Shorthand Photos
You might also consider
More like Shorthand
Recommended Reviews - Shorthand
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Cool little stationary store. Decent selection of reasonably priced fountain pens. Nothing too high end. Good selection of different items. The staff were nice and helpful. Paid parking lot in back.
Shorthand is a stationery shop located in Highland Park. This is one of several cards & stationery shops on York Blvd (including Crush & Touch locating right next door). Currently Shorthand has 3 locations - Highland Park, Larchmont Village, and San Anselmo. This Highland Park location is the flagship location. [Parking]: There are plenty of metered parking spots and paid public parking lots, but parking can be hard to come by during busy shopping seasons. [Selection]: The shop offers greeting cards, pens, notebooks, pen, pencils, gift wraps, etc. I like the greeting card selection a lot better at Shorthand, but I didn't see too many Valentine's Day cards. The shop was a lot more colorful than Crush & Touch as Shorthand organized pens and pencils by color. They also sell really neat hand drawn Highland Park and Eagle Rock maps. The shop also sells various colors of ribbon per yard and gift wrap. Each color of ribbon has a slightly different price. I actually got a red tight weave ribbon for $1.75 per yard and the staff even gave me a slightly extra length. [Gift Wrap Service]: Customers can purchase gifts in store or bring them in from elsewhere. In general, regular (one sheet) = $8, large (two sheets) = $14, and extra large (three sheets+) = $20+. [Conclusion]: A really cute stationery shop with all the supplies for gift wrapping.
Shorthand isn't just a place where you buy pens--it's a place you arrive at. I didn't come here to photograph the inside of the shop. Yelp already has plenty of those. What I wanted to capture was the approach: the walk down York Blvd, the alleyway murals, the old hardware storefronts, and the layers of paint and history that shape the experience before you ever touch a notebook. This stretch of Highland Park feels like a conversation between eras. Weathered buildings sit comfortably beside thoughtfully designed shops. The graffiti feels intentional, not careless--colorful, textured, alive. You pass an old-school hardware store with ladders stacked like sculpture, a garden space filled with hanging plants, and storefronts splashed with rainbow tiles. By the time you reach Shorthand, your eyes are already awake. Shorthand fits perfectly into this environment. It doesn't interrupt the neighborhood--it belongs to it. The colors, typography, and quiet confidence of the storefront mirror the care inside: pens chosen for how they feel in your hand, paper that makes you slow down, tools that invite intention. It's aesthetically pleasing without trying too hard--curated, but never precious. What I love most is how visiting Shorthand feels like participating in old Los Angeles and new Los Angeles at the same time. The past lives in the architecture, the sidewalks, the faded paint. The future shows up in the design, the creativity, the people passing through with sketchbooks and ideas. If you're looking for it, you're not just searching for a stationery store. You're looking for an experience. Highland Park 5030 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Come for the pens. Stay for the walk, the colors, the history--and the feeling that you've stepped into a pocket of LA that still knows how to slow down and let you see. Right next door is Crush & Touch Art Supply, and together they form a quiet creative pairing that makes the block even more special. You step out of Shorthand with a pen that feels intentional, and just a few feet away you're surrounded by paint, brushes, color, and texture. Writing and art sit side by side--tools for thinking next to tools for making. The transition feels natural, not commercial, like the neighborhood expects creativity to spill from one space into the next. That's why my photos focus on the street: the alley graffiti, the hardware store, the plant-filled garden space, the surrounding storefronts. Shorthand doesn't exist in isolation--it's part of a small ecosystem where creativity lives out loud. You don't just visit a stationery store here. You walk into a creative corridor that feels deeply, unmistakably Los Angeles.
Cute little store in Highland Park, right off York Boulevard. It's a bit of a busy street, but there's metered street parking and park and pay parking in the back. When we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile. It was packed, probably because it was Stationery Store Day. They had posters, with and without frames, postcards, stickers, tapes, candles, cards for different occasions, pens, notepads, highlighters, planners, and just about anything you'd need for your desk. It's a small store, but it's really well-organized. They've organized everything by color, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but helpful if you're looking for a specific color.
