Photo: Stock Photos from Natalia Lebedinskaia/Shutterstock
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.
For artists that love to work in ink, there are many different kinds of pens to try—each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While technical pens like Micron Pigmas can help you create consistent lines that are ideal for detailed artwork, brush pens have their own unique qualities that make them a must-have tool for illustrators, cartoonists, and hand-lettering artists.
As its name suggests, brush pens feature a brush-like tip made of nylon or natural bristles instead of a metal nib. So, similar to brushes used in painting and calligraphy, these utensils will perform with varying levels of flexibility, producing thick and thin lines depending on the angle and pressure used. This expressive linework is an attractive trait for both cursive handwriting and drawings, as it creates visual interest for the viewer.
While brush pens may not be as straightforward to use as ballpoints or rollerballs, you'll find that with a little bit of practice and experimentation, they too can become a favorite tool. Here, we've narrowed down our picks for the best brush pens.
Check out our selection below.
View this post on Instagram
Interested in trying brush pens? Here are our picks of the top 7 best ones.
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen (with 2 Refills)
Pentel | $11.90
The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is a favorite of cartoonists for a reason. Its diminutive size not only makes it easier to carry but also easier to hold in the hand, allowing the artist to create more controlled linework. This is a good choice for brush pen beginners.
Kuretake Brush Pen (with 3 Refills)
Kuretake | $34.72
Designed in Japan, the Kuretake Brush Pen is a sleek utensil inspired by traditional calligraphy brushes. It features super-fine nylon bristles that produce smooth, controlled strokes and comes with three extra ink cartridges.
Zebra Fude Brush Pen (Super Fine)
Zebra | $2.58
This utensil is an ideal choice for artists who desire a more precise brush pen line. The Zebra Fude Brush Pen features a super-fine tip that is both small and flexible, allowing the user to render more detailed work.
Copic Gasenfude Brush Tip Pen
Copic Marker | $6.59
The Copic Gasenfude Brush Pen is based on a traditional Japanese sumi-e brush, which is used in calligraphy. It features high-quality nylon bristles and a sleek design. Plus, this utensil contains water-based pigment ink that is archival and compatible with Copic Markers.
Sakura Pigma Brush Pen (Set of 3)
Sakura Pigma | $8.99
Fans of the Micron Pigmas should definitely try adding Sakura's Brush Pen to their collection. Developed for calligraphers and illustrators, this pen has a fine, flexible brush nib and quick-drying, waterproof, and fade-resistant ink.
Kuretake Bimoji Fude Pen (Medium)
Kuretake | $4.49
The Kuretake Bimoji Fude Pen is designed to mimic the look and feel of a traditional calligraphy brush. Available in different nib sizes, this pen allows for a bold application of smudge-proof and water-resistant ink.
Pilot Futayaku Double-Sided Brush Pen
Pilot | $5.70
The Pilot Futayaku is a great pen for the artist in search of options. A double-sided brush, it includes one fine nib brush tip and one medium brush tip in its nifty design.
Related Articles:
10 Best Portable Art Supplies if You’re an Artist On-the-Go
10+ Essential Art Supplies to Help You Start Drawing Your Own Comics
New to Art Making? Make Sure You Have These Essential Drawing Supplies
Artist Cindy Lane Shares Her Favorite Watercolor Supplies for Special Event on My Modern Met
