Thank you for the fpnibs tip. I just received my very own TWSBI Eco with a custom fude nib, and I love it. Keep those great videos coming!
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome, Tim. Good call on that purchase! More videos on the way.
@lizcharalambous91509 ай бұрын
I'd be interested to find out where to buy a fude nib for a twsbi Eco...
@iprobablyhaveapoint3 жыл бұрын
This set is extra fine and perfect, fits my taste as well, great selection!
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@wendyvancamp17383 жыл бұрын
I've never seen another artist have such a collection of TWSBIs before as you do. Your system makes perfect sense! I am currently using a Platium Century as my fountain sketch pen with a fine nib, but I had not thought of using a fountain pen for white ink or to get a TWSBI set up as a Fude! I also sometimes am hesitant to take it out of the studio due to its cost, although I love it for sketching. Thanks for your video. You have given me much to think on as I set up a new sketching kit.
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! I share your hesitation in taking an expensive pen out of the studio, though I will occasionally slip a Pilot Falcon into my set.
@librenonlibre2 жыл бұрын
Clear, concise, excellently filmed. Thank you so much for this helpful video and information. Glad to find your channel!
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! This video took quite a bit of time to script, so I’m glad it’s appreciated.
@elerialdaigues8 ай бұрын
Immensely informative video given the process I am immersed in with my "take away studio". Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, it helps us evaluate decisions made, some positively, which is very useful for beginners like me who feel insecure, and to make other decisions. If I may, I dare to add my two cents: In the same way that you have individualized the Twsbi to recognize them without having to open them, I did something like this with the Pentel aquash water brushes, I painted a line of color on them with a posca marker at the groove at the top of the barrel. maybe someone finds it useful. Thanks again.
@mkompan8 ай бұрын
My pleasure! I’m glad you found my choices useful.
@kimu.6227 Жыл бұрын
First time I’ve hear of using white ink in a fountain pen! I’m new to watercolor so be surprise but that’s for the tip. I don’t care for the white gel pens in my collection anyway. Great video!
@mkompan Жыл бұрын
It works very well, but requires regular pen maintenance.
@melissabridge56873 жыл бұрын
I love your kit set up. Was very happy to see it is used ! I watch a lot of art kit supplies videos and I hate when it's all brand new and never used. Yours Is loved and worn. I use the Twsbi eco in sizes ef, f, b. Mine are white , gray, black. Best pens ever! My fude pen is a Sailor pen. Haven't mastered it yet. I recently bought a LOCHBY roll... 😇
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Melissa! I've also been looking at those Lochby products. I love collecting cases, and will be doing a video sometime soon.
@reneecailloux25733 жыл бұрын
this is an inspiring kit. Solid good material! Experience!!!
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Renee!
@ukpaul92213 жыл бұрын
Dear Marc - thoroughly enjoyed your video. Thanks for it. Just one 'production comment' which is NOT a criticism - YOU ARE NOT BORING and so please talk a little slower so that an old pensioner git like me can take it all in! Our choices of kit differs in may areas but what you have suggested was absolutely sensible and for the type of art we both do - pen, pen and wash & watercolour. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes for a good New Year to you and Yours Paul in the UK Midlands
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your kind words and advice, Paul. You're not the first to to ask me to slow down, and I'm working on it. We all have a natural speaking tempo, however, and long-standing habits are difficult to break. Cheers from sunny Los Angeles.
@katebrophy37142 жыл бұрын
Hey Paul! There’s an option to slow down(or speed up) a video if you want- just click on the three dots at the top right corner of a video and select “playback speed”. Hope that helps!
@spiritsjoy4 жыл бұрын
The sketch inks are great too and have quite a few colors that are completely lightfast. I like using the 3 primary colors, and sometimes the phthalo green, in my to mix interesting new colors.
@mkompan4 жыл бұрын
Sounds interesting. Will have to try them.
@tomrees48122 жыл бұрын
I’m pretty new to drawing and painting but wanted to take supplies on my month long bike tour last year. I ended up with a bag similar size to yours which weighed about 1 kg. The sketches I produced could have been done with one sketchbook, a pen and a couple of pencils. I was too ambitious and unrealistic about my level of skill - I’d never done any watercolour painting but thought I’d like to on my holiday. When I went on some shorter trips later in the year I cut right back to 1 sketchbook, a fude nib pen and HB and 2B clutch pencils. I plan another tour lasting 2 or 3 months this year and I’ll reconsider in line with what you take.