The most aesthetically pleasing stationary shop I've ever seen! I LOVE that they are color coordinated! That just makes me so happy. They have a good selection of stationary, I do which they had a larger selection of fountain pens, but they did have a decent selection. Staff was kind and welcoming. As far as pricing goes they are right on target with what is common for each item I saw. Would definitely go back, because that place just makes me happy.
This is a classy little stationery shop. Most items are arranged by color. I had been to the Shorthand in Larchmont for Stationery Store Day. It's bigger than this shop. But this one has the printing press. And if you're lucky and they're printing, you can watch through the glass. Cool. I bought some cute washi tapes and some paper. Parking is metered on York. But one can find parking in the neighborhood behind.
I darkened their doorsteps during the Annual Stationery Store Day Crawl in August. It was fantastic! plenty of pens, journals, markers, planners, calendars, pencil cases, fountain pens and inks. Everything the Stationary geek in you might want to purchase they have it here. This place is located on busy York Blvd. I think this area is known as Highland Park very trendy. Staff was helpful and thrilled to see all of the people come through for the crawl. I will definitely return in the future. Respectfully Reviewed.
PAPER PLANT is such a cute stationery store! It is small but mighty. Whoever organized the display did it in such an eye-catching way -- by color! A wonderful shop that fits the vibe of this Highland Park neighborhood. The worker was super helpful. When I needed help looking for an item, she didn't just point: she walked around and showed different products from different parts of the shop that might be on interest to me -- from super affordable to affordable-but-pricey.
I enjoyed walking into this store and seeing everything color coordinated. There is a selection of cards to choose from (birthday, thank you, etc). There was also a variety of note pads and pens. They also sell candles! I also enjoyed how spacious the store was. Most stationery stores I've visited have been small. I will definitely be returning.
4.5 stars A very airy and well organized stationary store. It has notebooks and pens galore! If I had a store, it would look like this. I loved all the notebooks, little erasures, and pens. I also stared enviously at the fountain pens and admired their available color inks. I promised myself that one day, I'd get a fountain pen, but I just haven't found the One yet. Unfortunately, my One True Fountain pen was not here. Although the selection was plentiful, the thickness of the pens were not for me...so my search continues... I did, however, find my 2023 pen of the year! You see, I have a five-year journal and I always choose one color for the entire year...and I'm really happy to have found it in the color orchid. I also found out that they make some of their own cards and paper designs and I love that about this store! They also try to bring in some artists' work and I can't wait to see more. I will definitely be back!
Aug 1st was Stationary Store Day and I celebrated by hitting up a couple of the 16 Los Angeles participating stores. 1st stop was Shorthand in HLP. Love this little shop off York. Picked up my SSD passport and received my first stamp, Bright and spacious shop with all your stationary needs. Great selection of writing/coloring utensils. I'm obsessed with pens so I had to pick one up. A plus on service, always greeted with smiling faces. Everyone was showing a little extra excitement for the SSD activities. I've been here a couple times and will keep coming back. read more
3 months ago
Shorthand is a stationery shop located in Highland Park. This is one of several cards & stationery shops on York Blvd (including Crush & Touch locating right next door). Currently Shorthand has 3 locations - Highland Park, Larchmont Village, and San Anselmo. This Highland Park location is the flagship location. [Parking]: There are plenty of metered parking spots and paid public parking lots, but parking can be hard to come by during busy shopping seasons. [Selection]: The shop offers greeting cards, pens, notebooks, pen, pencils, gift wraps, etc. I like the greeting card selection a lot better at Shorthand, but I didn't see too many Valentine's Day cards. The shop was a lot more colorful than Crush & Touch as Shorthand organized pens and pencils by color. They also sell really neat hand drawn Highland Park and Eagle Rock maps. The shop also sells various colors of ribbon per yard and gift wrap. Each color of ribbon has a slightly different price. I actually got a red tight weave ribbon for $1.75 per yard and the staff even gave me a slightly extra length. [Gift Wrap Service]: Customers can purchase gifts in store or bring them in from elsewhere. In general, regular (one sheet) = $8, large (two sheets) = $14, and extra large (three sheets+) = $20+. [Conclusion]: A really cute stationery shop with all the supplies for gift wrapping. read more
9 months ago
