Tombow markers are a popular brand of dual-tip markers known for their versatility and high-quality performance. These markers are widely embraced across art forms like illustration, hand lettering, and coloring, thanks to their vibrant color palette and smooth application.
Read on as we show you a detailed Tombow markers review to see if their collections might be what you need for the next art projects.
Table of Contents
Types of Tombow Markers
1. Dual Brush Pen Art Markers
These are the brand’s signature products, featuring a fine tip and a flexible brush tip, thus ideal for professional use.
They are water-based markers known for their vibrant colors, blendability, and versatility in creating both fine lines and broad strokes. This type also includes Tombow watercolor markers.
Furthermore, they are widely loved among beginners due to the self-cleaning tip and non-bleeding ink.
2. ABT Pro
The ABT Pro markers are the alcohol-based version of Tombow’s Dual Brush Pens. They feature a durable nylon brush tip and a chisel tip for precision work.
These markers offer a wide color range, excellent blendability, and are popular among illustrators and artists looking for professional-quality results.
3. Fudenosuke
Tombow’s Fudenosuke line consists of brush pens specially designed for calligraphy and hand lettering.
They come in both soft and hard tip variations, allowing artists to achieve different line widths and styles with ease. Tombow brush pen Fudenosuke are also favored for their smooth ink flow.
4. TwinTone
The TwinTone markers from Tombow are fine-liner markers with dual tips: a broad bullet tip and a fine point tip. They are known for their quick-drying ink and suitability for tasks like journaling and doodling.
Each of these Tombow marker types offers unique features and is tailored to meet specific artistic requirements, ensuring artists have the tools they need to bring their creative visions to life.
5. MONO Twin marker
Besides, the brand also offers MONO Twin markers, featuring permanent ink in blue, black, and red. They are also dual-tip markers with chisel tip (6mm) and fine bullet tip (2mm). Its best features must be the water-resistant and versatile ink that works on various surfaces.
Colors
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Dual Brush Pen Art Markers |
Sets of 6:
Sets of 20:
Sets of 10:
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ABT Pro |
Sets of 5:
Sets of 10:
Sets of 12:
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Fudenosuke |
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TwinTone |
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Special |
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Pros & Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other marker brands.
- Potential bleed-through on certain types of paper.
- Limited color range compared to other premium brands.
- Higher price point compared to some other marker brands.
- Potential bleed-through on certain types of paper.
- Limited color range compared to other premium brands.
Cost
Individual Tombow markers range from $2 to $6 per marker, while sets are between $10 and $355, depending on the types and number of markers included.
Tips for Using Tombow Markers
1. Choose the right paper
Tombow markers come in both alcohol-based and water-based ink options. Make sure to select paper that is compatible with the specific ink type you are using.
Alcohol-based markers require a thicker paper to prevent bleed-through, while water-based markers can work well on thinner papers.
2. Experiment with blending
Tombow markers are known for their blendability. Try layering different colors and blending them together to create smooth gradients and transitions. Start with lighter colors and gradually build up the intensity to achieve the desired effect.
3. Practice brush lettering
Tombow markers are also popular among lettering enthusiasts. Use the brush tip to create thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes, adding variation and style to your lettering.
Practice different lettering styles and techniques to enhance your skills. This is especially worth doing when learning how to use Tombow brush pens.
Using Tombow markers is a journey of learning and experimentation. So, do not be afraid to try new things and let your creativity flow! Enjoy the process, be patient with yourself, and embrace the unique qualities of these markers to create beautiful and expressive artwork.
Are Tombow Markers Worth It?
They are definitely worth it for artists and enthusiasts who value high-quality, versatile markers. With their blendability, dual-tip functionality, and vibrant colors, Tombow markers promise a range of creative possibilities.
While they may come at a higher price point, their performance and durability make them a worthwhile investment for those seeking professional-grade markers.
How to Choose
When buying Tombow markers, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
- Purpose: What are you using the markers for? Tombow offers sets for specific purposes like lettering, illustrating, or coloring.
- Color Range: Consider the colors you frequently use or need for your projects. Tombow markers come in a variety of colors, and there are specialized sets like Tombow dual brush pen grayscale, pastel, neutral, muted, tones.
- Tip: Tombow markers have various tip types, such as the dual brush-fine tip, soft tip, hard tip, bullet tip, etc. Consider your specific techniques or applications. For example, if you are interested in brush lettering, a set with the dual brush tip would be suitable.
- Budget: Determine your budget and consider the price of the Tombow marker sets available. Sets with more markers or additional features are pricier. Decide how many markers you need and the features that are essential for your projects, and choose a set that aligns with your budget.
Set Recommendations
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Sketching |
– Dual Brush Pen Art Markers Grayscale – ABT Pro Gray Tones – ABT Pro Warm Gray Tones |
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Drawing Portraits |
– Dual Brush Pen Art Markers Portrait – ABT Pro Fair Complexion – ABT Pro Deep Complexion – ABT Pro Portrait, Light Hair – ABT Pro Portrait, Dark Hair |
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Illustrating Mangas |
– ABT Pro Manga Palette – Dual Brush Pen Art Markers Grayscale |
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Creating Signage |
– Dual Brush Pen Art Markers Bright – ABT Pro Bold Palette – Fudenosuke Neon Brush Pen – TwinTone Rainbow |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do Tombow markers last?
The longevity of Tombow markers depends on factors such as frequency of use, care, and ink usage.
With proper care and moderate use, Tombow markers can last for several months, providing consistent performance and vibrant colors throughout their lifespan.
Where to buy Tombow dual brush pens?
Tombow dual brush pens can be purchased from various sources. The best option is the Tombow website, but they are also available at art supply stores and online retailers such as Amazon.
Are Tombow markers water-based?
Tombow dual brush pen art markers, Fudenosuke, and TwinTone markers are water-based. However, the ABT Pro markers from Tombow are alcohol-based.
How to store Tombow markers?
You can store the brand’s water-based markers horizontally or vertically. But for ABT Pro markers, which are alcohol-based, the former is ideal. Storing them horizontally helps ensure even ink distribution between the two tips and prevents one tip from drying out faster than the other.
Copic vs. Tombow, how do Tombow markers compare to Copics?
Tombow markers and Copics are both popular choices among artists. But the latter is better suited for artists looking for affordable water-based markers. Copics are alcohol-based and more expensive.
Are Tombow markers cheap brush pens?
Tombow markers are fairly inexpensive, but there are cheaper brush pens in the market. For example, brands like Crayola and Arteza.
Are Tombow brush pens for drawing or are they journaling pens?
Tombow dual tip brush pens can be used for both drawing and journaling. However, there are other Tombow water-based markers suitable for the latter, such as the TwinTone markers for journaling.
Conclusion
To conclude this Tombow markers review, Tombow markers are a highly recommended choice for artists seeking versatile and high-quality markers. With their versatility and durability, Tombow markers offer immense creative potential.
Whether you are into illustrating hand lettering, or coloring, these markers deliver smooth and precise results. Their positive reputation and popularity make them a reliable and worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their artwork.
Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience. I have gained a lot of knowledge from this, and I believe you will find her suggestions to be invaluable as well.
