So, I was looking around for some pens the other day... Neopiko, to be precise. It's pretty much what I've always used, and my pens have run out of ink completely (a couple of months ago, actually). I'm thinking about trying out some new pens, though. Any suggestions on good pens (and paper, for that matter)?

I like marker paper, myself. I feel that it has a thickness that can take all my erasing and indecision.. (*cough* >.>) and also doesn't bleed like some other papers. As for pens, I'm always a fan of microns! They're not really pens, per se, but pigment markers. I like them a great deal.

Microns are great. I use them for all my newer stuff. My older linearts are done in a regular black gen pen. Gel pens are probably cheaper, but they run out of ink fast.

I have to agree and say microns. They're really easy to control, waterproof, and fast-drying. I used to use gel pens, but they smudge if you're not careful and i didn't like the awkwardness of them. Now, i'm really cheap and use ballpoint pens xD bic! papermate! they are surprisingly good once you get the hang of them since you can control darkness and (partially) erase stuff. plus, they seem to last FOREVER.

I like Faber-Castell Pitt pens. They use india ink which makes working with watercolors and prismas nice for me because its relatively waterproof. Also, they are $4~ for four types at my local art store and seem to last pretty well which is good for me. :) I've never had the opportunity to use microns so I don't know how they compare. It sounds like they work on the same principles. I use cardstock for paper mostly. Works well for doodling and markers. Holds opaque watercolor/gouache ok too for doodling and messing around.

[quote]I like Faber-Castell Pitt pens. They use india ink which makes working with watercolors and prismas nice for me because its relatively waterproof. Also, they are $4~ for four types at my local art store and seem to last pretty well which is good for me. :) I've never had the opportunity to use microns so I don't know how they compare. It sounds like they work on the same principles. I use cardstock for paper mostly. Works well for doodling and markers. Holds opaque watercolor/gouache ok too for doodling and messing around.[/quote] Oooh, I do like india ink.. I may very well have to check that out. My big bitching with microns is that they are rather expensive. And yes, I completely agree about cardstock. The only think that makes me say marker paper is that cardstock doesn't generally have any real grain to it - very very smooth - and that smoothness can, at times, be detremental to composition. But for most projects, it's great.

Okay, microns and Faber-Castell Pitt pens. Both of them sound intruiging, I've never tried either. I'll look for both to try. I've used cardstock before, it is extremely smooth and sometimes the markers I use (copic) don't work too well on it. How expensive are prisma color markers, anyway? I've never used them, either. I'll try to pick up some marker paper, too.

[quote] How expensive are prisma color markers, anyway? [/quote] Depending on your art store I've seen them anywhere from $2~ to $3.99 a marker. I like them with cardstock because they bleed very slighty on it and when I layer them it has a vaguely watercolor look to it. (I once found some on sale near Christmas for $1.99 each and I was the happiest girl in the store that day :D ) I would love to try marker paper, I think I'll go look for some next time. Of course, I'd love to try Copics too, but so far I have only found them online.

[quote]Of course, I'd love to try Copics too, but so far I have only found them online. [/quote] Copics are MUCH more expensive. A store in Los Angeles sells them for $5 a piece, which is why I only have twelve.

I rarely ink... i find theres a nice distinct quality to pencil drawings :), it always looks real nice once colored. Its my personal opinion anyways ^_^;; When i do ink i use microns too, they havent let me down yet ;P

Well, I'm pretty cheap so i use scrap booking pens. I think they're pretty good. i can't really compare it to any of the other pens though because all i use is scrap booking pens. lol

Micron all the way! XD I also like Pilot P-700 and P-500's... but those are really gel pens but they're great for doing bold outlines. They just take a wee bit longer to dry, and aren't water-proof. ^^; I first started inking with those though, so at least try them once, I think. :] (As long as you don't plan on coloring markers with them. XD)

Microns are good. I use them on my gundam models to fill in panel lines usualy. However, you got to be careful not to break the tips off.

I use microns, usually an 0.1 and a 0.05 and a brush tip for larger parts. Have you heard of tria markers? They are fairly new, I have a couple to fill out my copic set. You can buy Tria Marker paper at a lot of art stores and ink doesn't bleed (it works great with the Copics, not just the Trias), i got a large pad (bout 10x15") for around 13$ so its not too expensive. You may find it works for you =3

i use the multliner of Copic^^Their are very good X3 you can use them for the maker and also if you work with watercolours :D i realy like them and use them a lot of X3

I had micron but i found the tips got bent or frayed too easily so i moved onto Straedtler (i think that's how its spelled) graphical design pens (you can get them a little more readily at office depot, staples, walmart, or any arts and crafts store.. where as microns are a little harder to find) they have the same quality but they're a little sturdier.. and come in just as many sizes.. as far as paper, i always suggest a good semi-gloss bristol board... it can be expensive if you're used to buying plain old printer paper, but the ink doesnt bleed into it like regular paper and its easy to erase off of too.. not to mention it has more of a "cardboard" like durability to it, so it doesnt bend or wrinkle as easily