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your note, Tom. I'm often over-estimate the amount of time I'll have to make art when I travel, and end up using only a fraction of what it's my kit. I like the security of knowing that my supplies are there, when I need them however. That said, I've lately started carrying a smaller kit (discussed in the sequel to this video), and am currently putting tother something even smaller. Keep at the watercolor, and don't get discouraged. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but once you do, there's no more satisfying medium for sketching in the field.
@wyk39822 жыл бұрын
This portable sketching kit video is one of your most viewed videos. Have you've considered doing a video about outdoors sketching using this kit? I'm interested in seeing how you apply and adapt techniques you use in the studio to a plain-aire environment with highly variable amount of time and subject matter.
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
That sounds like a great idea for a video. It will require me to record outdoors, something I have no experience doing. This might be a good opportunity to expand my ability however, so I’ll get on it.
@ichirofakename3 жыл бұрын
Interesting, thanks. I have great respect for anyone who can do watercolor out in the sun and wind. Fude is pronounced foo-day, btw.
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I've been corrected a few times now. :) I live in Los Angeles, which has fantastic sketching weather year-round. It's those plain-aire people in worse climes you should have respect for.
@creativecolours20223 ай бұрын
I prefer the Fude nibs because I can use just one nib for almost everything depending how I hold the pen. The reversed side of the nib gives extra fine lines and the regular side all the variation of lines from medium to extra bold. I prefer cartridges to converters because they are more portable. Most pens can hold two international size cartridges inside their handles. One that is in use and one spare. My favorite mechanical pencil for outdoor sketching is the Pentel Orenz that has a retractable tip. It is a very safe option for outdoor work. White gel pens are great for adding white highlights. Pentel Aquawash are the best waterbrushes out there. And here a very useful tip. Never ever clean them by rubbing them on a paper or cloth towel because this destroys their bristles and their points. It is faster and more convenient to have a tiny water container, a bottle's cap f.e with a bit of water to clean the waterbrushes in there. Or the cap of your waterbottle ( there is no way to go for outdoor painting without having some drinkable water) or a paper coffee cup. If you use your waterbrushes this way, they will last longer and will retain their points f but most importantly you will have the dirty coloured water on the cap and the clean water on the reservoir of the brush. It is like having two water containers with you. I'm not particularly picky on the brushes that I use for heavy washes. I use regular synthetic round and flat brushes. The Kolinskys and other natural hair brushes stay home and I've learned that the hard and the bad way, when once someone stole my hand bag and I lost a high quality art kit. Your smaller Whisky painters tin box is great. It has the right size to be portable and it is also versatile. At the end of the day it is not convenient in the first place to sketch and paint outdoors in super large size sketchbooks so it is a bit too much to hold with you the larger box just for the sake of having enough space to make a very wet wash.
@mkompan3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the extended comment/advice. I love fude pens and have a number of videos on ways they can be used. If I could only have one pen, I would probably go with a fude, but in a larger case like this one, it’s good to also have a few regular pens. I feel like a good paper towel is really necessary to controlling a water brush. Not only does is it make it easier to clean the brush, it also also helps dry out the brush when it gets too wet. I respect my materials and do what I can to make them last but, but Pentel brushes are relatively inexpensive, so if this practice shortens their lifespan (something I haven’t noticed, by the way) I’m ok with it.
@creativecolours20223 ай бұрын
@@mkompan When I wrote not to use a towel I meant to use it for cleaning the brush completely from the whatever paint. It is necessary to have a paper towel to control the flow of the water, but rubbing the brush instead of washing it in a bit of water to remove the paint, spoils the bristles and destroys the points of these brushes pretty soon. Not to mention that washing the brush is faster too than rubbing it while you squeeze the reservoir. They are btw my favourite brushes and I use them for finished paintings and illustrations too and not only for sketches because of the convenience to have the clean water in the reservoir and the dirty in the washing container. The constant flow that they have from their reservoir makes them work like expensive sable brushes.
@caseyditto2 жыл бұрын
Just placed an order on fpnibs after watching your videos, Marc. I've never had my hands on fude nibs before, so this is quite exciting. The pen I chose was Indigraph though, as they claim to be be more permanent ink friendly. I hope I made a good choice there. Thanks for the inspiration!
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
You’re welcome! I’ve been debating whether to get the Indiegraph. Platinum Carbon and the Noodler’s black work well enough and I’m not sure I need a pen that uses India Ink.
@aricafong1817 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video! I searched for the rotring pro gear but could only find rotring rapid pro or others that are labelled 600 or 800. Have they changed the name or could you link to the one you have?
