Brush pens are a great tool for any artist or stationery enthusiast looking to dabble in a bit of lettering, coloring, and illustration. If you’re thinking about using brush pens for your artwork, then it’s best to go through the basics first. There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using brush pens, and getting the most out of working with them requires some practice and patience. Here is how you can use ink brush pens.
How to hold your ink brush pen
First is learning how to properly hold your brush pen. If the pen is in the wrong position, then you won’t get the desired thick downstroke no matter how hard you press.
There are two things that matter when holding a brush pen: the angle to the paper and the pen’s orientation. If you’re looking at it from above, then the pen tip should be pointing to the side rather than directly on top of the paper. When looking at the brush pen from the side, it should be angled at about 45 degrees relative to your paper.
Practicing with your ink brush pen
Using a brush pen to get the desired results such as pretty faux calligraphy and lettering takes some practice. For beginners, one of the biggest challenges in using brush pens is getting used to making lines while applying different amounts of pressure.
You can use many free calligraphy worksheets specially made for brush pens. The goal is to master one skill at a time, such as adding thickness to your downstroke (called shades). For instance, if you’re unsure where to add shades, then pay attention to the direction of your lines. Release the pressure when your pen goes up and apply more pressure when the pen moves towards you.
Aim for consistency in all the shapes you make with your pen, including the angle of every stroke, the height of every loop, and the thickness of every shade. It can be challenging at first, but consistent practice can help you improve. Use a guide sheet every time you practice so that your muscle memory will form through repetition.
Tips
Here are a few tips on how to use ink brush pens to get your desired results:
- Hold the brush similar to a pen or pencil, but place your hand closer to the middle of the pen. This helps you to be less rigid with your linework.
- Experiment with colors and use ink brush pens as part of a holistic artwork rather than just focusing on outlines.
- Use a pencil first before drawing in your outlines using your brush pen.
- You can use brush pens to mimic the look of pencil, such as with block prints, cross-hatching techniques, and vertical hatching line work.
- When working on a piece that will also use other water-based mediums like watercolor, apply the brush pen last after everything else has dried.
- Use reputable brands such as Tombow and Sailor to get the best-quality brush pens.
Whether you are doing faux calligraphy or blended coloring, brush pens are a great way to add life and color to your creations. There are many things you can do with ink dual brush pens; let your creativity run free!
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
