Tips On Choosing Pens For Doodling & Sketching
Have you ever wondered what doodling is, why we do it, and how you might do it better? Well, look no further. We’re going to look at some tips for choosing the best pens for doodling and sketching in this beginner’s guide to doodling!
What is doodling?
First things first, what exactly is doodling? Doodling is the act of making shapes with a pen or pencil without consciously thinking about what is being drawn. People often doodle absent-mindedly when they are focused on something else, for example, a business meeting or a class.
The doodle can be any shape, pattern or picture. For example, it could be the outline of a box, or a house, or a series of circles or lines. There are some people who believe there are hidden meanings in the patterns we unconsciously choose to doodle. Often, we return to the same type of doodle because it feels satisfying.
Benefits of doodling
Doodling can be very good for us. It allows our mind to focus through a form of meditative practice. By giving our subconscious mind something to focus on, our conscious mind is freed up to concentrate on the class or the meeting we’re participating in.
It might sound counter-intuitive but the act of doodling can actually help us to concentrate better, improving our short-term memory and ability to recall information easily. Doodling can also help to reduce stress, again by focusing and calming the mind.
What are the best pens for doodling?
Let’s take a look at some of the best pens for doodling for beginners. There are lots of different pens and pencils to choose from so take your time experimenting with different styles, materials and nib types, until you find a pen that is perfect for you.
Pencils
Pencils are perfect for doodling as the graphite glides smoothly across the paper and also lends itself well to sketching. If you are artistic and your doodling often evolves into sketching, a pencil can be the ideal writing instrument. The best pen for carrying around with you every day is a mechanical pencil housed in a robust body that will survive the knocks and scrapes of being carried around. You can also find mechanical pencils for doodling that have mechanisms for people who like to fidget, such as the Bastion Bolt Action Mechanical Pencil.
Pens
Pens are perhaps more commonly used for doodling as they are often close to hand and being used already in the class or meeting, or wherever you feel like doodling. There are many pens available that are great for doodling. Probably the most important factor to consider when choosing a pen for doodling is to find one that is comfortable to hold and use. If you have a slim wrist, or you have issues with your writing hand, or you are not used to doing a lot of writing, choose a pen that is lighter weight. A good material to look for is titanium or aluminum—these are both exceptionally strong metals but they are not as heavy as stainless steel. Stainless steel bolt action pen is a great choice if you are looking for something a bit weightier and robust-feeling.
We’d recommend a ballpoint pen for doodling, as these require slightly less focus, although fountain pens are growing in popularity. With practice, doodling with a fountain pen can become easier, and the doodles created may be artistically more pleasing.
Many luxury pens these days also come with certain mechanisms that are loved by those who tend to fidget! For example, a satisfying bolt action mechanism can give a pen an extra edge.
Follow these tips for choosing the best pen or pencil for doodling and sketching, and experiment with different types until you find one you like. Doodling should be a meditative practice, so make sure your pen fits you like a glove so it doesn’t distract your mind from the doodling.