@mkompan Жыл бұрын
Sorry, I got Rotring rapid pro mixed up with the Pentel Graph-gear (another pencil I really like).
@aricafong1817 Жыл бұрын
@@mkompan ohh! That makes sense. Thank you! I appreciate it 🙏
@SketchingGreyhound4 жыл бұрын
It's so great to get this indo deom a real artist.As I am a mostly self taught dilletant you share this way the one or other diamond that gives me ideas that I myself would never have had. I recently tried watercolors for the first time e.g., but I hadn't even considered using a "real" ink pen together with it. And as you are talking a lot about the ink pens... It made me realize that I probably should think about them a lot more than I do! 😂 Might sound stupid. 😅 But thank you very much!!
@mkompan4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Those TWSBI Eco's are very good starter pens, and I'm glad I sparked your interest in them.
@Ragnaco4 жыл бұрын
Very informative, great video.
@mkompan4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Glad you found it useful.
@jordanwilson442510 ай бұрын
Any recommendations on where to find a fude nib for the eco these days? I’ve looked around but haven’t had luck
@mkompan10 ай бұрын
Only one place has them as far as I know, and they’re custom made. Go to FPnibs.com.
@sharonkatz445111 ай бұрын
Thank you for this fabulous video. I notice you mention that you have 3 TWSBI ECOs with EF, M, and B nibs. You seem to use the EF quite a bit in the cross-hatching videos, but what are the M and B nibs for? Thanks!
@mkompan11 ай бұрын
You’re very welcome! For figure drawing, I do tend to use EF nibs, but for landscape having nibs of different width allows you to emphasize atmospheric perspective, with M and B nibs used in the middle ground and foreground. Furthermore I find that EF lines are not strong enough when gone over with watercolor, and thicker lines show through better.
@sharonkatz445111 ай бұрын
Thank you! That makes a lot of sense. What about F nibs? Do you ever find yourself needing one?@@mkompan
@mkompan11 ай бұрын
@@sharonkatz4451 I use F nibs as well, but in the interest of saving space, and since there’s not much difference between EF and F nibs, I chose not to include it in this set.
@misolowy3929 Жыл бұрын
Isn't the Platinum Carbon black - waterproof ink with tiny particles in it?
@mkompan Жыл бұрын
Yes, it’s a pigmented ink, but these particles are microscopic and won’t clog your pen. I’ve been using for years without problems.
@misolowy3929 Жыл бұрын
@@mkompan Sure, that is my experience too, I was just surprised that you mentioned that you did not use the waterproof ink in your Ecos and vintage pens, and there it was😁Your videos are truly filled with knowledge, great work!
@LeviRedrook2 жыл бұрын
How are you liking your palette box? Does the “doors” not laying flat not bother you at all?
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
It is bothersome but this is a problem common to all watercolor tins, regardless of price (though I can’t speak for those super expensive, handmade brass palettes). I pasted some silicone pads underneath to help with this problem, and while this works, they have a tendency to slip off over time. BTW, did you see my comment on the Narwhal/fude situation? I tried it and it worked.
@LeviRedrook2 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan I bought one myself. I haven't even used it yet and I'm already annoyed that it doesn't lay flat. I've seen cheaper boxes lay flat, they just don't hold as many pans. I'm considering a return, it seems pretty silly for such an expensive box to not have flat mixing areas.
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
@@LeviRedrook are you talking about the smaller boxes? The smaller ones tend to do better, but in the larger ones the fold out panel on one side always sags.
@LeviRedrook2 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan The smaller one, I got the Dolce. I did a little test and it seems like the water sticks to the “door” even through it’s angled downward, so it may not be a problem.
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
@@LeviRedrook part of depends on how you use and hold the palette. If your washes are small then the little beads of color won’t slip off. If your washes are larger, it presents a problem.
@thuntz293 жыл бұрын
Hi Marc! Have you tried the Twsbi GO? I have fallen in love with the grip section of that one and the ease of cleaning. I have my eco for writing but I’m considering getting a couple more Go with different nibs for ink testing and drawing....
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Yes, I do have a TWSBI GO. they're great pens with eh same quality nib as their more expensive models, and I'm always recommending them to my students.
@georgpopp12923 жыл бұрын
Hey and thanks again for all your inspiring videos. May i ask you which pencil leads you use for the rotrings? Like 2B or HB? thanks
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Georg! For laying in drawing for a watercolor, I use an HB. For graphite drawing by itself, I usually use a 2B or a 4B.
