The Best Markers for Hand Lettering. My top five favorite tools for the art of hand lettering and brush calligraphy.
If you’re new to lettering, pop over to my Hand Lettering 101 page. It’s the newbie’s guide to getting started with all kinds of lettering and calligraphy.
The Best Markers for Hand Lettering
I often get asked about which markers are my favorites to use for hand lettering and brush calligraphy, so I put together a list of my top five favorite tools!
Most of the markers listed below are flexible tips which also makes them ideal markers for calligraphy. Be sure to scroll to the end of my post for my top tips on getting started with learning Brush Calligraphy.
Close-up of the Tombow Fudenosuke Tip
No. 1: Tombow Fudenosuke
The Tombow Fudensuke is the best brush pen for beginners who want to learn the art of lettering and brush calligraphy. When I teach in-person classes for creatives new to the art form, I always use this marker.
The small brush nib is much easier to learn with than larger nib brush pens. If you learn with the Fudenosuke First, larger tipped markers will be much easier when you move onto them.
Features of the Fudenosuke
- Small-Tipped Brush Nib
- The tip is made of durable nylon, so it won’t fray. Be sure to use brush marker friendly paper still though. The Fudenosuke can look streaky on some papers.
- It is filled with water-based pigment inks.
- The ink flows easily.
- Dries quickly.
- It comes in three main options: Hard Tip | Soft Tip | Twin Tip
- As of October 2018, the Fudenosuke now comes in a pack of ten colors. The Fudenosuke Colors set is hard-tipped.
Where to get the Tombow Fudenosukes
- Amazon: Combo Pack (Hard, Soft, + Twin Tips) | Colors
- Tombow: Combo Pack (Hard, Soft, + Twin Tips) | Colors
Tombow Fudenosuke Colors
Karin BrushMarkerPRO
No. 2: Karin BrushMarkerPRO
These are some of my newer favorites. The brush tip, made of super durable nylon, is very flexible which makes it ideal for brush calligraphy. I’d call the size of the brush tip medium to medium-large.
Features of the Karin BrushMarkerPRO
See my full review of the Karin BrushmarkerPRO here.
Where to get the Karin BrushmarkerPROs
- The U.S. authorized Karin Marker seller is Artistic Isle on Etsy. Her shipping speed and customer service were all-around 5-star! You can check out her shop here.
- Karin Markers does ship internationally, and you can see the pricing and shipping options here.
- You can also find them on Amazon here.
Tombow Dual Tips, 96 Color Set in Desk Stand
No. 3: Tombow Dual Tip Brush Pens
The Dual Tips are my very favorite brush calligraphy pens because they’re so versatile. But again, I recommend you get comfortable with the small tipped brush pens first and then move onto the larger tipped ones.
Features of the Tombow Dual Tips
- Dual-ended brush pen: Large Brush Nib + Fine Bullet Nib.
- Dual Tips come in 108 gorgeous colors. They used to come in 96 colors, but 12 new colors came out recently.
- Vibrant water-based ink colors that blend exceptionally well.
- The flexible nylon fiber brush tip allows you to create medium or bold strokes by changing brush pressure.
- To prevent these from fraying, be sure to hold your pen at a 45-degree angle to the page and only use them on brush marker friendly paper.
Where to get the Tombow Dual Tips
- Amazon: 96 Colors Set | 10 Pack Sets
- Tombow: 96 Colors Set | 12 New Colors | Individual Colors
Close-up of the Tombow Dual Tip brush nib
Here’s a look at how beautifully they work as watercolors.
Using Tombow Dual Tips as Watercolors
Tombow TwinTones: Pastels
No. 4: Tombow TwinTone Markers
These are my go-to marker for a traditional hand-lettering. That means I use them when I draw letters (versus using a brush marker and pressure for brush calligraphy).
Features of the Tombow TwinTones
- The TwinTone is a double-sided marker with two tip choices – broad bullet tip for bold lines or extra-fine tip for detailed lines.
- The Bullet tip is 0.8mm, and the extra-fine tip is 0.3mm.
- They are ideal for use with planners and bullet journals. I use them in my Passion Planner.
- TwinTone Markers come in sets of 12 for a total of 36 colors. The sets are Brights, Pastels, and the brand new Rainbow set. There are no duplicates between the three sets.
