9 Best Brush Pens For Calligraphy
If you’re looking to increase your Bullet Journal lettering skills or just get creative with brush pens, then look no further!
I’ve been learning brush lettering since I started my journal in 2018 and have used my fair share of brush pens in this craft – I’m here to help you find the best pen for whatever level you’re at in terms of lettering.
I’m here to help guide you toward the best brush pens for calligraphy.
I’ve rounded up my experience and expertise in discovering the perfect tools that will give you a smooth, effortless writing experience every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this post has something for everyone – so read on, and let’s find out what the best brush pens are for creating elegant lettering.
I also want you to understand that even though it might seem like you need ALL the pens to get started with lettering and practice this skill, you don’t need it all, just probably one good pen.
So if you’re a beginner, try getting one pen and keep on buying more as you go and have some more money to spend on your hobby.
Before we dive in, be sure to scroll until the end to get some freebies that will help you master lettering and put all these pens to good use.
The Best Brush Pens For Calligraphy
There are a lot of different brush pens out there with different tip sizes and softness. So be sure to check the description of all these pens and consider which type seems best for you.
There are more resources on brush pens at the end of the post; here, I'll just walk you through 9 of my favorite pens! Of course, there are many more other ones.
In this list, we'll start with small tips, then more to medium-sized pens, and finish with pens with large brush pens.
If you're a beginner in the world of brush pens, these are the perfect ones for you!
These brush pens are small nibbed and come in both soft and hard versions, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different brush strokes. In my opinion, they're the best ones out there for beginners.
Although the ink flow is medium, it can occasionally be dry, but with a little practice, you'll get the hang of it. You'll love these brush pens because they're flexible and durable.
And the icing on the cake? These brush pens used to only come in black and grey, but Tombow recently released different color versions for you to play with!
These pens have a unique feel that's somewhere between a hard and soft tip, but still effortless to use. While they may not be as widely available as some other brands, their distinctive colors make them a worthwhile addition to your collection.
Give Zebra Funwari brush pens a shot and see what unique creations you can come up with.
Marvy Lepen Flex brush pens have an amazing brush tip that's perfect for all kinds of lettering styles, and I highly recommend them if you're looking to experiment with a new small brush pen.
Just a warning, though, even though these pens look like they are very rainbow-type colors, in fact, they are a bit more muted and earthy. This is totally my jam, but might not be yours.
We're moving to medium-sized brush tips with these Stabilo pens.
These pens were a recent discovery for me, but boy, oh boy, do they pack a punch. The tips are simply amazing. They are easy to control and offer great flexibility, giving the freedom to create all sorts of designs.
They were a little pricey when you purchase them in the US, however, these pens are a great price in other countries.
If you're looking for a high-quality pen that will last you a long time, these pens are definitely worth checking out! Not only do they come in a bunch of different colors to suit your personal taste, but they are super durable too. I've been using mine for a few years now, and I'm impressed at how little damage there is to the nib.
In terms of writing quality, the medium-sized nib has just enough firmness and elasticity to make writing a breeze. And the medium ink flow means you won't have to worry about smudging or fading over time. Plus, the comfortable grip makes it easy to write for long periods of time without feeling any discomfort.
All in all, these pens are a great investment if you're looking for a reliable writing tool!
If you're looking to upgrade your writing tools, the Faber Castell Pitt Artist brush pens might just be what you need. Yes, they are a bit pricey, but trust me, they are absolutely gorgeous.
The medium-sized soft nib with a wet ink flow makes writing a breeze, giving your words a fluid and effortless look. It might take a little bit of extra practice to get used to the flexible tip, but once you do, the possibilities are endless.
And let's not forget about the wide range of stunning colors to choose from! Whether you're Bullet Journaling or simply adding a pop of color to your notes, these pens are perfect for creating lettering pieces, like headers or titles.
Speaking of large-tip brush pens, you just have to start with Tombow Dual Brush pens.
They're a favorite among artists and writers alike, and it's easy to see why. The range of colors is unbeatable, and they're incredibly versatile.
You can use them as watercolors, blending colors for a beautiful effect, or switch back to the traditional marker tip for more precise lettering.
Don't be intimidated by the large nib either – it provides a medium ink flow that's perfect for beginners and experts alike. These pens are a must-have in any artist's kit.
Archer and Olive came out with the most amazing pens, and I just had to share them with you! These pens are every brush lettering enthusiast's dream come true.
Each pen has two tips, a large brush tip like the Tombow Dual brush, and a small brush tip like the Tombow Fudenosuke, so you can create both bold strokes and fine details with ease.
These pens are super simple to use and give you so much versatility. I love how you can switch from writing big and dramatic headers to small and delicate details in an instant.
With my code MASHA10, you can get 10% off your purchase, so go and grab your set today!
These brush pens are definitely one of my top picks when it comes to large brush pens. What I appreciate most about these is their firm tip, making them easy to control. Of course, they do come with a higher price point compared to other options in the market, but trust me when I say that the quality is worth it.
The tips won't fray quickly, and they can even be used as watercolor if you're feeling experimental. Just be careful about the paper you use because these markers are pretty wet and can cause some ghosting.
Lastly, let's talk about the unique colors - they are absolutely beautiful and will add that special touch to any project you're working on.
Free Lettering Resources
Ready to put these brush pens to good use and start practicing brush lettering? I’ve got you covered with worksheets and other lettering resources that will help you explore the world of calligraphy.
Simply sign up in the form below, and you’ll get all the freebies delivered straight to your inbox once you confirm your subscription.
More Resources
Before you go, check out the posts below to learn even more about lettering and how to master this beautiful craft.
Check these posts next:
- The Best Brush Lettering Pens For Calligraphy Beginners
- Free Online Brush Lettering Courses
- 31+ Free Printable Lettering And Calligraphy Worksheets
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And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob!