11 Types of Drawing Pens: the Ultimate Guide

introduction

Choosing a suitable drawing pen is not easy because there are many types and brands of drawing pens. So, with so many choices, how can you find the drawing pen that satisfies you most?

Next, I will detail 11 types of the most popular drawing pens and show you the ink color, head size, recommended use, etc., of these drawing pens and their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. You can choose the drawing pen that suits you best according to your preferences and painting style.

The 11 Most Popular Types Of Drawing Pens

Different drawing pens have different nibs, ink types, characteristics, etc., which can produce different painting effects, so these factors should be considered when you choose a drawing pen.

1. Brush pens

Brush pens are a traditional writing tool that originated in China and are conventional drawing pens. Brushes are made of certain animals’ hair or synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, Taklon). The brush pens are art pens; their heads are flexible and can outline any shape. Therefore, artists and painters like to use brush pens to paint, and the paintings drawn with brushes also have distinctive characteristics.

An in-depth look

Material: Natural Hair, Synthetic Fibers
Color: Black, Blue, Multicolored
Special Features: Non-toxic, Acid-free, Non-bleeding ink flows smoothly
Recommended Uses: Coloring, Drawing, Calligraphy, Journaling, Sketching, Comics, lettering, Art Drawings
Age Range: Students, Adults, Artists

Pros

Brushes are great for calligraphy practice and art painting.
The bristles of the brush can create unique textures that are difficult to achieve with other brushes.
The brush is flexible and can express the artist’s emotions through painting.
The brush head has many shapes: round, flat, fan-shaped, etc.

Cons

After long-term use, the bristles will wear and deform.

Product Recommendation: Tombow 62038 Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Tombow 62038 Fudenosuke Brush Pen is available in soft, complex, and double-ended nibs. Different nibs can create different font styles and painting effects. Fudenosuke brushes have flexible nibs and come in various colors, making them ideal for painting, calligraphy, and lettering. Fudenosuke brushes use water-based ink, which allows you to draw or practice calligraphy on paper without soaking and bleeding.

Features:

Fudenosuke brushes are made with odorless, colored, water-based ink.
Fudenosuke brushes come in vibrant colors.
Fudenosuke brushes are great for calligraphy and lettering.
Fudenosuke brushes come in different nibs, which can draw different effects.

2. fountain pens

The fountain pen is a unique art form of painting. By controlling the strength of holding the pen, you can draw lines of different thicknesses. The fountain pens’ nibs are thick or thin, flat or round, and different nibs have different painting effects. Because the lines drawn by the fountain pen are solid and smooth, fountain pens are the best for drawing landscapes, portraits, and sketches.

An in-depth look

Color: Black, Blue, Red
Ink Color: Multicolor
Special Features: Smooth, Refillable, Variety of Nib Sizes, Variety of Designs, Ergonomics
Recommended Uses: Calligraphy, Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Collection, Sign documents
Age Range: Kid, Teen, Adult

Pros

The shape of the fountain pen is exquisite.
Fountain pens come with various nib sizes and shapes, allowing for different line thicknesses and styles.
The ergonomic design makes it easy to draw.
The high-quality fountain pen is durable and can be used for decades.

Cons

High-quality fountain pens are more expensive.

Product Recommendation: Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen has an ABS plastic shell, and colors include black, blue, pink, etc. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen has an ergonomic grip, which makes it easy to draw with it for a long time. The nib of this pen has five sizes: EF, F, M, B, and LH. The ink drawing pens can help you draw in various effects.

Features:

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen has rich colors.
Using fountain pen drawing can produce different effects than other tools.
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen has different nib sizes for expressive and personalized drawings.
Ergonomic grip for comfortable use.
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is suitable for various uses, including writing, note-taking, calligraphy, painting, etc.

3. Marker Pens

Markers are colored pens used for writing or drawing. Markers contain ink, and the ink comes in many colors. The tip of a marker pen is relatively complex and has many shapes. The thickest is a rhombus, the medium-thick is round, and the thin is like a needle pen. The tip of a marker pen is made of felt (a fiber material), which is very durable, and the ink is smooth and long-lasting. Markers are art pens that are very suitable for illustration and coloring. There are also many types of marker pens. You can click 7 Prominent Types Of Marker Pens In 2024 to learn about the types of marker pens.

