10 tips to accelerate pen and ink drawing skills

In this video, I talk about how applying these 10 tips transformed my art skills from sporadic results to seeing consistent progress within a year.
Article FOR THIS VIDEO: longstrideillustration.com/te...
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🎓 RESOURCES ↓↓↓
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➡ Fundamentals of pen and ink, my list: pin.it/4yRs4Aw
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🎥 How I made this video ↓↓↓
I filmed everything with my iPhone 11 Pro
ULANZI Overhead Phone Mount with 10" Selfie Ring Light: amzn.to/3R9RBJO Rode NT-USB PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Clip On Microphone: amzn.to/3TDaGXR
Editing and graphic design: Capcut desktop App, Canva Pro desktop App, iMac
Audio track: KZbin library
⏰ TIMING
0:00 From here to there
0:10 Tip 1
0:17 Tip 2
0:36 Tip 3
1:43 Tip 4
2:14 Tip 5
2:48 Tip 6
3:14 Tip 7
4:28 Tip 8
5:11 Tip 9
5:35 Tip 10
5:56 Resources for more ideas

[@longstrideillustration]

Who else has a "velcro pet" in their art studio or workspace? Mine somehow finds her way into every shot🐈

[@dianeo]

My Chiweenie (chihuahua/dachshund mix) must be by my side at all times. The cats get into too much trouble so I have to close them out of my art room unfortunately. Your velcro pet is gorgeous and so adorable!

[@longstrideillustration]

@@dianeo cats are such trouble makers haha

[@dianeo]

@@longstrideillustration 😄 They're such stinkers but I love them so much 😸

[@toshabeans]

Some pets just love the camera lol. Our dog used to be camera-shy and hide if a camera was around 😄

[@longstrideillustration]

@@toshabeans that's funny! Camera-shy 😄

[@tohdohsibir]

"I studied from the masters" (shows volumes of Berserk) Excellent taste, I approve

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks! Haha that made me smile. Miura and so many more amazing masters, my list is very long :)

[@tohdohsibir]

⁠​⁠@@longstrideillustrationI appreciate your reply! I thought I saw Kouta Hirano's style in your sketches as well? I also like Junji Ito, Gustave Dore and Arthur Rackham's work. I'm trying to get back into incorporating art in my day to day life, and I specialize in B&W illustration, so I'm keeping an eye on your channel. Lots of good stuff here, keep up the good work!

[@longstrideillustration]

@@tohdohsibir Yes, you did see Hirano's style - good eye! Thanks for the suggestions, I like the others you mention as well.

[@beserkerant]

love the berserk respect ! Kentaro Miura was one of the best

[@longstrideillustration]

thank you, and I'm happy to hear berserk fans visit my channel

[@TheKevphil]

Your drawings are excellent! Now at the end of my life as a commercial artist/illustrator, I am working on line art for comics, but doing it digitally in Clip Studio Paint. But I def admire your control and the expressiveness of your technique, as well as how you vary your tools. New Sub here! _Your cat, of course, steals the show._ ;)

[@longstrideillustration]

That is awesome! Thank you for watching and subscribing! The cat loves being in the show 😺

[@creativewah]

Fantastic tips, thank you! I’ve been drawing for several years and I’ve never done physical warmups! I’m definitely adding this to my routine!

[@longstrideillustration]

Awesome! Glad to hear you found the tips helpful 🏃‍♀

[@julieguenette8115]

Great tips, thank you! I'm doing Inktober 52 this year, 1 drawing per week. I added the additional challenge of drawing only birds for each prompt.

[@longstrideillustration]

wow, The 52 is a big undertaking! And "only birds" ... is even extra challenging. Good on you! Have fun! 😀

[@BraveAbandon]

Great tips! Many of these I realized myself over time and it's great to see that wisdom is shared with others. I think you could easily expand them all into separate videos so that people understand just how valuable they are

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you! And for sure 100% that was my strategy when I made this video as to set up the rest of my content moving forward. Glad that you found it a valuable reminder. 🙂

[@aliceDarts]

I love that Berserk is one of the masters that you have studied from. The artwork in that manga is superb!

