If you know my work you will know I’m a big fan of leveraging highlights to create realistic and showstopping client illustrations. I think highlights make all of the difference and there are a lot of product options available, but it can be confusing to find the right fit.
My go to medium for my jewellery illustrations if a beautiful artist quality gouache (and opaque water colour paint) because it provides a perfect, consistent line. While the gel pen provides amazing portability I struggle with the inconsistency. A posca pen is great for my larger artworks and charcoal provides an unexpected texture and richness.
So I’ve done a deep dive into different products to bring you a list of pros and cons to save you time and give you confidence when it comes to picking the best medium for creating highlights:
Gouache:
Pros-
High opacity and brightness. has the ability to deliver a consistent fine line.
Versatile: can be used on multiple surfaces.
Adjustable with water, offering flexibility.-
Cons-
Not always convenient for on-the-go touch-ups.
Can smudge if not sealed or if layered on non-absorbent surfaces.
Requires mixing and can dry out quickly.
Posca pen:
Pros-
Bold, consistent application.
Great for layering and mixed media.
Easy to control.
Fast application, easy to transport
Cons-
Limited to flat, smooth surfaces for best performance.
Can clog or run out quickly if overused on rough textures.
May not blend well compared to other mediums.
Can need more than one layer
Gel pen:
Pros-
Precision tool for ultra-fine details like hair or fur.
Convenient and portable.
Dries quickly, preventing smudges.
Cons-
Don’t always work consistently. They can clog. (as per the picture attached)
Lesser lifespan for larger applications.
Limited in opacity over dark or textured surfaces.
Can skip or scratch on certain surfaces.
White charcoal pencil:
Pros-
Excellent for soft, subtle highlights in drawings.-
Best suited for tonal work and certain papers only (like toned paper).
Cons-
Can smudge if not sealed.
Can be messy to use and breaks easily.
Other things to consider:
Match your medium to your style: If you’re creating bold, graphic art, Posca pens might be your best friend. For detailed, realistic work, gel pens or gouache could be more fitting.
Surface matters: The texture and colour of your paper or canvas can drastically affect how white highlights appear. Test your medium beforehand!
Experimenting with these mediums will not only improve your technique but also unlock new creative possibilities. Find the highlight that suits you.