The Best Pen to Make a Great Ink Drawing

The best pen to make a great ink drawing will depend on several things that must be considered.

Which Pen is the Best?

The best pen to make a lovely ink drawing is going to be the one you prefer.  When it comes to making beautiful ink drawings, the right pen can make all the difference.  Consider your pen experiences and what you like and don’t. Do you:

• prefer a fine point or a bold point?
• want a pen that is waterproof or doesn’t bleed through to the other side of the paper?
• like to use dip pens?
• care if it has a certain weight in your hand?

Types of Pens

There are so many different kinds of pens.  Each type has its own unique set of distinctions, so it’s important to choose the ones that suit your needs and preferences.  Try a lot of them to make sure.  When you come across one you really like, take note.

Pens That Let You Choose The Ink:

Fountain pens are a great choice for those looking for a smooth, consistent line. They have a built-in ink reservoir, which means you don’t have to constantly dip the pen in ink. However, they can be more expensive and require more maintenance than other types of pens.  Although the reservoir gives you the freedom to choose your favorite ink, it also requires you to be diligent with cleaning it.

Dip pens: also known as a nib pen, is a writing instrument that has a metal nib and a holder. The nib is dipped into an inkwell or bottle of ink before writing. Dip pens are often used for calligraphy, illustration, and other types of artistic work. They can be less convenient than other types of pens because they require frequent dipping to replenish the ink supply. They also tend to be less expensive yet require more maintenance and can be a bit messy.

Pens That Use a Ball Mechanism:

Ballpoint pens: A ballpoint pen has a tiny ball at the tip that rotates as the pen moves, picking up ink from a reservoir and depositing it onto paper. The ink in ballpoint pens is usually oil-based, which makes it dry faster and less prone to smudging than the ink in fountain or dip pens. Ballpoint pens are convenient, reliable, and affordable.

Gel Pens: Gel pens use a water-based gel ink that is thick and opaque. They often produce brighter, more vibrant colors than other types of pens, and the gel ink allows for smooth and consistent writing. However, they can be prone to smudging and clogging.

Rollerball Pens: Rollerball pens are similar to fountain pens in that they use a liquid ink reservoir, but they use a ball bearing at the tip instead of a nib. This results in a smoother and more consistent flow of ink, making them a popular choice for everyday writing.  Although drawing is what I would choose them for.

Pens That Have Flexible Tips:

Brush Markers: Brush markers have a flexible tip that sometimes resembles a brush, allowing for a range of line widths and textures. They can be a good choice for drawing in your sketchbook on the go.  They are easier to travel with than paintbrushes and for using quickly on location.  Actually that is true of all pens.

Felt Tip Pens: Felt tip pens have a porous tip made of felt that is soaked in ink. They offer a wide range of colors, and the felt tip allows for a range of line thicknesses and textures. I have found that they generally are water based and the color does not bleed through the paper.  It is important to use them on smooth paper.  It you don’t, the tip will become frayed and will make a sloppy line.

Fiber Tipped Pens: These can also come with a flexible tip that will make marks like a brush would.  Some of them are fine-liners and make a line that has a consistent thickness.  They come in many line widths.  Their tips are not as fragile as felt tipped pens, but must be used with care.  Too much pressure can split the tip or bend it.  After the tip is damaged, the line quality will suffer.

Experiment with Lots of Pens and Papers and Inks

No matter what pen you choose, consider the inks and papers and how well they work together (or not). The way to find out is to test the pen strokes and various inks and how they look on the papers you have chosen.  How do they feel in your hand?  Does the cap fit on the other end of the pen so it has a place to live while you are drawing?  How long does the ink take to dry?  Does the ink bleed through to the other side of the paper?  If so, is this bothering you or no?

In order to know the answer to the pen line thickness, color and types of pen tips you prefer, a lot of experimenting needs to happen.  This is where a sketchbook can help you.  You can fill whole pages of your sketchbook with just pen strokes.

After you find out which pen tip, ink and paper combinations you prefer and do a lot of practice, then you will know which pen is the best pen to make a great ink drawing.  The best type of pen will be different for each of us.