It's… ALIVE!

If you’re a cartoonist, you’ll know all about this topic.
Some of us use a brush for our artwork, because it gives us lot’s of line variation and character. Some of us use pens, which give a lovely smooth line, but the width never varies, which makes it boring…
Enter the Brush Pen. This is a pen that has either a felt or real bristle nib, that gives the best of both worlds – smooth lines, with lots of variation – or so I thought.

During the creation of the comic, I’ve experimented with several types of pen / brush pens, and I still can’t make my mind up. It probably doesn’t help that I’m a little hesitant when using a brush pen, because I’m quite heavy handed.  I’m currently experimenting with 3 pens :-

• Copic Multiliner BS (felt)
• Pentel Brush Pen (bristle)
• Fountain Pentel (more of a plastic nib)

Results?  Well, the jury’s out at the moment.  I like the Copic, but the line never seems “clean” enough.  Any cartoonists out there who want to comment?

“IT’S… ALIVE!” is now officially launched! Welcome everyone, and I hope you enjoy it.