- Their water-based ink doesn’t bleed through most papers.
- The tips are made of a durable fiber that maintains shape after use.
- Ideal for creating monoline lettering styles and faux-calligraphy.
Check out my full review of the Tombow TwinTone Markers here.
Where to get the Tombow TwinTones
EXCLUSIVE COUPON CODE!
Get 15% off your order at TombowUSA with code dawnnicole15 (the code is not case sensitive).
- Tombow USA ships to the U.S. and Canada with free shipping on orders of $30 or more!
- Cannot be combined with any other codes.
- Not valid for the Tombow VIP Club box.
Lettering work I did with the iPad, Apple Pencil + Procreate App
No. 5: The Apple Pencil
Ok, so this one is digital, but it still deserves a spot on the list!
Until the magic trio that is the iPad + Apple Pencil + Procreate App, I preferred to letter on paper and digitize in Adobe Illustrator.
But with the introduction of the Apple Pencil, lettering digitally is now one of my go-to tools for creating hand lettering and calligraphy. The capabilities of the Procreate App are beyond amazing.
For more info on iPad Lettering, head over to my iPad Lettering 101 page.
Lettering work I did with the iPad, Apple Pencil + Procreate App
Want to learn Brush Calligraphy?
Here’s the best way to get started.
Supplies
- Purchase a small-tipped brush pen. It’s easiest for beginners to learn with and I strongly recommend the Tombow Fudenosuke pen. It comes in a hard and soft tip. Both are flexible for brush calligraphy to varying degrees and I recommend the combo pack to see what you prefer. I get mine on Amazon.
- For iPad, the DND Basic Brush from this set is the one that works fabulously for all my worksheets.
- The recommended paper is HP Premium32 copy paper is affordable yet super smooth making it ideal for brush calligraphy practice.
Practice Sheets
You’ll want to get basic drills/strokes down to learn to use pressure to control your stroke width before moving into letters/words.
Free Practice Sheets
- First, do this sheet: Basic Strokes for Small Brush Pens. Do it over and over until you get it down.
- Then, move onto some Alphabet Practice.
- Next, head to the free practice sheets archives for tons more!
30 Days Workbook from my Shop
My workbooks are instant download and you print at home and practice. They’re designed for beginners, five-star rated and include videos you can watch as well. This is the recommended order:
- 30 Days of Drills. You’ll do 15 days with the small brush pen and 15 days with the large. I suggest the Tombow Dual Tip for the large brush pen.
- 30 Days of ABCs for Small Brush Pens
When you’re ready to move onto words there are three fun options for small brush pens:
- 30 Days of Celestial Calligraphy is my latest workbook in the 30 Days series.
- Learn the Phonetic Alphabet as you do 30 Days of the Phonetic Alphabet
- 30 Days of Wintery Words is Winter themed but it’s great practice for any time of year!
Ready to start?
Get started with The 30 Days of Drills Workbook!
This workbook is perfect for busy beginners who want to learn the art of Brush Calligraphy. Commit to doing just one worksheet every day for 30 days and keep track of your progress with the included checklist!
Let’s Connect
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Love this breakdown! I recently purchased a few Copic markers, but was sad when none of my sketchpads could really handle them. They bleed a lot – what kind of paper do you use them on?
Also – I have been loving your September #DNDChallenge on Instagram. I’m sarah1119 🙂
Hi Sarah!! I love seeing all your work on IG! I use the Strathmore Mixed Media Sketch Pads (I like the Vellum surface paper). It has a yellow cover and 90lb weight paper. You can get them at any craft store but I usually do Amazon (it’s cheapest unless you have a coupon at the craft store).
Also, I don’t know why I didn’t think to start this sooner. Social media allows me to interact with you all but only to a certain extent.
I’d love to foster a creative community that’s a little more personal. So I started a Creative Facebook group, the focus of which will be Art & Lettering.
It will be an extension of my 30 Day Art + Lettering challenges but it will be much more too! You can ask me any questions you like about running a creative business and blog, I’ll be teaching art and lettering tips, sharing peeks at my books, and perhaps the best part: I get to see what you’re working on too!
