A pen.

Artline

A classic fineliner from Japanese Shachihata — and actually quite a good one. What else would you expect from a large brand that’s been around forever? Artline is familiar to me since my early days as a graffiti writer, because they also make really good larger permanent markers. And bunch of other markers and pens …

A pen.

Copic Multiliner SP

This is actually a really, really good marker. Tempted to say that it’s the best one I’ve used so far. At least it does everything it’s supposed to do. Water based pigment ink, dries fast, smooth flow, can be painted over, lasts long… You know the drill. So, if we’re talking about the quality, it …

A pen.

MTN Technical Marker

These fineliners have a good flow, and are very generous in ink — so they’re not ideal for thin paper or slow drawers. Extremely intense black which dries fast. I love that the marker itself is slightly thicker than most, giving it a great grip. I hadn’t used this one before, but so far, I’m …

iPad inside a case, set on table screen up.

iPad

So, every now and then, I get asked if I use an iPad and Procreate for sketching. I don’t. I’m too old school for that. But I have nothing against them, and I know many artists in my genre use them — which is cool, as long as it serves their purpose. I’ve participated in …

Uni Posca

How do acrylic markers relate to sketching? Well, in theory, they don’t. In reality? Let me explain. Sometimes, after finishing a sketch, I realize certain parts could’ve been done differently. I also tend to do very rough pencil sketches before going over them with a fineliner. I don’t know why, but I just don’t like …

A product photo of two Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus mobile phones.

Mobile Phones

Well, this article doesn’t quite fall under the “reviews” category. It was supposed to be one, but it turned out to be a general rant about mobile phones. So, a phone. Not essential for sketching, but handy. Sometimes I snap a photo of a sketch instead of scanning it — modern phones make this easy …

A product photo of five different sized markers.

Montana Sketchliner

Really good markers — I’ve used them for years. In fact, only Molotow has been in my collection longer. Another proof that Germans know their shit when talking about beer… I mean art supplies. Even though these are manufactured in Japan. Montana Sketchliners tie for third place with Stylefile. Again, really hard to find anything …

A product photo of a black marker.

Uni Pin Fineliner

Yes, this is the same manufacturer that is behind the Posca acrylic markers. Uni Pin is a solid, quality marker — I’ve been using these on and off for years. Also one of the cheapest in this lineup, though the price difference isn’t huge since most of the markers I use cost between €2–3.50 anyways. …

An edited photo of two black markers on white paper.

Stylefile Fineliner

Easily on the third place of all the markers reviewed here. Stylefile fineliners have relatively intense black. It has slightly harder tip than many similar markers, but in general it has a good flow. Markers have alcohol-based ink and it dries fast, just not immediatelly. So if you’re drawing over pencil sketches, let the ink …