When Is the Right Time to Buy an Art Pen?

We humans are often pretty impulsive. For instance, how many times have you walked into an art store and suddenly got the urge to buy everything, whether you actually need it or not? Yep, we’ve all done this. But when you’re buying art supplies, the worst mistake you can do is grab a bunch just because they look cool without really thinking about what it is that you need. 

Instead, hold for a bit and do some research. Figure out what you need for your projects, and then you can buy pens for art, those that really work for you. This is how you can get the best out of your drawings. 

When You’re Starting a New Project

Did it ever occur to you to start a new project just to realise that your pens aren’t cutting it? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Your inks are either dried or just not the right medium for what you need, and it always happens when you’re most excited to start sketching. What a bugger right? To avoid getting let down by your markers when you most need them, this is what you need to remember – buy pens for art right when you’re starting something fresh. It makes sense that you want new inks for a fresh project. 

When Your Skill Level Grows

Did it ever happen to you that the moment you get better at something, the pickier you become about your art tools? That’s completely normal! It means your skills are evolving and it’s only natural to want to upgrade to something better. If in the past you would grab just any pen and started drawing, now you may have become more diligent about your picks and you’re doing the right thing. You should actually care about ink flow, line weight and how the ink feels in your hand. 

Because you know, when you’re a beginner you don’t really think about those details. But as you improve you start noticing every little detail and what works best for your project. For example, for sketching, have you noticed how some markers smudge more than others and some just glide better on paper? So, upgrading your tools isn’t just about spending money, it’s about investing in the tools suitable for your skill level. The right markers help you create better art. 

When You Want to Experiment

Are you getting bored of using the same old markers and want to switch things up? When you want to try something totally different with your art, it’s the perfect moment to reach out for new pens for drawing. For example, maybe you have been using fine liners forever and have thought about trying something different. 

You pick up a brush pen, and suddenly you’re in love with those smooth, flowing lines you never knew you could do. Isn’t that exciting? Or maybe you want to try your hand at calligraphy and get a real sense of this ancient writing technique for which you’ll need the right calligraphy supplies to get you started. 

You’ve got tons of options and tools to experiment with. Maybe you can switch from a ballpoint to fountain inks, or go from black to sepia or coloured or acrylic ink. Even the smallest swap in the tools can totally change the vibe of your project. By trying out different drawing mediums, you might end up discovering a new favourite. 

Plus, experimenting keeps things fun because using the same tools can get super repetitive and boring. And to do this, you don’t need to spend lots of money. Just pick one or two new markers and test them out. Sometimes all it takes is just to push your creativity in a new direction. 

When Your Pens are Running Dry or Not Performing Well

If your drawing tools are barely working, it’s time to switch them with new ones. If you try drawing with a marker that is dry, the ink keeps skipping and it can mess up with your lines, and there’s nothing worse than trying to draw with a marker that is running out. 

Many new artists are doing the same mistake by holding onto their markers, hoping they will magically start working again. No, stop wasting your time and nerves. Get a new set of artist markers and you’ll notice the difference immediately. If your lines aren’t smooth or the ink isn’t flowing, change them.

When You Need a Specialised Pen

Different projects require different markers. Let’s say you’re working on a piece with really fine lines or intricate designs, comics, sketches or even architectural drawings. Will you be using the same marker as you do for your other drawings? No. You need an ink or a pencil specifically made for technical drawings or sketching. These drawing tools have a finer tip, which is a lot smaller than ballpoints and is ideal for tiny, detailed work. 

So, if you’re still asking yourself “What kind of pen is used in art?” the answer is more nuanced. While rollerballs may be favoured among artists and designers for their simplicity and minimal maintenance, artists often turn to more specialised tools like micron pencils, fineliners or brush and fountain inks because of their precision, variety of tip sizes and the ability to create intricate and detailed work. It’s all about choosing a drawing medium made specifically for your type of drawing.