I have always loved art, but recently I have discovered this whole other creative world where people express themselves through pens, markers, brush pens, fineliners, rollerballs, gel pens, fountain pens and every kind of writing tool in between. And honestly, it is a lot more exciting than just “writing nicely”. A pen can tell a story, decorate a page, create beautiful lettering, add colour, build a journal, design a card, highlight an idea or turn an ordinary note into something personal. At The Deckle Edge, our pen section is so big we call it the Pen Room, and it is filled with thousands of fun, useful and beautifully creative pens to help you write, draw, decorate and express your creativity in your own way. So, let’s nerd out on the pen and look at the different types, what they are best for, and how to choose the right one for your next creative project.
Different Types Of Pens: Which One Should You Use For Writing, Lettering & Journalling?
Choosing the right pen can completely change how your writing feels and looks. Some pens are made for quick notes, some are better for neat handwriting, and others are designed for lettering, calligraphy, journalling, cards, illustration or decorative effects.
This guide explains the different types of pens, what each one is best for, and which paper to use with them.
Brush Pens
Brush pens have a flexible brush-style tip that creates thin and thick lines depending on the pressure you use. Press lightly for fine lines and press a little harder for thicker strokes.
They are ideal for brush lettering, modern calligraphy, bullet journal headings, cards, labels, gift tags, expressive mark-making, illustration and creative notes.
Smaller brush pens are easier to control than larger brush tips, especially for beginners. Pentel Brush Sign Pen Twin sets are useful because the pens offer both expressive strokes and finer detailed lines. They are suitable for modern calligraphy, hand lettering, sketching, illustration, journalling and colouring.
Brush pens need smooth paper to protect the tips. Marker paper, layout paper, tracing paper, smooth writing paper and smooth card are all useful options. Avoid rough sketchbook paper for regular brush pen practice because it can fray the tip.
Fineliners
Fineliners have a fine, firm tip and are excellent for neat lines, outlines, small writing, doodles, bullet journalling, planning and detailed hand lettering.
They are also useful for drawing guidelines, adding shadows, outlining letters and creating clean decorative borders.
Pentel Pointliners, Sakura Pigma Microns and similar fine pens are good choices for controlled lettering and illustration. They are especially helpful when you want your letters to look crisp and tidy.
Fineliners work well on smooth cartridge paper, sketchbook paper, bullet journal paper, Bristol board and mixed media paper. If you are using water-resistant fineliners with watercolour, choose mixed media paper or watercolour paper. For very detailed linework, smoother paper gives cleaner, sharper lines.
Fountain Pens
Fountain pens use liquid ink that flows through a metal nib. They write smoothly and need very little pressure, which makes them lovely for handwriting practice, journalling and letter writing.
They are useful for sketchbook notes, signatures, diary entries and beautiful everyday writing. Some fountain pens use cartridges, while others can be filled with bottled ink using a converter.
Fountain pens need smooth, ink-friendly paper. If the paper is too absorbent, the ink can feather, bleed through or look fuzzy. Use smooth writing paper, fountain-pen-friendly notebooks, good-quality cartridge paper or hot press watercolour paper for more special pieces. Thicker paper is helpful if you are using wetter ink or broader nibs.
For beginners, the Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen is a friendly option. For bottled ink, The Deckle Edge’s fountain pen ink category includes options such as Lamy refill ink, Parker Quink and Diamine.
Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink and a tiny rolling ball at the tip. They are practical, reliable and work on most types of paper.
The ink dries quickly and usually does not smudge easily, which makes ballpoints ideal for school, work, forms, lists, quick notes and everyday writing.
They often need a little more pressure than fountain pens, so they may feel less fluid, but a good ballpoint is still one of the most dependable writing tools.
Ballpoint pens are the easiest because they work on most paper. They are good for standard notebooks, office paper, school books, forms, planners and everyday writing pads. If you are using a ballpoint for neat handwriting practice, choose lined paper, grid paper or dotted paper to help keep your spacing consistent.
Gel Pens
Gel pens use gel-based ink, which usually feels smoother and more colourful than standard ballpoint ink. They are popular for bullet journalling, cards, doodles, scrapbooking, white highlights and decorative details.
Gel pens are good when you want brighter colour, smoother writing or a more decorative finish. They can take a little longer to dry than ballpoints, so it is worth testing them first if you are left-handed or working on very smooth paper.
Gel pens work best on smooth paper. Smooth cartridge paper, card, bullet journal paper and mixed media paper are good options.
Sakura Gelly Roll Pens
Sakura Gelly Roll pens are a popular type of gel pen used for creative writing, journalling, cards and decorative effects. They are especially useful for white highlights, metallic writing, moonlight colours, glitter effects and writing on darker paper.
A white Gelly Roll pen is handy for adding shine marks to illustrated letters, correcting tiny areas, writing on dark card and adding final highlights to hand lettering.
