Studio tools of richard thompson cartoonist

I admit, I never tire of talking tools. Not the stuff found at the Home Depot, but the local art supply store. The question today: What tool pen, pencil, paper, software, etc. I have a glass dip pen that my late mother purchased for me in Italy.

I got a kick out of Richard Thompson's latest blog post about his favorite nib, including its history.

Very cool looking and it actually produces a nice line. Alan thanks for mentioning my blog with the Cartoonists interviews. The tools I use the most are fairly typical — mechanical Bic pencils, Microns for lettering, a Pentel disposable fountain pen for tight inking, and I rave about the Pentel Pocket Brush — but I have two pens I rarely hear other people talk about.

A few years ago my best friend purchased a handmade glass fountain pen for me as a novelty gift. Okay, probably not. A decent photocopier. After drawing my cartoon in pen, brush and ink on Bristol board, I then photocopy my black and white cartoon onto another sheet of Bristol I still need to provide a black and white version for syndication.

Next, I hand paint that version using watercolors.

Richard Thompson is not only one of my favourite cartoonists of all time, but is also one of the most talented cartoonists to have ever lived.

I was once asked what software I was using to achieve that realistic watercolor look. That made me laugh. Lots, and lots of anger. I use their dip pen plus the fine and x-fine manga pens. I use a speedball C5 or C6.