The Best Pens for Sketching in 2024

It can be difficult to find the proper pen that can fit your needs when sketching or drawing. There are so many options available that it can be confusing. You also want to be able to get the best for as little as possible. Why waste money? Well, we have gotten together and pulled a list of the top pens for sketching and drawing.

With the work already done, you will be able to find a pen or pen set that can meet your drawing or sketching needs. Quit wasting money on guessing what works and read through the pens for drawing or sketching.

Best Pens for Sketching:

1. Sakura Pigma 30062 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set

Fade-resistant and waterproof ink make the Sakura Pima Ink Pen the perfect drawing or sketching tool for artists. It can give precise, no smear, quality when drawing or sketching.

These fine drawing pens include 6 different pens with nib sizes from 0.20mm to 0.50mm. The Pigma ink is permanent and chemically stable. Trusted by illustrators, artists, and even writers. Precise lines are possible with fine-tip nibs.

Customers enjoy that the ink is long-lasting, doesn’t smear or feather, and is safe from toxic chemicals. The fine tip nibs are fragile and should be taken care of as such. Considered one of the best ink pens for sketching due to their high-quality ink and availability of nib sizes.

This is one of the best ink pens for sketching on the market. For the price, you cannot go wrong with these fine drawing pens.

Pros

  • 6 fine tip nib sizes available
  • Ink does not smear or feather
  • Long-lasting and archival-safe

Cons

  • Fragile nibs that may split or break with too much pressure
  • Bleeding tends to occur with some paper

2. Staedtler Pigment Liner Bonus Sketch Set of 6 Liners

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As one of the top pens for sketching the Staedtler Pigment Liner will give you a good drawing experience. The case can stand for added ease of use. The waterproof ink and smooth writing or drawing capability are great bonuses.

The pens feature fast-drying, smear-free, and waterproof ink. The ink will last a long time and includes a long metal barrel tip for more precise drawing. The stand-up easel case is great for transporting or storing pens. This set even features 2 free pens included.

Those who have tried this pen for drawing or writing have preferred it over most other pens. It can give quality work and does not bleed through most drawing paper.

One of the best drawing pens for artists in the market. When trying to produce quality work, this is the best pen for sketching. For the price, you can’t go wrong.

Pros

  • Pigment ink that will not fade or smear
  • The long write-out length that will last
  • Stand-up easel case
  • Will not bleed and has minimal ghosting

Cons

  • Does overlap when drawing lines
  • Size has some variability compared to other brands

3. Faber-Castell F167100 Pitt Artist Pen Wallet Black

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Ranging in sizes the Faber-Castell is a trusted brand in the professional drawing pens department. They can offer clean lines with the way the nibs are made. One of the best pens for fashion sketching based on the effects that it can offer.

It features a superfine, fine, medium, and brush nib artist marker. The ink is long-lasting with pigment, water, and smudge resistant, and permanent. Universal for all drawing the pens can work on different surfaces without bleeding through.

Preferred by customers because of the great quality of ink and the ability to have so many options of nib sizes. The ink goes smoothly over paper and you can use water media over the ink without issue. It works well in art classes and fashion classes.

As one of the best pens for fashion sketching, you can combine a mixture of mediums to be able to get the desired effects of your drawing. This is one of the best professional drawing pens available.

Pros

  • Waterproof and smudge-proof when dry
  • Permanent
  • Odorless
  • Bold, rich colors

Cons

  • Bleeding may occur with some paper
  • Must be stored horizontally for best results

4. Prismacolor 1738862 Premier Illustration Markers

Prismacolor pens can bring your dreams to reality with different pen sizes. They can lay down perfect lines with smooth layers with lightfast to resist fading over time.

Black markers for drawing include precision and coverage with the fine, chisel, and brush tips. Crystal-clear outlines are possible with the use of fine tips. Ink is alcohol-based and acid-free to make the best sketch markers possible.

Art students and professionals love the quality of the pens and the price compared to others. Beautiful ink offers smooth drawing and quality results. The pigment is visible under most medium mixtures which makes the experience better.

Prisma Color offers some of the best sketch markers for the price. If you need black markers for drawing then this would be a great option for beginners and professionals.

ros

  • Multiple tipped markers included
  • Richly pigmented ink that is water and smear-resistant
  • Alcohol-based ink that is fade-resistant

Cons

  • May bleed or ghost some forms
  • Ink does not blend well with other drawing pens

5. Black Fine Tip Inking Pens For Drawing Archival Waterproof Ink Pen

Set of 6 extra fine-tipped black pens, perfect for sketching or drawing in ink. The archival ink makes these some of the best pens for sketching. Perfect for those doing illustrations, and graphic design. These pens are also suitable for architects.

Features extra-fine nib sizes in 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, and 0.8mm. The ink is acid-free, lightfast, permanent, and waterproof. The quick-dry effect keeps ink from smearing and aids in the ink not bleeding through the paper.

What is most like about this product is the affordability and the performance. The pigment will lay smoothly on almost any paper and smearing is minimal, even on the slickest paper. It is great for being able to mix mediums in a drawing.

When it comes to the art world, these are some of the best pens for sketching. For the cost, it cannot be beaten.

Pros

  • Smooth ink that will not skip on the paper
  • Quick drying to avoid smudges and aid in fade resistance
  • Archival ink is richly pigmented and acid-free

Cons

  • More fragile than other pens
  • Ink dries out quickly

6. Precision Micro-Line Pens

The Misulove Precision Micro-Line pens come in a set of 10 and are one of the best black pens for drawing. They offer fine line tips to a brush tip to give the best options for drawing.

The ink is acid-free and waterproof. It will not bleed, smear, or feather on most papers. The longer metal tip of the nib aids in using it with rulers or templates. It will not dissolve toner and can be used with other mediums.