[@longstrideillustration]

Right? There's so much to look at, pages full of mind blowing art. I'll feature more mangaka works in the future, I have innumerable favourites !

[@BraveAbandon]

Haha yeah that was so unexpected and wonderful to see!

[@dianeo]

Thanks for the tips! Will explore those links next 👍

[@Jeedehem]

Oh what a good video! This is an enticing, self-reflected guide, with a lot to chew on afterwards! You described a way to progress that is quite similar to the one I chose to improve my woodworking skillset. I don’t know why - although I love to draw - I never could stick to a plan in which I better my drawing little by little every day. I think I just like to « make » things in 3D.

[@lagartink]

I Couldnt agree more❤ impressive improvement in ballpoint pen drawing! I've found that experimenting with different shading techniques really enhances the final result. Keep up the fantastic work, 🎉🎉and if you ever want to exchange tips or discuss techniques, connect🖊️

[@isisblackthrash9293]

I seriously envy you, you have your stuff together. Your mind is so focused and calm!

[@longstrideillustration]

Much appreciated! Have an awesome day!

[@thesaltedimage]

I think I just found my favorite art KZbinr. :) I am settling in to binge watch with an art pad on my knee. I live how succinct and applicable your videos are. I have questions but I think I will watch more of your content to look for the answers...Thanks Chloe, for your hard work!

[@longstrideillustration]

Sounds great, thanks!

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

Definitely useful! Thought provoking for one (me) who hasn't had a plan (beyond a very vague: I should...). So actually this is a great starting for thinking about what I want to do and allows me to consider some more concrete plans.

[@longstrideillustration]

Excellent! Wishing you great results with your plan-planning 🙂

[@Drawing-in-Pen-and-Ink]

Awesome video! Thanks Chloe. Those are very useful tips that I can apply and practice in my drawing project.

[@longstrideillustration]

Fantastic! Thanks for watching and glad it was helpful.

[@pupawupagus]

thank you for the thoughtful video and all the resources! this is very thoughtful. i hope to see more videos from you 🥰

[@longstrideillustration]

More to come! Thank you for watching, I'm glad you found it thoughtful 🙂

[@rubendominguez179]

Great video. Thank you. You answered several questions I had been wondering about. Appreciate you.

[@longstrideillustration]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciating you back 🙂

[@christina413]

Hello! Hope you are doing well :) This is the first video of yours I watch and love your editing style and how you present concise information. I just subscribed to your channel and will continue down your video list. Thanks for all the tips! I appreciate all the knowledge you have shared, including the list of other YT videos you have found interesting and valuable.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you for subscribing! I appreciate the kind words. This channel just had it's first-year anniversary, so I'm still learning how to make videos and sharing along the way. Glad to hear you like it.

[@jigen0972]

I needed to see this video, as well as that "constructive anatomy" book. Thank you.

[@longstrideillustration]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching! 😀

[@TheDisgracedOne_]

thank you so much for this video, as a beginner i run into many blocks where i don’t know how to progress and sometimes it stops me. then i go on youtube and find videos like this to remind me that the beginning process isn’t going to be magic i need to put the effort in

[@longstrideillustration]

It feels like magic some of the days, throw much toil before that 😊 I hear you.

[@ohheydamien]

Three videos in and your channel is already one I eagerly await new releases from… Thanks for doing what you do.

[@longstrideillustration]

That's awesome to hear! Much appreciated 🙂

[@peterdavies4524]

Beautiful work Chloe, love your style. Sound advice, I’ve just subscribed. I’m sure you’ll be getting many more subscribers! 😊

[@longstrideillustration]

Yay! Thank you. Glad that you enjoyed this video and subscribed for more 🙂

[@lagartink]

Me too , Chloe is so helpful out here 🎉 I subbed all the way❤

[@ginamcdonald7854]

I need to practice more often. I’ll draw for several days in a row, and may not pick up pen and paper for two or three weeks. Your work is beautiful!

