Best Pens for Drawing

The 8 Best Pens for Drawing of 2023

Are you an illustrator, a cartoonist, an architect, an engineer, or just an art lover who enjoys drawing and painting? Are you using the right tools for your work, and producing accurate results? To improve the quality of your work, you need to consider getting the best drawing pens and markers, most suitable for your specific job, from the top producing manufacturers.

Things to Consider Before You Buy Art Pen

We’ve compiled a list of the best art pens for you so that your illustration, sketching, doodling, cartooning, or outlining works will bear fascinating appeal. But, even if you need the best pens for journaling, there are some things you must still consider. So, before visiting the stationery store to purchase your art pen, you should consider a few things to get the best.

1. Function

It would be best to be sure of what you’ll be using the pen for, specifically, before buying it. For example, are you using it just for sketching or just for outlining? Each of the drawing pens you’ll see have the functions they are considered for. So, ensure you have the correct information before paying for a pen.

2. Color

Also, you should decide whether you’re going for a black or multicolor pen. Choosing either of these also depends on the functions the pen will serve you.

3. Price

Though there are luxury pens, a pen must not break the bank before being ranked high quality. There are very affordable pens of high-quality in-store as well. Consider your budget before making an order.

Comparison of Top Drawing Pens in Brief

We have made a list of a few of the best drawing pens you should look out for in 2022.

S/NProduct NameBest Used ForRating
1Uni Pin Fineliner Drawing PenOverall Best Art Pen4.7 out of 5
2Sakura Pigma Micron PensBest Sketches Pen4.8 out of 5
3Copic Marker Sketch SetBest Drawing Markers4.8 out of 5
4Derwent Art Supplies Waterbrush Best Outlining Pens 4.4 out of 5
5Pilot G-Tec-C Gel Ink Rolling Ball Pens Best Pens for Engineers 4.6 out of 5
6Speedball Cartooning Pen Set   Best Cartooning Pen 4.6 out of 5
7Rotring Tikky Graphic Fineliner Pens Best Pen for Architects 4.5 out of 5
8Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen Best Japanese Drawing Pens 4.7 out of 5

The 8 Best Pens for Drawing

1. Overall Best Art Pen

Uni Pin Fineliner Drawing Pen

The Uni Pin Fineliner drawing pen is a set of nine black-inked pens. Each one is constructed in different grades. Each pen is a complete set that has different nib sizes and is arranged in this order: 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, and 0.8mm.

Features and Benefits of Uni Pin Fineliner Drawing Pen

The Uni Pin Fineliner drawing pen ink is water-resistant and tamper-resistant. It is considered the overall best because it can be used by designers, illustrators, and creative artists.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Before you go for yours, read these reviews from Amazon customers.

“…these Uni pins are by far my favs!”
“Varying sizes come in very handy…”
“These barely fade after erasing…”
“These are my new favorite fine liners.”
“Great set of pens with waterproof ink.”

Pros

  • The ink has a waterproof ability, and it is also light-resistant.
  • It is durable for multipurpose functions.
  • It is constructed in varying widths for a more functional combination while illustrating.
  • The ink is non-acidic. Its pH is neutral.

Cons

  • The ink is of only one color– black

Alternative

A suitable alternative is the SGDZVD Drawing Waterproof Pen.

2. Best Sketches Pen

Sakura Pigma Micron Pens

This pen is preferred by many people, from artists and writers to professionals in various fields. One of the reasons why they are so popular is because they are reliable and create precise marks that stand the test of time.

Features and Benefits of Sakura Pigma Micron Pens

The Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pen is a set of six black pens that come in assorted point sizes, including 005, 01, 02, 03, 05, and 08. The pen use Pigma ink, pigment-based ink that is waterproof, fade-resistant, and bleed-free. Pigma ink is made from single pigments, ensuring color consistency every time.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Before you go for yours, read these reviews from Amazon customers.

“….PURCHASE IT – you won’t be disappointed!”
“I’m so happy with these pens”
“…A+++ on all counts…”
“These are perfect…”
“Excellent on acetate and writing.”

