The Best Markers for Hand Lettering
The Best Markers for Hand Lettering
I often get asked about which markers and I use, why I use them, what I like and/or dislike about them, etc. So I thought I’d give you an overview of my favorites and show you what’s under their caps. 🙂
Before we get started I want to invite you to my Lettering Facebook Group!
These are the kinds of markers/pens I use the most. They’re awesome for hand-lettering but they’re great for coloring too!
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.
These markers flat out ROCK! I probably own the most of these, Copics, and Sharpies. Get the above Starry Night tutorial HERE.
Nibs: Brush Nib + Fine Bullet Nib
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Gorgeous colors!
- Blend well (using the clear blender marker).
- Vibrant water-based ink colors.
- I LOVE the flexible nylon fiber brush tip. It allows you to create medium or bold strokes by changing brush pressure. It’s perfect for calligraphy style lettering.
Cons: None
Here’s a peek at how well you can blend with them!
From the second I tried the Tombow Fude Markers, I was in instant love. I prefer the soft tip but I use both for different reasons.
Nib: Small Brush
Pros:
- Filled with water-based pigment inks.
- The ink flows easily.
- Dries quickly.
- Great for calligraphy style writing, especially if you’re a beginner. I find these easiest to work with.
Cons:
- They go out of stock a lot. Because they rock.
TOMBOW FUDE & DUAL TIP COMPARISON
Clearly, I have a problem…
Granted, Copics are not cheap…but they are AMAZING. The flexible brush nib and color quality is really hard to beat.
Nibs: Brush Nib + Chisel Nib
Pros:
- Refillable markers and replaceable nibs.
- Alcohol-based ink is permanent and non-toxic.
- Low odor and fast drying.
- Dries acid-free.
- They blend beautifully with the clear blender marker.
Cons:
- Cost.
They are also amazing for coloring…my favorite in fact! You can get the tutorial for this card by clicking the image below.
Like the Copics, the Spectrum Noir markers are alcohol-based, but at a lower price point. The artwork below (from my book, Words to Live By) was done with a mix of Spectrum Noir and Copic Markers.
Nibs: Chisel Nib + Fine Bullet Nib
Pros:
- Fast drying.
- Permanent.
- More affordable than Copics.
- Great selection of colors.
- Refillable.
Cons:
- They only blend so-so.
- No brush nib. (Although a reader informed me that the next gen pens can have a brush nib to replace the chisel tip but it costs extra for those).
- Colors don’t match caps that well, so you need to create a color chart.
So which alcohol marker is better? Copic hands down but if you need a lower price point, the Spectrum Noir Markers are great too.
Pentel markers are awesome for detail work thanks to their fine tips!
Pros:
- Bright, gorgeous water-based ink colors.
- Durable fiber tip.
- Fine nib allows for great detail work.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- They don’t blend well.
SHARPIE TWINS TIPS + MICRON 08
I don’t really have to list the pros and cons of Sharpies, right? *Raise your hand fellow, Sharpie addicts.*
I own a ridiculous supply of colored Sharpies but for the Twin Tips, I buy them by the box!
The Micron 08 are my latest favorites.
Both of these digitize really well when I move to Adobe Illustrator too because they’re thin but not too thin!
Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen Set
I own and used the two sets below to create the comparison graphic above.
- Pigmented India Ink that is acid-free and archival (pH neutral).
- Smudge-proof and water-resistant when dry.
Eight Piece Pitt Artist Pen Set:
- Includes one each Extra Superfine, Superfine, Fine, Medium, Brush, and three new nib varieties found only in this set – Extra soft Brush, Round-point Needle, and Wedge.
- The high quality of pigments means they’re fade-resistant.
Last but not least, Gelly Roll Pens! (Side note: These work awesome with the Pen Holders for use as sketch pens in the Silhouette CAMEO.)
Pros:
- Bright, vibrant colors.
- Show up awesome on dark papers.
- Smooth, roller ball style pen tip.
Cons:
- They dry out fast if not well-capped (so hide them from your kids)!
- They’re not fast drying, so they smear if you’re not patient.
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!
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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!