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks! Sometimes it's tricky to find a good rhythm but I'm sure once you find your optimum practice-time Gina, it will go smoothly from there

[@ScottErb]

Wow! Love your work! You are definitely my people. I’ve committed to draw only ravens for now as they are my favorite bird. I’d also like to get better at faces, as I’m a portrait photographer by trade and faces are so very interesting to me. Thank you for being such a wonderful resource on my artistic journey!

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you! Glad you found my channel and all the best with your projects 😊

[@SuzanneLegault]

What a gorgeous cat ❤ He even looks a little bit like velco 😊. Great tips. Very inspiring. I sent me a notice to watch it again Monday morning and make a plan. Merci!

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you! The cat fluff is everywhere haha. BTW, I also have a blog now, and here is the article for the ten tips video: longstrideillustration.com/ten-tips-to-accelerate-pen-ink-drawing-skills/

[@bigblue6917]

Thanks, Chloe. 10 very useful tips.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks for watching!

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Lots of wisdom here. Every day that I make drawings for my comic stories I mark it on my calendar. Also I think about trying to draw the same things in different ways. The part of your video I don't think I'm too concerned about is timing myself drawing. It might be that I have to think about that more. Maybe I can never really be all that realistic a drawer as opposed to being a cartoonist so visual shorthand might win out over the idea of getting every button on every jacket right. Trying not to ramble here but I think about this stuff all the time. Thank you for your excellent videos.

[@longstrideillustration]

🙂

[@strangetimez]

Ooh the Berserk collection ❤ also your sketches and drawings are fascinating oh,and the kitty! ❤

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you! 😄 Kitties and manga are the best!

[@PokeChonker]

Thank you

[@Jay-ql4gp]

These are great, thanks! Whenever people ask about style I kind of laugh and cringe at the same time. Because like you said, the way you draw just comes out over time, like your handwriting.

[@longstrideillustration]

Glad you enjoyed it! For sure I agree, style can evolve through training and repetition though initially it's a lot like core values - for the most part unshakable.

[@blackbeard6399]

مشكورة خالة

[@lastaccess]

Your ink style on the crow is pretty awesome.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you! I do enjoy inking the corvids. Thanks for watching!

[@user-yl9rj5tj3y]

Great works! And I was happy to see Pip Bernadotte =D

[@longstrideillustration]

Good eye! I'm pleased that you caught that 🙂

[@goatsplitter]

I think doing the fundamentals is fun. I know that's a controversial opinion but it's very relaxing to draw a page of shapes or figures or both. I know a lot of people groan and moan about it but make it fun. Make something silly of the shapes. When i do boxes, I'll make strange box robots or sorts. If you have to draw 25 boxes, do something with those. :) my tip anyway!

[@kateowens45]

Lots of helpful suggestions and nice studio layout, but the cat stole the video show. Gorgeous animal.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you! 😊 The cat loves being the show 😺

[@MRKSC13]

Once I saw the stack of Berserk deluxe editions, I knew you were serious haha. Kentaro Miura is one of the best to ever do it.

[@longstrideillustration]

Haha, yes! You'll enjoy my next video then. You'll be seeing Guts inked in my style. 😊🖋

[@abandonzenik6321]

Nice raven! I saw berserk i made subscription 😅

[@longstrideillustration]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cyberexile3507]

very helpful video with 0 productivity hyperbole

[@artisticwren2997]

Thanks for the video. I’m just starting with pen and ink and just got my first dip pen. I love your easel. Who makes it?

[@longstrideillustration]

First dip pen, that's exciting! If you do a web search on "table easels" you'll find a range of makes and models, mine is the Artist Loft from Michael's. It was on sale and does the job though I'd love a sturdier version

[@Myllkka]

Wow, you’re awesome

[@harrisejaz280]

dang those berserk volumes

[@longstrideillustration]

I'm a big fan of the Mangakas. Lucky that my local library also has a huge collection (otherwise I'd run out of space & funds lol).