An in-depth look

Ink Color: Multicolor
Point Type: Extra Fine, Fine, Bold, Medium, Broad, Chisel
Special Features: Rich colors, Blendable, Brush Tip, Metallic, Non-Toxic, Retractable, Washable, Acid-Free Ink, Dual Tip
Recommended Uses: Coloring, Drawing, Painting, Writing, Calligraphy, Drafting, Sketching
Age Range: Kids, Teens, Adult

Pros

Markers come in rich, vibrant colors.
Markers have a variety of uses, including drawing, coloring, marking, and highlighting.
Markers come in different nib shapes and sizes to suit various uses.
Marker ink dries quickly, is smudge-resistant, and lasts long.
Markers are the best drawing pens for coloring.

Cons

If you don’t put the pen cap back on immediately after using the marker, the tip will dry out.

Product Recommendation: Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers

Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers come in 40 vibrant, long-lasting colors with a fine-tip pen perfect for coloring and drawing. The ink is washable, so any stains on hands or clothing can be removed with a simple rinse, and it’s chemical-free, so it’s safe even for children.

Features:

Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers come in a variety of vibrant colors.
The ink dries quickly, is non-toxic, and washes out easily.
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers are perfect for coloring, drawing, and marking.
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers are long-lasting and easy to use.

4. Gel Pens

Gel pens have very bright colors. Their ink is opaque and thick, making them clearer than ballpoint pen ink. They can be used not only for writing but also for drawing. Some gel pens also have glitter, which is very suitable for coloring. Gel pens feel smooth, and drawing with the pen will make you feel relaxed and happy. Cartoonists also often use gel pens to draw comics. In short, drawing with gel pens will surprise you!

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.0-1.9mm, 2mm and above
Ink Color: Multicolor
Point Type: Micro, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Bold, Broad
Special Features: Blendable, Dust Free, Eco Friendly, Erasable, Fade Resistant, Long Lasting, Non-Toxic
Recommended Uses: Writing, Coloring, Drawing, Painting, Calligraphy
Age Range: Adult

Pros

Gel pens have opaque ink that comes in a variety of vivid colors.
Gel pens are versatile and can be used for writing, drawing, and doodling.
Gel pens come in various tip sizes, from extra fine to thick.
Gel ink dries quickly and is fade-resistant and smudge-resistant, making it perfect for left-handers.
The gel pen ink is very smooth.

Cons

The ink of gel pens is consumed quickly.

Product Recommendation: Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable gel pen

The Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable gel pen uses innovative thermal ink technology, which is very smooth. With the eraser tip, there is no need to worry about leaving marks after wiping with an eraser, and there is no need to worry about damaging the paper. The Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable gel pen has rich colors; you can use this gel pen to draw, color, sketch, write a journal, and give full play to your unlimited imagination with the art pens.

Features:

The Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable gel pen is the only pen certified by the nation’s leading science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education organization.
The Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable gel pen uses thermal gel ink to erase mistakes easily.
The gel pens are also drawing pens; they have many colors and are very suitable for painting and coloring.

5. Technical pens

Technical drawing pens are specialized pens architects, engineers, or drafters use to draw uniform lines on architectural and technical drawings. Technical drawing pens have an ultra-fine tip for precise and detailed lines. These nibs come in various sizes, typically from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. Many technical drawing pens have metal-clad tips to protect the delicate tip and ensure durability.

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.0-1.9mm
Ink Color: Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Multicolor
Point Type: Bold, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Super Fine
Special Features: Waterproof
Recommended Uses: Blueprints, Schematics, Detailed Illustrations, Line Art, Maps, Scientific Diagrams
Age Range: Children and adults

Pros

Technical drawing pens have fine tips and high-quality ink.
Technical drawing pens are perfect for fine line work.
The metal-clad tip ensures the durability of the technical drawing pens.
Technical drawing pens are the best drawing pens for architecture, engineering, and design professionals.

Cons

Since the tip of the technical drawing pen is very fine and easily clogged, it must be cleaned occasionally.

Product Recommendation: ROtring Isograph Technical Drawing Pen

rOtring Isograph Technical Drawing Pen is a high-precision technical pen. The pen tip is made of stainless steel, which is very durable. The fine pen tip is very suitable for drawing some details. The pen is color-coded to indicate different line widths. You can choose the line width according to your needs. The ergonomic pen holder allows you to draw for a long time without feeling tired.

Features:

rOtring Isograph Technical Drawing Pen has an ergonomic pen barrel.
The stainless steel pen tip is very durable.
Color-coded pen barrel indicates line width.
Fine tip for precise drawing.
Technical drawing pens can be refilled with different ink colors.

