The Best Doodling Pens For Beginners
So, you’ve got your Bullet Journal supplies all set, and you’re eager to start doodling, but you’re not quite sure where to begin – don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This is the exciting part, the moment when your blank pages are about to be transformed into a creative masterpiece.
Whether you’re a seasoned BuJo enthusiast or a newbie just learning how to doodle, the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why we’re here, to walk you through the best doodling pens for beginners.
These pens are not just any pens – they’re doodle-friendly, easy to use, and perfect for adding that extra flair to your Bullet Journal.

I remember feeling like I had to navigate a labyrinth just to find a pen. Everywhere I looked, every artist seemed to have their own personal list of must-have pens. It was overwhelming, to say the least. I was under the impression that the secret to great drawings resided in the type of pen I used. As if the right pen was a magical key to unlocking my doodling potential!
But here’s a little nugget of wisdom from my journey: you can create wonderful doodles with any pen you have at hand.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve fallen head over heels for certain pens over the years, and I’m excited to share those recommendations with you. But remember, these are just my personal favorites. The real magic? It’s all in your creativity!
And for creativity, be sure to check the end of the post and join our FREE doodling course for beginners.
How To Choose A Good Doodling Pen
Let’s chat about the quest for the perfect doodling pen. It’s a journey, much like Bullet Journaling itself, filled with personal preferences and unique needs. You see, we all doodle differently, and that means different pen characteristics will matter more to some than others.
Perhaps you’re someone who can’t compromise on permanent ink, or maybe you’re an urban sketcher braving chilly temps. Possibly, you need to apply watercolor swiftly over your lines, or you have some health issues and find applying pressure a bit tricky.
Or, you simply might be after a specific attribute in your pen.
Is it the sleek, aerodynamic design you crave? A lightweight metal construction? A pen that defies gravity and writes upside down? Or are you a fountain pen connoisseur, seeking a particular cartridge type?
And let’s not forget the color enthusiasts among us, always on the hunt for the perfect shade of pink, magenta, red, or scarlet. Whatever your preferences, you deserve a doodling pen that’s truly amazing.

So, let’s dive into what you should consider before making your choice.
The Point: A jamming pen point is no one’s friend, unless of course, you’re aiming for a distressed look. And let’s not forget, point sizes vary.
The Ink: Few things frustrate a doodler more than smudged ink. One tiny smear can wreak havoc on your masterpiece. So, we’ll explore which pens are smudge-prone and which aren’t.
Ink Flow: Nothing interrupts the creative flow quite like ink that stops and starts. Having to trace over lines is a doodler’s pet peeve. It rarely looks neat or intentional. Therefore, you want a pen with steady ink flow, ensuring your lines remain unbroken and your creativity flows uninterrupted.
So, let’s embark on this journey together, and find the doodling pen that’s just right for you!
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The Best Doodling Pens For Beginners
We all have our own unique needs when it comes to doodling pens. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all in the world of doodling pens.
Now, if you're asking me, "But how do I find 'The One'?" Well, my friend, it's like stepping into an ice cream parlor - you've got to sample a few flavors before you find your ultimate scoop.
You can devour all the pen reviews and opinions out there (and I'm about to serve you a hearty dose of mine), but nothing beats the hands-on experience. It's about how that pen feels in your hand, how it dances across your page, and how it brings your doodles to life.

These little marvels come in an assortment of nib sizes, even boasting a brush pen in their lineup. They also parade a rainbow of colors, but when it comes to doodling, I'm a classic gal - I stick to black.
The tiniest nib in the gang is the 005, and boy, is it a game-changer. So thin, it'll allow you to add the most intricate details to your doodles.
And talk about ink flow - it's as smooth as a well-aged whiskey. These pens can even strut their stuff on acrylic paint (just make sure it's completely dry, though).
And the best part - they're waterproof and fade-resistant. So, come rain or shine, your doodles will stand the test of time, laughing in the face of any potential catastrophe.

