Media Issue : Can I Use Biro On Paper???

Scott...There are no rules...Just create!

Scott, I'm not sure what a biro is -- a kind of pen? But in any case, anything you can use to make design, color, texture -- whatever sort of art you want to make -- is legitimate. MaryEllen Frazee used chewing gum!


Whatever makes your image look the way you want it to look, go for it! I look forward to seeing what you create. :)

Yes... You can use whatever you like and it can be called a legitimate art form. Yes, a biro is a pen

If you are concerned with your drawings lasting through the years, you should make sure both the ink in the pen and your board/paper are archival/acid-free. Most ball point pens (biros) do not have acid-free ink.

Learn something new everyday. First time I recall a ball point pen called a Biro. A tidbit of information concerning a particular brand of "Biro":

"...The Bic Cristal's industrial design has been acknowledged by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City as part of the museum's permanent collection..."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bic_Cristal

You can use whatever materials you want, however if you sell originals and are not using archival materials you should be up front about that fact.

@Greg, they were always called biros in the UK. No-one I knew ever said "ballpoint pen". Incidentally, in the UK its "titbit", not "tidbit" too. There was even a weekly magazine of the same name that was full of small items of interest (aka titbits) although I don't know if it's still available there...

- Richard Reeve
ReevePhotos.com

Thanks for the info, Richard. I usually say "pen", but then someone will ask what kind of pen, then I'll have to say ball point pen. It's a never-ending cycle. :)


I'm thinking puppies and kittens are finally weaned once their mother gets a "titbit".

Sorry, couldn' t resist. :)

Hi there Not sure if you all can read this but straight up wanna say thank you everyone! You all helped me learn abit more about the freedom of art and more importantly how to create pen art that will last a long time which is create cos its what I specialise in. Again, thank you all so much! :)

Wait! hold on one more thing is it possible to get a fixative to spray over the picture? I keep hearing people say something about fixative. Anyone any idea if this is good or not?

I'm not an expert but you can get fixatives, as my wife uses them on her pastel drawings. I cannot see why it wouldn't work on biro (ink)

- Richard Reeve
ReevePhotos.com

I'm unsure it would have any use on an ink drawing. No harm is done doing so however. On pastels some like using fixative others myself included do not. I too would be concerned that it will fade quickly. Fading can be slowed some when you frame them with a UV glass or plexi. Many markers called permanent fade too.