6. Dip pen

A dip pen is a writing or drawing pen that applies ink to paper. A dip pen usually consists of a metal nib and a capillary tube, with the nib mounted on a handle made of wood. A dip pen usually has no ink reservoir. Although fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and gel pens are more popular now, many artists still love dip pens. Dip pens are art pens that can draw both thick and thin lines. Artists can use dip pens to draw amazing paintings.

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.5mm
Ink Color: Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Lime Multicolor
Point Type: Bold, Micro, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Ultra Fine, Chisel
Special Features: Waterproof, Compact, Lightweight, Liquid Ink, Non-Toxic, Transparent, Washable
Recommended Uses: Illustration, Diary writing, Calligraphy, Plain paper, Painting, Comics
Age Range: Kid, Teen, Adult

Pros

Dip pens have a variety of interchangeable nibs so that you can create different lines and effects.
Dip pens can use a variety of inks, such as drawing inks, metallic inks, or pigment inks.
Dip pen nibs are made of stainless steel and are very durable.
A dip pen can add an elegant and classic feel to your writing or drawing.

Cons

Using a dip pen requires frequent refilling of ink.

Product Recommendation: Speedball Sketching Pen Set

Speedball Sketching Pen Set features handcrafted nibs. There are many types of nibs (No. 99, No. 56, No. 102 Crow Quill, No. 107 Hawk Quill, No. 108, No. 512). Different nibs have different widths and hardness. These nibs are perfect for painting, sketching, lettering, etc. Speedball sketching pens include two pen holders, a standard pen holder, and a Crowquill pen holder. These pen holders are ergonomic and make you feel relaxed when painting.

Features：

Speedball sketching pens have flexible nibs.
Both handles of Speedball sketch pens are comfortable to hold.
Speedball sketching pens are great for painting, sketching, illustration, etc.
Speedball sketch pens can be dipped in different inks.

7. Fineliner pen

Fineliner pens have excellent nibs, usually between 0.1mm and 0.8mm wide, and are precise, allowing for clear, delicate lines, making them ideal for detailing, including outlining edges, drawing textures, etc. Fineliner pens are usually water-based, fast-drying, smudge-proof, and fade-resistant, ensuring line clarity and accuracy.

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.1mm – 0.8mm
Ink Color: Black, Brown, Gray, Green, Multicolor, Pink, Red, Yellow
Point Type: Bold, Broad, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Micro, Ultra Fine, Ultra Micro, Chisel
Special Features: Blendable, Erasable, Ergonomic, Fade Resistant, Lightweight, Non-Toxic, Quick Drying, Washable, Waterproof
Recommended Uses: Sketch, Illustrate, Comics, Journal, Take notes, Drawing, Technical drawing and handwriting
Age Range: Adult

Pros

Fineliner pens dry quickly and are also great for left-handed people.
Fineliner pens are fade-resistant and do not bleed through.
Fineliner pens provide consistent line widths and produce clean, sharp lines.
Fineliner pens are great for artists, architects, and designers.
Fine-line pens have different nib sizes, and you can choose the nib size according to your needs.

Cons

Fine nibs are fragile and can be easily damaged if too much pressure is applied.

Product Recommendation: Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pen

Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pen uses the highest quality archival formula – Pigma ink, which is waterproof and fade-resistant, and the works will remain clear over time. Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pen has 0.35 mm and 0.45 mm nibs, and its consistent lines and clear handwriting are a favorite among technicians, artists, and artisans. The art pens are perfect for illustrations, hand-drawn comics, technical drawings, etc.

Features：

Archival Ink – Pigma ink is waterproof, fade-resistant, and bleed-resistant.
The ink is clear and produces consistent lines.
Micron is excellent for archival records, illustrations, graphic arts, hand-drawn comics, and more.
The drawing pens are trendy among technicians, artists, and illustrators.

8. ballpoint pen

A ballpoint pen is a pen that sprays ink onto a metal ball at the tip and writes by rolling the metal ball. Although ballpoint pens are usually used for writing, they are also very suitable for painting. Ballpoint pens can be sketch pens because they are ideal for depicting details and have intense expressiveness. Ballpoint pens also have rich colors, and using ballpoint pens can create outstanding works of art.

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.0-1.9mm
Ink Color: Aqua, Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Magenta, Multicolor
Point Type: Bold, Broad, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Micro, Ultra Fine
Special Features: Eco Friendly, Erasable, Ergonomic, Fade Resistant, Heavy Duty, Long Lasting, Quick Drying
Recommended Uses: Sketch, Journal, Take notes, Drawing, Writing
Age Range: Adult

Pros

The oil-based ink in ballpoint pens is very durable and dries quickly.
Ballpoint pens provide a consistent ink flow; writing or drawing with the pen is smooth.
Ballpoint pens rarely leak, keeping your hands and paper clean.
Ballpoint pens are great for detailed work and are favored by artists and painters.

