ScrawlrTips
Tombow ABT Pro Markers
Featured In / January 2021 ScrawlrBox
We realise you may have never seen or used products like this before so we have put together a few hints, tips and techniques to test out and get the best from these supplies.
These professional quality markers are alcohol-based with two versatile tips. The flexible nylon of the brush tip provides a particularly elegant swing that follows the natural hand movement whilst the carefully designed line width of the chisel tip has been optimised for the special needs of illustrators, designers and architects alike. These pens are slim and ergonomically shaped making them comfortable to use for long duration. They have slow and easy-to-control ink flow, allowing you to work with extreme precision and this is especially helpful for layering. Thanks to their alcohol-base, you can blend different colours directly without water. These alcohol-based markers are both dynamic and stable at the same time, making them perfect for expressing your creativity in an outstanding way.
Things To Try...
~ When you’re not using your markers, they are best stored upright and kept out of direct sunlight to ensure a long, creative life.
~ Since dark tones cannot be covered as easily with light tones, lay down your light colours first to ensure sufficient vibrancy with all of your colours.
~ You can also layer and blend these markers in a similar way to watercolours. For a smooth blending transition, it works best when the colours are still damp. Use small circular strokes to blend the colours smoothly. When layering, ensure the markers are dry. Once the ink is dry it is permanent so layering will be much easier.
~ To avoid damaging your markers, don’t use too much pressure. Gentle pressure will ensure your markers are kept in good shape and it will also keep your paper smooth.
~ Before you start anything, it is always a good idea to test out each colour to see what it looks like on paper. This will help you get a feel for the colour palette and you can create a grid to use as a reference point and include some layering samples.
Notes From The Artist
Chris Lambert
The most important thing when doodling in this way is to not have a plan! Don’t think about the final outcome before you start, just start drawing and see how your doodle develops. The hardest part (as always) is knowing when to stop!
Take references from shapes and patterns from existing paisley designs, or (even better) from nature. Plants and leaves make great inspiration for new shapes and lines.
Have you ever tried taking a pencil for a walk across the page? Start with blank piece of paper and a pencil and just close your eyes and then draw (lots of big curving lines that cross work well here). Try not to think about it too much. Open your eyes and see what you have drawn. You don’t have to use all of it, but pick some interesting shapes from this and start turning them into something else.
Most important is to have fun, the great thing about doodling is it doesn’t have to look like anything and no one else knows what it should or shouldn’t be. Just enjoy the process and see what your subconscious pushes out through the pen onto the paper. Add your own personality and style and your doodle journey will be complete. Keep Scrawling.