7 Best Pens For Doodling, Sketching, and Drawing
I know we all here are pretty crazy about our Bullet Journal supplies, so here is another post to help you make better choices with your art supplies shopping.
Today, we’ll be talking about the best doodle pens; since you want to learn how to doodle, you might as well get some good pens for your new hobby.
I have quite a stationery collection myself, so I tested tons of pens before I chose the ones to share with you today.
Doodling is a fun way to be more creative in your journals. But it’s also a great way to exercise your creativity, unwind and relax. You can learn more about the benefits of doodling in my post 5 Incredible Benefits Of Doodling Anf How To Get Started.
Having a good pen can definitely make doodling more fun, and before you run out to Michael’s and spend your life savings on pens, let me share with you some of my picks as well as something to be on the lookout for.
Believe me, I was that girl who bought ALL the pens, and most of them ended up lying there, never to be used again.
Oh, and before we get into it, if you’re looking for any tips on doodling, be sure to check my posts Beginner’s Guide To Doodling and How To Start Doodling And 13 Easy Doodles To Try.
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Things To Consider
All pens are different, and you have to pick the one that works best for you.
It’s kind of like with aesthetic handwriting – if you want to get the prettiest handwriting, you need to find that pen that you feel comfortable with
So here are the things you need to consider when you choose your perfect doodling pen.
- Tip
Depending on what kind of tip your pen has, it’ll have a different way of dispensing ink; some tips can jam.
There are also different tip sizes to consider, depending on how thick or thin you want your lines to be.
- Ink
Some inks are brighter than others, and some smudge more. There are also archival inks that stay bright for a long time, while others might fade in time.
Smudging is probably the most annoying problem you can have with ink, so I’ll be sure to warn you about which of these pens you need to be careful with.
- Ink Flow
For me, there is nothing more annoying than having to repeat lines because the ink didn’t flow smoothly. Smooth ink flow is everything,
- Grip
Usually, doodling takes quite some time, so having a comfortable grid is very important!
I usually hold my pen like it’s the last connection I have with the living world, so pens with an uncomfortable grid always end up being quite painful for me.
Best Doodle Pens
I tried loads of pens and considered all the things I mentioned above.
Here are my top picks, including the advantages and disadvantages of each of these pens.
Sakura Pigma Micron
These are definitely my favorite ones on this list.
These amazing pens come in different tip sizes and different colors. For doodling, though, I prefer black ones.
A variety of sizes means you can get a bit funkier with your doodles and make them pop more.
The ink flows super smoothly, and it’s waterproof and fade-resistant.
Finally, the grip is also pretty comfortable; however long I doodle with them, my fingers don’t really get tired.
PROS:
- Smooth ink
- Comfortable grip
- Water-resistant
- Fade-resistant
- Different colors
CONS:
None that I found.
- Precise archival pens create fade resistant, waterproof, bleed free marks for drawing, artwork, journaling, and more
- Includes 6 black ink Pigma Micron pens in point sizes 005 (0.20mm), 01 (0.25mm), 02 (0.30mm), 03 (0.35mm), 05 (0.45mm), and 08 (0.50mm)
- Pigma Micron ink is pH neutral, quick drying, and approved by ACMI toxicologists; pens have AP certification seal
Stabilo Pens Point 88
When it comes to coloring pens, nothing beats Stabilo point 88.
These pens come in so many beautiful colors and are very affordable. Even though you can buy them separately, I’d really recommend buying a set – you won’t regret it.
The ink doesn’t smudge and runs smoothly.
However, the ink runs best when you hold the pen at almost 90 degrees so that it can be a bit uncomfortable.
PROS:
- Smooth ink
- Many colors
- Doesn’t smudge
CONS:
- The grip can be a bit uncomfortable
- Only one size tip
- COMFORTABLE GRIP - The famous hexagonal body shape of the STABILO point 88 makes it very comfortable to grip.
- METAL ENCLOSED TIP - The 0.4mm line width offers you a great deal of control and precision and the metal-enclosed tip provides strength and durability.
- PRECISE - For drawing you can create intricate details; for writing you can go really small with your font size. It is also perfect for use with rulers and stencils, making it ideal for precise work, structuring texts and taking notes.
Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens
Awesome pens, available in so many colors.
Just like Sakura Micron, these are available in different sizes. One of my favorite sizes for doodling is 1.5.
The ink is very smooth and covers the area super well. Moreover – the black is dark and bold. However, the ink might smudge a bit, so be careful with that.
The grip is also very comfortable.
PROS:
- Smooth ink
- Comfortable grip
- Different colors
- Waterproof
- Fade-resistant
CONS:
- It can smudge
Tombow Twin Tone Markers
One more amazing option for colored doodling pens.
I love these pens for many reasons.
First of all, they come in many awesome colors, rainbow being my favorite one.
Secondly – they also have dual tips, meaning that you’re getting a thin tip and a thicker marker-like tip.
The colors are bright and vivid; the ink runs very smoothly.
When it comes to the tip, it’s pretty similar to the one of Stabilo Point 88 in that you should hold your pen almost at 90 degrees to get the most color.
PROS:
- Smooth ink
- Double tip
- Many colors
CONS:
- Marker tip can smudge
- The grip might be a bit uncomfortable
- Perfect for color coding and decorating planners, journals and notebooks
- Double sided marker creates thick or thin lines with two tip choices broad bullet tip for bold lines or extra fine tip for detailed, precise lines
- Long lasting fiber tips maintain shape after repeated use
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens
These pens are so amazing in so many ways!
My love for these pens started when I used the white pen to fix my Bullet Journal mistakes, and ever since, I have never used any other gel pens.
They come in tons and tons of colors, and the ink is always so smooth.
Another thing I love about these pens is that you can use them in your blackout journal, which looks absolutely stunning!
There is just one trick with these pens – since they are gel pens, they can smudge quite a bit, so you have to be careful and let the ink dry.
PROS:
- Smooth ink
- Many colors
- Works on black pages
CONS:
- Can smudge
- Sakura Gelly Roll Pens: These pens don’t bleed through paper and make a lasting mark
- Bright, Opaque Colored Ink: Gel pens have paint-like colored ink that flows creamy smooth onto light and dark paper
- Archival Quality: Non-fluorescent pen ink is waterproof and fade resistant when dry; fluorescent ink glows under blacklight
Pilot G2 Gel Pens
Pilot pens have been my favorite ever since high school, so of course, I had to include them on this list.
The ink is running very smoothly, and the grip is super comfortable.
They are also available in many different colors, so it’s a huge plus.
The thing I have to mention, though, is that these pens can streak a bit if you use a pencil first. It means that you might need to go over some lines, and this can be annoying.
But if you’re ready to dive in without the help of a pencil – these pens are perfect!
PROS:
- Smooth ink
- Comfortable grip
- Many colors
CONS:
- Can smudge
- Might have to repeat some lines
- Smooth & Long-lasting: Enjoy a smooth writing experience thanks to the gel ink that glides effortlessly across paper; G2 has been proven to be the longest-lasting gel ink pen that allows you to write more (Data on File)
- Comfortable Grip: A contoured rubber grip provides ergonomic support, making long writing projects easier
- Versatile: Perfect for everyday writing tasks such as taking notes and jotting down grocery lists; The G2 tip delivers crisp, clean lines ideal for writing, intricate designs, drawing, sketching or doodling
Acrylograph Pens
Last but not least is acrylograph pens by Archer and Olive.
Acrylograph pens are paint pens, so they have a special handling way. If you want to know more about them, be sure to check my Complete Review Of Acrylograph Pens.
But here is why they are so awesome – they paint on anything; if you were itching to doodle on some rocks or maybe decorate your journal cover, these pens would help you make it happen.
They are also available with different tips and a lot of amazing colors. The ink runs smoothly and stays on the paper bright and beautiful.
You have to be careful, though, because they can smudge. You also might need to shake the pen before using it to make the ink flow better.
PROS:
- Great ink flow
- Many colors
- Writes on any surfaces
CONS:
- Can smudge
- It might need some shaking
If you want to get some acrylograph pens in your collection, I can give you 10% off your purchase if you use my code MASHA10 on checkout.
Did you ever use any of those pens?
What are some of your favorite pens for doodling?
Share with us in the comments.
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And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob.