White, metallic, glitter and moonlight gel pens often look beautiful on black paper, dark card or coloured paper. Let the ink dry before touching it, especially on very smooth or coated paper.
Rollerball Pens
Rollerball pens use water-based or liquid ink with a ball tip. They feel smoother and wetter than ballpoint pens and usually create a darker, more flowing line.
They are a good choice if you want the smoothness of a fountain pen but the convenience of a regular pen. They work well for note-taking, journalling and expressive everyday writing.
Rollerball pens use wetter ink than ballpoints, so they need smoother, slightly better-quality paper. Thin paper can bleed or feather. Use smooth notebook paper, writing paper, cartridge paper or fountain-pen-friendly paper. If you write quickly or are left-handed, test the drying time before using rollerball pens in a journal.
Calligraphy Pens
Calligraphy pens usually have a broad, chisel-shaped tip that creates thick and thin lines depending on the angle of the pen.
They are used for gothic calligraphy, italic calligraphy, certificates, headings, invitations, envelopes and decorative writing.
A calligraphy marker or Pilot Parallel Pen is a good entry point because it helps you learn pen angle, stroke direction and spacing without using loose nibs and bottled ink.
Calligraphy pens work best on smooth paper that lets the nib glide cleanly. For practice, use smooth cartridge paper, layout paper or calligraphy practice paper. For finished work, use Bristol board, smooth card or hot press watercolour paper. If you are using chisel-tip markers, avoid very rough paper because it can damage the tip.
Dip Pens
Dip pens use a separate nib and bottled ink. You dip the nib into ink, write for a short while, then dip again.
They are used for traditional calligraphy, modern calligraphy, copperplate-style writing, ink illustration and decorative lettering.
Pointed nibs are best for modern calligraphy and flexible thick-and-thin strokes. Broad-edge nibs are best for gothic and italic calligraphy. Dip pens take more practice, but they give a beautiful traditional finish.
Dip pens need smooth, strong paper. Rough paper can catch the nib, and absorbent paper can make the ink feather. Use smooth cartridge paper, Bristol board, mixed media paper or hot press watercolour paper. Always test the ink and nib on the paper first, especially when using bottled ink.
Glass Dip Pens
Glass dip pens are decorative writing tools made from glass, with grooves near the tip that hold ink.
They are lovely for testing fountain pen inks, writing cards, journalling, gift tags and slow, mindful writing.
They do not flex like a brush pen or pointed nib, so they are not the best choice for pressure-based calligraphy. Their beauty is in the smooth ink flow, the colour of the ink and the special feel of writing with glass.
Glass dip pens work best on smooth, ink-friendly paper. Smooth writing paper, fountain-pen-friendly paper, hot press watercolour paper and smooth card are good choices. Avoid very absorbent paper if you want to see the ink colour clearly, especially with shimmer, metallic or multi-tonal inks.
Paint Markers
Paint markers contain paint-like ink and are great for bold lettering, signs, posters, labels, gift tags, window writing, black paper, wood, plastic, metal and mixed media projects.
They are useful when you want your writing to stand out more than a normal pen. Paint markers are not usually used for neat handwriting, but they are excellent for decorative lettering, display writing and craft projects.
Paint markers need paper or surfaces that can handle heavier ink. Use mixed media paper, marker paper, card, canvas board, wood, plastic, metal, glass or other suitable craft surfaces, depending on the marker. For paper projects, thicker card or mixed media paper is better than thin notebook paper.
Metallic Pens
Metallic pens are used for gold, silver, bronze and shimmering effects. They are lovely for cards, invitations, gift tags, envelopes, certificates, Christmas projects and dark paper.
They work best when you want a decorative finish rather than everyday writing. Always test metallic pens first because some show better on dark paper, while others look best on white or coloured card.
Metallic pens look good on smooth white paper, coloured card and black paper. They are great for gift tags, cards, envelopes, certificates and decorative headings.
Highlighters And Soft Colour Markers
Highlighters and soft colour markers are useful for bullet journalling, study notes, planners, headings, borders and colour coding.
They are not usually used for formal lettering, but they help make pages more organised and attractive. Softer colours are especially popular in journals because they add colour without overpowering the page.
Highlighters and soft colour markers work well on notebook paper, bullet journal paper, planners and study notes. If your paper is thin, test first to check for ghosting or bleed-through.
Marker Pens
Marker pens have broader tips and are useful for bold headings, posters, colouring, signs and playful lettering. Some markers have bullet tips, some have chisel tips and some have brush tips.
They are good for larger writing and colourful work, but they may bleed through thin paper, so they are best used with marker paper, mixed media paper or card.
Marker pens need paper that can handle more ink. Marker paper, layout paper, mixed media paper and card are good options. Alcohol markers and very wet markers can bleed through normal paper, so always use a backing sheet or a marker pad.
Technical Pens
Technical pens are very fine, precise pens used for drawing, design, illustration, architecture-style linework and detailed lettering.
They are good when you need consistent line widths and very clean detail. They are useful for artists who want neat outlines, careful lettering and fine decorative work.
