Draw the Line: The Artist’s Guide to Drawing Pens

The pen you use can completely change how your drawing or writing turns out. If you’ve always thought any old pen would do, you’re not alone. But once you start using the right one for the job, it makes such a huge difference.

Calligraphy requires something totally different from sketching or doing fine line work. And let’s not even get started on comic art or technical drawings, those need their own specific pens too. If you want to take your work seriously, choosing the right tools is essential.

For instance, if you get calligraphy pens for writing, you will see firsthand the difference they make. The lines are smoother, the strokes look so clean, and it’s actually easier to get the style right. There’s literally a pen for everything; you just need to know what to use and when.

Calligraphy Pens

First up are broad-edged pens. These have flat tips that hold ink and create thick or thin strokes depending on the angle you hold them. They’re perfect for styles like Italic, Blackletter, or Roman. Think of them as a modern version of old-school fountain pens with wide nibs.

Some are dip pens with broad nibs, but there are also modern options like the Pilot Parallel Pen, which uses ink cartridges. These are great for beginners, just pop in a cartridge and you’re good to go. No messy dipping needed.

Next are pointed nib pens, which have flexible, sharp tips. Press down for thick strokes and ease up for fine lines. They’re ideal for flowing scripts like Copperplate and Spencerian. These are typically dip pens with nibs such as the Nikko G or Zebra G.

Then there are brush pens, also known as fudepens. They have flexible felt or nylon tips that mimic a real brush. Great for blending, brush lettering, or expressive strokes. Think of it as all the fun of painting but with less mess.

You’ll also find fountain-style calligraphy pens with fixed nibs. These offer smooth, consistent strokes and are refillable, ideal for longer writing sessions. Just remember to clean them regularly to prevent clogging.

Lastly, there are ruling pens. These are more niche, often used in technical drawing for creating consistent, fine lines. Not essential unless you’re combining drafting or design work with your lettering.

When choosing a pen, start with what you want to create: a broad-edged pen for formal scripts like Gothic or Italic; a pointed nib for elegant, flowing styles like Copperplate; and a brush pen for expressive lettering and blending.

Make sure to start simple, with one high-quality pen. You can always expand to dip pens or brush pens later. And don’t worry about spending a fortune, many great beginner pens are surprisingly affordable. You don’t need premium gear to get started.

Fineliner Pens

Have you tried fineliner pens? They’re brilliant for outlines and fine details. With their super-thin tips, they allow you to create crisp, clean lines. Plus, they don’t smudge easily, perfect for sketching or line art.

They also come in different tip sizes, so you can choose ultra-fine lines or something slightly thicker. Many people love using them for journaling or daily planners as well.

Brush Pens

Brush pens are incredibly fun to use. You’ll love how you can switch between thick and thin lines just by changing pressure. It feels a lot like painting, but far less messy.

They’re fantastic for modern calligraphy or when you want bold, expressive strokes in your sketches. And the colours? Some brands offer amazing blendable options that let you get really creative. A must-have if you enjoy lettering or dynamic drawing styles.

Technical Pens (Isograph/Pigment Liners)

Technical pens offer next-level precision. They give you clean, consistent lines and are ideal for highly detailed work. Yes, they’re a bit more of an investment, but they last for ages and are super reliable.

If you’re into technical drawing, comic inking, or want ultra-crisp lines, they’re totally worth it.

Gel and Rollerball Pens

Gel pens are smooth and bold. Their colours pop right off the page. Rollerball pens are just as smooth, but with a bit more ink flow. Both are great for writing and journaling, making even simple notes look great.

They usually don’t bleed through paper either, which is a big plus. Comfortable to hold and easy to use for longer writing sessions, they’re an underrated essential.
Ballpoint Pens
The ballpoint pen is a classic, and for good reason. It’s reliable, writes on almost anything, and is great for everyday use.

You can even sketch with it. By adjusting pressure, you can shade and add texture. Best of all, it’s mess-free: no leaks, no smudging. Whether you’re jotting down a list or doodling in a notebook, ballpoints are always handy. Everyone should keep a few nearby.

Fountain Pens

There’s something undeniably elegant about using a fountain pen. The ink flows so smoothly, and writing with one just feels special. You can even swap out the nibs for different effects.

Fountain pens are perfect for journaling or letter-writing, adding a touch of personal flair to every word. Just give them a regular clean and they’ll serve you well for years.