THE DAY
Design Legend of the Day
DESIGN LEGEND OF THE DAY
Design Highlight of the Day
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
Design Interview of the Day
DESIGN INTERVIEW OF THE DAY
Designer of the Day
DESIGNER OF THE DAY