The Ultimate Guide to Archer & Olive Acrylograph Pens: Tips, Tricks, & Troubleshooting!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you to Archer & Olive for sponsoring this video and sending me all of the Acrylograph pens so I could create this guide! ✨ Which set is your fav? I love the colour palette of the Jewel set 😍

[@Shiba-tw2ed]

Can you change the pens nib? I mean if have the 3mm pens and some different sized nibs can you interchange them like the arteza paint pens (that comes also with chiseled and small nibs) or you can only use the nib type the pen come with?

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@Shiba-tw2ed good question, also if you can swap out the 2 sizes of nib in the same color pen, so you could order 2 sets of colors in different sizes, but really get both sets in both sizes, if that makes sense. When she held both size nibs in her hand, they looked like just the tip was different size. Another question is can you buy replacement nibs. This really seems like a waste of packaging material just for a handful of pens in that giant box. And she kept saying ink when they are paint pens, basically acrylic paint. I'd like to know if she can take a pen apart, maybe when it runs dry, and try to just refill it with acrylic paint maybe with a little water to help it thin out a bit. Some people have been able to refill pens that are not refillable by doing that. Not sure if it would work with one of these. Maybe you would have to add in more ink/paint through the hole where the pen nib goes in. Like with a pipette.They don't seem like they could hold that much paint. Or, when you have an empty dried out pen, you could use regular acrylic paint and just dip it into that color, and use it as an applicator

[@Shiba-tw2ed]

@@recoveringsoul755 I asked the question because the only store that sells it in my country only has the 3 mm version, and I really prefer thinner tips pen. I feel like if I ask the brand they would obviously tell me to buy the version I want. But if someone was willing to try the theory..

[@gotica]

Could u ask them to make a big pack with all theire colors wit a reduced price. XD just a suggestion

[@PurrmagePaperCompany]

Did you see their bundles for the holidays?? Idk if they have one that has all three but I know there’s at least one bundle that’s a notebook and I believe two of the packs!

[@pmontoya3153]

There’s a bundle deal on their website with ten sets for $260 regular price being $350 not sure if this is a regular deal they have or if it’s a special Christmas price though.

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@pmontoya3153 Yikes that's expensive for acrylic paint. When you can get an ounce bottle for about a dollar, haven't gotten any recently but they used to cost about that much.

[@hollyscremin2529]

I watched this video and soaked up ALL the information even though I don’t own any acrylograph pens lol

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha well I’m glad you enjoyed the video regardless! 😂❤️

[@BallooNeccesities]

A hint I picked up from my mixed media art days, workable fixatif sprayed over dried watercolor and let to dry again allows you to work over the watercolor without reactivating it.

[@sefina]

My big wish on these would be the ability to purchase individual pens. I don’t need multiple white pens but as a green lover, I want all of the greens

[@matchaeylle]

same same same ! they now have individual pens and i have been looking for greens too

[@mally7512]

I got the jewel set and I LOVE the colors so much. I'm curious to see how long a single pen will last and how they plan on making them refillable. Love the sustainability idea, it always feels SO wasteful when you have to throw away a pen or marker

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’ll definitely give an update when I eventually run out of ink! I have a feeling it will take a long time, though. I’m not privy to details on how they’re making them refillable, but I agree about the waste inherent in disposable stationery!

[@lt4462]

@@PlantBasedBride aby updates on this? :)

[@PlantBasedBride]

@@lt4462 I haven’t run out of ink of any pen yet!

[@lt4462]

@@PlantBasedBride that s great! on my way to buy some :) thanks!

[@JessicaComptonHR]

@@PlantBasedBride you are the main reason I bought a set of these! I just got my first set (warm fall) and my first notebook from Archer and Olive today and I am beyond impressed!!

[@LyyraBat]

This was so helpful! I've been eyeing the acrylographs since they released, but they've been intimidating me. They seem a lot more manageable now!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’m so glad this video helped make the acrylographs more approachable! ❤️ There’s definitely a bit of a learning curve to paint pens in general if you haven’t used them much, but you get the hang of things quite quickly!

[@estellecuriel690]

I would love a video on how you do your nails, they always look so amazing

[@PlantBasedBride]

I have that on my list of bonus videos to do if I ever have time haha

[@PhoenixHolly]

This video was so helpful! I realized I was using them wrong this whole time and couldn’t figure out why they weren’t as opaque for me. I wasn’t reactivating them each time

[@sandrahazeltine8720]

I love your cat. Gorgeous mini panther! 😁😁

[@jenn1ferschonberger]

You are a queen when you said there was a blending pan I was shaking this thing that was white over and over thinking I had a defective box. Also thank you for the code. Happy journaling, happy art!

[@mollyrobbins1515]

I have watched this three times now and am loving using my pens.

[@50sRockChick]

Very helpful video. 🥰 If I were to get a set it would probably be the tropical or cool ones.

[@PlantBasedBride]

They have very pretty colours, too ❤️

[@hollyscremin2529]

Omg sameeew

[@werelemur1138]

Hi Yoda! I really wish they were available as singles. I can easily imagine running empty on a couple of favorite colors. Also: so. Much. Packaging. And I'm guessing you can blend on a ceramic or glass plate.

[@recoveringsoul755]

Yes tons of packaging and most people will probably take them out and put them into a pen case or something. And disposable too. Just get regular acrylic paint in the colors you like and use the empty pen as an applicator, dip it into the paint and go form there. Seems like it should work.

[@Niecie]

Hello, Planning to purchase these pens -you provided excellent information about these pens - and it is very helpful for me since I am new to this product. I really appreciate your help, thank you. Niecie

[@Haru1019]

I wasn't even interested in these pens until I just watched your video. Unluckily, I've just ordered a note on Archer&Olive this afternoon! Lovely cat❤️

[@arriellewest185]

These pens seem like a painters dream! Love it!

[@annec8127]

Heh, clever reuse of the spare nibs bag! Also, love the kitty!

[@evelynejud]

Thank you so much for this detailed informative video! Searched for a solution as some of my pens dried out. Will try your suggested method right now. Thank you so much!

[@ronniesanchez18]

Thank you for this informative video! I emailed A&O asking for help with troubleshooting and they not only gave me so many good tips but they also referred me to this video 👏🏼

[@shirleyburns2623]

Acrylic pens is a dream come true. I am much better at drawing than painting. So having a pen will give much better control

[@AnnaKincaid]

Man I really wish Archer and olive came out with a copic proof journal or a horizontal planner. The Acrylogrpah pens look fun to play around with.

[@dorothywhisler8525]

You are the first person I have ever seen to mention the high-altitude ink explosions. I can't wait to try that technique on ALL of my paint markers.

[@charlenejo2490]

I just ordered your collab pens and this is my first time buying the acrylograph pens so this video will come in handy, thank you! I will save it to my Favorites.

[@Curmudgeonhero]

Love how the colors really pop on the black paper. ❤️

[@4444kingskid]

Thanks for your video. My nib stopped working and because of your video I knew how to revive it! As usual your nails are fabulous!!!

[@Marietdahle]

Currently waiting for my first set of acrylographs, and this video is perfect for me! Now I know how to use them properly☺️

[@samanthabean6362]

Just ordered. Thank you for this video. It was very helpful!!! Love the cat too! I went with Warm Fall in .7

[@PlantBasedBride]

Glad it was helpful! That's a great set ❤

[@ravent3016]

Jewel and Cool Fall are the sets I want the most. I will get them when I am able. Thanks for the video.

[@sarahs1368]

The first 5 seconds of this video looks like your cat is narrating. All like "Hey friends! Elizabeth here..." LOL so cute!

[@flutterbymeadows]

So glad I watched this!! I did leave one cap not fully sealed once. Now I know I can fix it!!!! Love the 😺!! I love my pens too!!!!

[@le_lilalotje7834]

Okay, this was not what I was looking for online but now I need them ♥️

[@emmaonfire]

I am waiting for the retailer in my country to stock these, and I am getting the jewel toned set ☺️ thank you for this very informative and helpful video!

[@kartzic4336]

This is so so amazing !!! Loved the video so much ! 😍😍😍

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@CastleYonder]

👏👏👏 this is fantastic, thank you!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Erginartesia]

Thank you for the maintenance portion of this video, as well as the swatching samples. I have been hoarding my pens, but feel better about using them if it’s that easy to fix them when they clog or drip.

