I have been exploring pen plotter art as a visual artist for many years, but only recently I have embraced it with dedication, taking it to a professional level.

When I start working with a pen plotter, I often begin with SVG files, since the machine can read them directly. I create SVGs by designing artwork in Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator, then arrange, modify, and experiment with the composition before sending it to the plotter.

A screenshot of my artwork created using the open-source design tool Inkscape.

I began my plotting journey with the AxiDraw pen plotter, I even remember going to pick it up in person from their office in the Bay Area, California. Later, I upgraded for larger-format work, which offers an impressive 22×34" drawing area, allowing me to create more ambitious pieces.

Plotter machine with a generous 22×34" A1 drawing area for large-format creations.

I use Isograph pens with 0.3 mm tips and archival quality ink for most of my plotting. These pens create sharp, consistent lines that last over time. Working with them on a plotter can be both exciting and tricky. Sometimes the ink flows perfectly and the drawing looks crisp, while other times the pen might dry up in the middle of a long plot or leave tiny dots where it paused.

One example I remember is when I was plotting a large drawing overnight. Halfway through, the pen’s ink started running low and the lines became lighter. At first I thought it ruined the work, but in the end it added a unique texture that I could not have planned. Challenges like this are part of why I enjoy plotting with Isograph pens. The results are always a balance between precision and surprise.

Image 1: 0.3 mm technical pen – precise line work.
Image 2: Refill technical pens with archival-quality ink – long-lasting and reliable.

Along with technical pens, I also enjoy experimenting with brush pens, gel pens, and marker pens on the plotter. Each type of pen brings its own personality to the artwork. Brush pens create soft, expressive strokes that look almost hand drawn. Gel pens are great for very fine details and often leave a glossy finish on the paper. Marker pens are bold and smooth, and they work well when I want to create solid textures or areas of deep contrast.

Using these pens with a plotter is not always easy. Sometimes the brush tips catch the paper in unexpected ways or gel pens skip if the flow is uneven. I remember once using a silver gel pen on dark paper and the lines shimmered beautifully, even though the ink skipped in places. What I thought was a mistake ended up becoming the most interesting part of the drawing.

These small surprises make each plot unique. Every pen has its quirks, and I like finding ways to let those quirks become part of the final artwork.

Image 1: Brush tip pen – for expressive, variable lines;
Image 2: Gel pen (0.07 mm) – for fine, precise details.

The choice of paper makes a big difference in how the artwork looks and feels. I often experiment with different paper weights and textures to see how they interact with the pens. Heavier papers like 300 GSM can handle more ink without warping and give a solid base for detailed work, while lighter papers sometimes create softer, more delicate results.

The effect also changes depending on the pen. Marker pens tend to sink into the paper, creating strong, bold areas of color but sometimes leaving rough edges or a textured fill. Brush pens, on the other hand, flow more smoothly on certain papers, making gradients look soft and natural. On rougher paper, the brush tip picks up the texture and creates a more organic, almost painterly effect.

I enjoy these differences because they make each artwork unique. A small change in paper weight or surface can completely transform the mood of the piece.

Image 1: Gel pen texture on 300 GSM paper.
Image 2: Permanent marker texture on 300 GSM paper.
Image 3: Line study with varying thickness and smoothness.