The Tools Behind My Stadium Art: Fine Liners & Pro Markers
Every piece of stadium artwork I create starts with the right tools. From capturing the towering stands of Old Trafford to the intricate details of Anfield’s architecture, the pens I use are key to bringing each design to life. If you’re curious about the process behind my prints, here’s a breakdown of the fine liners and pro markers I swear by – plus some other great options for artists looking to explore stadium illustration.
Fine Liners: Precision & Detail
Before adding colour, every piece begins with a precise, hand-drawn sketch. For this, I rely on Derwent and Uni Pin Fine Liners – two trusted brands that offer deep, rich black ink and consistent flow. These are perfect for outlining the structural details of football stadiums, from turnstiles to terrace seating.
My Go-To Fine Liners
Derwent Graphik Line Maker – Excellent pigment, smooth ink flow, and available in a variety of nib sizes for different levels of detail.
Uni Pin Fine Liners – Waterproof and fade-resistant, making them ideal for layering with pro markers without smudging.
Other Great Fine Liner Brands
Sakura Pigma Micron – Known for their archival-quality ink and ultra-fine tips.
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens – Reliable, deep black ink with a smooth finish.
Pro Markers: Vibrant Colour & Depth
Once the stadium structure is mapped out, it’s time to bring it to life with colour. I use a mix of Winsor & Newton ProMarkers and Copic Markers, depending on the depth and blending effects I want to achieve.
My Top Pro Marker Choices
Winsor & Newton ProMarkers – These alcohol-based markers are fantastic for blending, making them perfect for sky gradients and shadows.
Copic Markers – A premium choice used by professional illustrators, offering a huge range of colours and smooth application.
Other Excellent Pro Marker Options
Prismacolor Markers – Great for bold, high-contrast work and layering.
TouchFive Markers – A budget-friendly alternative with decent colour variety.
Bringing It All Together
The combination of fine liners for structure and pro markers for colour is what gives my artwork its depth and vibrancy. Whether I’m capturing the historic charm of Highbury or the modern lines of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, these tools ensure every piece has the level of detail and realism that my prints are known for.
If you're an artist looking to get into stadium illustration or simply love sketching, these pens are a great place to start. Want to see them in action? Explore my latest stadium prints!