For the price, customers love the quality that these pens have. The ink is more of a dark grey or light black color and gives a smooth experience of drawing. Perfect for the student or a beginner starting with all the included widths.

One of the best black pens for drawing. They will give you a good drawing experience that includes customization with so many drawing options.

Pros

  • Water and smear-proof ink
  • 10 nib sizes
  • Long metal tip for use with rulers or templates
  • Does not dissolve toner

Cons

  • Ink is dark grey or light black
  • Pens can leak

7. Precision Micro-Line Pens, Waterproof Archival Ink Multiliner Pens for Artist Illustration, Sketching

Pandafly Pens offer 10 black micro-pens which are one of the top drawing pens. The perfect pen for long-lasting drawings that are waterproof and smudge-free.

As one of the best manga drawing pens, it is perfect for the beginner or the professional.

Features 10 sizes ranging from 0.15mm to a brush. The high-quality ink is used that is acid-free, waterproof, bleed-proof, and fade-resistant.

Ink dries quickly and will not smear or feather on most paper. The long metal tip makes it perfect for use with templates or rulers. It even includes a storage pouch to keep pens organized.

Besides the great price, customers prefer these pens because they can give the desired results without the price tag of more expensive brands. The smooth writing leads to quality drawings and can be used with watercolors.

Also for a more comfortable drawing, you can consider buying a lightbox it’s a really necessary thing for artists.

One of the best and highly recommended manga drawing pens currently in the market. For the cost, it can’t be beaten. It can hold up to demand and be a leader as one of the best drawing pens.

Pros

  • Ink is smudge and waterproof
  • 13 nib sizes included
  • Storage pouch included for convenience

Cons

  • The ink is more grey than black
  • Ink dries or runs out quickly

8. Dyvicl Black Micro-Pen Fineliner Ink Pens

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When it comes to sketching Dyvicl Black Micro-Pens are at the top of the best pens for sketching. The ink is high quality and will work with other mediums without issue. The assorted sizes give the ability to be able to add depth and dimension to drawings.

Includes 8 ultra-fine tip nibs and one brush pen in the set. Ink is pigmented, waterproof, odorless, and will not bleed through most paper.

The ink works well with other markers, watercolors, and ink. It will not dissolve toner. Caps are color-coded to be able to find the correct pen easily. It can be used to draw or trace without incident. It comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

Customers prefer this pen set due to the options it includes. It is also great quality for the price. The ink is dark, rich, and true to color. This is not true for similar products. Great for doing detailed work or small drawings.

Some of the best pens for sketching will give a vibrant black color. Perfect for the beginner or the advanced artist.

Pros

  • Assorted sizes
  • Pigmented ink
  • Will not bleed, skip, or ghost
  • Durable and comfortable to use
  • Color-coded lids

Cons

  • Ink may dry out
  • Some pens can leak

9. Bianyo Black Pigment Ink Micro Liners

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Bianyo Archival Ink Pens offer 9 assorted sizes with their set. It offers a smooth writing experience with consistent ink flow. The best gel pens for drawing are Bianyo pens.

Featuring waterproof ink that is acid-free and pigmented the pens give a quality drawing experience. Ink will flow smoothly and without skipping across the page. Ink is water-based but keeps the water-resistant component.

The fine line pens are great for outlining watercolor and give a great experience and product outcome. Comparable to the high-end pens without the high-end cost. Work best for sketching, but tends to be a little fragile when used.

When it comes to the best gel pens for drawing the Bianyo is leading in their price and quality category. Don’t hesitate to give them a try.

Pros

  • 9 assorted size
  • Smooth writing ink
  • Do not bleed or feather on most paper
  • Satisfaction Guarantee

Cons

  • Bleed when used with alcohol-based inks
  • Ink dries out quickly

10. White Gel Pens, PANDAFLY 12-Piece Fine Point Tip Gel Ink Pens

Pandafly white gel pens offer the best gel pens for drawing. Especially if you are wanting to add light details on darker drawings or paper. This pen gives you a quality drawing experience that can set your drawings aside from the rest.

The fine-tip gel pen is great for toned paper or for adding details to colored work. The ink runs smoothly and effortlessly for nice lines. Ink is waterproof and will not bleed or smear on most paper. Toxic and acid-free for safety.

The ability to customize drawings or dark-colored paper is a top reason to use this pen. It is inexpensive and high quality. This pen offers a good writing experience that is smooth and neat. The ink will not bleed or feather leaving a professional look to your lines or writing.

If looking for the best gel pen for drawing, then this is the one to get. Let creativity lead you when using the white ink.

Pros

  • Fine point gel pen
  • Waterproof and smear-proof
  • Smooth writing
  • Archival ink

Cons

  • No gripper
  • Must use firm pressure and hold vertically for good writing experience

Tips on Choosing

There are several aspects to think about when choosing a pen for drawing. Some of those are the types of paper you will be drawing on, the other mediums you will be using, do you need fine or broad strokes, and so on.

If you are drawing or sketching, in most instances, it will be best to choose a pen that comes in assorted sizes. This will give you the most variations to be able to achieve the desired outcome.

If you are someone who typically paints and needs a pen to outline or define aspects of a picture, then a fine-tipped pen will work for you. Look at your typical art pieces and base your decision on what will fit your needs best.

With the money you will save from not playing the guessing game, you can afford to buy more than one set. That will guarantee that you have all the possibilities for your artwork available to you.

All at a lower cost than if you went to the store to buy the top-dollar pen that may or may not work.

Read over the top 10 pens for sketching or drawing and find the one that will help to continue your artistry. Don’t waste any more money now that the work has been done for you. Get your best pen for drawing today!

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