Drawing with a ballpoint pen is an accessible and rewarding way to express your creativity. It’s a medium that invites experimentation while also challenging you to master essential drawing with ballpoint pen techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refine your skills, these methods will help you unlock the full potential of this versatile tool and take your drawings to the next level.
Let’s explore how you can make the most of it and enjoy the process.
Essential Drawing with Ballpoint Pen Techniques
1. Don’t Hold the Pen as if You’re Writing
One of the biggest shifts when drawing with a ballpoint pen is learning to hold it differently than you would when writing. A typical writing grip encourages tight, controlled movements, which can limit your range of motion and result in stiff lines. Instead, hold the pen farther from the tip and use a lighter grip. This allows for looser, more fluid strokes, giving your drawings a sense of movement and energy.
When you lighten your grip, it’s easier to vary the pressure you apply, which is key to creating dynamic lines. Ballpoint pens are pressure-sensitive, so you can achieve everything from faint, barely-there marks to bold, solid lines—all with the same pen. It’s similar to how I approach messy drawings, where letting go of precision leads to unexpected beauty.
2. Commit to Every Line When You Draw with a Ballpoint Pen
When you’re drawing with a ballpoint pen, every line is permanent, and that’s a good thing. This lack of an eraser encourages you to be intentional with your marks. Instead of hesitating or second-guessing, commit to the line and trust the process. The more you practice, the more confident your lines will become.
This technique is especially useful when you’re working on bold, flowing drawings or practicing something like continuous line drawing. The key is to let go of perfection and focus on the rhythm of your lines. Even if a mark doesn’t land exactly where you intended, it can add character to your work.
3. Start Big, Finish Small
A common mistake beginners make is jumping straight into details.
When drawing with a ballpoint pen, it’s essential to begin with larger shapes. This step helps you map out the composition and ensures that your drawing feels balanced before diving into the finer elements.
For example, if you’re drawing a portrait, start with the general shape of the head before working on individual features like the eyes or nose. This “big-to-small” approach helps you establish a structure first, then add layers of interest.
As you progress, you’ll find it easier to add details without overcrowding the composition.
4. Multi-Layering for Interesting Drawings

Multi-Layering for Dynamic and Interesting Drawings
One of my favorite techniques when drawing with ballpoint pens is layering multiple sketches on top of one another. It’s a great way to add energy and visual interest to your work. Instead of focusing on making a single perfect drawing, try layering different poses, angles, or even subjects in the same space. For example, if you’re sketching a bird, draw it in several poses on the same page, letting the drawings overlap slightly to create a sense of movement and rhythm.
This approach works beautifully in sketchbooks, especially when you’re documenting a day or capturing multiple ideas in a single spread. You might sketch a coffee cup in one corner, overlay it with quick drawings of people walking by, and then add a few handwritten notes. The overlapping layers tell a story, capturing not just the objects but the feeling of the moment.
Experiment with layering in different ways—vary the weight of your lines, the size of your sketches, or even the subjects you choose. The interplay between drawings creates depth and texture that’s incredibly engaging. This technique is particularly effective for those who enjoy observational drawing, as it allows you to document your experiences in a more fluid, artistic way. It’s less about precision and more about capturing the essence of what you see and feel, all within a single piece.
This technique is perfect for experimenting with implied shapes or creating a sense of volume and dimension in your drawings.
5. Hatching is Your Friend
Hatching and cross-hatching are among the most effective techniques when drawing with a ballpoint pen. These methods allow you to build texture and tone using just lines. Start with parallel lines (hatching) and layer them in a different direction (cross-hatching) to create depth and shading.
The beauty of hatching lies in its versatility. You can use it for everything from smooth gradients to rough textures, depending on the spacing and angle of your lines.
If you’re looking to enhance your shading skills, I recommend checking out my article on drawing versus painting for more tips on tonal work.
6. Embrace Your “Mistakes”
Every artist, no matter their skill level, has made marks they didn’t plan. It’s part of the creative process.
When you’re drawing with a ballpoint pen, the permanence of the ink might feel daunting at first because there’s no erasing or going back. But instead of seeing these unplanned marks as mistakes, try looking at them as opportunities.
A stray line, for example, can lead to unexpected textures, add depth to a shape, or inspire you to take your drawing in a direction you hadn’t considered.
Mistakes can also teach you valuable lessons about your technique and style. They might highlight areas where you need more practice or encourage you to approach your drawing in a new way.