If you’re interested you can join here (it’s free!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnnicoledesigns/
Thanks! 🙂
Dawn
Awesome! I’ve added the Strathmore to my Amazon wishlist 🙂 They were recently on sale at Michael’s, so I will keep my eyes peeled for them!
Loving the Facebook group!
#MarkerLove
I want to go out and purchase alllllll of these so I can explode with creativity. Thank you for sharing. <3
Hi Nicole! I just updated the post with new info I didn’t want you to miss out on. 🙂 I don’t know why I didn’t think to start this sooner. Social media allows me to interact with you all but only to a certain extent.
I’d love to foster a creative community that’s a little more personal. So I started a Creative Facebook group, the focus of which will be Art & Lettering.
It will be an extension of my 30 Day Art + Lettering challenges but it will be much more too! You can ask me any questions you like about running a creative business and blog, I’ll be teaching art and lettering tips, sharing peeks at my books, and perhaps the best part: I get to see what you’re working on too!
If you’re interested you can join here (it’s free!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnnicoledesigns/
Thanks! 🙂
Dawn
I LOVE this post … I have been wanting to try Tombow, now I can’t wait to get a few, then a few more … and well, you know how that story goes! Thanks for all your posts, very informative and applicable.
Hi Kim! You’re so welcome! Yes, the more markers you have, the more you want, right? Ha!
Also, I don’t know why I didn’t think to start this sooner. Social media allows me to interact with you all but only to a certain extent.
I’d love to foster a creative community that’s a little more personal. So I started a Creative Facebook group, the focus of which will be Art & Lettering.
It will be an extension of my 30 Day Art + Lettering challenges but it will be much more too! You can ask me any questions you like about running a creative business and blog, I’ll be teaching art and lettering tips, sharing peeks at my books, and perhaps the best part: I get to see what you’re working on too!
If you’re interested you can join here (it’s free!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnnicoledesigns/
Thanks! 🙂
Dawn
Hi! Thank you so much for your recommendation for the Tombow dual tip markers they are amazing! I just have one problem which is that on paper they can feel pretty scratchy so do you have any recommendations for a type of paper or journal to use to make the scratchy feeling go away? Thanks!
Hi Safiya! You can read about my paper recommendations here: http://bydawnnicole.com/2016/12/brush-calligraphy-and-lettering-faqs.html
Thank you for the well-timed post! I had been eyeing the Tombow fude hard/soft tip markers, but Amazon sellers all seemed to ship from Japan and were almost always “almost out of stock”… didn’t realize it was due to demand! Thanks for the vote of confidence. Used your affiliate link and treated myself to the 2-pack and the French Curve set (affiliate link in another post of yours). Trying to send you some love ($), haha!
Thank you so much, Lori! I’m a “buy more craft supplies enabler”! Ha! Also, I don’t know why I didn’t think to start this sooner. Social media allows me to interact with you all but only to a certain extent.
I’d love to foster a creative community that’s a little more personal. So I started a Creative Facebook group, the focus of which will be Art & Lettering.
It will be an extension of my 30 Day Art + Lettering challenges but it will be much more too! You can ask me any questions you like about running a creative business and blog, I’ll be teaching art and lettering tips, sharing peeks at my books, and perhaps the best part: I get to see what you’re working on too!
If you’re interested you can join here (it’s free!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnnicoledesigns/
Thanks! 🙂
Dawn
I have the Tombow, the Pitt (4 set), Spectrum Noir, some Gelly Roll, and Sharpie Ultrafine markers. Incidentally, you can actually buy refills for Spectrum Noir, although I’ve never had the need. (I don’t use them often enough. I already love the Tombow so much more.)
Have you ever tried Canson Marker Paper (purple cover)? I bought it when I invested in some brush pens a few weeks ago, and I really like it. It’s very smooth, handles the wet ink nicely, and is transparent enough to lay grid paper underneath to view grid lines.
Thanks for starting the Facebook group. I’m enjoying it already!
Hey Kelly! Thank you so much for that info. I didn’t know that! I edited the post to reflect the correct information. I have yet to try the Canson Marker Paper but I’ll add it to my Amazon wish list to sneak in my next order. It sounds awesome! I love the Tombows so much!