Oh, how I adore these pens. These are no ordinary pens, my friends. They're metal-nibbed, gel ink maestros that come in a riot of colors, including metallics, neons, and yes, even sparkles. Talk about star power!
Gelly Rolls bring a certain joie de vivre with their lush, flowy lines. The fun factor - it's through the roof with these beauties.
Now, patience is key here. The ink takes a bit longer to dry, but once it's dry, you can paint over it with watercolor, gouache, or your medium of choice if you want to.
My love affair with these pens began when I used the white one to correct my Bullet Journal blunders. Since that day, no other gel pen has come close. Plus, they make your blackout journal pages pop like a Fourth of July fireworks display!

Trust me, you're going to want to invite these little wonders into your doodling family. The nib on these beauties is as tiny as a hummingbird's beak. And the ink? Oh, it's like a dream. It flows smoother than hot chocolate on a cold winter's night.
But that's not all - they also come in an artist's palette of colors. Every hue you can possibly dream of is right here, ready to bring your doodles to life. You can snag them individually or, if you're anything like me (a total color junkie), go all out and buy them in bulk. Trust me, once you start, you'll want to play with every color under the sun.
And here's the cherry on top - no smudging! That's right, folks. Your doodles will stay crisp and clean, just the way you like them.
Just a heads up, though, these pens are a bit picky about the angle. Sideways doodling might not be their cup of tea. They perform their best when held almost upright, like a proud royal guard.

Much like our dear friend Sakura Micron, these pens come in a variety of sizes, each one tailored for a different doodling adventure.
The ink in these is smoother than a jazz tune and covers your canvas like a dream. Plus, the black ink is as bold and dramatic as a Broadway showstopper. Just a word of caution though - it can smudge a bit, so handle with care.
Now let's talk ergonomics. The grip on these pens is as comfy as your favorite pair of slippers. If I had to pick one pen for everyday doodling and writing, this would be it. No contest.
These pens dance across your page with pigmented ink resistant to water. So go ahead, add a splash of watercolor or gouache over your lines. They'll hold their ground like champions. And bleed? Not on their watch. They're as reliable and consistent as your morning coffee.

Let me introduce you to the newest stars in my creative galaxy. They've only just joined my collection, but I can already tell we're going to be fast friends.
These pens are like butter on hot toast - smooth as can be. The ink flows seamlessly across the page and dries faster than a summer rain shower. It's like they were born to doodle!
And the colors? Oh, they're a sight for sore eyes. It's like having a rainbow at your fingertips. Every shade is more beautiful than the last, ready to bring your wildest doodling dreams to life.
The grip on these pens is like a perfectly tailored suit - it just fits. You could doodle for hours, and your hand would still be as fresh as a daisy.
The one little hiccup here is the tip size. These pens come with a 0.7 mm tip, which isn't always my go-to size. But for you, that might be the exact size you're looking for!

These pens come in different sizes and shades, and each one has been a joyride!
One of the things I love about these pens is their vast color palette. You can really pick and choose to your heart's content and find the one that resonates with you. I personally have a soft spot for metallic ones.
The ink in these pens flows as smoothly as a river down its course. I didn't have to go over any lines twice, which is always a plus. But be warned - it can smudge if you accidentally brush over it while it's still wet. So, a little patience goes a long way here.
I added these as a bonus because paint pens can be a hustle to manage so they are not necessarily beginner friendly.
Free Doodling Course
Hopefully, this post helped you start thinking of the pens to master doodling. But I’ve got something else for you.
If you’re a beginner, you might need some help getting into doodling, and this is where my free course comes into play.
It has all the information you need to get started with doodling and master this new skill.
Simply sign up in the form below and once you confirm your subscription, you’ll get all the details on how to start your doodling adventures.
More Resources
Looking for some more ideas and recommendations? I’ve got you covered; here in Masha Plans, I’m all about doodling.
Check out these posts next:
- 7 Best Pens For Doodling, Sketching, and Drawing
- 9 Simple Doodles To Draw In Your Bullet Journal
- 7 Incredible Benefits Of Doodling And How To Get Started
>>> Which pens are your favorite for doodling? Let us know in the comments!
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And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob!
