"What pen is that?" is the #1 question I have gotten more than any other ...by a long shot.
In 2016, when I decided it was time to learn brush calligraphy, I had no idea what I was doing, and no idea what kind of pens to buy.
Like many beginners, I was drawn to the colorful, expensive pens I saw the professionals using. But I found out that most of them were terrible for beginners!
What NOT to Look For:
- Overly Flexible Nibs - The nib is the/tip end of the pen where the ink comes out. For brush lettering, you DO want some flexibility to create a contrast in weight to your lines. However, you don't want a pen with too much flexibility because it's hard to control the pressure evenly.
- Poor Pigment- Let's be honest, not all pens are created equally. If you find some super cheap brush pens, there's a good chance your results will be super cheap. If you're wanting those vibrant colors and you want them to last, some cheap options will not be your favorite. You end up spending more money in the long run.
- Expensive Brush Sets- Let's be clear...MOST of the expensive brush pens you find will turn out to be your best friend! However, if you're just starting out, these are not the pens you want to practice with. I made this mistake in the beginning. I bought the pens I saw the IG professionals using ...and ruined them.
So..What is My #1 Recommendation?
The Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Nib Brush Pen...I love this pen!! I can't say it enough. Whenever I am asked about what pen to use, this is my go-to. You can find it many places like Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart, Amazon...etc.
Why do I love it?
- The nib is flexible but still easy to control. It's the perfect balance for someone just starting out. You have the ability to create thick and thin lines without losing control of the whole pen. This is honestly a brush lettering artist's dream!
- It has a strong pigment that wont dull out quickly. It won't last forever, but it still has a longer life than some cheaper versions. I'll go into some quality paper choices in the future to help keep your ink lasting longer.
- It's not too expensive, and you have some options when you're purchasing. You can purchase just one black pen or a set of two(like pictured). Just know that some duos have a hard nib and a soft nib. The soft nib pen has a more flexible nib, which can create a more dramatic contrast between your thin and think lines. (The soft nib is my second favorite :) This set of 2 was around $7.
If you're just starting out with calligraphy, this pen would be my first recommendation! I also have a whole list of favorite pens that I'll share soon! Grab your own Tombow Fudenosuke Pen here!
♡mb
