Sakura Pigma Microns are probably the world’s most famous black fineliner – and you can find the full range here. So this is the staple of staples, and you’ll need them everywhere, for everything, because they’re incredibly versatile; for the calendar in the kitchen, for writing shopping lists, in your bags, in the car and of course for your letters. Not only are they all-round artists, they’re also a great tool for creating letters or illustrations.
These pens don’t give a damn about the paper you write on or how hard you press (except for the very narrowest nibs, which are delicate due to their fragile body). That’s what makes finleiner lettering so much fun, you don’t have to think about pressure, just shape. You can write on bark for all that they care, and that’s what makes them so useful, whether you’re creating fine artwork or a quick note with what to buy at the ICA.
The finer tips can create incredibly delicate details – 003 creates lines that are only 0.15 mm thick! Or, should I say, thin. I use the thicker tips very often when I draw my letters. They are distinctively clear and incredibly versatile and durable. They also have a slight inertia that makes it easier to draw fine letters. The brain has time to program the hand when the pen doesn’t slide too fast across the paper, if you know what I mean.
Compared to other similar products, I think these have the finest blackness, which is also important to me. If I draw black, it should be BLACK.
The pens are water-soluble but have archival-resistant ink, as usual. They can be stored horizontally or vertically and will last several hours if you forget to put the cap on. Want to see examples? I’ve posted a video showing the different thicknesses of the tips. So the question is really: How many should you have?
Sakura Pigma Microns are also available in color and work beautifully with Lettering Pad Smooth or blank cards or labels.
There are lots of fun text styles you can practice with fineliners: Lettering practice sheet
