I never thought a regular blue ballpoint pen could create something powerful. But after coming across the works of a professional artist whose drawings felt almost unreal, I knew I had to try it myself.
These 10 sketches are the result of that journey. Each one was drawn by hand, with patience and passion, using only a regular ballpoint pen.
1. The Upward Gaze
This was my first attempt. I was fascinated by how the original artist played with perspective. I tried to recreate that bold “top-view” look. It was scary at first, but once I got the eyes right, the rest flowed like magic.
2. Ground-Level Perspective
I wanted to challenge myself with extreme angles, and this reference felt perfect. Getting the boot right—with all those curves and textures—was a real test of patience. But once done, it felt like the drawing could walk off the page!
3. The Holding Hands
This sketch was more emotional. I used a reference that showed tension and connection at the same time. Capturing skin folds and light pressure with only crosshatching was tricky, but also deeply satisfying.
4. The Child’s Smile (Tribal Dots)
One of my favorites. The subtle light in the eyes, the gentle expression—I took extra time with this one. The dotted pattern on the cheek was simple but made the portrait feel so alive.
5. Falling or Flying?
This one was pure fun. I loved the movement in the reference photo. I wanted to freeze that jump mid-air with a worm’s-eye view. It gave me a new respect for gravity and ink control.
6. Realism in Water Drops
Creating a sense of moisture on skin using only ink? Yes, I gave it a shot. Every water droplet here took countless tiny circles, shadows, and highlights. But in the end, it felt worth it.
7. Final Zoom-Out
I stepped back and tried to draw the full figure based on the same reference. This one tested both my patience and proportion skills. Seeing it come together felt like completing a personal milestone.
8. Just an Eye, but Not Just an Eye
This one was meditative. Just focusing on one single eye taught me more than a full figure could. Every eyelash, skin texture, pupil glow—it was like sculpting with ink.
9. The Curious Child
This face had so much character. The innocence mixed with slight confusion made this my most expressive piece yet. It reminded me why I started sketching in the first place—to capture emotion, not just form.
8 Essential Techniques for Ballpoint Pen Artistist
Ballpoint pen sketching may seem intimidating at first—after all, there’s no undo button. But once you understand the core techniques, it becomes a powerful tool for creating incredibly detailed and expressive artwork.
- Start with Light Pressure (Build Slowly)
- Learn Cross-Hatching
- Keep Your Hand Clean and Stable
- Practice Line Variation
- Focus on Edges and Contrast
- Study from References
- Be Patient—Ballpoint Takes Time
- Practice Every Day (Small Studies Help!)