Artists and illustrators alike understand the need for multiple colour tones in order to create shading and gradation. However, that usually requires several different markers to accomplish the task.

And while alcohol-based markers are some of the best tools in any artist’s arsenal, markers like Chameleon Pens will help you take your creativity up a notch. These innovative markers change tones as you colour, allowing artists to achieve more colouring with less tools. 

To do this, the pens use high quality alcohol ink that are permanent and quick drying – all while maintaining their vibrant colours. What makes these Chameleon Pens special is the colourless toning medium that is used to dilute colours at the pen nib.

Alcohol-based markers

Understanding how these markers change tones and how to unlock their potential, it’s important to know what an alcohol-based marker is and how it differs from your standard water-based marker.

Alcohol markers have pigments or dyes suspended in alcohol, which makes them both fluid and fast-drying. Their vibrant colour and ability to blend seamlessly make them a must-have for most artists. They also have the added bonus of being able to be used on a wide variety of surfaces; fabric, wood, ceramics and plastic, you don’t have to limit yourself just to paper.

Chameleon Pens

“Help invigorate one of the most revolutionary art ranges on the market today” – NEO Magazine

The toning medium for the Chameleon Pen is retained in the nib and slowly released as you use it, thus allowing you to create a seamless gradient effect similar to a diluted watercolour paint. You can apply as much of the toning medium as you desire — the longer you apply the medium, the larger the range of colour tones you can achieve.

The pens are also designed to last and are easily refillable, with replaceable nibs. See how they work in the video below:

Chameleon Pens started as a Kickstarter project by artist and inventor Terry Bolton, who wanted to “unlock all the colours hidden inside a pen”.

Terry’s $25,000 funding goal was quickly surpassed, reaching a total of $109,144. With the help of his team, the product was launched with 20 essential colours.

How it works

If you want to purchase a set of pens for yourself, click here.

Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chameleonpens/chameleon-pens-one-pen-blends-multiple-color-tones/description