Ready to sketch anywhere? Felt pens offer thicker lines and quick shading, letting designers draw freely and rapidly. Chou-Tac Chung shares how felt pens inspire creativity even in busy settings like restaurants—perfect for urban sketchers and creative pros on the move.
Draw with Papermate Flair M - Sneaker on restaurant serviette

Hey Sketchers! It’s Chou-Tac,

You know what I love about drawing?
I always carry a couple of favorite pens with me, ready to draw anytime!

My go-to pens are the Ballpoint Pen and the Papermate Flair M Felt Pen.
Today, I want to share some fun sketches I did at a restaurant using the Felt pen.

[TIP] Draw with felt pens on serviettes, receipts, or even your, Starbucks coffee cups, bus tickets… there are no limits!

A few days ago,
I was in an art shop, and I saw the Papermate Flair M corner among hundreds of other pens.
However, that one is one of my all-time classics and favorites.

It comes in a set of 16 colors for about $16 USD.
I just had to get it!

Papermate Flair M
Papermate Flair M set of 16 colours (about 16$USD)

That evening,
I went to a restaurant named LE CERCLE (The Circle) next to my Airbnb, and I couldn’t wait to try them out.
The place was crowded, so I had plenty of time to doodle.

And what does “Waiting Time” mean for a sketcher?
It’s Perfect time for a doodling session on the restaurant serviette!

I didn’t bring my sketchbook; instead, I drew on the restaurant serviettes.
I love experimenting with new surfaces and textures.

Benefit of the Felt Pen (vs Ballpoint Pen)

So, what’s cool about the Felt Pen for artists as well as designers?
It makes thicker lines like markers, which means you don’t have to worry too much about making mistakes.

As well as the ballpoint pen,
remember to start drawing with a light pen pressure, ok?

With thicker lines, you can sketch freely and still get a great drawing.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, try switching to a felt pen for a few days.

Drawing People On The Go With My Felt Pen

Draw people on restaurant serviette with the Papermate Flair M
Drawing people in the restaurant with my Papermate Flair M

I pulled out my colorful felt pens and started drawing people around me in the restaurant.
I used quick lines and simple shadows using hatching to capture them fast.

It was so much fun!

And guess what?
The waiter even complimented my sketch!
It’s always nice when people appreciate your art in public.

I sketch with dynamic lines and use simple hatching for shadow.
For allow me to draw super fast.

Drawing Shoes on Napkins

Papermate Flair M Felt pen drawing sneakers on restaurant serviette
Papermate Flair M Felt pen drawing sneakers on restaurant serviette

I also drew a sneaker-boot hybrid on a whim.
The felt pen made it look really cool, and it was a great exercise in drawing spontaneously.

Conclusion

Never wait for the “Perfect time” to draw.
A sketcher Holic draws all the time!

He does not look for the perfect pen, paper or desk.
He just draws plenty of drafts and ideas no matter the condition all day!

No chair to sit? Just stand and draw!
Or like Urban sketchers, simply sit on the floor to draw.

Combining the use of a felt pen to the ballpoint pen, you might feel more free and creative!
Best of it, you will improve faster!

My Dinner at the restaurant Le Cercle
My yummy Dinner (Fish & Chips, Tiramisu) at Le Cercle | Chou-Tac CHUNG

That’s it for today!
Just a reminder: sketching on napkins is a great way to practice and have fun.

Keep sketching, and I’ll catch you later!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac

PS: You can use your Felt pen to bold your sketches using line-weight

Draw with Line weight
Use the Papermate Flair M to draw the thick lines of your Product design sketches.

PPS: Guess what? I’m now in Los Angeles for holidays, and the sneaker culture here is just amazing!
You can see new fashion trends for shoes everywhere, and they’re even influencing luxurious runways.
It’s super inspiring!

I just got an email from Jason asking about my Sneaker Sketch Pros course.
Thanks, Jason! And thanks, LA, for the motivation.
I’ve decided it’s the perfect time to reopen registration for my Sneaker course!


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Chou-Tac

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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