@jaimejaime11782 жыл бұрын
Hi Marc. Jim from Madrid. Thanks again for your input and sharing. I love TWSBI Eco's and I'm already in touch with Pablo from FPNibs for a FUDE Nib on a New TWSBI ECO. So thanks for that! I do have a question for you, though, in case you might be able to help me with. I am trying to find a way to fit a Zebra G Nib (#6) in a TWSBI Eco type of fountain pen. The problem with the ECO is that is a #4 Nib. But I love the body and ink reservoir (& price for quality). Do you know of a nib similar to the Zebra G (super flex nib for drawing) that can fit into a TWSBI Eco? I know a Zebra G will fit other Chinese fountain pens, but I don't like the bodies. Thanks for your help!!! Saludos desde Madrid! Cheers...
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
Hi Jim. I've been searching for a dip pen nib that fits the Eco for some time, and have had no luck. Flex nibs are tricky: even if you can find something the right size and curvature, the plastic feed on the ECO has a hard time providing sufficient ink flow. One flex nib that does fit the eco (with some adjustment is #5.5 ultra flex form Fountain Pen Revolution), but you have to use a little bit of tape (or plastic) to ensure a tight fit.I have tutorial on it on my channel. One solution is to purchase an Jowo housing unit with an ebonite feed that's adapted to fit a Zebra G nib. A company called The Flexible Nib Factory sells them. That will allow you to fit your Zebra G nib into any pen that takes Jowo housing. A great option are the very nice demonstrator pens made by Opus 88. Just make sure to take the nibs out after very use. I had one rust inside the housing unit, and I couldn't remove it. Extrano Madrid! Tengo muchas ganas sentarme en una terraza, tomar un doble y comer chopitos. Saludos desde Los Angeles!
@jaimejaime11782 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan Thanks again Marc for the info! I ended up buying 4 Jinhao's x750 FPs (#6 Nibs) and bought a box of 10 Zebra G Nibs as well as a box of 5 Jinhao #6 Fude Nibs. So far this "cheap" option is working pretty good (everything for less than 50€), allowing me to have different inks for each FP and currently having 2 Fude Nibs and 2 Zebra G Nibs (I'm using my TWSBI Eco now more for writing as my daily FP). Additionally, I watched your video on how to improve the ink flow on the Zebra G Nib using the piece of shaped tin from a can and I must admit it improves the flow tremendously, so Thank you again for sharing invaluable info! I am also using some inks from the "SketchInk" set from Rohrer & Klingner and they are 100% waterproof and have very good colours, and are far less cheaper here in Spain compared with DeAtramentis Document Inks (9 € versus 19 €), for example. They have 10 colours and they are pretty good, just in case you didn't check these out. And, though right now is a bit too cold in Madrid for Tapas at a Terrace, I will definitely have a round "thinking of you" as soon as it gets warmer (usually by March temperatures have warmed up again). Saludos desde Madrid!
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
@@jaimejaime1178 Those Jinhao'/ Zebra G combo work surprisingly well, even without the overfeed. Just make sure to clean and dry everything between uses , because some inks will rust the nibs and overfeed very quickly, fusing everything into an irremovable mass. Had it happen more than once. I only have one Rohrer & Kligner ink, their Sepia, and it's fantastic. Will have to get more. Sign, Madrid. I'll be there soon enough, however, since the plan is to spend part of the summer there.
@jaimejaime11782 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan Thanks again for the good advice!
@soren30202 жыл бұрын
Hi Marc Firstly many thanks for your films I purchased a twsbi eco ef nib pen, it appears super scratchy/dry also if I flick the pen it'll splatter Obviously something I'm doing is wrong, do you have any tips? Many thanks for your help Søren
@soren30202 жыл бұрын
Think is a Herbin
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
Hi Soren. Sorry to hear that. Is the nib scratchy in one direction? If so then the tines are misaligned. I would look at the tip with a magnifying glass. Realigning the tines on a steel nib is a simple process. You can find videos on it on KZbin. As for splattering, that’s difficult to diagnose. Sometimes flushing the pen and cleaning everything with soap helps. Check to see that the feed and nib are all the way in the pen, and check for cracks in the section and barrel. If those simple fixes don’t work there’s no need to suffer, just send it back.These kinds of problems are actually pretty common, even on very expensive pens, and most manufacturers are quick to offer replacements.
@soren30202 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan thank Marc, the pen is box fresh so it's probably something I'm doing wrong! Many thanks for taking the time to respond. Really appreciate your output here!