Cons

Although the writing of a ballpoint pen is clear, it will gradually blur over time.

Product Recommendation: BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen

BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen is one of the most popular ballpoint pens. It provides consistent ink flow that performs reliably and can be used for a very long time, which is a pleasant surprise for those who don’t like to change pens. The pen barrel of this pen is very comfortable to hold in the hand, allowing you to use it easily and comfortably for a long time. It can be used for sketching, doodling, taking notes, writing diaries, drawing, and other activities.

In addition to the BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen, many excellent ballpoint pens are perfect for drawing. If you are interested, click The 20 Best Ballpoint Pens For Writing In 2024.

Features：

The BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen uses ultra-smooth ink.
The ink is durable and lasts 90% longer than the average ballpoint pen.
The tungsten carbide ball at the tip is stable and spreads the ink consistently.
The rounded barrel is ergonomic and comfortable to write with.

9. Pigment Liner Sketch Pens

Pigment liner sketch pens, also known as pigment liners, are designed for precise, detailed painting and sketching. The pigment liner ink is waterproof, lightfast, and fade-resistant, providing consistent ink flow. Pigment liner sketch pens typically range in tip size from ultra-fine (e.g., 0.05 mm) to more comprehensive tips (e.g., 1.0 mm), ideal for intricate drawings and technical illustrations.

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm
Ink Color: Black, Brown, Gold
Point Type: Broad, Extra Fine, Fine, Micro, Ultra Fine
Special Features: Erasable, Lightweight, Non-Toxic, Waterproof, Fade-resistant
Recommended Uses: Sketching, Inking, Outlining, Writing, Technical drawings, Illustrations, Designs
Age Range: Adult

Pros

Pigment liner sketch pens are perfect for detailed illustrations, technical drawings, and intricate designs.
Pigment liner sketch pens are waterproof and fade-resistant, so your artwork will last long.
Pigment liner sketch pens come in many nib sizes.
Pigment liner sketch pens are famous for artists, architects, and designers.

Cons

Most pigment-lined sketch pens are not refillable and require the entire pen to be replaced when the ink runs out.

Product Recommendation: Staedtler Pigment Liner Sketch Pens

Staedtler Pigment Liner Sketch Pens use a durable metal tip so that you can use this pen for a long time. Available in various widths and colors, the finest line width is 0.05 mm, perfect for fine details and especially suitable for technical engineering drawings. In addition, this pen’s pigments are lightfast and can be erased on the drawing paper. This makes this pen perfect for professionals.

Features：

Staedtler Pigment Liner is designed for technical and fine art drawing.
The durable metal nib allows for long-term precision.
The anti-drying ink enables the pen to remain uncapped for hours without problems.
The pigment ink in the Pigment Liner is lightfast.

10. Rollerball Pen

Rollerball pens use water-based liquid or gel ink, which is darker and penetrates the paper better than other types of ink. Rollerball pens write more clearly than ballpoint pens. Rollerball pens provide consistent ink flow; you only need to apply less pressure to the pen to give you an even, high-performance writing experience. Let you feel comfortable when writing and drawing.

An in-depth look

Line Size: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, 1.0-1.9mm, 2mm and Above
Ink Color: Multicolor, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Silver, Black
Point Type: Bold, Broad, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Micro, Super Fine
Special Features: Ergonomic, Lightweight, Liquid Ink, Long Lasting, Non-Toxic, Personalized, Refillable, Scented
Recommended Uses: Sketching, illustration, cartooning, painting, journaling, letter writing
Age Range: All ages

Pros

Rollerball pens flow more smoothly than the oil-based ink used in ballpoint pens.
The fine tip of a rollerball pen allows for precise, detailed lines.
Rollerball pens are great for sketching, outlining, detailed artwork, taking notes, and more.
A small amount of pressure is required to write clearly on a rollerball pen.

Cons

The liquid ink of rollerball pens quickly penetrates the paper, and the ink runs out faster.

Product Recommendation: Uniball Vision Rollerball Pens

Uniball Vision Rollerball Pens have a unique ink system for smooth writing and vivid colors. The ink is archival-grade, waterproof, and fade-resistant, making it ideal for long-term preservation of documents and artwork. The fine tip of the pen has extreme precision and can draw clear lines, making it suitable for depicting details.