[@pjlewisful]

love the kitty

[@peckerdecker]

Great video. Great illustrations. Now .. *how about Adding colour* ? Just a suggestion . Keep sharing

[@longstrideillustration]

Glad you like the illustrations. Someone who does colour really well is @LouiseDeMasi

[@abigailbrookes7721]

This is very helpful advice indeed. Unfortunately, I could not follow such a prescribed method of improving my skills. I usually like to just create what I feel like when I feel like it. I know I should do some of these exercises, but ultimately I just want to make art.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks for watching and I wish you the best with your art projects 🙂

[@dirkstuff5820]

Hi, Chloe. Question-what table easel are you using? I’m moving into a smaller space, and ditching the large drafting table for a smaller, more portable table easel. Just hopped onto your channel. I’m an illustrator of 20 years, and enjoy videos like yours as friendly refreshers! Thanks!

[@longstrideillustration]

Hi, thanks for dropping by, glad you enjoy the videos. For sure that table easel is very practical and I get asked about it a lot. If you don't mind navigating to my Tools page, you'll find links to the easel and everything else I use in my studio: longstrideillustration.com/tools/

[@Bella21074]

Can I ask what kind of art Easle u use for drawing what the best pens to use to

[@longstrideillustration]

Hi Kimberly, it's called a table easel if you do a web search you'll see different models and can order online. I found mine a Michaels. The pens, if you're thinking of using dip pens I recommend the Speedball starter kit for Drawing. And for technical pigment liner pens, I use all brands though tend to like Tombow and Staedtler a bit more though it comes down to personal preference.

[@sohrabtajadin3402]

Nice tips! I love stippling only. Which pen is better Rotring of Dip pen?

[@longstrideillustration]

Glad that you enjoyed the tips. Myself I use stippling technique rarely. I would imagine that a Rotring pen would do a better job of keeping the dots symmetrical and give more predictable results. Where dip pens shine is in the ability to vary line weight in a single stroke.

[@anahata2009]

Atomic Habits is also a great book for establishing a program for yourself.

[@longstrideillustration]

Great suggestion! Thank you 🙂

[@japhotoguy]

It's apparent that you are a learning specialist. I wish they existed when I was a kid, I could have used some better direction as an artist. Thank you for this, I love working from lists, these are all must do's. So, whom you consider and recommend as the Masters? I'm not that dug into the culture... yet.

[@japhotoguy]

also, do you recommend the leaning succession of your videos to be chronological? Would that be the best method to devour your videos? Thanks

[@longstrideillustration]

You can check out my video "How to do Master Studies" and in the description you'll find links to resources including for who to study. Also, here is a PDF Template you can purchase from my website: longstrideillustration.com/product/master-study-checklist/

[@ammm5938]

Great video and great channel. Happy to find it. Please we need link to buy easel.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks for watching! If you do a web search on "Table top easel" or "flat surface table easel" you will find one. The one I have is no longer available (and not that stable), it was on sale at Michael's.

[@alannaramone3821]

Where did you get the wrist guard brace thingys?

[@longstrideillustration]

That's a two-fingered artist glove, you'll find a link to it on my FAQ Page under "Inking": longstrideillustration.com/faq/

[@OceanVibrations]

You left out the most important tip. Relax, have fun, life is short.

[@buko_fox]

What ink do you recomend (have already some ink) it can be on the priecy side too

[@longstrideillustration]

For drawing I recommend pigment-based inks. Acrylic works though I find is too runny. I prefer India Ink that is more viscous. There are various price points based on the brand, look for pigment-based. More info on inks on my Blog, in this article: longstrideillustration.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dip-pens-for-drawing/

[@buko_fox]

@@longstrideillustration thank you

[@absolute6798]

Ink is fun to use

[@longstrideillustration]

100%

[@vietzscheallagard2129]

What is that drawer-thingy at 0:58?

[@longstrideillustration]

If you're referring to the dip pens, the one I'm using there is Speedball's Hunt 512 nib

[@XuanC]

Hi do you have any book recommendations?

[@longstrideillustration]

I like Frank Lohan's Pen & Ink Technique book and he also has a drawing one. Alphonso Dunn has a popular set of books. Rendering in Pen & Ink by Arthur L. Guptill is quite comprehensive. I bought the eBooks/Kindle versions of those mentioned. And I often browse at my local library for anything on "inking", DC, Marvel have workbooks and there are Manga versions as well of how-to's that are super fun for brushwork and dip pen.