And I am SO glad you’re doing Curio posts…I feel lost trying to use it! 🙂
THANK YOU! Now I know what I need to try! I to love Copics and have quite a few! Will try the Tombrow though! This was well worth the wait!
I am a newbie to artistic hand lettering and I love it!,
In the pic at the beginning of your September 16 post, The Best Markers for Hand Lettering, you show some paper lips, markers, magnets, and a watercolor set with GORGEOUS colors. What is the brand of water colors? I just have to have a set!,,
Hi Cheryl! That is actually what’s called a mockup photo (which means I bought it and added my own text). But I do have a list of watercolors I love here: http://bydawnnicole.com/2015/06/my-favorite-art-supplies.html. 🙂 Happy creating!
Whoaaa the only item in the list that is available and found in bookstores and art shops here are the Sharpie pens, the rest I need to purchase online and outside the country! Wishing do have that items locally.
So sorry you can’t find them locally! Would a local store order them for you maybe?
Hi! 🙂 I want to know the paper you recommend where it doesn’t smudge when writing and thick enough not to smudge paper underneath.. thank you!! ^_^
Hi Carla! This is the one I use and the markers don’t bleed through to the next paper. 🙂 http://www.amazon.com/Strathmore-Bristol-Vellum-12-Inch-Sheets/dp/B0027A7K22
I recently just found your site and fell in love instantly, it’s amazing, and you have such great resources for those learning. I this article was especially helpful but I had one question, you talk about a clear blending marker. I am still learning and am a beginner and I haven’t heard about a clear blending marker sounds amazing where do you find them?
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much! The blending marker comes in all the Tombow packs. For the Copics, you purchase it separately. If you color two colors near each other, you can then use the blender to pull them together. It’s a super cool look and fun to play with! 🙂
My daughter and I have been working our way through all your coloring pages and are having a great time. On your recommendation, I got the Pentel set (well, my husband did, along with your e-coloring book for Mother’s Day – good man). I adore how they color, but I wish they came in more colors. Do you think the Tombow work well for coloring pages as well? And are there any particular color sets you would recommend (so many choices!). I’m thinking about branching out into trying some hand lettering, so it seems like these might be good double-duty markers.
Second question – paper – in the comments I noticed you recommended the Vellum, but in the other post about all your supplies you recommended the 70 pound. What is the difference? Is one better for one type of marker versus another?
And on the topic of paper, I know you mentioned that you print your prints on Linen, but what about for coloring pages? I bought a heavier paper (can’t remember the poundage) and it works well, but does curl some. I’m wondering if you have a recommendation.
Sorry for all the questions and thank you for creating such a beautiful website!
Hi Ilyse, thank you! The Pentel sets do come in more colors and larger packs on Amazon, but I really love the Tombows for coloring too. The Vellum paper is smoother so it’s gentler on your markers. I use that more than the other paper now. Canson Marker paper is great too. Super smooth but not as thick. For coloring pages, I use the Linen Coverstock if I’m going to do watercolors. Otherwise I just use a nice white cardstock if I plan to use markers. 🙂
I too am in serious LOVE with Copic Markers. I save money by using the Ciao instead of Sketch. They are smaller and hold less ink… but can be refilled easily. The nibs and brush are the same… only Ciao isn’t available in all the colors. The best price I’ve found is on jerrysartarama.com.
Copic also makes paper precisely for alcohol markers. I haven’t tried it yet, but hope to soon.
Hi Deb! I keep meaning to try the Ciao markers. I have the Canson Marker pad and it’s awesome for markers. I think it’s similar to the Copic paper. 🙂
I have the Tombow dual end markers. I have had no luck blending with the blending pen! The paper on my coloring books wants to pill up. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Janey! If you’re layering colors, I try to let them dry a bit in between so the paper doesn’t get too wet. That’s when it wants to tear. Some coloring books don’t have thick enough paper to handle it but if you let them dry a bit in between layers, it should work better.
Wow! I now have more to be addicted to…poor hubby. lol
Thanks so much for sharing this, what a great post! Do you have any thoughts on the Chameleon Pens? I’ve been on the hunt for some good hand lettering/cartooning pens & markers (Actually, how I found this post), and those caught my eye. I was hoping to find someone, with whom I was familiar with their work, that might have tried them.