Technical pens work best on smooth paper where the fine tip will not catch. Bristol board, smooth cartridge paper, tracing paper, layout paper and technical drawing paper are good choices. For detailed illustration or design work, smoother paper gives the cleanest line.
Simple Pen Guide
- For everyday writing, choose a ballpoint, rollerball or fountain pen.
- For neat notes and outlines, choose a fineliner or technical pen.
- For brush lettering and modern calligraphy, choose a brush pen such as a Pentel Brush Sign Pen.
- For traditional calligraphy, choose a calligraphy pen, Pilot Parallel Pen or dip pen.
- For decorative journalling, choose gel pens, Sakura Gelly Roll pens, metallic pens, Pentel Milky Pens or Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic pens.
- For bold craft lettering, choose paint markers or marker pens.
- For ink lovers, choose a fountain pen, glass dip pen or dip pen with bottled ink.
Best Pens And Papers For Bullet Journalling
For bullet journalling, choose pens that are neat, reliable and enjoyable to use. A good starter selection would include a black fineliner, a smooth ballpoint or gel pen, a soft highlighter, a white gel pen and a small brush pen for headings.
Pentel Brush Sign Pens are useful for journal headings and decorative lettering, Sakura Gelly Roll pens are useful for highlights and effects, and Pilot Juice or Pentel Milky Pens work well for colour and playful details.
For paper, dot grid notebooks are especially useful because they help with layouts, boxes, trackers and calendars. If you want to use brush pens, gel pens or fountain pens, choose smoother, slightly thicker paper to reduce ghosting and bleed-through.
Best Pens And Papers For Hand Lettering
For hand lettering, you need tools that let you sketch, outline, decorate and add finishing touches.
Start with a pencil and eraser, then add fineliners for outlines, brush pens for expressive strokes, gel pens for highlights and metallic pens for special details.
Pentel Brush Sign Pens are a good choice for small brush lettering, while Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic pens are useful for decorative cards, dark paper and special effects.
For paper, smooth cartridge paper, mixed media paper, marker paper, Bristol board and card all work well. If you are using markers or wet ink, test first and choose thicker paper.
Best Pens And Papers For Everyday Handwriting
For everyday handwriting, comfort matters. A smooth ballpoint is practical, a rollerball gives a darker flowing line, and a fountain pen can help you write with less pressure.
If you press too hard when writing, try a fountain pen, gel pen or rollerball. These usually need less pressure and may help your hand relax.
For handwriting practice, lined paper, grid paper or dotted paper can help with spacing and consistency. If you are using a fountain pen or rollerball, choose smoother paper so the ink does not feather or bleed.
Product Suggestions By Level
For an entry-level creative writing kit, choose a pencil, eraser, ruler, smooth paper, a black fineliner, a Pentel Brush Sign Pen and one or two Sakura Gelly Roll pens. This gives you enough to practise hand lettering, brush lettering, journalling and simple cards without feeling overwhelmed.
For a mid-range creative writing kit, add Pentel Brush Sign Pen Twin sets, Pilot Juice gel pens, Pentel Milky Pens, Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic pens and a Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen. This gives you colour, smooth writing, brush control and a good mix of practical and decorative tools.
For a professional or more serious creative writing kit, add Pilot Parallel Pens for broad-edge calligraphy, dip pen nibs and bottled inks for traditional calligraphy, a glass dip pen for ink work, Pentel Hybrid Dual Metallic pens for decorative finishes and good smooth paper for cleaner results.
Quick Paper Guide
- For brush pens, choose smooth marker paper, layout paper or smooth card.
- For fountain pens, choose smooth, ink-friendly paper.
- For dip pens, choose smooth, strong paper that will not catch the nib.
- For gel pens and metallic pens, choose smooth paper, coloured card or black paper for special effects.
- For markers and paint pens, choose marker paper, mixed media paper or card.
- For technical pens, choose smooth cartridge paper, Bristol board, layout paper or technical drawing paper.
- For bullet journalling, choose a notebook with smooth, slightly thicker paper if you want to use brush pens, gel pens or fountain pens.
- The golden rule is simple: always test your pen on the paper before starting your final piece.
There is no single best pen or paper for every type of writing. The best choice depends on what you want to do.
For everyday notes, choose something comfortable and reliable. For brush lettering, choose a flexible brush pen and smooth paper. For calligraphy, choose a chisel-tip calligraphy pen, Pilot Parallel Pen or dip pen with paper that lets the nib glide. For journalling and decorative work, keep a mix of fineliners, gel pens, brush pens, metallic pens and smooth paper nearby.
At The Deckle Edge, you can find a wide range of writing pens, brush pens, calligraphy tools, inks, markers, gel pens and papers to help you write, draw, decorate and create in your own style.
Once you have chosen your pens and papers, read our Nerding out on creative arty writing guide for hand lettering, calligraphy, brush lettering and bullet journalling ideas.