Reviews - Music ❤ Letters

25 Aug 2025

Acton Fineliner, Marker, Review Permalink

MTN

Acton 25.08.2025

These fineliners have a good flow, and are very generous in ink — so they’re not ideal for thin paper or slow drawers. Extremely intense black which dries fast. I love that the marker itself is slightly thicker than most, giving it a great grip. I hadn’t used this one before, but so far, I’m really impressed.

For a long time, these weren’t available in Finland, but now you can get them from Make Your Mark. And outside Finland? Either online or (hopefully) from your local MTN distributor. Decent pricing too — only €2.50 per marker. That’s a bargain for a marker this good.

One downside: on certain papers it doesn’t cover acrylic markers that well. Maybe it dries so fast that it doesn’t have enough time to soak in properly to the acrylics?

18 Aug 2025

Acton Review, Software, Tablet Permalink

iPad

Acton 18.08.2025

So, every now and then, I get asked if I use an iPad and Procreate for sketching. I don’t. I’m too old school for that. But I have nothing against them, and I know many artists in my genre use them — which is cool, as long as it serves their purpose.

I’ve participated in quite a few Meeting of Styles events, met many artists from around the world, watched them work, and discussed various techniques with them. And to my surprise a lot of them use tablets — and even phones — for design work. I am really impressed by how seamlessly younger generations, in particular, have integrated modern tools into their creative process.

Okay, I have to admit — we got a “family” iPad last year, complete with an Apple Pencil. It was just a regular 10.9″ iPad (2022 model) that I found on discount. But since it was new enough to support Procreate, of course, I had to install it. Out of curiosity, I tried sketching with it a few times, and honestly, it wasn’t as hard as I expected. I get why so many people like it. For me, it didn’t replace traditional sketching, but it was a nice addition.

Unfortunately, just as I was getting used to the workflow and the Procreate interface, the tablet broke. That was it for me — I didn’t want to buy another one since they’re way too expensive for my taste. And besides, fineliners and regular paper still feel more natural.

11 Aug 2025

Acton Marker, Paint Marker, Review Permalink

Uni Posca

Acton 11.08.2025

How do acrylic markers relate to sketching? Well, in theory, they don’t. In reality? Let me explain.

Sometimes, after finishing a sketch, I realize certain parts could’ve been done differently. I also tend to do very rough pencil sketches before going over them with a fineliner. I don’t know why, but I just don’t like how pencil looks and feels — fineliner feels more, I don’t know, “real”? Because of this, I sometimes redraw sections and need to erase the wrong lines. That’s where acrylic markers come in — as my erasers. If I’m sketching on loose sheets, I can simply redraw and discard the old one. But in a sketchbook, I prefer using a white marker to erase parts instead of tearing out pages. My go-to is the white Uni Posca PC-1M, with a bullet-shaped 0.7mm tip.

The fineliner ink needs to be completely dry for the white marker to cover it properly, and it shouldn’t bleed through. So, I need my white marker to do three things: cover black ink, dry fast, and allow drawing on top of it. Posca markers check all these boxes. So do Molotow acrylic markers, but there’s one key difference: Molotow white leans slightly yellow, while Posca has a cooler, blueish tint. Most of the white paper and sketchbooks I use match Posca’s tone better. Since I scan most of my drawings, the Posca white blends seamlessly into the scanned image. I also prefer Posca’s plastic nib over Molotow’s—it’s similar, but Molotow’s clogs faster, meaning you need to replace or clean it more often (with water or even acetone, if you’re into that).

The only real downside to Posca markers is their lack of sustainability. There’s very little paint in the smaller markers, and the cap is tightly sealed (probably even glued), making it impossible to refill. So when it runs out, you have to buy a whole new marker. Unless you wanna go through some hassle (I’ll explain this soon). Molotow One4All markers, on the other hand, are nearly full, all parts are replaceable, and — best of all — they offer refills in multiple sizes for every color. So, for anything beyond erasing my sketching mistakes, Molotow One4All is my go-to. (Now, can we finally talk about that sponsorship?)

So… the hassle: To my knowledge, Posca doesn’t provide refill inks. However, their larger acrylic markers actually contain much more paint than the smaller ones. So, you can buy any larger paint marker — or even a mop — and use that as a refill for the small marker. Not the cleanest or coolest solution, if you ask me, and it does require some determination… but it’s doable. I’ve done it a few times, but when I’m in the flow, I want to draw — not do maintenance work on my tools.