[@nopriors]

Wonderful. Do you have a favorite glove or gloves? Thanks Greg

[@longstrideillustration]

I use the same gloves as do the digital artists, any brand as long as it's good quality material (not too sweaty).

[@nopriors]

@@longstrideillustration Thank you Chloe

[@Graff-z4x]

you had me at Berzerk 🙏

[@longstrideillustration]

That makes me happy 😀

[@lechkaminski9128]

Omg. I saw Thorgal and instantly subscribed. Cause if your goal align with mine I want to know your thoughts. Thank you for sharing.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks for the sub! I plan a Master Study feature on Grzegorz Rosiński in the near future.

[@lechkaminski9128]

@@longstrideillustration 🤩 OMG!

[@sophia_comicart]

Buy a ream of A3 or 11x17 paper. Sketchbooks are cramped, expensive and don't support your arm and wrist which usually means posture too. Work big, use your shoulder. If you want to draw comics or manga, get a physical sense of how the interaction between body and art changes at scale. Drawing smaller when you understand what you're doing is easier. The opposite is... the opposite.

[@x.davidwilliams83]

Huzzah

[@cory99998]

How long have you been drawing?

[@longstrideillustration]

I got interested in drawing in 2019 and practicing with intention (with a learning plan) in 2021

[@cory99998]

@@longstrideillustration Wow, nice! I started in summer 2022 but am too on and off with it. I spent a lot of time practicing perspective and other fundamentals but not enough time drawing for fun

[@wandaad]

I love your cat.

[@longstrideillustration]

Thank you, she's very sweet to have around in the studio.

[@larryglatt2548]

II th tip, draw what interests you.

[@ZoiusGM]

1:17 Why is it primitive and flat? The bird seems finely drawn to the untrained eye so I'd like to know what is wrong with it 🙄. Have you done a video about this? I'm binge watching your videos as you can tell lol.

[@longstrideillustration]

The first drawing looked that way because I had not yet learned about the fundamentals: Shape, form, volume, shading, and stroke techniques, plus, my drawing knowledge was limited. I'm always learning. I think every artist aims to progress and reach whatever vision is in our hearts and minds. In case you haven't seen it yet, here's the blog article for that video: longstrideillustration.com/ten-tips-to-accelerate-pen-ink-drawing-skills/

[@ZoiusGM]

@longstrideillustration 'The shape looks flat. My linework is timid and tentative. The form lacks volume.' Honestly? The two birds are different species or different individuals. I don't see how it's not possible for a real bird to look like your first drawn one. In other words a real bird could have no much volume; look exactly like your first drawn bird. As for the second line, it is ambiguous: timid and tentative lines; I was drawing with charcoal in the past but even in the frame of that drawing experience I don't know what you mean. Finally, the shape is 3D in my eyes because of the different values and shading; I don't see it as flat: and this goes back again to the realism of the bird that I mentioned above.

[@oguzercan2581]

Sizde benim gibi bir kargasev ermisiniz...

[@longstrideillustration]

Hi, I'm native French Canadian but lived in English Canada for most of my adult life (except for now), and so my French-speaking is fairly basic.

[@oguzercan2581]

​@@longstrideillustration Ben size ne konuştuğunuzu sormadım.Karga severmisiniz diye sordum..

[@GabrieleSchulz1963]

Zu schnell alles....die Übersetzungen zu lesen gleichzeitig die Zeichnung verfolgen klappt nicht sorry. Trotzdem sehr schöne Kunst!

[@longstrideillustration]

Thanks for your feedback. I did listen to similar feedback from other viewers and have since slowed the pace of my videos 🙂

[@laughingvampire7555]

and the challenge of the attention seeking furball

[@longstrideillustration]

She wins that challenge every time 🐈‍⬛

[@MsJodiArias]

Thank you❣️ This is every helpful! I learn a few things from you. They pencil holding is also very helpful! I saw some artist hold the pencil the same way (Aimian Art and mmmmonexx) now I know why they hold their pencils this way. Thank you ☘️🖖🏻🍀