Introductions!

Greetings! The Community Relations' Traditional Art Team is proud to present to all of you the fourth instalment of Project TradSavvy.   Joining us here today for the coverage on biro or more widely known as ball-point pens is a highly imaginative young lady, of artistic style so unique and defined, =Rubius!

The Interview

1. Hello Ruby, and thank you very much for participating TradSavvy as our guest artist! As this article is covering biro, or more widely known as the ballpoint pen, please tell us what is it about this genre of medium that draws or fascinates you so.

Thank you for having me! My love for biro pens started out as an accident. I was bored in school, and often doodled in my notes to pass the time, but I quickly realized that biro pens have much more to offer than that. My favorite thing about biro pens is how much control you can have over them. I have yet to find another medium that offers the same variety of line, and the same potential to be both delicate and bold.


2. Is there any one aspect that you would recommend for one to pay attention to when using biro?

I would recommend starting out light, then building up your shadows through either crosshatching or changing the amount of pressure you apply. You can achieve more contrast by leaving areas white, and faintly outlining them. The most important thing is to be bold and experiment... because the beauty of biro pens is that they come in bulk.


3. What would be your estimated budget and shopping list for getting all the necessary tools in order to pursue a genuine interest with this medium?

I’ve tried a variety of biro pens, and honestly I think that the everyday cheap ones are my favorite. The Bic brand Round Stic pens provide the most resistance, which I prefer over pens that glide across the page. If you are interested in pursuing the medium, look around the house for pens you may already own before buying anything.

The only real reason to spend money on biro pens is if you are looking for a specific color, or if you want to purchase the non-disposable kind. The benefit of buying non-disposable biro pens is that you never have to worry about the feel of your pens changing each time you buy them new. Non-disposable biro pens usually range from $1-$25 USD on average, but more expensive ones are available.
You might want to invest in paper that can stand up to the abuse of biro pens, since the amount of pressure used can sometimes warp or tare it. The way biro ink looks on paper is pretty universal, so it’s mostly about thickness. I like 9 in. x 12 Bristol paper, which is only about $5-$10 USD for a whole pad.


4. What are the differences between one type of material/tool over the other? What in your opinion justifies the difference in cost?

Biro pens are so much about the feel, from the feel of it in your hand to the way it moves across the page. I would not recommend buying biro pens that call themselves “smooth” or “glide” pens. The more expensive biro pens are made out of higher quality materials, like metal, and are much more reliable. The cheaper biro pens have a tendency to pool ink at random, and they have a very short life span. Still, it is best to start out with what you have on hand to see if biro is for you.


5. What mediums and methods do you like to use in combination with biro? How do the experiences differ?

Biro pens mix well with watercolor, markers, or any other inks. They add more contrast to a piece, which makes it more dramatic and fun to look at. I like to layer crosshatching on top of already fleshed out drawings as a final touch.


6. Finally, which are some of your favourite biro pieces?

In closing...

Thank you very much Ruby, and to all of you, we hope this article was enlightening and entertaining.   Please stay tuned for the next installments!   Any suggestions and/or questions please feel free to comment!

Be Inspired, not directed.

TradSavvy I: sphilr on Pencils
TradSavvy II: Azrael-Nekhbet on Sumi Ink
TradSavvy III: LolitaAgogo on Watercolours