Hi. I need some advise on choosing Ink Pens for drawing. I am currently teaching myself to draw in the manga style (originally leant traditional style of drawing people, faces etc using charcoal, pencil, crayons etc) But, want to learn to draw with ink and pens (not ready to corel yet as I am a more tactile drawer, plus it still confuses me) I would love to hear what others use and any advise you can give me... I have had a look at sites for: Aqua promarker Osmer Staedtler Posca Copic pens (I like the fact they have square end, oval end pens as well as all the 0.mm sizes) now I am feeling slightly overwelmed...so I'm asking the experts - you

Are you referring to old-fashioned dip pens? Bottle of ink, a set of nibs, and the holders for same? Or do you mean drafting-style pens? You can go to an art-supply store and take a look at what they have. For dip pens, many companies put together sets that contain the most commonly-used sizes. (The same goes for marker-type pens.) For marker-type pens, art supply stores also sell them individually, and there's usually a pad provided so you can see what the lines look like. (You'll probably discover that you don't need every size.)

Copic are the best...if you can afford them. Promarker are a more affordable alternative

Thanks, I'm after draft style pens like felt tip / textures got heaps of the normal one (textures) at home, that I use if I'm mapping out a project, the cheap type you buy in the stationary section at a department store. But, as I have never used them for cartooning / manga I'm at a bit of a loss. and would like the pictures to last I like Copic and Promarker, and had a look at them in the shops, they had different nib types square, rounded 0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm etc I found myself tempted to-over purchase (bit of everything) and max out the plastic.... Though it best to ask those who have drawn manga before and ask what I would need for a basic kit

I've started using some pens in drawing but mainly in outlines.The best thing to do is look for artist quality brands. There's a big difference between those that are artists and student. What I often do with a brand is google reviews. Thats how I ended up buying the Seilliner pastels, they got the best reviews and I love using them! ARTLINE- are very good, I'm using their calligraphy pens at the moment and they're smooth and good flow of ink. I'm not sure if Derwent produce inks, but I love their pencils and the quality they put into their products. Oh the pens I think are "Staedtler" its a German brand. I hope thats helped you- I have to admit my computer art skills aren't that good so avoid it. Plus I don't have much computer time to work on improving the skills. Writing time is out the window too. Most of my art gear is all over the shop at the moment due to renovations and packing it up for the next room to be done.