Shorthand isn't just a place where you buy pens--it's a place you arrive at. I didn't come here to photograph the inside of the shop. Yelp already has plenty of those. What I wanted to capture was the approach: the walk down York Blvd, the alleyway murals, the old hardware storefronts, and the layers of paint and history that shape the experience before you ever touch a notebook. This stretch of Highland Park feels like a conversation between eras. Weathered buildings sit comfortably beside thoughtfully designed shops. The graffiti feels intentional, not careless--colorful, textured, alive. You pass an old-school hardware store with ladders stacked like sculpture, a garden space filled with hanging plants, and storefronts splashed with rainbow tiles. By the time you reach Shorthand, your eyes are already awake. Shorthand fits perfectly into this environment. It doesn't interrupt the neighborhood--it belongs to it. The colors, typography, and quiet confidence of the storefront mirror the care inside: pens chosen for how they feel in your hand, paper that makes you slow down, tools that invite intention. It's aesthetically pleasing without trying too hard--curated, but never precious. What I love most is how visiting Shorthand feels like participating in old Los Angeles and new Los Angeles at the same time. The past lives in the architecture, the sidewalks, the faded paint. The future shows up in the design, the creativity, the people passing through with sketchbooks and ideas. If you're looking for it, you're not just searching for a stationery store. You're looking for an experience. Highland Park 5030 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Come for the pens. Stay for the walk, the colors, the history--and the feeling that you've stepped into a pocket of LA that still knows how to slow down and let you see. Right next door is Crush & Touch Art Supply, and together they form a quiet creative pairing that makes the block even more special. You step out of Shorthand with a pen that feels intentional, and just a few feet away you're surrounded by paint, brushes, color, and texture. Writing and art sit side by side--tools for thinking next to tools for making. The transition feels natural, not commercial, like the neighborhood expects creativity to spill from one space into the next. That's why my photos focus on the street: the alley graffiti, the hardware store, the plant-filled garden space, the surrounding storefronts. Shorthand doesn't exist in isolation--it's part of a small ecosystem where creativity lives out loud. You don't just visit a stationery store here. You walk into a creative corridor that feels deeply, unmistakably Los Angeles. read more
Cute little store in Highland Park, right off York Boulevard. It's a bit of a busy street, but there's metered street parking and park and pay parking in the back. When we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile. It was packed, probably because it was Stationery Store Day. They had posters, with and without frames, postcards, stickers, tapes, candles, cards for different occasions, pens, notepads, highlighters, planners, and just about anything you'd need for your desk. It's a small store, but it's really well-organized. They've organized everything by color, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but helpful if you're looking for a specific color. read more
The most aesthetically pleasing stationary shop I've ever seen! I LOVE that they are color coordinated! That just makes me so happy. They have a good selection of stationary, I do which they had a larger selection of fountain pens, but they did have a decent selection. Staff was kind and welcoming. As far as pricing goes they are right on target with what is common for each item I saw. Would definitely go back, because that place just makes me happy. read more
1 year ago
This is a classy little stationery shop. Most items are arranged by color. I had been to the Shorthand in Larchmont for Stationery Store Day. It's bigger than this shop. But this one has the printing press. And if you're lucky and they're printing, you can watch through the glass. Cool. I bought some cute washi tapes and some paper. Parking is metered on York. But one can find parking in the neighborhood behind. read more
4 months ago
I darkened their doorsteps during the Annual Stationery Store Day Crawl in August. It was fantastic! plenty of pens, journals, markers, planners, calendars, pencil cases, fountain pens and inks. Everything the Stationary geek in you might want to purchase they have it here. This place is located on busy York Blvd. I think this area is known as Highland Park very trendy. Staff was helpful and thrilled to see all of the people come through for the crawl. I will definitely return in the future. Respectfully Reviewed. read more
PAPER PLANT is such a cute stationery store! It is small but mighty. Whoever organized the display did it in such an eye-catching way -- by color! A wonderful shop that fits the vibe of this Highland Park neighborhood. The worker was super helpful. When I needed help looking for an item, she didn't just point: she walked around and showed different products from different parts of the shop that might be on interest to me -- from super affordable to affordable-but-pricey. read more
