Arpithooda asked me on Instagram:

What is your favorite black ballpoint pen?

I thought you guys may ask yourself the same question about it. So let me share with you our discussion. Besides that, I would be curious to know which one is yours? Tell us in the comments. :)

Best ball point pen - papermate flair feltCapture d’écran 2015-09-08 à 3.43.14 pm


Capture d’écran 2015-08-13 à 11.46.05 amMy answer to Arpithooda:
Hard to say, sometimes ballpoint pen you get for free (from the hotel, advertising goods…) give sometimes better results than the branded ones. But as soon as the pen has no more ink, it’s often impossible to get any more.

I recommend the Papermate ballpoint pen. I used to buy them in bulk when I was a student so I could keep one in my bag, one in my pocket, on in my jacket, one in another bag… everywhere!

Today I would recommend retractable tip. They are easier to carry, and you won’t lose the cap when you draw outside.


TIP 1
It’s better to find one you like and stick to it.

It’s better to master one well than keeping changing looking for the best. So I guess the perfect ballpoint pen is the one you practice with the most. Basically, a good ballpoint pen has a good variation of pen pressure and doesn’t make too many stains.

James Mylne Ball point pen artworks

James Mylne amazing realistic artworks he does drawing portraits with a ballpoint pen.

See also  7 reasons why designers use Photoshop

TIP 2
Clean your ballpoint pen tip often.

After drawing for a while, the temperature of the tip rise because of the friction on paper. So the ink starts to melt and make stains (Especially when it is accidentally in contact with your palm !!).


TIP 3
Alternate two pens for a long drawing session

If you plan to draw for long, consider alternate using 2 pens instead of one. When you feel the first pen gets warm and will make stains, interchange it with the second one.

Paper mate inkjoy 500 rt
Paper Mate Ink Joy 500 RT 0.5 XF – Retractable tip.

And you, what’s your favorite pen?
Let me know in the comments :)

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Hello! I'm Chou-Tac, a Product Designer from France.

If the sketching methods I’ve acquired aid me in my life and in my industrial design career, I believe that they can also help you reach your dream goal as a student or professional designer.

Leave a comment in the blog or send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com : )

Chou-Tac

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