[@ss45247]

Very useful. Thank you

[@PlantBasedBride]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deeecanta]

I love how these look on the kraft and black papers. Can't wait to use mine. I received them a few weeks ago and have not had a moment to use them.

[@nabeelasaleem6013]

That’s so crazy. I was thinking that I wanted to ask you to review these pens. And I come on KZbin and hello it’s here. Thank you so kich

[@PlantBasedBride]

I hope this video helped! What a nice coincidence ☺️

[@hurricanetanya]

Wonderful tips, the one about releasing air bubbles was especially useful to me, I found a couple of my pens leaked a lot when I first got them (in the summer). I have the tropical set, but I am very tempted by the new fall sets. The colours are so pretty

[@estellecuriel690]

cette video est tellement relaxante!! J'adore toute les couleurs des Acrylograph aussi, elles sont si belles.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Aw merci! Moi aussi. Elles sont tellement unique!

[@sherry.z452]

Very nice video, it gives a real idea.

[@glendareid2748]

Thank you so much for your amazing videos!!! I’m new to Archer & Olive products and I feel like I’ve landed amongst friends!! This video about the pens is really very helpful as I don’t have much experience with this type. Will be watching more from you!!! 💞🥳💐

[@sarahf3781]

So informative! Thank you!

[@anonymousone3872]

Hi Liz!!! Just ordered my first set from the Halloween/Fall release today. I am extremely excited to try the bewitch collection on my A&O dragon journal, also on its way. I have been watching your videos a little over a year now and I must say, you give the most thurough and easy to understand videos. Thank you for this video, I'm looking forward to more!

[@garnetstar28]

I hope they come out with a metallic set and a neon set one day!!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Same!

[@RaelDanger]

I'd not heard of these pens before now I'm tempted to buy some.

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Planning on getting them, love pens.🖋️🖊️🖍️🖍️🖌️jewel

[@bethdecamp1997]

This was most helpful! Thank you!

[@sarahhinde9398]

That was very helpful, definitely addressed and helped the issues that I have had with mine. Thank you! I “need”/NEED them all 😂 I have the 0.7mm tropical 🏝 collection 💖🤩

[@thedoover6520]

The price is fair for the quality.

[@Zahrah.M]

Thank you for all the information about blending, and the troubleshooting! Have you found that the pens pill any paper? Especially cold or hot press watercolour paper, or thinner notebook papers

[@PlantBasedBride]

I didn’t notice any pilling, no. I thought there was some for blending method 2 on that first gradient but I think it was actually just the ink already being partially dry!

[@DystopianJournaling]

Ohh, this may go on my wishlist for christmas 🤎🤎

[@PlantBasedBride]

Which set would you wish for? ☺️

[@DystopianJournaling]

@@PlantBasedBride probably the jewel or cool fall 😍

[@christinamoxon]

That looks like a lot of effort and cost. How does it compare with, say, using gouache and a fine brush? Why would you choose more time/labour intensive method? Just curious. Thanks for the video.

[@sophiasherwood1790]

I really enjoy these pens. I do wish the packaging was more compact. I feel there is a lot of waisted material in their design.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I would love to see more compact packaging in the future!

[@MyInnerCreativevideos]

Oh this an awesome!

[@IvyShine]

This is SO useful! Thank you

[@amara560]

These looks pretty cool! I have no reason to get them since I still have my Ecoline pens to use up first, but I have trouble with those being too wet a lot. These seems like they would give a much more consistent result. Maybe one day :)

[@emmasdeaf]

they need to release a pastel collection asap

[@journalwithrach7611]

Thank you for this video! My pen recently got clogged with too much ink I think so I’ll try the cleaning method lol😄

[@roguestake]

Wasn't sure what the pens were all about. Now I know

[@litamohr7227]

I like these pens… I wish they had named and/or numbered each color. I have several sets and was having trouble matching the colors up after unboxing… I store them in a tray for ease of use. So I decided to swatch each color, match it to my Parisma colors and numbered them accordingly. So much easier 👍🏻💕

[@PlantBasedBride]

They have names now and future production has names printed on the side! If you reach out to customer service they can provide a list of shade names for you.

[@litamohr7227]

@@PlantBasedBride I just received a set when I ordered your book… (Which I love 💕) and they have no name on them. Is this something recent?

