Stationery porn: Sakura Koi brush pen review #ad

Thanks to the team at Royal Talens for sending me these products to try

When I first started using brush pens a year or two ago, I simply lettered. Since then, I’ve explored blending and watercolours, and I really love how much you can do with them.

I tried a Sakura Koi brush pen at the start of the year, back when I was trying a shade or two of each brand, and really liked the feel, so I was excited when Royal Talens sent me a few packs to try. I bloody love it when brush pens come in themed packs – so handy for lettering projects and bullet journal spreads. Oh, and they threw in some sketch note books too. Perfect!

I tried a set of ‘sweets‘, ‘botanical‘, ‘portrait‘, and ‘galaxy‘, with the usual compound curve test initially – my go-to.

I’m not normally a fan of pastels, as I find it hard to get a strong colour from, them but these ‘sweets’ letter well. I also like the size of these pens – they’re not as long as the Tombows or Karins and I think that helps those who are still learning get to grips with the process.

The ‘botanical’ shades are quite similar. I think I’d rather lose the blue-ish shade and replace it with a yellow, but another good combo.

I’ve seen the ‘galaxy’ shades used elsewhere and I love the watercolours. Great shades.

The ‘portrait’ shades are grouped together for manga artists but I think they could be fun for tea and coffee lettering/bujo spreads.

I’ve recently started doing watercolour swatches with my brush pens and have become a tad  obsessed with doodling over the top (thanks to my Journal With Purpose book). This was where it was clear to me just how light the pastel shades are  – I think I’ll be keeping these to lettering.

The ‘botanical’s are fun but I do think that first swatch is a tad too blue. When I tried the ‘flower’ box of Karins, I was surprised at the yellow, but now I think it’s a nice touch.

I think the portraits might be my favourite. They’ll certainly be featuring in many a bujo spread.

The ‘galaxy’ set is so vibrant, I love these shades. I’ve seen a fair few night-time watercolours with these and love the way they blend together. I’ll certainly be having plenty of fun with these.

What set/s have you got your eye on?