How to buy a pen for drawing - 12 Questions

My favorite pen, ever, besides the Cross one I would steal from my Dad: Pilot Decimo.

Buying a super special pen for drawing means asking a bunch of questions!

You would think buying a pen to use for drawing all the time is easy? Here's some considerations as you reach for that cheap pen...
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1.  What color ink do you want to use most of the time? 
2. Do you want the ink to be permanent or wash in water? 
3. Do you want to buy cartridges to replace the ink, or use a bottle to refill the ink?
4. How are you carrying the pen? Are you carring it in a backpack or leaving it on a desk? 
5. Do you like caps on you pens? Do you like the push button pens? 
6. Do you like “heavy weight” or “light as feather” pens?
7. Do you want gel, ballpoint, fountain, or calligraphy pen? How do you want your pen to make lines on your paper? 
8. Do you prefer plastic, metal, or wood for your pens? Is a combination of these materials ok with you? 

I spent a lot of money on my Pilot Decimo pen, but I LOVE drawing and writing with this pen. This pen makes me feel special, even while drawing what I think is junk. 

My Decimo Pilot pen is "retractable”! No cap to lose, no ink stains in my purses or pockets! I can refill the permanent dark blue ink easily by using its converter cartridge and a bottle of ink. It writes on all types of paper. I can use it make all kinds of lines, from think and heavy to thin and light. It’s a joy to use this pen.  The medium weight and shiny blue and chrome metal makes me happy. This fountain pen is a luxury. 

My pen makes me happy and I use it all the time. If you're into dollar cost averaging, this pen has been the best artist tool investment for me.  Even my husband and better half Andy agrees with me about this pen!

If you're interested in seeing this and other pens, I invite you 411pens.com, the website for Cincinnati's store Appointments. 

Below are a few more of my special pens...but my first choice for drawing and sketching is my Pilot Decimo! 

From left to right, FaberCastell caliigraphy pen; Lamy fountain pen, Pilot Explorer fountain pen; vintage Cross ballpoint pen