The Pen Test
Pen test?
At some point along the way, you're bound to come across some higher quality drawing pens - much better than the standard or 'clicker' ball point pens that are so readily available.
But by higher quality - what exactly do we mean anyway? Well - now's a good time to go over that test.
Here are some key factors to look for in a high quality drawing pen - things that really do make all the difference when it comes to creating high-quality cartoon artwork.
- Waterproof
- Quick-Drying
- Acid-Free Ink
- Very Consistent Line
- Doesn't 'Clog Up' at the End
- OpaqueBlack Ink (for printing!)
Truly, all of the above factors are important when creating high-quality inked drawings.
The waterproof factor is obvious. Nothing's worse than seeing your work go to ruins, all over a little bit of water. And for sure - the 'quick dry' is a must!
From experience, there is really only one I've ever used that passed the test with flying colors - the Pigma Micron. Microns come in all sorts of widths - my favorite being a #05. There is a '#01' size, perfect for the finest of details.
And just as the list above details, Microns are amazing on all levels - my favorite feature being that they are EXTREMELY consistent, never blotting or clogging up - and always maintaining a perfect, sharp line.
If you haven't yet tried a Micron, I highly recommend you give them a try. They really make all the difference if you're serious about making high quality inked drawings.
Recommended Drawing Resources
To further your learning and improvement, check out the following resources...
- Learn how to draw caricatures with Graeme Biddle.
- Discover how to use photoshop in a day. Makes everything so much simpler.
- Check out Chad Baldwin's digital painting techniques.
- Draw cars just like the pros, the pro being Tim Rugendyke.
- Want to learn painting? Look no further than Bob Davies' free watercolor secrets ebook.
