Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Buying Guide: Top Picks

When it comes to creating, the right tool is everything. For illustrators, calligraphers, and designers, the quality of a pen can transform a simple idea into a timeless work of art. The Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen range has established itself as the gold standard for its reliability and ink quality. However, with such a wide variety of nibs, colours, and sets, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start.

This guide is designed to bring you clarity and help you choose the Pitt Artist Pen set that truly fits your artistic needs—all without the unnecessary marketing jargon.

Criteria for Choosing Your Pitt Artist Pen

Before diving into our selection, here are a few key points to consider to make the right choice.

The Nib: Your Tool for Expression

The type of nib largely determines the style of line you can achieve. The Pitt Artist Pen range is available in several formats:

• Brush Nib: The Faber-Castell brush pen is prized for its flexibility. It allows you to vary line thickness by adjusting pressure, shifting from a fine line to a broad stroke in a single movement. It's the tool of choice for calligraphy pens, dynamic illustration, and colouring.
• Fineliner Nibs (S, F, M, B): These fine (Superfine, Fine), medium (Medium), or broad (Broad/Chisel-tipped) nibs deliver a consistent, steady line, ideal for outlines, technical details, and precise lettering.
• Dual Tip: Some models, like the dual-tip pen, combine two types of nibs (often a brush nib and a fine nib), offering maximum versatility in a single tool.

India Ink: A Guarantee of Durability

What sets Pitt Artist Pens apart is their pigmented India ink pen. Unlike dye-based inks, this formula offers undeniable advantages for a professional drawing pen:

• High lightfastness: Colours retain their vibrancy over time without ever fading.
• Permanent and waterproof: Once dry, the ink won't bleed when it comes into contact with water, making it perfect for working with mixed media, such as watercolour.
• Odourless and pH-neutral: The water-based ink is pleasant to use, even during long sessions, and preserves paper over the long term.

Set Size: An Assortment for Every Project

The size of the Pitt Artist Pen set will depend on the scope of your projects and your budget. A basic 12-colour set is more than enough for getting started with lettering or sketching. A set of 30 to 90 pens is aimed more at professional artists who need an extensive colour palette for their illustrations or comics.

Our Faber-Castell Pitt Pen Picks

We have selected three sets that cater to very distinct artistic needs and practices.

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Dual Tip Markers - 30-Piece Set

Why It Stands Out This set stands out for its impressive versatility. Each illustration marker is equipped with a dual tip: a flexible brush nib for expressive strokes and colour fills, and a fine nib for precise details and outlines. The 30-colour palette opens up immense creative possibilities.

Advantages

• Versatility: The best of both worlds, with a brush nib and a fine nib on the same pen.
• Pigmented India Ink: Waterproof and lightfast for creations that stand the test of time.
• Extensive Palette: 30 vibrant colours for great chromatic freedom.
• Practicality: Comes in a sturdy case for easy storage and transport.

Who Is It For? Illustrators, designers, and hand lettering enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one tool that can adapt to different styles, from quick sketches to finished artwork.

Faber-Castell Brush Pens - Basic Tones, 12-Piece Set

Why It Stands Out This set gets straight to the point: the quality of the brush nib. The Faber-Castell brush pen is designed to retain its shape and deliver consistent flexibility, project after project. The selection of 12 basic colours provides a fundamental and effective palette.

Advantages

• Quality Brush Nib: Flexible and durable for perfectly controlled upstrokes and downstrokes.
• High-Performance Ink: Pigmented, waterproof, and formulated to not bleed through most paper.
• Essential Palette: The 12 basic colours cover a wide spectrum of needs.
• Compact Size: Ideal for beginners or for expanding an existing collection.

Who Is It For? Artists and fans of calligraphy pens, bullet journaling, or drawing who prioritise the quality and expressiveness of a brush nib above all else.

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Brush - 90-Piece Wooden Case

Why It Stands Out This set is a true investment for discerning creatives. Presented in an elegant wooden case, it brings together 90 Pitt Artist Pens, including a full range of colours and a variety of nibs (brush, fine, medium, broad, and chisel-tipped). It's a veritable portable art studio.

Advantages

• Complete Collection: 90 pens offering nearly the entire colour spectrum and all nib types.
• Archival Quality: The pigmented ink guarantees the longevity of your artwork.
• Presentation and Storage: The solid wooden case protects the pens and makes a beautiful object in any studio.
• Absolute Versatility: Suitable for all drawing, illustration, design, and calligraphy techniques.

Who Is It For? Professional artists, comic book illustrators, creative studios, and art students who need a complete and reliable assortment for intensive use.

Looking for Other Options?

Choosing an artistic tool is a highly personal decision. If the sets featured above don't exactly match what you're looking for, many other configurations and brands are available. Every artist has their own preferences when it comes to grip, ink flow, or colour palette.

Explore our complete collection of artist pens to discover other tools that will fuel your creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen

Are Pitt Artist Pens refillable?

No, Pitt Artist Pens are single-use tools and are not designed to be refilled. Their sealed design ensures consistent ink quality and nib performance throughout their lifespan.

What is the difference between the India ink in Pitt Pens and alcohol-based ink?

The pigmented India ink in Pitt Artist Pens is water-based, permanent, lightfast, and waterproof once dry, and it does not bleed through most paper. Alcohol-based inks, on the other hand, are dye-based and known for their easy blending and beautiful gradients, but they can bleed through paper and are often less lightfast over the long term.

How should I store my pens to extend their lifespan?

To ensure optimal longevity, it is recommended to store your Pitt Artist Pens horizontally. This keeps the nibs evenly saturated (especially for a dual-tip pen) and prevents ink from pooling on one side. Also, be sure to recap the pens tightly after each use to prevent the nibs from drying out.