If you're an artist, you know that the type of pen you use can make a big difference in your artwork.
Pens come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors, and each one has its own unique properties that can affect your art.
In this article we'll be taking a look at some of the different types of pens that you can use in your art to help you choose the right tool for the job.
Pen inks vary in type and quality, so choosing a reliable pen set is important; two of the most notable types are water-based ink and oil-based ink.
Regardless of the ink type, be careful with wet ink because it can smudge and ruin your work.
When you're shopping for pens, keep in mind the different types of art you'll be creating.
For instance, if you're mostly doing sketches and line drawings, you'll want a pen that has a fine tip and is easy to control.
On the other hand, if you're planning on doing a lot of painting and coloring, you'll need pens with thicker tips that can hold more ink.
No matter your project, there's a perfect pen for you!
Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens are the most popular type of pen.
They're inexpensive, easy to find, and they come in a wide variety of colors.
Ballpoint pens are also relatively easy to control, making them a good choice for artists who are just starting out.
However, one downside of ballpoint pens is that they can be difficult to use for detailed work.
Another downside is that ballpoint ink can take awhile to dry, so there's a risk of smudging if you're not careful.
Ballpoint pen ink is usually oil-based, and although ballpoint and rollerball pens both have ball in their name, they are not same thing.
A rollerball pen has a smoother glide and a finer tip, making it a better choice for detailed work.
Felt Tip Pens
Felt tip pens are another popular option for artists.
They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, and they're relatively easy to control.
Felt tip pens are also a good choice for detailed work because of their fine tips.
However, like ballpoint pens, felt tip pens can take awhile to dry, so there's a risk of smudging if you're not careful.
Additionally, felt tip pens can be more expensive than ballpoint pens.
Gel Pens
Gel pens are similar to ballpoint pens, but they use a thicker ink that often has a glossy or metallic finish.
Gel pen sets are available in a wide range of colors, including some colors that ballpoint and felt tip pens can't match.
These pens are also generally easy to control, making them a good choice for artists who are just starting out.
One downside of these pens is that gel ink can take awhile to dry, so there's a risk of smudging if you're not careful.
Additionally, gel pens can be more expensive other types of pens.
Calligraphy Pens
Calligraphy pens are specially designed for writing in a decorative style.
They have nibs that can create thin and thick lines, depending on how you hold the pen.
Calligraphy pens are available in a variety of colors, but they're typically more expensive than other types of pens.
Additionally, calligraphy pens can be more difficult to control than other types of pens, so they may not be the best choice for artists who are just starting out.
Brush Pens
Brush pens are a type of pen that has a soft, flexible tip that resembles a paintbrush.
These pens are available in a wide variety of colors, and they're relatively easy to control.
Ink brush pens are a good choice for artists who want to add some color to their work without having to worry about smudging.
However, brush marker pens can be more expensive than other types of pens, and they may not be the best choice for detailed work.
Fountain Pen
Fountain pens are a type of pen that uses gravity to draw the ink from a reservoir into the fountain pen nib.
These pens can be filled with a variety of inks, including water-based and oil-based inks.
Fountain pens are typically more expensive than other types of pens, but they offer a smoother writing experience.
Additionally, fountain pens can be used for detailed work since fountain pen ink flows evenly from the nib.
However, one downside of fountain pens is that they can be difficult to control, so they may not be the best choice for artists who are just starting out.
Paint Pens
Paint pens are similar to brush pens, but they have a harder tip that's designed for use with thicker paints.
Paint pens are available in a wide variety of colors, and they can be used for both detailed work and larger areas.
However, paint pens can be more expensive than other types of pens, and they may not be the best choice for artists who are just starting out.
The Right Pen Type of Your Art
Choosing the right pen for your artwork is important. Different pens have different purposes, so it's important to choose the right tool for the job.
In this article we've looked at a variety pen types that you can use in your art.
Each type of pen has its own unique set of properties that will affect your art in different ways.
So, when you're choosing a pen for your next project, be sure to keep these factors in mind so that you can choose the right tool for the job!
Looking for more guidance on picking pens for your art? Check out Jake Parker's video!
Not sure where to start your search for new pens?
Check out some of our other pen articles:
Want to expand your art kit?
Head on over to our guides on different art supplies: