Using Technical Pen in Comics

[Sharpclaw]

I have a question for artists who use technical pens for cartooning: How do you avoid the issue of your lines being too fine?

I greatly enjoy using technical pens, but I worry that my comic lines using a technical pen might be too thin. I already have moved up from 0.25mm to 0.70mm for my default outline pen size. Still, in the comic example below, the lines in the first panel seem very insubstantial and in need of the hatching and stippling that I did for the left character's costume. I like hatching (and like the look of stippling, if not actually doing it), but I would also like to draw my comic more quickly and efficiently without sacrificing the art.

Thank you for any advice that you might have!

dm20090227.jpg

Line Example

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[VeryCuddlyCornpone]

Personally I like what you have there- it looks crisp and neat. I didn't see much of an issue, you have nice line width variation as far as I could see, unless I'm misunderstanding your description in your post.

[Wendybird]

If you are really attached to the feel of a technical pen, you can get them with points up to 2 mm, but that can cost thirty or forty dollars. Felt tip pens can be pretty precise, and are much more readily available. It's really a personal choice - if you want a thicker line, choose a thicker tool.

On the other hand, you could work smaller and scan at a higher DPI. This requires a steady hand, but it looks like you have that. Most people wouldn't recommend that but it's something to try.

[Koad]

I don't ink with pens any more, but I used to, and I had the same problem with technical pen lines coming out too thin. I experimented a bit with different pens, eventually I found that I liked extra fine point Sharpies. They take a little getting used to at first, but I think they work out ok (example)

[W M]

Well, if you're really wanting bolder lines and you don't mind experimenting with new inking techniques, I suggest trying a brush and bottle of ink; no problems getting thick lines with a sable brush

Or, if you prefer the feel of a pen, try out some good artist's markers (Not Crayola; something along the lines of Prismacolor, which is *imo* the best manufacturer of these). What I'm talking about

[Sharpclaw]

Hi everyone, and thank you all for your comments!

Personally I like what you have there- it looks crisp and neat. I didn't see much of an issue, you have nice line width variation as far as I could see, unless I'm misunderstanding your description in your post.

Thank you! I also used brush in the middle panel, which has the most line variation.

If you are really attached to the feel of a technical pen, you can get them with points up to 2 mm, but that can cost thirty or forty dollars. Felt tip pens can be pretty precise, and are much more readily available. It's really a personal choice - if you want a thicker line, choose a thicker tool.

On the other hand, you could work smaller and scan at a higher DPI. This requires a steady hand, but it looks like you have that. Most people wouldn't recommend that but it's something to try.

I was recently surprised to discover that an artist whose work I really enjoy draws her comics on 8.5"x11" paper, so the reproduced art in her printed comic is not much smaller. She does good work that way, but I am leaning towards switching to brushes for my solution.

I don't ink with pens any more, but I used to, and I had the same problem with technical pen lines coming out too thin. I experimented a bit with different pens, eventually I found that I liked extra fine point Sharpies. They take a little getting used to at first, but I think they work out ok

Your image is incredible, but it still features a lot of the hatching and texturing that I am trying to veer from in these comic strip images. I love doing that stuff, though, and am quite impressed by your work!

Well, if you're really wanting bolder lines and you don't mind experimenting with new inking techniques, I suggest trying a brush and bottle of ink; no problems getting thick lines with a sable brush

Or, if you prefer the feel of a pen, try out some good artist's markers (Not Crayola; something along the lines of Prismacolor, which is *imo* the best manufacturer of these). What I'm talking about

My workaround on preferring the feel of a pen while getting to use a brush is using a brush pen!

Overall, much as I adore technical pens, I suspect that the comic strip format is just not the best place for them. I posted this same question at a couple other pen-and-ink/comic forums and, from the responses here, responses at the other forums, and my gut instinct, I am going to focus more on using brush and dip pen for these little comic panels and save the technical pens for where I can better utilize their purposes, like in stand-alone or illustrative images.

[W M]

I've found that brush-pens don't last too long for me (or at least decrease in quality); do this happen to you? (If it doesn't, you're one lucky man! )

Also, just out of curiosity, what technical pens have been using, or used in the past?

I was working on some pages with Staedtler pens for a while, and while they lay down a nice dark line, their tips are very rigid, and end up showing much more movement from your hand (such as shaking).

[Sharpclaw]

I've found that brush-pens don't last too long for me (or at least decrease in quality); do this happen to you?

I have not experienced this with what I use yet, but I use brush pens with synthetic hair, not foam or felt tips, like many use (I do not know which you use). My current brush pens are the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, the Platinum Pocket Brush Pen, and the Kuretake Brush Pen; these all have synthetic hair tips. I also keep a Faber-Castell Pitt Artist brush pen (with a felt tip) in my collection, but that is for when I have to fly somewhere. The others are fountain pens with brush nibs and taking them on a plane can result in an inky mess.

Also, just out of curiosity, what technical pens have been using, or used in the past?

I have used the Rotring Isograph (briefly, so no well-established opinion), Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph (finicky little things), and the Staedtler MarsMatic 700 (my favorite and current technical pen).