Pros

  • Archival quality ink that is waterproof and fade-resistant
  • Assorted point sizes for precise marking
  • Pigment-based ink using single-color pigments for color consistency
  • No smears, feathers, or bleed-through on most papers

Cons

  • Some users may find them a bit expensive
  • Not ideal for fabrics

Alternative

A suitable alternative is the STAEDTLER Pigment Liner

3. Best Drawing Markers

Copic Marker Sketch Set

If you are looking for the best drawing pens, Copic Marker Sketch Set is the right pick. Even though it may require you to consider your pocket size meticulously, the quality of this set of pens is unmatchable. 

Features and Benefits of Copic Marker Sketch Set

These drawing markers are products of Copic, a top company known for manufacturing the best drawing markers and art pens in Japan. They set a standard above other products because they are refillable. A set comprises various colors, including black, lemon yellow, violet, light blue, chrome orange, forest green, etc.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.7 out of 5.0.

Before you go for yours, read these reviews from Amazon customers.

“These markers are fantastic.”
“Copic markers seem to be the gold-standard for art markers and the price reflects it.” 
“The fact they are refillable justifies the price demanded.”
“More for advanced draftsmen.”
“Copics are easy to handle, blend and use.”

Pros

  • Copic produces the best art pens and outlining pens
  • Copic markers are suitable for various styles of design and arts
  • They are good for illustrating, drawing, and sketching.

Cons

  • The product is quite expensive compared to others.
  • Not all standard art colors are available in a set

Alternative

A very suitable and less expensive alternative is the Prismacolor 3620 Premier Double-Ended Art Markers. 

4. Best Outlining Pens

Derwent Art Supplies Waterbrush

The Derwent watercolor brush consists of 3-pack outlining pens. Each of the three outlining pens is constructed with nylon tips in different point brushes – fine, medium and chisel – to produce a variety of line widths when sketching and outlining.

Features and Benefits of Derwent Art Supplies Waterbrush

The outliner pen with a fine-tip brush produces thin, clear, and precise sketches. The medium is for broader strokes, while the chisel point is for creating fine lines and broader strokes (depending on the side of the tip you use). The outliner pens are suitable for painting, sketching, and outlining.

Price and Where to Buy It

The product can be obtained on Amazon.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

“The design is very nice.”
“These are great.”
“…they are perfect with the inktense pencil.”
“I really like these watercolor brushes.”
“…they are so easy to use.”

Pros

  • They are very good with watercolors
  • They are a very affordable set of outliner pens
  • The pens are made of leakproof material
  • The pens are refillable.

Alternative

The Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are a suitable alternative on Amazon. 

5. Best Pens for Engineers

Pilot G-Tec-C Gel Ink Rolling Ball Pens

The pen offers precise, smear-proof writing with its ultra-fine point and vibrant colors. Whether you’re an engineer, bullet journal enthusiast, or simply love a smooth writing experience, these pens are a must-have.

Features and Benefits of Pilot G-Tec-C Gel Rolling Ball Pens

The Pilot G-Tec-C Gel Ink Rolling Ball Pens are meticulously designed to provide razor-sharp definition and colorful writing. These premium gel ink pens feature smear-proof bio-polymer ink and a textured barrel for enhanced control. The ultra-fine point ensures precise lines, making them ideal for technical drawing, art projects, bullet journaling, and more.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Before you go for yours, read these reviews from Amazon customers.

“Super smooth and don’t skip at all.”
“…they’re clean and precise”
“Extremely fine point.”
“…my fav pens ever”
“…worried these would be scratchy, but I’m pleasantly surprised.”

Pros

  • Ultra-fine point for precise lines and intricate detailing
  • Vibrant color selection to enhance creativity
  • Smear-proof ink for clean and vibrant results
  • Comfortable grip for a smooth and effortless writing experience
  • Trusted brand with a heritage of quality craftsmanship

Cons

  • Some users may prefer pens with a thicker point for different writing purposes
  • The price may be higher compared to other gel ink pens on the market.

