Brush Pen Buying Guide: Top Picks for Artists and Creatives

In the vast world of brush pens, finding the perfect set for your project can quickly become a challenge. Whether you're a calligrapher, illustrator, or a hobbyist who enjoys adult colouring books, the right tool makes all the difference. This guide is here to break down the criteria that truly matter and present our selection of the best models, without the marketing jargon.

How to Choose the Right Brush Pens??

Before you commit to a set, a few technical aspects deserve your attention to ensure you make the right choice. Here are three key points to evaluate to find the drawing pen set that will perfectly meet your needs.

1. Ink Type?: Water-Based or Permanent??

The choice of ink is crucial, as it directly determines the techniques you can use.

• Water-based ink?: These are the most common. The ink in these watercolour pens is water-soluble, allowing you to create gradients, blends, and watercolour-like effects. Generally odourless, they won't bleed through most types of thick drawing paper. A versatile option, ideal for illustration, adult colouring (adult colouring pens), or bullet journaling.
• Pigment-based ink?: The main advantage of this ink? Its durability. Once dry, it becomes permanent, water-resistant, and light-resistant. This means it won't smudge if you apply a layer of watercolour over it, for example. These markers are favoured by professional artists who want their work to retain vibrant colours over the long term.

2. The Tip?: Single or Dual for More Versatility??

The tip is the heart of the brush pen. Its flexibility is what allows you to vary the thickness of your lines simply by adjusting the pressure.

• Single brush tip?: Classic and effective, it focuses on the primary function of the brush pen.
• Dual-tip pens?: Increasingly common, they combine a brush tip on one end and a fine tip (like a fineliner) on the other. This is an ultra-practical setup for switching between filling large areas, creating thick and thin strokes in calligraphy, and drawing precise details without changing tools.

3. The Number of Colours and Your Use Case

A pen set can range from 12 to over 100 colours. For beginners or for a specific use like lettering, a set of 24 to 36 colours is often more than enough. For complex illustration or colouring, a wider palette will offer you greater creative freedom, saving you from having to constantly mix your own colours to get the perfect shade.

Recommended Brush Pens for Every Skill Level

Here are a few models we recommend, chosen for their quality and suitability for different creative needs.

Ohuhu Maui Series – 120-Colour Dual Tip Pen Set

Why we love it?: It's hard not to be impressed by its palette of 120 vibrant colours. Each pen has a dual tip, combining a flexible brush tip (1-6 mm) and a fine tip (0.4 mm) for maximum versatility in drawing, colouring, and lettering. The water-based ink is non-toxic and water-soluble.

Pros?:

• Very wide range of numbered colours for easy identification.
• Dual tip for switching between filling and detailing.
• Comes with a practical storage case, a blank colour swatch card, and 8 replacement tips.
• Water-soluble ink allows for beautiful gradient effects.

Who is it for??: Students, creative hobbyists, and artists who want an ultra-comprehensive pen set to explore a wide range of colours without breaking the bank. It's the perfect companion for adult colouring and illustration.

See the Ohuhu 120-Colour Set

SAKURA Koi Brush Marker Set – 24 Colours

Why we love it?: SAKURA is a true institution in the fine arts world. The Koi markers are renowned for their flexible yet durable nylon brush tip, which springs back to its original shape stroke after stroke. The water-based ink is specially formulated to blend perfectly, whether directly on paper or with a water brush.

Pros?:

• High-quality, responsive, and resilient brush tip.
• Ink designed for watercolour effects and subtle gradients.
• Vibrant and blendable colours.
• A brand favoured by illustrators and manga artists.

Who is it for??: Illustrators, artists, and lettering enthusiasts who prioritise tip quality and ink performance. An excellent choice for getting started with watercolour pen techniques using reliable and reputable materials.

See the SAKURA Koi 24-Colour Set

STAEDTLER Pigment Brush Marker 371 – 36-Colour Set

Why we love it?: This set stands out from the crowd thanks to its pigment-based ink. Unlike water-based inks, this one is permanent, water- and light-resistant once dry, ensuring the longevity of your creations. The flexible brush tip allows for a variety of strokes, from the finest to the broadest, with great precision.

Pros?:

• Archival-quality pigment ink for artwork that stands the test of time.
• Quick-drying, smudge-proof, and water-resistant.
• Perfect for mixed media techniques (e.g., with watercolour on top).
• 36 vibrant colours with good coverage.

Who is it for??: Artists, illustrators, and designers who require reliable markers for work intended to be preserved or exhibited. It's the choice for durability and professional quality for comics, illustration, or advanced calligraphy.

See the STAEDTLER Pigment 36-Colour Set

Still Not Convinced?? More Options Await

This selection is just a glimpse of the possibilities that brush pens offer. If you're looking for other formats, different brands, or specific colour palettes, many other options are waiting for you.

Explore our complete collection of drawing pens to find the perfect model for your project and budget.

Discover All Our Drawing Pens

Frequently Asked Questions About Brush Pens

1. What's the difference between water-based ink and pigment-based ink??

Water-based ink (found in watercolour pens) can be reactivated and diluted with water, which is perfect for creating gradients. Pigment-based ink, once dry, becomes permanent: it resists water and light, ensuring much better colour fastness over time.

2. How can I prevent the ink from bleeding through the paper??

Opt for a fairly thick, smooth paper (over 100 gsm), such as layout paper, Bristol board, or paper specifically designed for markers. For watercolour pens, a hot-press watercolour paper (fine-grain or smooth) is ideal. Also, consider placing a scrap sheet under your drawing just in case.

3. Are brush pens suitable for calligraphy??

Yes, absolutely! The flexible tip of a brush pen is designed for exactly that. By varying the pressure, you can easily create the thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes that characterise modern calligraphy and lettering.