I’ve found that embracing these imperfections helps me stay present and connected to the act of creating. Instead of worrying about perfection, I focus on how I can use every mark to enhance the piece. Sometimes, the quirks that come from unintentional lines are what give a drawing its charm and individuality.
When you learn to work with, rather than against, these so-called mistakes, you develop a more fluid and forgiving mindset toward your art. It becomes less about control and more about discovery. This shift in perspective can be freeing, allowing you to explore your ideas more boldly.
Over time, you’ll realize that the unexpected marks are just as important as the ones you planned, adding depth and character to your work in ways that only happen when you let go of rigid expectations.
This mindset shift is liberating, especially if you’re new to pen drawing. It’s similar to the idea behind drawing is imperfect. By embracing imperfections, you’ll find more joy in the process and develop a style that feels authentically yours.
7. Experiment with Different Ballpoint Pens
Not all ballpoint pens are the same. Some have smooth, buttery ink flow, while others offer more resistance. Testing out different pens can help you discover what feels best for your style. Some pens work better for bold, graphic lines, while others excel at fine detail work.
I recommend trying different ink colors as well. Blue and black are classics, but adding red or green can make your sketches pop.
If you’re already exploring materials, you might also enjoy learning how to draw on black paper for an entirely new perspective.
8. Save the Details for Last
Once you’ve mapped out the larger shapes and added layers of shading, it’s time to focus on the details. This is where you can refine textures, add highlights, and bring your drawing to life. Working on details last ensures that your composition remains balanced and cohesive.
This method mirrors how I approach simple daily drawing prompts, where the initial structure guides the final touches. Take your time with this step and enjoy the process—it’s often the most satisfying part of the drawing.
9. Practice Drawing Freely
The best way to improve your drawing skills, especially with a ballpoint pen, is to practice without putting pressure on yourself.
Too often, we get caught up in trying to make something perfect or worrying about how a piece will turn out. But drawing freely—without rules or expectations—is where the real magic happens. When you let go of the need for perfection, you allow your creativity to flow naturally, and that’s when your unique style begins to emerge.
Think of it as giving yourself permission to play. Grab your ballpoint pen, a piece of paper, and start drawing anything that comes to mind. It could be loose, abstract shapes, a quick sketch of the objects on your desk, or even random scribbles that gradually take form. The key is not to overthink it. You don’t need a specific plan or a polished outcome. Just enjoy the act of drawing for what it is—an exploration.
If you’re struggling to get started or feel stuck creatively, it might help to remember that you don’t need anyone’s permission to draw.
It’s your sketchbook, your rules. Sometimes, revisiting the idea of drawing freely, as I’ve shared before, can be the perfect reminder to focus less on the results and more on the process itself. With regular practice, you’ll notice how much more confident and relaxed your approach becomes.
Final Thoughts
Drawing with a ballpoint pen is all about embracing simplicity while exploring its endless possibilities. From hatching to layering, each technique opens up new creative opportunities. Whether you’re sketching freely or working on detailed pieces, the key is to have fun and keep experimenting.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at my guides on easy drawing ideas for beginners or how to draw everyday. The beauty of drawing with a ballpoint pen is that it’s always within reach—so grab one and start sketching!
What are some good ballpoint drawing pens?
Some good ballpoint drawing pens include the classic BIC Ballpoint Pen (I have a shoebox full of these), the Zebra Sarasa Clip, and the Uni-Ball Vision Rollerball.
What type of paper should I use for drawing with ballpoint pens?
When drawing with ballpoint pens, it's important to use the right type of paper so that the constant sketching and sharper tip of the ballpoint pen don't create a hole in the paper. Generally, I use drawing paper and sketchbooks meant for mixed media.
How do I make my ballpoint pen drawings look less technical?
To make your ballpoint pen drawings appear less technical, try using various pen widths for more organic lines. Experiment with different ways of holding the pen to achieve varying line thicknesses. Explore drawing with both hands or practicing blind contour drawings to break free from your usual style. For more detailed drawings, apply greater pressure to make bolder ink lines. To create a sketch-like effect, use lighter pressure.
What is the best way to store ballpoint pen drawings?
The best way to store ballpoint pen drawings is to scan them and save them digitally, or to frame them behind glass. This will help preserve the drawing and prevent the ink from smudging.
Should I press hard or light when drawing with a ballpoint pen?
When drawing with a ballpoint pen, you can press hard or light depending on the effect you're going for. This is what makes drawing with ballpoint pens fun for me. It's like the pen has an accelerator for intensity. Unlike more inky pens such as fountain pens.