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Ink Factory specializes in crafting professional notes that merge words and illustrations, a technique we term as visual note-taking. Typically showcased digitally in online meetings or prominently on boards during physical events, these visual records are a testament to our expertise. Beyond that, our staff enjoys jotting down personal observations in their journals, a practice popularly referred to as sketchnotes!
What are Sketchnotes?
Sketchnoting is a visual method of capturing ideas and information in real-time, often using a combination of handwritten text and drawings. As an artist or note-taker actively listens to a conversation or presentation, they distill the key points into a visual summary, often within a sketchbook. This method promotes deeper engagement with live content, whether it’s a lecture, a group dialogue, or even a favorite podcast episode. The resulting visual notes not only help reinforce the information but also provide an illustrative reference to revisit later, ensuring the main ideas stay vividly imprinted in one’s memory.
While we’ve previously discussed our preferred tools for comprehensive visual note-taking, sketchnoting brings its own set of challenges. Our team has spent countless hours experimenting with different markers, paper types, and other supplies to curate the optimal sketchnoting toolkit. Building a dependable set of tools is the first step towards creating distinctive and effective sketchnotes tailored to your style.
Why are Sketchnote Tools Crucial?
Visual documentation, especially in real-time, requires tools that streamline and enhance the process. The best sketchnote tools should allow the note-taker to effortlessly write, draw, and color without interruption. Even a small error like an unintended smear or ink bleed can disrupt the rhythm, possibly causing the omission of important details. Furthermore, constantly switching between markers or the repeated task of capping and uncapping can divert attention and waste valuable sketching time. Therefore, selecting the right tools isn’t just about convenience—it’s about maximizing the quality and efficiency of the sketchnote process.
Marker dimensions for sketching notes
In our workshops, we often stress aligning the tool’s size with the canvas size. A minuscule 1mm marker may fade on a vast whiteboard but is ideal for a compact sketchbook.
We advise newcomers to employ a trio of markers: small, medium, and large, or at least a small and a large one. Differentiating sizes simplifies creating a distinct visual structure on your sheet. Identifying smudge-resistant and bleed-free black markers suitable for compact visual documentation was a task. Continue reading to discover the markers that secured a spot in our sketchnote tool collection!
Marker nib varieties
Different nib types offer a range of line styles, so it’s worth trying out various options.
- Bullet tip markers, commonly available, give a consistent line width. They are ideal for novices who haven’t honed their motor skills as much as seasoned artists. Yet, many professionals also favor the unique touch of bullet tips;
- Chisel tip markers offer versatility. Simply by twisting the marker, two unique line widths can be produced. However, it can be a challenge to source angled chisel tips that are just right in terms of size and ink consistency, especially for sketchnoting;
- Brush tips cater to those dedicated to mastering brush-style lettering, or those seeking significant line diversity. While they can result in a bit of a mess if not used with care, and demand considerable practice for control, they shine brilliantly for tasks like hand lettering or coloring expansive areas.
Markers in Black Ink
Within the realm of sketchnoting, the dramatic interplay between black ink and a white backdrop holds significant importance. This contrast is not merely aesthetic; it forms the very backbone of visual note-taking. Black ink is frequently employed to create standout headings that immediately catch the eye, to imbue icons with depth and dimension, and to guarantee that even the minutest text remains legible. Even if one were to restrict themselves to only using black ink, the potential to create striking and memorable sketchnotes remains vast. Beyond its visual appeal, the strategic use of black ink is key in ensuring that sketchnotes are clear and organized, avoiding the pitfalls of visual clutter and confusion, and guiding the viewer’s attention to the most crucial points.
The Issue: Ink Bleeding and Smudging
When using sketchbooks, our trusted alcohol-based markers, ideal for extensive note-taking, tend to bleed through the pages, regardless of paper thickness. The logical remedy might seem to switch to water-based black ink, but here lies another problem – water-based black markers have a tendency to smudge when combined. So, if you aim to color within a black outline using water-based colors, you’ll likely end up with a messy smudge.