Price: Poscas are about 3,50-4 euros. In comparison, the Molotow One4All markers are about 4-4,50 euros.

04 Aug 2025

Acton Camera, Computer, Mobile Phone, Review Permalink

Mobile Phones

Acton 04.08.2025

Well, this article doesn’t quite fall under the “reviews” category. It was supposed to be one, but it turned out to be a general rant about mobile phones.

So, a phone. Not essential for sketching, but handy. Sometimes I snap a photo of a sketch instead of scanning it — modern phones make this easy with document recognition. But a phone becomes truly valuable for capturing paintings and graffiti. For the past decade, I’ve photographed all my graffiti with a phone and rarely missed my Canon EOS 60D DSLR. I still use it for high-detail shots of canvases, but under good lighting, a phone is more than enough.

I admit — I’m a phone addict, as my wife politely calls me. Not in the sense of staring at it all day, but in constantly upgrading the device. My first real smartphone was an iPhone 4, followed by Nokia N9, iPhone 5, multiple Samsung Galaxies, Sony Xperia, Honor 8, Huawei, and Oppo models. Now I have a Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus.

And I always return to Samsung. Their phones deliver exactly what they promise. Apple, despite its heavy marketing, doesn’t justify its premium price. While iPhones are reliable and retain resale value, they fall short in photography. I take a lot of pictures, often in difficult lighting, and always edit them on a computer. iPhone photos often appear grainy or overly processed when viewed in detail. On a phone screen, everything looks fine, but for serious editing, quality matters. Apple seems to prioritize software enhancements for people photography, while Android manufacturers take different approaches.

When I got the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, I thought I’d found my perfect brand — excellent camera, great battery. For me, the camera and file transfer ease are deal-breakers. iPhones’ restrictive file management frustrates me. I listen to my own MP3s and want my phone to function like an external drive — drag, drop, done. Android makes this seamless; Apple does not. But when it was time to upgrade from the Mate 20 Pro, U.S. sanctions on Huawei made it difficult to consider their phones anymore. Google services are essential for an Android device, so I had to look back in Samsung’s direction.

I’ve read about Google Pixel’s strong camera software but never tried one. Their limited availability and rising prices haven’t convinced me. For that cost, I stick with Samsung flagships.

One brand I haven’t tested yet but want to is OnePlus. Their flagships are pricey but occasionally discounted — just never when I’m upgrading. My kid has the Nord 3, and I’m impressed by its daylight camera and battery life. In fact, my S24 Plus, which costs 600 € more, pales in comparison in battery performance. If I find a good deal on a OnePlus, I might give it a shot.

28 Jul 2025

Acton Fineliner, Marker, Review Permalink

A product photo of five different sized markers.

Montana Sketchliner

Acton 28.07.2025

Really good markers — I’ve used them for years. In fact, only Molotow has been in my collection longer. Another proof that Germans know their shit when talking about beer… I mean art supplies. Even though these are manufactured in Japan. Montana Sketchliners tie for third place with Stylefile. Again, really hard to find anything to complain. Montana Cans is a large company, like Molotow, and it shows.

Well, I gotta give this: these tend to run out faster than other markers, and if left unused for long periods, they dry out. On some papers the ink dries as dark grey instead of black, but not so much that it’d irritate me. Other than that they’re pretty reliable fineliners. Alcohol based ink, which works well with acrylics and whatnot when dry.

Now that I’ve gotten used to Pentel, I don’t think I’ll be buying these anymore though — unless I find a great deal. I used to buy mine in person from Unckan Store or Helsinki Urban Art. But you can get them from Decoväri (Helsinki) as well, if you happen to live where I do. Online I assume there’s plenty of places to choose from. Price quality ratio is good though and these come in many different sizes.

21 Jul 2025

Acton Fineliner, Marker, Review Permalink

Uni Pin Fineliner

Acton 21.07.2025

Yes, this is the same manufacturer that is behind the Posca acrylic markers.

Uni Pin is a solid, quality marker — I’ve been using these on and off for years. Also one of the cheapest in this lineup, though the price difference isn’t huge since most of the markers I use cost between €2–3.50 anyways. I don’t even consider buying anything over €5, unless it’s for testing.