I am just starting brush lettering and I have seen the “Le Plume II” markers everywhere have you tried them? if so what do you think?
Hi Maddy! I haven’t tried them, so sorry! I’m a die hard Tombow fan!
There are a couple of brands that weren’t reviewed here. Both are reasonably priced. I have used both, so here you go.
The Tim Holtz Distress markers. They have a nice brush tip as well as a fine point. Pros: they blend every well with water, the Tombow blender pen, or even using direct blend methods. They coordinate with other markers in the same line, and come in color coordinated sets. They also go well with other Tim Holts inks, stains, and paints. Cons: I have purchased 2 sets at Micheaels, and I think they ship with the fine point caps not fully sealed. The fine points rarely work, and sometimes the brush tip is dry right out of the package. Not sold open stock, so if you run out of a color, you have to purchase a whole new set.
Zig Memory System Scroll and Brush markers — Pros: Nice brush tip, somewhat blendable with the Tombow or Dove blending pens. Major pro: They last a LONG time. I’ve had some of them for about 15 years, and they still work like a dream. Scroll tip looks like a calligraphy nib with a notch in it, used for outline lettering which can be filled in with another color. Cons: Hard to find, not sold open stock.
Couple of questions. Where can one buy the Tombow pens? The big box craft stores in my area sell the Marvy pens, but not the Tombow. Also, can you buy the Tombows as open stock, or do you need to purchase them by the set? I’d like to pick up a couple to try before I buy.
Thanks.
Hi Judy! I buy my Tombow sets via Amazon and the individual markers right from the Tombow site. They ship super fast!
I have been devouring all your posts and videos and running out to buy everything cause I just want to be able to write like you 🙂 My question is how do you get as much line variation with the Tombow Fudes? I find my up and down strikes look very similar and since it isn’t a true “brush” tip, I have to press really hard or angle my pen sideways to get a thicker line. Am I missing something? You make it look so easy. Also have you tried the Micron brush pens? They seems to have a tip more like the Tombows but in a shorter more manageable barrel like the Fude…so I’m wondering why they didn’t make your cut. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Stacy! Thanks so much for the kind words! I love my Microns but I haven’t tried their Brush Tip ones so that’s the only reason they’re not on the list. I’ll order a pack and see what I think! 🙂 Don’t be afraid to press down on the Fudes, they’re made for it. Super light upstrokes and heavy downstrokes will give you that nice line variation. Have a great day!
Hi! My boyfriend got me a set of Masterclass Brush Pens for my birthday- I want to love them, but they just don’t have the easy flow I want when hand lettering. My problem is that after a downstroke on a letter, the tip is so flimsy that it stays bent, and when I try to pull lightly for the upstroke, it turns into a shaky line. Have you had any experience with pens like this? If so, is there a technique to work around the way the tips bend? (This is only my second set of brush markers). Thanks!
Hi Karrie, that was so sweet of him. I’m sorry I’ve never tried those markers so I can’t help much. If you haven’t tried the Tombows, they’re so worth it for brush lettering! They really are the best ones out there of all the ones I’ve tried!
I definitely keep this page. For me it is hard to find the tombow and a lot of you’re saying, but thank to this post I can use the fabercastell, the expensive markes you say, It’s easiest to find here in my city. I bought ones called kuretake (https://www.amazon.it/Kuretake-Bimoji-Brush-Manga-Calligraphy/dp/B00313J7K2/ref=sr_1_1/252-4721836-1836426?ie=UTF8&qid=1478057690&sr=8-1&keywords=brush+pen+kuretake) I don’t know how good they are because I don’t have anything to compare with. Have you ever tried these? I want your opinion, for me it is hard to get from amazon any kind of article, a friend was in USA last week and those were the ones he found and brought them for me.
Hi there! I have not tried those specific markers but I have never been disappointed in a single Kuretake art supply I’ve tried. I love their goodies! 🙂
Hi I just spent the last hour or so looking through your website! It’s fab! I am new to brush lettering and only got my first 4 tombow pens yesterday and love them so much. I discovered them on Pinterest after looking at bullet journals, which I am in love with!
I was wondering if you knew what the ABt means on my tombow brush pens? It is driving me nuts not knowing!