3 years ago
I enjoyed walking into this store and seeing everything color coordinated. There is a selection of cards to choose from (birthday, thank you, etc). There was also a variety of note pads and pens. They also sell candles! I also enjoyed how spacious the store was. Most stationery stores I've visited have been small. I will definitely be returning. read more
7 months ago
7 months ago
4.5 stars A very airy and well organized stationary store. It has notebooks and pens galore! If I had a store, it would look like this. I loved all the notebooks, little erasures, and pens. I also stared enviously at the fountain pens and admired their available color inks. I promised myself that one day, I'd get a fountain pen, but I just haven't found the One yet. Unfortunately, my One True Fountain pen was not here. Although the selection was plentiful, the thickness of the pens were not for me...so my search continues... I did, however, find my 2023 pen of the year! You see, I have a five-year journal and I always choose one color for the entire year...and I'm really happy to have found it in the color orchid. I also found out that they make some of their own cards and paper designs and I love that about this store! They also try to bring in some artists' work and I can't wait to see more. I will definitely be back! read more
9 months ago
3 years ago
If you are looking for a unique gift or have to have that one special writing instrument then you will find a good selection at this small shop. It's fun to browse and search for that one or more item that you must take home. read more
1 year ago
10 months ago
As a stationary GEEK this was a threatening store to my wallet. The color coded sections are absolutely stunning and the employees were super friendly!!! They have all kinds of pens, pencils, markers, ink, lead, clips, paints, calendars, notebooks, cards, candles, journals, planners and more. It really is a perfect shop. Perfect for anyone who is wanting to get nice stationary items, get organized, or just loves stationary. I restrained from buying too much but the things I got I still absolutely love and use. (Mainly pens and markers because it's my obsession) So worth a stop! Right next to Crush + Touch also!! read more
2 years ago
This wonderful store filled with cards, pens, journals, paper, and gadgets is dreamy. It is organized to a fault, almost where you feel that everything is in perfect order and by touching it, it appears out of place. It is amazing to look at, the smell of paper wafting in the room as they press paper in the back. Such a cool idea, with an open work area in the back, one can see them making products as you shop. I give this 4 stars versus 5 based on service only. The person behind the counter appeared to care less whether we were there or not, barely looking up to assist as she sorted new pens. This store is small and it is obvious when someone needs help or perhaps has a question. It was obvious that we were very excited to be in this store, completely in awe of its contents. However, her lack of enthusiasm brought us down a notch and our potential purchase of over 50 dollars turned out to be an inexpensive pen and some paper instead. We will give this wonderful establishment another try as it is an oasis for those who live for writing and sending mail to others who appreciate fine stationary. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
This place is cute. The only thing I feel a little iffy on is those in the know -know this is basically CW Enterprise, a pencil/stationary store found in New York City. There's nothing wrong with copying someone's idea, businesses do it all the time, BUT when I asked the people about it they act like they didn't know what I was talking about. Come on now, let's give credit where credit is due, especially when even the layout and how they display things is basically the same. CW Enterprise was advertised everyplace because it was one of the only places that sold pencils exclusively and had a great aesthetic, which Shorthand is basically emulating, which is ok too. The first rule in creative business, especially in Los Angeles, is you acknowledge who your inspiration is. Somebody there knows what I'm talking about. You can see from my images below between the two stores. PS -CW closed in November :( read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
Truly the sweetest stationery shop I've ever seen with the most incredible pen selection! Many of the items are made in house and others are sourced from across the globe. I shopped in person when I was in LA and continue to shop online when I need gifts and cards for friends! read more
3 years ago
Page 1 of 2
More info about Shorthand
Ask the Community - Shorthand
What are their hours?
Review Highlights - Shorthand
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
2 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
7 years ago
