My New Favorite Drawing Supplies

Nov 17

Hi there. How are you?

In the last few months I’ve come across some new art supplies that I think my fellow pen nerds might enjoy. They’re so good that they’ve become my new go-tos!

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hand and red pen with an abstract ballpoint pen drawing in a small square sketchbook — A recent sketch in my new Talens sketchbook.

Perfect Square Sketchbook

On the suggestion of a fellow sketchbook enthusiast, I ordered a Talens Art Creation sketchbook . At 4.7” square, the size is perfect and priced under $10, it’s my new fave. The paper has a cream tone and is a little thinner than my beloved Moleskine sketchbook, so it wouldn’t be ideal for wet media. But it’s perfect for ballpoint and I’ve been enjoying experimenting with the square format too.

Abstract drawing in small, square sketchbook with red ballpoint pen on wood background. — Another recent spread made with my new favorite pen in my Talens sketchbook.

Archival Ink Pen

While doing research for my book, I ordered an Epoch Ballograf pen. If you’re a pen nerd like I am, I’d recommend adding this to your repertoire. It’s the only ballpoint I’ve been able to find that has archival ink, so it shouldn’t fade as most ballpoint ink does. If you want to display your ballpoint drawings, this is important. Even with a UV varnish, I’ve had some of my favorite ballpoint drawings fade away over time.

The ink is available in red, black and blue and is nice and smooth. It’s refillable and the barrel has a nice light feel in my hand. My only complaints: The ink isn’t quite as dark or opaque as other ballpoints. Like Bic pens, ink has a tendency to build up, so you need to wipe the point on some scratch paper or paper towel regularly.