6. Best Cartooning Pen

Speedball Cartooning Pen Set  

The Speedball cartooning pen set is a quality and highly recommended collection of tools for your cartooning projects. 

Features and Benefits of Speedball Cartooning Pen Set 

It comprises four replaceable nibs, two flexible pen points, and two pen holders. The nibs are constructed with high-quality material and are durable for several ink works.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 on Amazon.

Before you go for yours, read these reviews from Amazon customers.

“…the ink reservoir on the nibs is excellent!”
“…nice, good value for money.”
“Great deal for set.”
“I like the different nibs.”
“…this works great with watercolor.”

Pros

  • The product is of high quality
  • The pen point is flexible, and that makes it easier to be fixed
  • The nibs are of standard quality and are suitable for all kinds of ink works

Alternative

A suitable alternative is the Speedball Calligraphy Pen Set. It goes for $13 on Amazon.

7. Best Pen for Architects

Rotring Tikky Graphic Fineliner Pens

This is another rOtring product, a technical set of architect’s pens used for illustrating, sketching, and drawing.

Features and Benefits of rOtring Tikky Graphic Fineliner Pens

These architects’ pens are three pieces in a set, with width sizes of 0.3mm, 0.5mm, and 0.7mm. The three fine-liner pens are made of black ink, water-resistant and durable for use over a long period. Each pen is constructed with a metallic fiber tip, making work output more accurate when drawing, sketching, doodling, or writing.

Rating and Reviews

The product has a global rating of 4.4 out of 5.0. 

Before you go for yours, read these reviews from Amazon customers.

“…a quality pen.”
“Fine lines and drawing”
“They are very nice quality and glide nicely across the page.”

Pros

  • It uses a free ink technology that ensures a consistent supply of ink
  • Water-resistant capacity
  • You can be sure of accuracy and precision when drawing.

Cons

  • Requires a high level of maintenance.

Alternative

A very durable alternative to the architect’s pens is Derwent 2302-209 Graphite Pens.

8. Best Japanese Drawing Pens

Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen

The Pentel art pocket brush pen is considered one of the best drawing pens because it is waterproof and refillable. It is one of the finest art pens. A pack comes with a brush pen and two ink cartridges for a refill. It is durable, portable, and easy to handle.

Features and Benefits of Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen

The Pentel art pocket brush is a black drawing pen with two ink cartridges. The ink is excellent for calligraphy and cartooning. One of the best Japanese drawing pens you will see. The pens are made up of nylon brush tips that allow easy ink flow.

Rating and Reviews

It has a global rating of 4.7 out of 5.0

“One of my newest standbys for art.”
“…brush is very responsive and give a good variety of lines.”
“Great brush pen using waterproof pigment ink”
“It’s more expressive than Brush markers.”
“…cartridges last a good while.”

Pros

  • It has a waterproof pigment
  • It is lightweight
  • It is easy to handle
  • It is refillable

Cons

  • The pen is not designed for beginners

Alternative

A suitable alternative for the best Japanese drawing pens is the Sai Watercolor Brush Pen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best outlining markers?

Derwent Art Supplies Waterbrush and Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are the best pens for outlining.

What are the best micro pens for art? 

The best micro pens for art are Sakura Pigma Micron Pens and Uni Pin Fineliner Drawing Pen.

What is the best gel pen for drawings? 

For the best gel pen for drawing, consider Chromatek Glitter Pens.

What are the best color pens for drawing? 

The best color pens for drawing are  Copic Marker Sketch set and Prismacolor 3620 Premier Double-Ended Art Markers.

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Conclusion

There’s nothing as enlightening as being equipped with the correct information. You will not complain again when you have the right tools that best fit your handling task. When you have access to the best pens for drawing, sketching, outlining, cartooning, etc., you will always return to Amazon to give a new 5-star review. Consider our list of best products before you make your next purchase.