As with many other markers, Uni Pins contain fade-proof, water resistant pigment ink and they too come in many, various sizes. They work nicely together with acrylics, should go without saying.

I’d rate these on par with Stylefile markers (that’s in third place). Yes, they are that good.

14 Jul 2025

Acton Fineliner, Marker, Review Permalink

An edited photo of two black markers on white paper.

Stylefile Fineliner

Acton 14.07.2025

Easily on the third place of all the markers reviewed here.

Stylefile fineliners have relatively intense black. It has slightly harder tip than many similar markers, but in general it has a good flow. Markers have alcohol-based ink and it dries fast, just not immediatelly. So if you’re drawing over pencil sketches, let the ink dry for about 10-30 seconds before erasing. Once dry, it allows painting over with acrylics just as well as Molotow. And like the title pointed out, the tip as well as the ink lasts a long time.

Price: about 3 euros a piece. Buy the 10 piece set, save nearly a third of the price and you got yourselves covered for quite a while.

07 Jul 2025

Acton Fineliner, Marker, Review Permalink

Pentel Pointliner

Acton 07.07.2025

A solid second place of the markers reviewed here. Almost tied for first.

The brand itself is very familiar to me from my early days as a graffiti writer. Pentel makes all sorts of markers, including the wider ones that used to be commonly used for small billboards and adverts by grocery stores and similar businesses… and taggers. I suppose these days everyone just uses printers, but back when I was young, everything was handwritten.

Back to the fineliner… flow is just as smooth as Molotow, and the black ink is deep and intense. It dries fast and works well with paint markers. I’ve only been using these (as in fineliners) since 2023, but I only have good things to say about these. The more I use them, the more I like them. And I already know they’ll be replacing Montana Sketchliners and many others in my toolbox in the future.

Price: 2,30-2,70 euros a piece, which is a pretty good for a quality product like these! And they come in eleven sizes – so it’s more than capable competitor for Sakura. That is, if you’re looking for the thinner tips for detailed work. I bought mine online, from Pen Store. These fineliners are made in Japan.

30 Jun 2025

Acton Paper, Review, Sketchbook Permalink

Many sketchbooks on top of each other, most of the books have stickers on their covers.

Sketchbooks and Papers

Acton 30.06.2025

Just like with copy paper, there’s no shortage of sketchbook options out there — prices range from just a few euros to thirty-something. Personally, my pain threshold is around 15 euros. I try to buy my sketchbooks from the same stores where I get my fineliners, if possible, which naturally limits the selection I’m reviewing here.

If you’re not into heavy sketching or drawing, just go with the cheapest (white) paper you can find — honestly, it won’t make much of a difference. But if you want to bet on a safe choice, maybe these few alternatives can help you out.

Molotow – Blackbook Graffiti Sketching

Product info: Shop.Molotow.com

Basic blackbook with a really good price/quality ratio. Paper weight is 90 g/m² — the thinnest among the ones listed, but still pretty decent. Doesn’t pale in comparison to older MTN sketchbooks, Stylefiles, and so on. Manufactured by Clairefontaine (a French company), though the label says they’re actually made in Morocco. Available in A4 and A5.

These are very well available. I buy mine from Geezers/Molotow Finland, Helsinki (FI).

Molotow – Professional Sketchbook

Product info: Shop.Molotow.Com

205 g/m². By far the best — and the most expensive. I’ve only used one, and that’s because I got it for free somewhere. The paper is so thick and coated that no markers bleed through. Also suitable for acrylics, watercolors, and similar media. Comes in few different sizes as well as “basic” pads instead of books. If you wanna try these, they’re also very well available.

Ironlak
Product info: Ironlak.com

A relatively good, nothing-to-complain-about sketchbook from Ironlak. Not sure where these are manufactured — my guess is China. Comes with an elastic band to keep it closed and has a ribbon bookmark. 120 g/m² acid-free paper, 192 pages. Available in few different sizes/formats.

I don’t remember where I got mine, as these aren’t available in Finland or nearby. Must’ve been somewhere online.

MTN BlackBook – Older Version
No longer in stock. Features an engraved “Montana” text instead of “MTN.” Probably 90 g/m² paper. Hard cover with a subtle square-textured surface.

