The Story of Ferris Wheel Press: Canada's Premium Stationery Collectables Company

Introduction

When I founded Ferris Wheel Press back in 2010, I could never have imagined the global creative community we would one day become. What started as a humble letterpress print studio in Canada—handcrafting bespoke wedding invitations and stationery—has since evolved into a global collectible stationery brand that inspires creativity and helps the world fall in love with writing again.

The Early Years: Ink, Paper, and Passion

Our story began in a print shop filled with the rhythmic hum of letterpress machines. Every piece we produced—wedding invitations, event stationery, custom correspondences—was lovingly illustrated, printed, and pressed by hand.

From the very beginning, craftsmanship was at our core. We didn’t just design stationery; we lived and breathed it. Each card told a story through texture, colour, and design. This tactile connection with paper and print laid the foundation for everything that Ferris Wheel Press would become.

A Natural Evolution: From Stationery to Writing Instruments

As our brand grew, we began to dream bigger—to create not just stationery, but the tools that bring ideas to life. Moving into fountain pens and inks was a natural extension of our passion for design and writing.

We spent years developing our first collection, the Brush Fountain Pen and its companion inks. Every detail was designed to rekindle the joy of writing—the satisfying flow of ink, the beauty of the pen, the ritual of putting thoughts to paper.

Our early mission was simple yet profound: to help the world fall in love with writing again.

The Birth of Our Mission: “Make Fancy Fun”

As Ferris Wheel Press began to find its audience, I realized that many people admired fountain pens but felt intimidated by them. They were seen as “too fancy,” “too fragile,” or “too serious.”

So, we set out to change that.

Our mission evolved to something more inclusive, playful, and bold: Make Fancy Fun.

This phrase embodies our three guiding principles:

1. Make. A tribute to our roots in craftsmanship and printmaking—our hands-on approach to creation.

2. Fancy. A celebration of beauty, elegance, and the elevated feeling that fine stationery brings.

3. Fun. The heart of our storytelling—whimsical, imaginative, and full of character.

We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Instead, we invite people into a world of creativity, colour, and curiosity.

Ferris Wheel Press isn’t your traditional, stuffy fountain pen company—it’s a place where artistry and playfulness coexist.

The Heart of Ferris Wheel Press: Our Team

Behind every bottle of ink and every handcrafted pen lies the dedication of a talented and passionate team.

Today, Ferris Wheel Press is powered by over 50 creative minds—designers, makers, storytellers, and dreamers—working together across every department.

At the core of our studio is our in-house design and production team of over 50 people, including a dedicated group of 12 artists and illustrators who hand-craft every piece of artwork that appears on our packaging, labels, and stories. Nothing is outsourced; every character, colour, and illustration is born within our walls.

Their work ensures that every Ferris Wheel Press creation—whether a shimmering ink or a limited-edition pen—feels alive, personal, and unmistakably ours.

Beyond design, our extended team spans marketing, operations, logistics, and customer experience, each person contributing their own touch of creativity and excellence.

Together, we are more than a company—we’re a collective of creators united by the joy of making beautiful things.

Expanding Our Universe: From Toronto to the World

Today, Ferris Wheel Press is available in over 30 countries, spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, with upcoming expansion into Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

What began as a dream in a Canadian print shop is now a global community of writers, artists, collectors, and dreamers—all connected by a shared love for creativity.

The Next Chapter: Becoming the World’s #1 Premium Collectible Stationery Brand

As we look to the future, our vision is clear:
To become the world’s number one premium collectible stationery company.

We will continue to tell stories—our own, and the world’s most iconic ones—through collectible inks, pens, and creative tools that capture imagination.

Our partnerships with Warner Bros., DC Comics, and The Lord of the Rings mark the beginning of this journey. These collaborations allow us to celebrate beloved stories through the language of colour, design, and craftsmanship.

And beyond fandom, we see ourselves as a gateway for new generations—inviting them to discover the beauty of writing, collecting, and storytelling in an age of digital noise.

If you’ve ever held a pen and felt the spark of creativity, we invite you to join us. Explore our collections, discover your colour, and fall in love with writing all over again.

Read more from the Markham Board of Trade

About the Author

Raymond Yu is the Founder and CEO of Ferris Wheel Press, a Canadian creative house reimagining the world of fine stationery. With roots in printmaking and a passion for storytelling, he leads the brand’s global mission to help the world fall in love with writing again.