[@PlantBasedBride]

@@litamohr7227 it’s very recent, just started on the newest release from a few days ago! The colours in my set are rust, gold, Picholine (the olive green), fern (the lighter true green), and evergreen (the darker true green) ❤️

[@litamohr7227]

@@PlantBasedBride thank you! I love the set you designed for A&O. I actually ordered the larger size for the first time…

[@leinaalam133]

Thank you so much for this! Can these pens be used on wood burned projects?

[@phenomenal_woman]

Can you use the pens to paint on polymer clay?

[@sawaxbasket]

I came here because I'm considering buying AmandaRachLee's set! I love her channel so I wanted to do some research before buying to make sure I can put the pens to use! (Love Amanda but I'm trying to be more careful with overconsumption!)💖

[@sawaxbasket]

(made an edit because I said markers instead of pens ✌️)

[@charlenejo2490]

Did you end up purchasing them?

[@sawaxbasket]

@@charlenejo2490 Unfortunately no! I had to prioritize other finances that month😭

[@donnamook5172]

Great video to keep handy. I know I am commenting many years after this video, but I hope you see comments. I was wondering if anyone has a list (in color order) of all of the A&O acrylographs? I know there are swatches out there, but they are by set. I love how your shots have them in color order and I would like to store mine in that order. Thanks in advance 🙂

[@cirrusm.2829]

Paint pens look soo high maintenance! For the regular bullet journal folks probs not the easiest option haha. I enjoy looking at work created with them though.

[@ArborParva]

Me, who lives in a country where I can't order those pens and who can't draw or do any calligraphy anyway: wow this is really helpful

[@PlantBasedBride]

Do they not have a stockist that ships to your location? If not I’d recommend reaching out to them to let them know! ❤️

[@Cutiebabsprty]

Which size do you prefer? Which would you suggest has a more universal use between the .7mm or 3mm?

[@AnnoulaXeni]

So, it's now three years after you filmed this. HAVE A&O made them refillable? I certainly can't buy them until they are ...

[@doubleletters3516]

Thanks for the review! Quick question: can you purchase extra nibs separately?

[@pianobybrooke]

I just purchased the jewel collection, and I already love them!! I have a question though: do they ever run out of paint, or do you just have to replace the nib? thank you!

[@PlantBasedBride]

They will eventually buy that hasn’t happened to me yet!

[@Onniesprairiegarden]

Do you like the 3.0 or .7mm better? How much of a difference between them? Pardon me if I missed this in the video.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I definitely prefer the 0.7mm! They’re much more versatile, though the 3mm are much better for filling in larger spaces ❤️

[@helenedahlsveen93]

The brush-method: is it possible to add water to the brush to «wash out» the color to make watercolor like consistency?? I kinda imagine that would work, but i haven’t tried the pens yet

[@faithfulimagination226]

I really love my pens! I have noticed that when I push down on one of my pens I use often it gets almost stuck. It looks like there is build up around where the nib is but not on the nib. Thoughts?

[@wendoloniavideos]

I’m trying to activate a new set of pens and no matter how much I shake or press the tip I can’t get the ink to go all the way to the tips of 2 of my .7mm pens. The ink bubbles up on the straight portion but never flows down into the pointy section of the nib. Any tips? It’s so weird!

[@DanielleWasHeree]

Does it ever smear after it's dry? Like if there's too much ink on the paper? Also have you tried on thin paper like for the stalogy? Do you think it would bleed?

[@Erginartesia]

The pens look refillable, already. Just need the right kind of ink/paint. I’m wondering if Airbrush ink would work.

[@ericadurda9027]

I just got my first set and it seems like the ink on one of them starts to flow around the top but doesn't quite make it to the tip properly. It took a while to prep and then seemed bubbly. Should I try replacing the nib? If so, how do you clean the barrel where the nib gets inserted?

[@ericadurda9027]

I also want to add this video was very well made and helpful 👍

[@silvielala]

I received two complimentary red pens when I ordered my set. The nibs are the thicker 3mm size. I mainly use the .7. Can I just replace the replacement .7 with the thicker 3mm tip?