Good, very smooth (almost shiny) paper. Feels nice to draw on. Similar to the Stylefile or Montana (Germany) sketchbooks.

MTN BlackBook – Current Version
Product info: MontanaColors.com

A good one. 110 g/m² acid-free paper. Slightly less shiny and smooth than the older version, but overall just as good. Comes with an elastic band to keep it closed. The cover has a leather-like, even-textured surface.

The only downside is the cover’s softness. While it feels great in hand and is thicker than many others, it’s not hard — so the paper tends to bend slightly once you’ve used more than half the pages, since there’s less support underneath. Other than that, it’s top-notch quality. And well available too. I bought mine from Make Your Mark, Helsinki (FI).

Montana
Product info: Montana-Cans.com

A solid sketchbook from Montana Cans. 120 g/m² paper. Since the paper is on the thicker side, it handles alcohol-based markers well. Most importantly, it offers high quality at a good price. Contains 144 pages / 82 sheets. The format I’ve used is A5 landscape (21 cm × 14.8 cm). Hardcover with an embossed Montana Colors logo on the front. Pretty much identical with the Stylefile’s sketchbooks. Good availability. If/when I need these, I usually buy them from Unckan Store, Helsinki (FI).

Stylefile
Product info: Unfade.de

Another solid, nothing-to-complain-about sketchbook from Stylefile. 120 g/m² paper, slightly thicker and therefore great for alcohol-based markers. Most importantly, it delivers high quality at a low price. Sounds like ad speak, but this one actually lives up to the promise. Contains 144 pages / 82 sheets in A5 landscape format (21 cm × 14.8 cm). Solid hardcover with a discreetly embossed Stylefile logo. Available also in size A4.

If I understood correctly, these are not made anymore. Which is a shame, since these were superior in price/quality ratio. In plain English: the cheapest one. I used to buy these from Make Your Mark, Helsinki (FI).

If you by any chance want to see if there’s more variety in sketchbooks (there is!), you can check out these listings from Penstore or Amazon. As said, sky’s the limit on this.

23 Jun 2025

Acton Fineliner, Marker, Review Permalink

Eleven fineliners side by side, with the caps removed and marker tips in sight.

Molotow Blackliner

Acton 23.06.2025

There’s a reason why Molotow Blackliner is the first brand I’m reviewing. First and foremost, they’re the markers I’ve used the longest — pretty much since they became widely available in Finland. Before that, I used whatever fineliner I could get my hands on, without giving it much thought. But back then, I didn’t sketch or draw nearly as much as I do now. I was more focused on graffiti and canvases, with little interest in large-scale sketching.

That all changed when I got my hands on these markers — it was a game changer! From that moment on, Molotow Blackliners became the standard by which I judged all other markers.

So, out of all the markers I’m about to review, I can already confidently declare Molotow Blackliners as The overall Winner. For many reasons. I wish one of those reasons was that Molotow sponsors me — but unfortunately, that’s only in my dreams.

The real reasons? Black is black, not grey. It’s not the absolute darkest, but it gets the job done. It dries fast, covers well over paint markers, and — better yet — can be painted over with paint markers without bleeding through (very important, I’ll explain later). The ink is water-based. The 1.0 tip wears out quickly (as in quicker than the thinner tips) and becomes “brush-like,” making it useless for precise drawing. But even then it’s not totally useless. Not even close! Since the ink lasts a long time, I use these “worn-out” markers for filling large areas. But in all honesty, I really don’t find anything to complain about these markers. And in most cases that itself is enough.

Since Molotow is more than just fineliners, I highly recommend checking them out. Their product range is vast, and most of their tools are compatible with each other. They invest heavily in product development — and it shows. If you’re interested in seeing what’s possible with their products, they have plenty of videos and tutorials on their website as well.

And what I consider as a bonus is that looking from my perspective on the map, these are manufactured kind of locally. In Germany, EU, to be more precise.

Music ❤ Letters

The Product Reviews

MTN

iPad

Uni Posca

Mobile Phones

Montana Sketchliner

Uni Pin Fineliner

Stylefile Fineliner

Pentel Pointliner

Sketchbooks and Papers

Molotow Blackliner

When the Music's Over.

The Past

The Present

The Future

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