Colored pencils and markers are the classics most of us reach for when it’s time to color. They’re familiar, reliable, and easy to use. But there’s another old-school art tool that’s quietly stealing the spotlight again. Gel pens.
They’re packed with vibrant pigment, perfect for fine details, and surprisingly versatile. Once you start using them, it’s hard not to get hooked. And when you see what some artists can do with gel pens, it completely changes how you think about this medium.
Before diving into the artwork, let’s clear one thing up.
What Are Gel Pens?
Gel pens use a gel-based ink instead of the liquid ink found in ballpoint pens or markers. That gel carries a high amount of pigment, which is why gel pens produce such bold, smooth, and often eye-catching color.
They come in many styles, including neon, metallic, glitter, and opaque versions that even show up well on dark paper. Because the ink flows smoothly and doesn’t require much pressure, gel pens are ideal for detailed line work, highlights, and controlled coloring.
They sit right in between colored pencils and markers. More precise than markers, but more vibrant than pencils.
Gel Pens Beyond Simple Coloring
Gel pens might feel nostalgic. Many people remember them from school notes or doodles in notebooks. But today, artists are pushing gel pens far beyond casual use and turning them into a serious art medium.
One artist in particular has taken gel pen art to another level.
The Artist Elevating Gel Pen Art
Artist and gel pen enthusiast Nico Dauk creates some of the most striking gel pen artwork you’ll ever see. Her pieces are so bright and intense they almost glow. Neon greens, vivid yellows, fiery oranges. Looking at them feels like staring into a blacklight poster.
Using Super Doodle gel pens, she layers color in a way that makes her drawings feel three-dimensional. A coiled snake looks like it’s about to slither off the page. A fierce tiger feels powerful and alive. And none of it is digital. Every line and layer is done by hand with gel pens.
The Reality Behind Gel Pen Masterpieces
Dauk makes gel pen coloring look effortless, but it’s anything but quick.
Some of her pieces take many hours to complete. One artwork, Indecisive, reportedly took 28 hours from start to finish. That kind of result takes patience, focus, and a deep understanding of the medium.
Gel pens can be tricky to work with. They’re known for leaving streaks, especially when you color large areas too quickly or with uneven pressure. So how does she keep her artwork looking so smooth and flawless?
The Simple Trick That Makes Gel Pens Look Perfect
The secret is surprisingly simple.
Instead of coloring with long strokes, she fills areas using tiny circular motions. This helps spread the ink evenly and reduces visible streaks. The color builds up smoothly, creating a rich, solid finish that looks almost unreal.
It’s a small technique, but it makes a huge difference. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it works so well.
Why Gel Pens Belong in Your Art Kit
If you don’t already own gel pens, they’re absolutely worth adding to your coloring tools.
They’re perfect for:
- Fine details in coloring pages
- Bold outlines and accents
- Highlights that really pop
- Adding intensity to specific areas
You don’t have to color an entire page with them. Even a few gel pen touches can completely transform a piece and make it feel more polished and exciting.
Final Thoughts
Gel pens may be an old favorite, but they’re far from outdated. In the right hands, they can create bold, vibrant, and unforgettable artwork.
Whether you’re inspired to fill a whole page with color or just want to experiment with small details, gel pens invite you to slow down, play with color, and see what’s possible.
And once you do, it’s hard not to imagine what your next coloring creation could look like with a little gel pen magic.
