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When it comes to finding the perfect pen for drawing (or even writing!), I'm admittedly very picky. Those basic BIC pens that often stop working mid-stroke and make my hand cramp with pressure just don’t cut it. Over time, I’ve found my favorites that let me draw easily and without fatigue—here’s what I recommend based on years of sketching and doodling.
When I first started using pens for drawing, the Pigma Micron Fineliner pens quickly became my go-to for their consistent ink flow and variety of thicknesses. Having multiple sizes is a huge advantage in detailed work, as it allows you to switch from a delicate 0.05mm tip to a bolder 0.8mm for outline definition. These pens are fantastic for projects where every detail counts.
The PILOT Precise V5: My Pick for Quick, Spontaneous Drawing
For my quick, freehand doodles, like those on Poorly Drawn Birbs, I found that PILOT Precise V5 pens suit my needs even better. The Precise V5 pens, known for their smooth ink flow, are actually the pens I started using back in college for note-taking and haven’t looked back since. I’ve even spotted professors using them!
The Precise V5 pens make drawing fast and fluid—perfect for sketches that don’t require a variety of line widths but need that rich, dark finish. I used these pens for my Inktober challenge this past October and loved how they let me create vibrant, feather-like textures with ease.
I began using Precise V5 pens for note-taking and essay writing in undergrad. The pens are so smooth and easy to use that it saved my hand from the cramps the unforgiving BIC pens often would inflict upon it. Over the years, I've noticed professors of mine using these Precise V5 pens as well!
Examples of My Favorite Inktober Drawings
Okay, but how well do they work for drawing? The black pens have a dark, finished quality to them when put to the task of drawing.
For the Month of October (AKA Inktober), I did freehand drawings of birbs matching the theme each day and I used the Precise V5 pens.
Here are some of my favorites from the month:
False Sun Bird I drew for Inktober.
For the prompt "sun", I drew a False Sun bird. The Precise V5 helped me create subtle feather textures while using the page’s natural color to highlight areas like the bird’s wings and branch.
Stork I drew for Inktober.
For the prompt "camp", I chose to draw a Marabou Stork who had been spotted at a camp. The smooth flow of the Precise V5 added dimension to the drawing.
I really like how smoothly the Precise V5 pens draw. Since they are ink pens, smudging can occur much easier, so you do have to be careful and wait for the ink to dry. Otherwise, I was really happy with them this past Inktober (and I use them for note-taking on the daily)!
I did also use them for a more detailed pen drawing in October (of a turtle skeleton and not a bird).
The turtle skeleton I drew using a Precise V5 pen.
The only downside? The Precise V5 pens come in a single line thickness, so adding variety means manually layering lines. For ultra-fine details or varied line weights, Micron pens still win out as my preferred choice.
Why Micron Pens Are My Favorite for Detailed Work
Bird Skull drawing I did with Micron pens back in 2016.
For pieces that take longer or require more precision, I rely on Micron pens. One of my favorite drawings from 2016 showcases how I used different sizes: 0.1mm for the finest details, 0.5mm for the bulk of the drawing, and 0.8mm for thicker outlines. This versatility lets me capture tiny details while creating bolder lines for contrast.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Pens for Drawing
If you’re a fan of fast, clean sketches with a rich, dark finish, the Precise V5 pens are ideal. For detailed, intricate drawings where line variety matters, the Pigma Micron Fineliners offer unmatched precision.
What about you? Which pens do you reach for, whether drawing or taking notes? Are you as picky about your pens as I am? I’d love to hear your favorites or any other recommendations!