Fountain pens have been around hundreds of years but are still popular. Despite the advancement in writing tools, fountain pens never became obsolete. If you haven’t heard, they have been making a comeback in the last few years.
Back then, it was used exclusively for writing, but as artists began experimenting with different mediums, fountain pens have been making the rounds in the art community.
They are tricky to use at first, but finding the best fountain pens for drawing can help you improve the experience. This guide has a little bit of everything, so it’s perfect for beginners looking to experiment or experts looking to expand their collection.
Contents
What is the Best Fountain Pen for Drawing
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Lanxivi Duke 551 Confucius Fountain Pen for Drawing Our #1 Pick
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PILOT Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen
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Lamy Safari Fountain Pen for Drawing
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rOtring Fountain Pen for Lettering Drawing and Writing
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Sailor 11-1224-302 Fountain Pen
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Pelikan M200 Fountain Pen for Drawing
The Best Fountain Pens For Drawing Reviews
1. Lanxivi Duke 551 Confucius Fountain Pen for Drawing
To start strong, our first item on the list is a Lanxivi bent nib fountain pen. The bent nib might come as a surprise, but it’s no defect. The shape will allow you to get lines as thick as 1.5 mm to a thin 0.7 mm. According to other users, you can even get it to write finer lines by using it upside down.
The body is made of sturdy metal, and the handle is bamboo with a lacquer finish. It only comes with a twist converter but does adhere to international standards for ink cartridges.
The materials of the pen make it weigh a bit on the heavier side, so if you prefer a more solid feeling, this pen won’t disappoint. It’s perfect for calligraphy and recommended for sketching,
Pros
- Versatile pen width
- Comes with a converter
- Great ink flow
Cons
- Might be too heavy for some users
2. PILOT Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen
Our next pen is for our more classic design lovers. Its solid metal brass barrel comes with a fine point nib. I picked this stunning silver color, but it also comes in different designs and colors.
It already comes with a converter and ink cartridge. It’s easy to refill and works amazing with colorful inks that don’t necessarily have to be from Pilot. The fine nib allows artists that extra amount of control for details and finishes. It distributes ink evenly and is relatively scratch free.
The pen has an ergonomic design with its curved body, reducing the stress on your wrists even with those long hours of drawing. It’s durable, and if you use the converter, one pen and bottle could last a long time.
The Pilot Metropolitan is perfect for beginners considering getting into fountain pens. It comes in a medium price point but with premium quality.
Pros
- Beginner friendly
- Durable metal body
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Small ink converter
3. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen for Drawing
The Lamy Safari line sports a more modern design with its charcoal matte finish. The fine point steel nib blends in seamlessly with the body coated with the same color.
The set comes with a blue ink cartridge, but Lany does sell black ink. It accepts a Z24 cartridge converter but is sold separately. It is made with ABS plastic which contributes to its scratch-resistance and lightweight.
This pen would make a great addition to artists who often draw outside. Many doubt its quality since it’s made from plastic, but its material is designed to be durable. The ink window ensures that you never find yourself stuck without ink.
If you plan to use this as your main drawing pen, purchasing the converter will get you a wider range of colors and ink types. This pen is an overall great investment.
Pros
- Ink window
- Lightweight
- Material is scratch resistant
Cons
- Converter sold separately
4. rOtring Fountain Pen for Lettering Drawing and Writing
Most of the pens on the list have been artist-friendly, but the Rotring ArtPen is designed with artists in mind. It has a quill pen silhouette, balanced and comfortable to use for long periods.
This pen comes in a fine and extra fine size. The sizes are perfect for fine detailing, and did I mention they were interchangeable? The nibs are made of stainless steel and are long-lasting.
The set comes with two black ink cartridges. Rotring suggests you use the official ink for the ArtPen that is water soluble and provides a great tone range. I found that it’s great for shading as the ink flow is steady and even.
The smooth experience this pen gives can make you sketch for long periods without even noticing it. I suggest buying the converter if your pieces require a lot of details.
Pros
- Nibs are durable but replaceable
- Interchangeable nib
- Great for writing but designed for art
Cons
- Ink clogs if not cleaned frequently
5. Sailor 11-1224-302 Fountain Pen
This entry might be my pick for the most aesthetically pleasing design. Sailor pens might be unfamiliar to beginners as they are made exclusively in Japan. They are well-known to more experienced fountain pen enthusiasts.
For this price point, I would usually suggest them to experts rather than beginners, but this is too good for anyone to pass on. This pen is a worthy contender for more well-known brands and great for people with bigger budgets.
It has a medium point that produces 1.0 to 1.2 mm lines. The 14k gold-plated nib matches the trimmings on its body and writes buttery smooth with great feedback. The flow is also consistent with great-quality ink.
This pen would work best for people with smaller hands. Sailor pens are known for having wetter ink, but the nib on this meigetsu model compliments it with bold lines.
Pros
- 14 karat nib
- Lifetime warranty slip
- Smooth writing experience
Cons
- Smaller than average-sized pen
6. Pelikan M200 Fountain Pen for Drawing
This final pen has a timeless design with a modern twist. The Pelikan M200 has a black cap and edge with gold trimming. You can find the Pelikan logo located on top of the cap.
