A Dip Pen Guide for

Beginner Manga Artists

@baby8stef
 What are dip pens?

A dip pen, also known as a nib pen or pen nib, is made out of a metal nib similar to those
seen in fountain pen nibs, set in a wooden handle or holder.

Dip pens do not have an an ink barrel. This means you have to keep dipping it in ink to continue
drawing or writing.

Since the nib is detached from the wooden holder, you can use one holder with multiple nibs.

Nibs can be used not only for drawing but also for writing and calligraphy.

Dip Pens for Manga

Manga nibs are made specifically to fit the
needs of manga artists. Manga nibs have a
pointed, firm, and slightly flexible tips so they
can produce thin, controlled lines that only
flex when enough pressure is applied
enabling artists to be precise in their
drawings.

Manga artists prefer to use dip pens over

micron pens because you can create different
weight variations with just one single nib.

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What are the different types of manga nibs?
1. G NIB This is the most commonly used nibs and are perfect for beginners. Why?
Because it has the most flexible and versatile nib but is not difficult to control.
It is perfect for creating thick and thin lines depending on the pressure
exerted. The G nib is usually used in drawing expressions, distance, anatomy,
and other movement. A hard G Nib is highly recommended for beginners.

All-around nib for beginners. Recommended for shounen

2. SPOON NIB A Also

Dip Pen Guide for Beginners
known as the Saji or Tama nib. This nib is perfect for beginners to use as
an alternative to G nibs. It is called a spoon nib due to its prominent oblong,
(SAJI or TAMA) spoon-like nib design. It can create thick lines when used sideways.

Nib for objects, landscape and scenery

3. SCHOOL NIB This nib is the smallest out of all of them this it is much easier to control.
Professional artists use this in drawing intricate objects, such as architecture,
vehicles, or scenery and landscapes. The School nib was originally used for
basic writing projects such as book keeping or note taking because of its fine,
consistent lines & its slight flexibility, making it possible for beginners to
practice different line strokes before moving onto more flexible nibs like the G
nib.

Nib for scenery and landscapes

4. MARU NIB This nib can create the thinnest line stroke out of all the nibs even with a lot of
pressure It is perfect is for shojou manga artists. This nib draws the finest of
(MAPPING NIB) lines, ideal for the soft look of shojou manga. It is perfect for creating intricate
details such as the hair. Maru nibs are much smaller than the rest of the nibs,
therefore it is important to check the compatibility of this nib to your holder.

Nib for fine details. Perfect for shoujo manga

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 What are Nib Holders?

Nibs are paired together with a nib holder and cannot be

A used
Dip without
Pen Guide for Beginners
it. Nib holders are commonly made with wood,
plastic or acrylic in a straight or oblique shape. You have to
ensure that the nib fits the nib holder first before purchasing.

It is highly recommended to check the compatibility of your nib

to the nib holder.

What paper should I use?

Manga inks naturally bleed
through thin paper, which is why it
is recommended to use a thick,
smooth and heavy comic paper
that is not lower than 150 gsm.
The perfect kind of paper that
works well with dip pens and inks
is the Deleter Comic Book Paper.
This paper is used by professional
manga artists.

Due to the pointed tip of a nib, you'll notice your paper getting "scratched". The paper fibers
might get stuck in your nib. You'll need high quality paper to avoid this from happening.

Choose your paper wisely for a great drawing experience!

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 What inks should I buy?
Your dip pen will not work without ink. You'll need a lot of black ink to go with it!

There are different kinds of inks in the market. Some of them are waterproof. Some of them
are alcohol proof. Some of them are quick drying. Here are a couple of common ink brands
that you can choose from and their specific characteristics.

Think about what you'll be using your lineart with. If you plan to put colors on it, then you
wanna consider what medium you wanna use. For example, if you want to use watercolor, then
you'll definitely need waterproof ink!

Drying Time

SLOW

QUICK

VERY
QUICK

Pilot Drafting VERY

Pen Ink Black (30 QUICK
mL)
*water resistant not waterproof

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 What inks should I buy?
Drying Time
Deleter #1 Black
Ink (30ml) SLOW

Deleter #2 Black QUICK

Ink (30ml)

Deleter #3 Black
Ink (30ml) QUICK

Deleter #4 Black QUICK

Ink (30ml)

QUICK
Deleter #5 Black
Ink (30ml)

Deleter #6 Black
QUICK
Ink (30ml)

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 Did you learn something new?
We actually have more FREE resources for you!

Learn Basic Anime Character Drawing for FREE!

Watch this if you feel like giving up on your art

Watch this if you wanna create your own original

characters

How to Become More Confident Drawing Full Body

Characters

Watch this if you wanna create your first manga

Want more hands-on guidance with your anime

and manga art journey?
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