F01 Drawing Pen

If you look at my sidebar, you'll see a new link to the Copic Events Calendar. Every now and then go look through what events and shows we have coming up. Every few months I teach comic drawing, architecture rendering, or stamp coloring here in Eugene where Copic is based. I'll try to keep it updated with all my little public appearances, so check back there regularly.

Today I wanted to feature a product that is probably one of our least understood Copic offerings, the F01 Drawing pen.

The F01 Drawing pen is a 0.1 mm disposable Fountain Pen that works beautifully for drawing images with a variable line width. It has a metal fountain pen tip that delivers true dipping-pen style artwork. This is great for the traditional illustrator who likes using old-fashion

ed ink pens, but wants portability and no mess. This is getting tagged as advanced because this pen is tricky to use, and not for everyone.

The F01 pen works best on very smooth, thick paper, with good tight fibers. You don't want to use this on thin, soft papers like regular copier paper or newsprint, since the metal nib will scratch the paper and get clogged with paper-fibers.

Hold the pen at a 45º angle to your paper, with the metal part on top, the black reinforcing part underneath and pull it towards you. If you want a thick line, push harder, if you want a thin line lift up a bit. If you try drawing sideways it won't work as well, nor will it work if it's held upside down.

Japan suggests that you don't drop or shake this pen, since it has a unique system for getting the ink to flow smoothly.

With a little practice this pen will give you wonderful results. I love working in my sketchbook with this pen, since I don't have to re-draw a line or switch pens to get it thick or thin. Also a beautiful pen for hand journalling, you'll really feel like you are working with old-school art supplies. This pen is tricky to learn so most people either love it or hate it. Have a wonderful weekend!