The clip is designed to mimic a pelican’s bill, and depending on which style you get, it either has a green marbled resin body or a more subtle hint of green on the base of the thread. It has a piston-filling mechanism and a golden nib with a fine tip.
The Pelikan M200 Fountain-Pen writes smoothly and distributes the ink uniformly even if more pressure is applied. It would make a good tracing pen as the lines are even. Artists that reviewed this pen suggest using it on smoother paper.
Overall this is an amazing pen for those willing to spend a bit more on reliability and durability.
Pros
- Piston Filling Mechanism
- Resistant to drying out
- Lightweight and balanced
Cons
- Issues with scratchy nib
Fountain Pens For Drawing Buying Guide
Fountain pens may seem similar, but some things set them apart. While considering buying a pen for drawing, it’s important to note those details. I’ve compiled them to serve as an easy guide for you to find what you need.
Nib size
Do you do a lot of detailing? Or do you prefer starting with bold strokes and going from there? Assess how you will use the pen and select a nib size according to your needs.
Although some of the entries in the list do offer interchangeable nibs, it’s still an uncommon feature. The nib size can change the texture and tone of the final work. Take a look at your old pieces and go from there.
Converter or Cartridges
Some fountain pens come with both or only one, with either the cartridges or the converter sold separately. I often suggested purchasing the converters since they hold more ink but some fountain pens work best with their original ink that doesn’t come in a bottle.
If you have stumbled on this situation, try to look for reviews or check what cartridge or converter they require. Ink bottles are more cost-effective and eco-friendly, with a wide array of choices, so I lean toward them, but it ultimately depends on the pen you decide to purchase.
Size and weight
Some fountain pens can be smaller than average pens and heavier since they carry liquid ink. Make sure to check out the measurements listed and compare them to pens you have to get a gist of what it will feel like.
Weight comes down to preference. If your wrist is prone to fatigue, especially since you will be drawing for long periods, go for a lightweight one. However, for heavy-handed artists, a heavier pen with a sturdier body will be a better investment.
What is a Fountain Pens For Drawing
Most fountain pens are still for writing, but their flexibility allows artists to use them as a medium. More companies have caught on to the trend and are creating more nib types and ensuring their durability taking into consideration how taxing drawing can be on the nib. Most drawing fountain pens have become interchangeable and offer nib sizes that range from bold to extra fine.
Types of Fountain Pens For Drawing
Line Consistent Nibs
This type of nib for drawing is a standard for tracing or pieces where you prefer uniformity in the lines. It applies no matter the angle you hold or the pressure the width will not vary. The fine or extra fine sizes are great for details. A great example of this pen would be the Pilot Metropolitan.
Flex Nibs
The lines on these nibs depend on the pressure applied to the pen. If you are looking for versatility and have great pressure control, pens with flex nibs could be a great all-rounder. Using smoother paper is better for these nibs as they catch paper fibers more often.
Fude Nibs
Fude nibs are also called bent nibs or western italic fountain pens. These originally catered to Asian calligraphy to effectively show the strokes. The line width on this type depends on the angle you would hold them in. They are a bit challenging for beginners but produce interesting textures and distinct styles.
Why do you need Drawing Pens?
Drawing pens is a form of commitment to your art. They are not erasable, forcing you to keep going no matter what. Sketching with a pen is also about practicality. Inks allow you to create vivid contrasts. Finding the right drawing pen can complement the medium you use to fill in and affect the overall outcome of the piece.
Read more: Best Brush Pens for Drawing
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fountain pens good for art?
They are amazing for art. Fountain pens have free-flowing ink that changes slightly depending on the pressure or angle making the lines more expressive. There are a wide variety of inks an artist can use. The nature of fountain pens requires artists to be ingenious as they can sometimes be fickle and harder to control than some mediums.
What nib size is best for drawing?
This would depend on what you would use it for or the texture you are trying to achieve. Details or tracing would require fine to extra fine nibs. Artists who prefer to start by sketching usually start with extra fine ones as well. Medium nibs create bold lines for statements and expressive areas.
Read more:
What are the most popular drawing pen brands?
There are many brands that stand out for drawing. A few of them include Lamy, セーラー万年筆, Pilot, Rotring, and Pelikan. They offer quality pens that people trust over the years. Online, you will also find lesser known but reliable brands as well.
Is it worth buying an expensive fountain pen?
I would argue that many fountain pens are of remarkable quality without putting a hole in your wallet. However, it’s about finding a fountain pen worthy of the price. Consider the quality of materials, craftsmanship, durability, and what the pen would mean to you. If you consider getting an expensive fountain pen, opt to look into established brands to get your money’s worth.
Why is a gold nib better?
Gold is soft and nibs made with this material offer flexibility. Gold gives the lines more character and variation. A gold nib will adjust to your style of writing. Gold-plated nibs are also desired for the way they reduce surface tension allowing the nib to glide on the paper more smoothly.
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Conclusion
Creating art is subjective, but it helps to have good-quality materials. Fountain pens are amazing tools that create unique textures and that give lines more expression. Adding fountain pens to your repertoire will provide new challenges and inspiration.
From bent nibs to converters, there are plenty of things to consider when buying one for drawing. You can refer to the guide above or the reviews posted to get an idea of the experience every product will give you. Just remember, the best fountain pens for drawing are the ones you feel the most confident in using. I hope you will fall in love with whichever you choose to go with to create a masterpiece.
