The Ultimate Artist Pen Buying Guide: Fineliner, Brush Pens & Markers Explained
Artistmaterial on 3rd Jun 2024
Hello there, my artistic friends! There is a beautiful world of pens, and today, we will explore it. These pens are indeed the tools that bring our creative imagination to life. Whether you are an artist with years of experience or who has just started, having the right pen can make all the difference. Each pen has unique features and usability, some making crisp lines while others make bold strokes!
So, without much delay, let's prepare to embark on a pen-venture. In the following article, we will explore the different types of pens, their features, advantages, and how to use them. By the end of this journey, you’ll easily be able to choose the right artist pen for your artistic endeavours.
1. Fineliner Pen
A go-to for detailed artwork and crisp lines. Illustrators and designers love fineliners because of the Fine, hard tips for precision work, quick-drying water-based or pigment ink, and varied tip sizes for different line widths.
Advantages:
- Consistent line width throughout
- Water and fade-resistant ink
- Works well with rulers and templates
How to Use:
Hold steady for optimal line quality. The pen's design allows intricate detailing, which is ideal for technical drawings. The water-resistant ink makes it suitable for mixed media.
2. Rollerball Pen
A favourite among writers and artists for smooth, effortless strokes, the fluid ink outlasts regular ballpoints. Its features include water/gel-based ink that flows freely and produces finer, crisper lines than ballpoints, quick-drying options for lefties, and archival quality, fade-resistant inks available.
Advantages:
- Minimal pressure needed for writing
- Vibrant, consistent lines
- Wide colour variety
- Sleek, professional look
How to Use:
Just uncap and write/draw—the ink glides smoothly, capturing some fountain pen effects without the mess.
3. Brush Pen
It mimics a real paintbrush for calligraphers and artists. The flexible nib allows varied strokes, and the bendable nylon/bristle tip creates thin lines to bold strokes. It uses water-based inks for watercolour effects. It has adjustable tip flexibility and is typically refillable.
Advantages:
- Line thickness control via pressure
- Portable and convenient
- Richly pigmented ink
- Mimics traditional brush painting
How to Use:
Like a paintbrush, control line thickness by adjusting pressure. Works best on smooth papers designed for ink flow and pressure.
4. Technical Pen
Technical pens are ideal for intricate, clean lines meeting drafting standards. Their thin, stiff nibs with regulated ink flow and 0.03mm to 2.0mm line widths, often ISO-compliant and with 'Needlepoint' metal-encased tips, make them exceptionally suited for precision.
Advantages:
- Consistent line width
- Durable, long-lasting
- Works well with rulers/templates
How to Use:
Hold at a fixed angle to the paper. It is ideal for drafting architectural drawings on vellum or bristol board.
5. Fountain Pen
This is a classy, traditional pick for sketching and drawing with modern refinement. Its flexible line width via pressure/nib type, interchangeable nib designs and materials, and durable construction make it a potential heirloom.
Advantages:
- Customizable ink colours
- Exceptional control
- Refillable to reduce waste
- Ergonomic for long use
How to Use:
Fill the ink reservoir, hold it at an angle, and apply light pressure. Use thick paper to prevent bleeds.
6. Dip Pen
A vintage tool offering control and beautiful, varied lines via interchangeable nibs. Its metal nib is mounted on a handle and then dipped in ink. It has a wide nib variety for different strokes.
Advantages:
- Highly customisable ink options
- Specialty inks like metallic/waterproof
- Exceptional line variation
How to Use:
Secure the nib, dip it in ink, remove excess, test it, and then draw/write with gentle pressure. Rinse after use.
7. Felt Tip Pen/Marker Pen
It is highly versatile in writing, colouring, and illustrations. The felt tips distribute the ink evenly. It has perforated felt tips in varied sizes. It uses water-based or alcohol-based inks and is quick-drying because of its smear-resistant formulas.
Advantages:
- Wide color range
- Low maintenance
- Precise lines and smooth application
- Works on multiple surfaces
How to Use:
Select the right tip size/colour, use thick paper, hold at an angle, and vary pressure for line weight. Cap after use.
8. Pigment Liner
Vivid, fade-proof pigment ink that resists water and light. Precision for technical work. Its features include fade, light, water-resistant pigment ink, delicate, precise tips, stiff, metal-encased tips and even continuous ink flow.
Advantages:
- Crisp, non-fading marks
- Water-resistant lines
- Variety of tip sizes
- Reliable ink flow
How to Use:
Hold with a relaxed grip at a slight angle. Apply minimal pressure for sharp, precise lines.
9. Multiliner Pen
Drawing pens produces even, consistent lines - a staple for detailed illustrations. It comes in varied fine-tip sizes, durable, water-resistant, and pigment-based ink. You can get multiple colour options.
Advantages:
- Sharp, clean lines for high-definition
- Uniform line width
- Ability to create intricate patterns
- Archival quality, fade-proof ink
How to Use:
Remove the cap, and hold it like a regular pen. Apply gentle, constant pressure for smooth strokes.
10. White Ink Pen
Opaque white pigment ink provides striking contrast on dark surfaces. Its vibrant white pigment ink works on paper, plastic, glass, etc. When dry, it's water-resistant and comes in varied tip sizes.
Advantages:
- Contrasts against dark backgrounds
- Allows layering over colours
- Useful for highlights and corrections
How to Use:
Shake gently, test opacity, and apply light to moderate pressure at an angle to create strokes. Ideal for highlights and details.
Wrapping It Up
Wasn't this quite a pen-tastic adventure? We tried to cover a wide range of pens, from the classic fine liner to the versatile brush pen. Each of them has their quirks and abilities. No matter what kind of an artist you are, technical or the free-spirited type, there’s a pen out there for your creative soul. Check out Artistic Material’s online store for a range and variety of pen essentials.
But remember, practice is the key to success. Try experimenting, make mistakes and find what works best for you. So, go forth, my artistic comrades, and let your pens dance across the page. Create masterpieces, doodle silly creatures, or let your imagination run wild. The world is your canvas, and your pens are the brushes that bring it to life.