Features：

Archival-quality Uni Super Ink is waterproof and fade-resistant.
Uniball Vision Rollerball Pens have vivid, smooth ink.
The ink window ensures you don’t accidentally run out.
This rollerball pen is extremely precise and perfect for drawing details.

11. Watercolor Pen

Watercolor pens have a flexible nib and contain a container for water-based ink or paint. Water-based pens are more convenient than traditional paintbrushes and can be used directly without a cup or palette. The ink of watercolor pens can be mixed with water to produce gradients, washes, and other watercolor effects, making them ideal for painting, comics, and illustrations.

An in-depth look

Ink Color: Multicolor, Mixing colors
Point Type: Bold, Broad, Fine, Medium
Special Features: Blend with water, water-based ink
Recommended Uses: Painting, Calligraphy, Coloring, Drawing, Cartooning
Age Range: All ages

Pros

You can control the amount of ink that comes out depending on the pressure you apply to the pen.
Watercolor pen ink can be mixed with water to create gradients and washes.
Watercolor pen nibs are flexible and can draw thick or thin lines.
Watercolor pen colors are rich, and you can mix them.

Cons

Watercolor pencils are more suitable for experienced artists and may be challenging to use for the first time.

Production Recommendation: ARTEZA Watercolor Pens

ARTEZA Watercolor Pens has dozens of different colors, which are also very bright. You can dip the brush head into the water for softer colors, creating a gradient watercolor effect. The ink of this watercolor pen is non-toxic and very smooth. It is suitable not only for processing details but also for large-scale depictions to create unique effects. You can use this pen for painting, sketching, coloring, or calligraphy.

Features：

The ink is rich and bright in color.
The water-based ink is non-toxic, quick-drying, and smooth.
The bristles of the pen are flexible and can be used with water.
Suitable for various purposes, including painting, comics, illustrations, etc.

FAQ

Which drawing pens are best for sketching?

1. Sakura Pigma Micron
Advantages: Consistent ink flow, excellent for detailed work.

2. Staedtler Pigment Liner
Advantages: archival ink is durable and great for technical and artistic drawing.

3. Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens
Advantages: Rich, dark lines, versatile, and suitable for both line work and shading.

4. Uni Pin Fineliner
Advantages: Waterproof, fade-proof ink, smooth lines.

5. Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
Advantages: Soft and hard brush tips, great for calligraphy-style sketching.

How to choose the right drawing pens?

First, you need to consider what type of drawing you want to do. For example, you should choose a technical pen to draw technical drawings. Secondly, you need to consider whether the ink of this brush is waterproof, fade-proof, and non-permeable. Then, you need to choose the right nib size and an ergonomic grip. Finally, consider your budget.

By evaluating these factors, you can narrow down your choices. Of course, if you find it challenging to choose a drawing pen, you can see the drawing pen that best suits your needs through custom drawing pens.

How to use a dip pen？

1. Insert the nib into the nib holder and make sure the nib is securely installed.

2. Dip the nib into the ink, capping the nib’s ink reservoir. Gently tap the nib to remove excess ink.

3. Test the nib on scrap paper first to ensure ink consistency.

4. Apply consistent pressure to the pen to draw even lines.

5. Re-dip the nib as needed to maintain a steady ink flow.

6. Clean the nib thoroughly with water and wipe the nib and pen holder with a dry cloth.

7. Store the nib and pen holder in a dry place.

What drawing pens do professional artists use to paint?

What drawing pen an artist uses depends on the artist’s painting style. Artists who like to paint landscapes prefer to use brushes, while artists who like to paint portraits prefer fountain pens. Therefore, the drawing pen an artist likes to use depends on their preferences.

Which is better, a ballpoint pen or a gel pen?

Ballpoint pen: Ballpoint pen uses oil-based ink, dries quickly, writes smoothly, and is durable but has limited colors.

Gel pen: Gel pen has bright colors, writes smoothly, and takes a little longer to dry than a ballpoint pen.

Both pens have advantages and disadvantages; you can choose according to your preferences and needs.

What are the best pens for detailed drawing?

Fine-tipped pens such as Sakura Pigma Micron, Copic Multiliners, and Staedtler Pigment Liners are ideal for detailed drawings due to their precise line work and archival-quality ink.

What is the difference between fineliners and brush pens?

Fineliners have rigid, fine tips for precise and consistent lines, while brush pens have flexible tips that can create varying line widths depending on pressure and angle.

Conclusion

This article introduces 11 different types of drawing pens in detail. A drawing pen can always meet your needs, whether you like thin or thick lines. As a professional stationery supplier, Honeyoung hopes you can try different drawing pens and find the one that best suits your painting style.