The Solution: Water-Based, Water-Resistant Permanent Pigment Ink
To tackle this issue, we scoured various online marker marketplaces in search of a solution. After thorough research, we discovered a select few manufacturers who offer water-based inks that do not bleed through the paper and also resist smudging when paired with water-based colored inks.
Top Black Markers for Sketchnoting: Our Picks
We put several markers to the test to determine their suitability for sketchnoting. Our lineup included:
Kuretake’s:
- Zig Double Ended Writer;
- Paper Mate’s Flair;
- Zebra’s Disposable Brush Pen.
Sakura’s:
- Pigma Graphic Pen;
- Staedtler’s Pigment Liner;
- Cartoonist Mangaka Flexible in Medium;
- Neuland’s FineOne Outliner;
- Tombow’s Fudenosuke Brush Pen;
- Uni’s Sign Pen;
- Sakura’s Pigma Sensei Drawing Pen;
- Pentel’s Sign Pen.
We specifically tested their performance with two different water-based color inks to assess if there was any smudging after about a minute of drying.
Paper Mate’s Flair Pen Review
The Flair Pen holds a special place among Ink Factory artists, especially for intricate details and text. Although it isn’t crafted with water-resistant ink, its compact size ensures quick drying. In our experiments, we noticed only minimal smudging, which reduced further with ample drying time. The pen’s slightly flexible nib allows for subtle line variations. Despite it being the most prone to smudging in our tests, its affordability and accessibility make the Flair a solid choice for many.
The Kuretake Zig Double Ended Writer Review
Crafted by Kuretake, the Zig Double Ended Writer stands out with its dual-ended design. Both ends feature a bullet tip, ideal for jotting down small to medium-sized text in sketchnoting. The convenience of a dual-tip allows for swift transitions between sizes during hurried note-taking, aiding in maintaining organization. The ink boasts a rich pigmentation and smooth flow, but one should be patient, allowing a few minutes for it to dry to prevent minor smudging.
Staedtler’s Pigment Liners Review
The Staedtler Pigment Liners are available in an array of petite dimensions, with the chisel tip reaching up to 2mm and the bullet tip at 1.2mm. Similar to the Zig, it’s advisable to give the Staedtler ink some drying time before overlaying colors to avoid smears. The marker offers a smooth glide over paper, and its firm nib ensures consistent line breadth. We found the chisel tip especially suitable for handwriting.
Tombow Fudenosuke Review
While bearing similarities to the Flair, the Fudenosuke sets itself apart with a firm brush tip that enables a wider range of line variations. This marker is ideal for intermediate to advanced sketchnoters eager to evolve their artistic flair. A standout feature of the Fudenosuke is its genuine Pigment Ink that’s remarkably resistant to smudging. Impressively, it ranked among the top three in our smudge-resistant marker tests.
For those who’ve taken a liking to the Fudenosuke, another recommendation is the Zebra marker. Though its flexibility might be a tad too much for sketchnoting in our opinion, it’s a gem for illustrative work, thanks to its use of permanent pigment ink.
Neuland Outliner Review
Highly esteemed within the professional visual note-taking community, Neuland has curated tools tailor-made for this craft. Consequently, their FineOne Outliner’s performance comes as no surprise – it topped our list in smudge-resistance without compromising on paper bleed-through. The ink boasts a radiant black shade, flowing seamlessly, and emerged as the most vivid among our tested markers. While its size perfectly suits medium-level text in sketchnoting, pairing it with a smaller marker is advisable. Although these markers are shipped from Germany, making them potentially less accessible compared to other options, their quality makes them a worthy acquisition.
Conclusion
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal tool is often the one you feel most at ease with. While some may gravitate towards markers with a consistent line width and a sturdier nib, others might be drawn to a pliable nib offering diverse line variations. Have any of the black markers we’ve discussed above caught your eye, or do you have a personal favorite black marker for sketchnoting? Share your thoughts on social media with the hashtag #ThinkLikeInk! While you’re on the hunt for the ideal sketching tool, you may also want to explore the article about three distinctive trade show booth concepts.