[@Laura-ib1qv]

Ok I love this video (and the kitty) but I honestly think I’ll pass on these. They look like mild liners and though they are opaque, it just makes me feel bad idk I’m definitely a heavy handed person and I hate waiting for layers to dry (think pen and highlighter.) too bad since I really liked them when I saw them but it’s been downhill ever since and since they’re $35 that’s a bit steep for something I can’t touch or feel until after buying them. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@PlantBasedBride]

They’re definitely very different from mildliners! They’re more similar to paint than a marker. But they’re also not for everyone, and that’s ok!

[@MsNinahhh]

Try posca pens, I find it’s very similar and you can write on more than just paper and card stock. It also comes a plethora of nib sizes and colours.

[@stephsays8227]

What pens do you recommend like these less expensive?

[@crunchevo8974]

archer and olive really does make nice looking stuff but i can't justify spending 62 euro to just get myself a notebook or set of pens sadly, but if the shipping price ever drops ill order asap lol

[@StevieeeRae]

I love the color selections but not the nibb size. :/ I would love to see a 1.3mm nibb.

[@nicoleesposito4528]

Thanks for the informative video! I'm looking at purchasing a set (or two, or three!). Is each set unique colours? Or are there duplicates between the sets? (ie: same lavender/light purple colour in Jewel and Warm Fall)

[@PlantBasedBride]

There are no duplicates between sets!

[@faithfulwomenofgodbiblestu8700]

What set is it that you have with the primary or basic colors? Like red and black and purple etc? I've never seen it on the site.

[@PlantBasedBride]

It’s called the primary set and it’s there along with the other collections on the site! It was the first collection they launched ☺️

[@iriss3460]

I wish I could just buy ONE set. I wish I was related to Bonnie so I could get things even if they’re defective!! 😔😭

[@sarahhenderson3713]

Have you ever had an issue where the nib ,during activation, went in but did not come out as far? One of my pens did this and since the beginning I have not gotten good results with color or opacity from that pen. I fear I have broken the nib or pen, but I am unable to get the nib out in order to replace it. ...

[@PlantBasedBride]

Hmm 🤔 I once had a nib do something like this but I was able to pull it out and replace it with just a bit of effort. Maybe try using tweezers that give you more grip? Or reach out to customer service?

[@TheFelCandy]

Is there a way to clean the blending palette? I was just gifted this set and some colors wipe off and others do not

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’ve been able to get all of the colours off using a sponge with a scrubber side for a bit of friction and water!

[@ravnaroks6469]

Are these paint markers like posca or is it ink?

[@ReneeKana]

They are paint markers (like Posca), and the smaller ones have almost identical nibs to the posca ones in the respective size. Can't speak for the larger size.

[@sanvisairaworld3896]

EARLY AGAINNNN!!

[@PlantBasedBride]

❤️❤️❤️

[@OwlsInATeacup]

They’re beautiful colours, but they’re basically Posca pens that aren’t yet refillable.

[@joanwaldner1280]

Can you contact me, Joan Waldner, I bought one set, tropical 7mm and got a second in mystery, I doodle, draw and BuJo and I tried my May BuJo in my Drawing journal and let’s say I am not happy. I found they smudged, I couldn’t get them to blend on any large scale, couldn’t remove nib, and so on. My water looked terrible. I collect markers and drawing and painting instruments and I pray it is just I have no clue and you can help. I love A&O I love tropical so far

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’m not an employee of Archer & Olive so I’d recommend you reach out to their customer service and they’ll be able to help you out!

[@bonk895]

bruh where do you store them dbdb the boxes are so bulky xbxbxb

[@PlantBasedBride]

I have acrylic drawers and they’re sorted by colour 🤗

[@ckdesign429]

Hue = color. Shade = mixed with black. tint = mixed with white. I can't stress how confusing all this 'shade = mix' vocabulary is.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’m not formally trained in visual art so I don’t always use the right terminology. Still, I’m doing my best to produce detailed and informative content 🤷‍♀️

[@emilyAtomicGirlshull]

They are so expensive tho 😐

[@PlantBasedBride]

We all have our own definitions of affordable and expensive, and that’s ok! To me the price is pretty comparable to other paint pens on the market. I can get posca paint pens for around 30 cents cheaper per pen, and in my experience they are a lot more hit and miss in quality.

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

I hope you properly paid your guest host.

[@PlantBasedBride]

In scritches? Certainly!

[@mollyrobbins1515]

Beautiful colors but way out of my price range.

[@shaynastaska6439]

looks like you flattened your own nib :/