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
@@soren3020 sometimes pens are defective and it’s nothing you did wrong! Just return it. TWSBI has good customer service and will give you a new one.
@soren30202 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan I've fixed it, it was ne being a moron, thank you Marc! Superb pen
@r6911750023 жыл бұрын
Whats your feeling on the weight of the Rotrings, is it still easy to control pressure?
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
If you're used to working with very light pencils, the weight of the Rotrings might feel cumbersome at first. I really enjoy their weight and solidity, and have no issues controlling pressure.
@soren30203 жыл бұрын
Hi Thank you for the videos they have been superb Is this the large double pen case or the small one? Many thanks Søren
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Soren. This is the larger double case. I have a review of the smaller smart fit case in a follow up video called “what’s in my pen case part 2.”
@rebeccan68114 жыл бұрын
Very helpful! Thank you! I usually a sharpie but I'm going to buy these where can we get them? Where did you get the water brushes?
@mkompan4 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! The Goulet Pen Company (Gouletpens.com) is a great place to buy pens and inks. As for Pentel waterbrushes, you can get them on Amazon, or just about any art supply store.
@rebeccan68114 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan thank you!
@eileengoldenberg2703 жыл бұрын
I find that platinum Carbon black never clogs for me..I use it in all of my fountain pens.
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
I have had minor problems with Carbon black filled pens skipping and writing dry if I haven't used them for a few weeks. The problem was easily resolved however, by giving the pen a thorough cleaning. More than one trusted source has recommended regularly cleaning out pens with Carbon black, so I think the responsible thing is to recommend using it in pens that are easy to clean.
@Brosephus2 жыл бұрын
WOW OMG SOOOO WEIRD!!! Look... I dont want to brag but I draw A LOT and have my pencil bag perfected lol. Its sooo funny because besides the watercolor and brushes I LITERALLY carry the same tools as you! I dont really carry water color brushes because if I want an effect like that I just lick my finger with spit and smudge the ink as I tend to mostly cross hatch for my values lol... yeah I know gross... make fun of me all you want. haha ECOs though are my jam! I have 5 of them and I also carry 3 of these AMAZING fountain pen brush pens I found on amazon that are really cheap! They shouldnt be because they've lasted for a long time now and they also match the ECOs aesthetic, if youre interested I can send you a link? I do LOVE the Rotring pencils but I use the Pentel Orenz .2, .3, .5. I use 2b lead in them because its able to cover all the values if I feel like getting into some graphite. Do you like the Rotring tech Isograph pens? I got several a couple months and trying to learn to draw with them, theyre different than fountain pens. I normally use Noodlers Heart of Darkness ink in my work and fountain pens but if you want the darkest dark ink- Ive fround Rotring ink to be the most darkest dark I can find. Like its darker than my ex girlfriends heart 😅 I recommend the clear Muji ruler as its able to fold up and is more compact. Other than that I have like no complaints hahah you know what youre talking about! 😁 Also I just subbed... Man this video... I feel so validated right now lol Im going to check out your other stuff too!!! Youre like my long lost brother haha
@mkompan2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your note, my art supply brother! :) I've actually added a Muji folding ruler to my kit awhile ago. And I think I have the same ECO-like brush pens (with a piston filling mechanism) you're talking about. I haven't used Isograph pens in years. The fountain pen (and the dip pen) are my weapons of choice, because I like my line variation. And thanks for the counter validation. I've had this kit for quite a few years now, and am proud to say that (other than the addition of that folding ruler), it 's still perfect.
@11ish613 жыл бұрын
so then you just carry your sketchbook on the side?
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Yes. I find a sketchbook small enough to fit into this case limiting, and prefer to carry a larger one on the side.
@11ish613 жыл бұрын
@@mkompan what size do you recommend for urban sketching?
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
@@11ish61 it all depends on how large you like to work, what you’re comfortable carrying, etc. Here’s a video that covers the sketchbooks I enjoy using. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYmWqXpsYrNqjMk
@zemansk78883 жыл бұрын
I slowed down the video by 0.75 and wow! Every single word became audible!
@mkompan3 жыл бұрын
Glad that worked for you! Some people actually like that I speak quickly, and you can't please everyone. I'm sure someone out there watches my videos at x1.5 speed.
@Hi_imzeelda2 жыл бұрын
I watch it at 1.25
@SaltyTribeCo Жыл бұрын
@@mkompanI very much appreciate the speed. Loved this video, super helpful!