Hi Chloe! What a great question. I had to reach out to my friends at Tombow and they told me it stands for “Art Brush Twin”. 🙂
Thank you so much! It was driving be bonkers
Hey! I am left handed, so many times markers get on my hand when I am writing and then bleed to other places on the paper. Which ones do you think are quick-dry or would not have that problem?
I’m a lefty myself. I have some tips for my fellow lefties in this post: http://bydawnnicole.com/faqs
Thank you so much for all of this great info! I found you on Pinterest and use your Tech Pretties as my desktop and phone backgrounds each month. I’ve been wanting to learn hand lettering, and this is SO helpful! Just ordered the Fude markers via your link. You’re one of my favorite designers around <3
Your breakdown of all these markers is amazingly helpful!! Cannot wait to try them all 🙂 I was however wondering if you know if any of them work well on wood? Thank you!
Hi Lindsey! Sharpie paint markers work okay but I find paint works best with wood! 🙂 I usually use my Silhouette CAMEO machine to make a stencil (often using a hand-lettered design I’ve created) and use that to make the wood sign. This is a really old post but it shows how I usually do wood signs: http://bydawnnicole.com/2013/02/sweetheart-rustic-wood-sign.html
I love this post! (Well actually, I your entire site!) Thanks so much for all of the wonderful information. I am a Tombow lover myself, and have recently started using them for coloring hand-drawn illustrations. For drawing, I have always been a Micron girl. However, I’ve found that the ABT’s don’t play nice with Micron ink. The Micron ink smears something awful when it comes in contact with the ABT ink.
Do you have any recommendations on what drawing pens work with Tombows? I know Sharpies don’t bleed/smear underneath; but the Sharpie Ultra fine tips are too think for my liking when it comes to illustration. I’ve also tried the Pitt pens, Sakura Pigma Sensei, and the new Tombow Mono drawing pens… but they all smear under the ABT’s. Any suggestions??
Thanks again for sharing all of your wisdom with us! (I recently joined your FB group, and can’t wait to try some of your daily prompts!)
Hi Kellee! This would be a great question to post in the FB group! I actually use the Microns since they’re waterproof. Have you tried Tombow’s new Drawing Pens that are similar to Microns? I love them!
Hi there! Thanks for the great post.
What marker do you recommend in white? I will be hand lettering my save the date envelopes which are black, and want to use a white marker. Any recommendations?
Thanks!
Amanda
Hi Amanda! Here’s a post on white pens: https://bydawnnicole.com/2017/07/best-white-pens-and-inks-for-lettering-and-calligraphy.html 🙂
Hi Dawn Nicole, I read all the other comments in case you’d already answered my questions, but no such luck. I want to do miniature lettering, for personalized jewelry. So my lettering would be less than 3/4 of an inch. I would like your recommendation on the finest tip pens to use, & do they only come in black,or can I get colors? From my research I think I need to use a .5 micron pen, but I’ve only seen them in black. Also do you have links for whatever you recommend? I believe it’s only fair to support those who share their knowledge & save us a steep learning curve. BTW, I found you thru Craft Gossip’s newsletter. Thanks!
Oh, I’m also in my right mind.(I’m a lefty too)
Hi Barbara! I have this set of Micro-Line markers that come in colors: https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Line-Ultra-Fine-Point-Pens/dp/B01FWIE032/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518855542&sr=8-1&keywords=micro+line+markers. Those may work well for you! 🙂
Thank you so much!
Thanks so much. So many choices, just on Amazon, & I had no clue what to get.
Thank you so much!
Hi Dawn!!! I just love reading all of your posts! You are so inspirational!! I especially love your posts because I am a lefty too and it is so thrilling to hear about lettering products from someone who goes through the same challenges as I do when lettering.
Just curious, I love the Tombow Fudenosuke brush pens and was so excited when I saw your pic of the colored ones (which I’d never seen before). Do you think that they are more similar to the soft or hard tip fudenosuke pens?
Thanks so much! I look forward to your Monday emails each week, they bring so much joy to my day!
Hi Abby! Thank you so much for the kinds words. I so appreciate them and love to hear about other lefties taking on this artform! The Fudensosuke Color Brush Pens are hard tip. I love them so much!