Printers can be an important part of the art process for comic artists. Whether you work traditionally and need to print bluelines, or work digitally and want to print minis and art prints, these suggestions are carefully curated to help you find the right printer for your needs.
Canon TS6120 All in One Printer:
$44.99 on Amazon Recommended by Kabocha With smaller format printers, stand-alone printers are usually not cost effective. All in one printers include print and scan capabilities and are a great starting point for artists interested in making comics.
This is the newer version of the first large format printer I'd ever owned. It's an affordable entry-level option that is decent at non-photo blue printing, and mediocre at scanning. It's a great way to dip your toe into traditional comic art.
Canon Selphy CP1300 Wireless Printer
$99.95 on Amazon
Great for printing on the go, particularly at conventions- all you need is a power source! Batteries are available but expensive. Prints by heat transfer, so prints are practically waterproof. Rechargable battery
Comic friends! You didn't think I just FORGOT you this holiday season, did you?! Of course not! This year I discovered a lot of new favorites I wanted to share with you guys, and since I know yall aren't good about buying for yourselves, you can send this list to anyone who asks what you'd like! Since I'm a traditional comic artist myself, this is mostly geared towards traditional media comics, but there are a few digital goodies on here as well!
Show in this image: Blick Studio Sketch (bottom), Canson XL watercolor (middle), Strathmore Visual Journal (top)
I recommend an inexpensive sketchbook for actually sketching and layouts, and mixed media or watercolor sketchbooks for ink, marker, or watercolor experimentation.
Strathmore Mixed Media Visual Arts Journal
9"x12", $7.99 on Blick
Drawing:
Included in this image: Pilot Color Eno Pencils, Tombow Mono Eraser, Moo eraser, Pentel graphite leads, Dr Grip pencil, Pentel Icy pencil, Tombow Knock eraser
Leads:
Color Eno Colored Leads
8 color sampler, including mechanical pencils, $9.60 on Amazon
Just the leads: $14.75 on Amazon
Pentel Hi Polymer
B-$5.07 on Amazon
HB-$15.30 on Amazon
Pencils:
I wanted to focus on recommending mechanical pencils that are easier on artist hands, and less likely to cause issues like arthritis. I've selected affordable plastic pencils that have slight give with nice cushy grips- it's better to break your pencil than ruin your hand.
Sumo Grip mechanical Pencil
$8.05 on Amazon
Uni Kuru Toga (rotates lead, always a sharp point)
$5.71 on Amazon
Mono Zero, Pen Style Erasers
Set of 2 (round and rectangular) plus refills, $9.90 on Amazon
Easy Inking:
In this image, top to bottom: Sakura of America Pigma FB, MB, and BB, Pentel Pigment brushpens and refill
I've mentioned and reviewed dozens of brushpens over the past eight years, this year's gift guide distills that experience into a curated few that really deliver.
I've selected pens that are waterproof, easy to use, and deliver expressive lineweights. We have two basic types- a brushpen with individual nylon bristles and brushpens with solid foam nibs.
Pentel Pigment brushpens
Fine- $11.05 on Amazon
Broad: $4.82 on Amazon
Generally, Western Inking Brushes are rounds, sized 0-4, depending on the brand and your preferences. Most are made from Kolinsky sable, but some artists prefer synthetic fibers. If you prefer to ink with synthetic brushes, please write in and let me know about your favorites!
You want good spring, good snap, the ability to hold a lot of ink, and the ability to come to a sharp point when wet.
Winsor and Newton Series 7
Size 2, $23.99 on DickBlick
I really prefer the Graphic pens to the Calligrapher pens, as the 3.0 tends to be a bit wider with their Graphic line (great for borders), but the Graphic pens are sometimes harder to find. All pens are waterproof.
Sakura Calligrapher Pens
1mm $4.93 on Amazon
2mm $5.08 on Amazon
3mm $6.26 on Amazon
Sakura Pigma Graphic Calligraphy Pens
Set of 3, $9.89 on Amazon
Stonehenge Aqua Watercolor Paper
Hotpress- 9"x12", 15 sheets $16.50 on Jerry's Artarama
Coldpress- 9"x12", 15 sheets $16.50 on Jerry's Artarama
Arches Coldpress
10"x14", 12 sheets, $15.68 on DickBlick
Adding Color:
This year, I wanted to keep my recommendations simple and affordable- stuff I love, stuff I know works well, stuff I use often.
Pentel Brushpens
Set of 18 colors, $99.90 on Amazon
Blick Studio Brush Markers
Available openstock and in sets, starting at $2.96 only through DickBlick
Now that Blick has refills available, there's no reason NOT to recommend the Blick Studio Brush colors. Affordable, available open stock or in sets, with an option for bulk pricing, Blick Studio Brush markers make a wonderful gift!
Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers
Various sets available, 24 set is $29.99 on Amazon
Qor Introductory Set
6 colors, 5ml tubes, $20.99 on DickBlick
If you struggle with arthritis, or if you want to ensure that you can draw for years to come, soft grips are a must!
STAD pencil grips
These are my absolute FAVORITE- I use them on my mechanical pencils and Surface Pro Stylus. Very soft, great protection if you tend to be heavyhanded or grip too hard
Kutsuwa STAD Punyu Grip
Pack of 4, $11.96 on Amazon
Left Handed $13.98 on Amazon
Clip Studio Paint Pro- 2018 Branding
$59.99 on Amazon
STAD pencil grips
These are my absolute FAVORITE- I use them on my mechanical pencils and Surface Pro Stylus. Very soft, great protection if you tend to be heavyhanded or grip too hard
Kutsuwa STAD Punyu Grip
Pack of 4, $11.96 on Amazon
Left Handed $13.98 on Amazon
