Arts >> Art >> Art Supplies

The Best of Technical Drawing Pens

Pens and fine-line markers are essential tools for artists who enjoy working with ink. Whether they're using the pens to outline or to shade in comic strips, artists want to use pens with fast-drying ink that doesn't smudge. Among the pens available to artists today, some of the more commonly used are Microns, Marker Pens, Multiliners and Rapidographs.
  1. Micron Pens by Sakura

    • Available in six different sizes, the Micron pen comes with nib sizes ranging from .20 mm to .50 mm. The nib or top of the Micron pen is where the ink is transferred from the pen to the paper. Artists use Microns for outlining some of the most minute details such as the scales on a dragon in a comic strip. Quick drying, Microns allow artists to outline without having to take long breaks in between layers.

    Marker Pens by Pilot

    • The Marker Pens series by Pilot offers pens such as the Fineliners and Razor Points. These pens are built for control and smooth lines in expressive writing. Depending on the series an artist prefers, Pilot pens come in a variety of colors from the default red, blue and black to green and purple. Founded in 1972, the Pilot pen group is, as of 2011, the third largest company for writing instruments in the United States.

    Multiliners by Copic Markers

    • Copic's a well-known company amongst most artists for making markers with smooth flowing ink. The markers are also refillable. Copic also offers artists the option to purchase nib replacements when the point of a pen becomes dull or worn down. There are currently 10 different nib sizes for black Multiliners and two nib sizes for color.

    Rapidographs by Rotring

    • Rotring offers Rapidographs in sets or kits with various nib sizes as well as a bottle of ink to refill the pens. Unlike the Microns, Multiliners and Marker Pens, Rapidograph nibs must be removed and cleaned with warm soapy water after each use to keep the nib from becoming clogged by leftover ink. The nibs are removed by unscrewing them from the pens.

Art Supplies

Related Categories