Brush Pen Buyer’s Guide: Top Picks for Illustration and Calligraphy

Overwhelmed by the world of brush pens?? Don't worry. Whether you're a hand lettering pro, an illustration enthusiast, a manga artist, or a colouring fan, finding the perfect tool is key to bringing your ideas to life. This guide is here to break down the essential criteria and present our selection of the best models, so you can make the right choice for your creative projects.

How to Choose the Right Brush Pen Set??

Before you splurge on a set, a few technical points deserve your attention. They will make all the difference. Here are the three criteria to consider to find the drawing pen set that perfectly suits your needs.

1. Ink Type?: Water-Soluble or Pigment-Based??

The type of ink is crucial?: it will determine the final look and how you use your pens.

• Water-based ink (water-soluble)?: This is the most common option, and for good reason. These inks, like those from brands such as Sakura Koi or Ecoline, allow you to create stunning gradients and transparency effects, similar to watercolour. A water-soluble pen can be reactivated with a little water, even after drying, giving you plenty of freedom to blend colours directly on the paper.
• Pigment-based ink?: More durable, this ink is water- and light-resistant once dry. This makes it ideal for artwork you want to preserve long-term. Pens like the Staedtler Pigment Brush Markers feature this type of ink, which won't bleed when it comes into contact with water?: a major advantage for adding details to a watercolour painting or for drawing outlines that won't run.

2. Nib Flexibility

The nib is the heart of a brush marker. Its flexibility is crucial, as it determines the variation in line width. A very flexible nib is a great ally for calligraphy and hand lettering enthusiasts, allowing you to effortlessly switch between thick and thin strokes by varying the pressure. Conversely, a firmer nib offers greater control, perfect for fine details and precision illustration.

3. Set Size and Colour Palette

Here, it's all a matter of taste and need. To get started, a set of 12 to 24 colours is more than enough to experiment with blending. More seasoned artists or those with specific projects in mind (botanical illustration, portraits, etc.) will gravitate towards more generous sets of 36 colours or more. The goal?: to have the perfect shade on hand without always having to create it from scratch.

Our Brush Pen Recommendations

Let's get to the main event. Here are the models that caught our eye, each with its own strengths to meet specific creative needs.

SAKURA Koi Brush Marker Set – 24 Colours

Why we love it?: The SAKURA Koi set is a true classic, with a well-earned reputation. Its strength?? Unbeatable versatility. Its pens feature a flexible and durable nylon brush nib, allowing you to create both fine lines and broad strokes. The water-based ink is odourless and blends easily to create watercolour effects.

Key features?:

• Flexible and durable nib?: Ideal for varying line width, whether for lettering or drawing.
• Water-soluble ink?: The 24 vibrant colours blend beautifully with each other or can be diluted with a simple water brush.
• Extremely versatile?: Perfect for illustration, colouring, hand lettering, or filling your sketchbooks.

Who is it for?? For creatives, from beginners to experts, who want a complete, all-rounder set to explore a multitude of techniques. It's the ideal starter kit to discover the joys of watercolour with the simplicity of a pen.

Ecoline Brush Pen Landscape Set – 20 Colours

Why we love it?: The reputation of Ecoline pens is legendary?: their dye-based inks are famous for their intensity and luminous transparency. This set, which cleverly includes a "Blender" pen for merging colours, is designed to perfectly replicate the look of liquid watercolour. The generous brush nib can cover large areas while still allowing for detailed work.

Key features?:

• Vibrant and transparent colours?: The ink, based on dyes and gum arabic, offers unparalleled brilliance.
• Very fluid watercolour effect?: Perfect for "wet-on-wet" techniques and creating subtle gradients.
• Blender included?: The blender pen is a real asset for achieving flawless colour transitions.

Who is it for?? For watercolour artists looking for a portable tool, as well as for illustrators and lettering enthusiasts who love colours that pop and playing with transparency. A quick tip?: to preserve the vibrancy of the colours, keep your creations out of direct sunlight.

STAEDTLER Pigment Brush Marker 371 Set - 36 Colours

Why we love it?: This Staedtler set stands out from the crowd thanks to its high-quality pigment ink. Unlike water-based inks, this one is permanent?: once dry, it is resistant to water and light. This is a decisive advantage for artists concerned with the longevity of their work.

Key features?:

• Permanent pigment ink?: It won't fade or bleed when in contact with water, opening the door to mixed media techniques.
• Quick-drying?: No more smudges! You can layer colours without fear of accidental blending.
• Vast 36-colour palette?: More than enough for the most ambitious illustration or comic book projects.

Who is it for?? For illustrators, manga artists, and professional artists who require a reliable, long-lasting ink for their final pieces. Its water resistance also makes it the perfect tool for creating outlines before applying a watercolour wash.

Looking for Other Options??

Our selection covers the most common uses, but the world of brush pens is vast. If you want to explore other palettes, test different nibs, or find a set that fits your budget, many other gems await.

Explore our complete collection of Easy Colour Sketch Pens to discover even more models.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brush Pens

What is the difference between a water-based brush pen and a pigment-based one??

It's all about permanence. The ink in a water-soluble pen (water-based) can be reactivated with water, even when dry, which is perfect for creating gradients. In contrast, pigment-based ink becomes permanent and water-resistant after drying. This ensures greater longevity for your creation and allows you to combine it with other techniques (like watercolour) without the risk of bleeding.

How do you use a brush pen for calligraphy??

For calligraphy pens or hand lettering, the art lies in playing with the pressure on the nib. Apply light pressure for upstrokes (thins) and more firm pressure for downstrokes (thicks). For optimal control, hold your pen at about a 45-degree angle to the paper.

Can you refill a brush marker??

Generally, no. The majority of consumer-grade brush pens, including models from Sakura, Ecoline, or Staedtler, are single-use. The best practice is to always cap them tightly after use and, if possible, store them horizontally. This is the best way to preserve the freshness of the ink and the flexibility of the nib.

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer