Short answer
Good first Posca drawings: flat-color characters with a black outline, bold lettering, patterns on black paper and painted rocks. Use a PC-5M (1.8 to 2.5 mm) for fills and a PC-1M (0.7 mm) for detail, shake and prime every time, and let each coat dry before layering. Seal pieces that will be handled or go outside.
Easy Posca drawings
- Flat-color characters: a cartoon cat, frog or ghost in one fill color, a black outline and two white eye highlights.
- Bubble letters: your name filled in two colors with a white shine line.
- Sticker sheet: a page of tiny hearts, stars, mushrooms and clouds on black paper.
- Fruit pattern: lemons or cherries repeated on a colored ground.
- Smiley flowers: retro daisies with faces.
- Doodle frame: fill a page border with dots, zigzags and squiggles.
Cool Posca drawings to try next
- Pop art portrait: four flat colors and heavy black outlines.
- Neon skull or snake: bright colors on black paper, white highlights.
- Space scene: a planet, rings and dot stars on navy card.
- Japanese wave pattern: blue and white curls in layers.
- Graffiti style letters: a word with arrows, drop shadow and white shine, on a legal board or paper.
- Tattoo flash sheet: a page of small designs: swallow, rose, anchor, dagger.
Posca art ideas beyond paper
Fixing notes from Posca’s FAQ
| Surface | Idea | Posca tip |
|---|---|---|
| Rocks | Ladybugs, mandalas, kindness messages | PC-5M fills, PC-1M detail; seal outdoor rocks |
| Canvas sneakers | Doodles, flowers, lettering | PC-3M or PC-5M; varnish to protect |
| Fabric | Tote bag lettering, denim patches | Iron inside out with no steam to fix, per Posca |
| Wood | Coasters, signs, ornaments | PC-5M, PC-8K for big areas; varnish |
| Glass and windows | Seasonal window art | PC-5M or PC-8K; wipes off with a damp rag |
| Porcelain | Display mugs and plates | Erasable on glazed surfaces; Posca mentions kiln fixing |
Painted rocks are the most popular Posca project; see rock painting ideas and mandala painted rocks.
Posca techniques worth learning
- Prime properly: shake firmly with the cap closed, then press the tip on scrap paper several times. Posca says to re-prime after the marker sits unused for hours or longer.
- Layer when dry: Posca paint dries within minutes, faster on porous surfaces. Wait for each coat before covering it.
- Blend while wet: Posca paint is water-based and mixable, so two colors touched together while wet will blend; a damp brush softens edges.
- Fix mistakes by layering: on porous surfaces, Posca suggests painting over an error once it is dry.
- Flip the tip: PC-3M and PC-5M tips are reversible, and several tips can be replaced.
Posca drawing ideas, easy, by set
| If you have | Try |
|---|---|
| PC-5M 8 basic colors | Characters, fruit patterns, rocks, lettering |
| PC-1M extra fine | Doodle pages, mandalas, small lettering, outlines |
| Pastel or soft color sets | Kawaii art on black paper, spring rocks |
| PC-8K or PC-17K broad | Backgrounds, posters, window art, big letters |
| White only | Line art on black paper, highlights, constellations |
Not sure which set to buy? See Posca marker sets and the full Posca markers guide.
Posca markers for these ideas
Sets matched to the ideas above, each listing checked by hand.
-
Posca PC-5M paint markers, 8 count
The all-round medium tip in eight basic colors: the set most of these ideas assume.
- 1.8 to 2.5 mm
- 8 colors
-
Posca PC-1M paint markers, extra fine 0.7 mm, 16 pack
Sixteen extra fine colors for outlines, eyes, dots and lettering.
- 0.7 mm
- 16 colors
-
uni Posca 5M medium pastel markers, set of 7
Pastel colors in the medium tip for kawaii art and spring designs.
- 7 pastels
- PC-5M
-
Posca white fine pack: PC-1M, PC-3M and PC-5M
Three whites in three widths for highlights and white line art.
- Three tip sizes
- White
-
Posca PC-8K broad chisel markers
An 8 mm chisel for backgrounds, posters and window art.
- 8 mm chisel
- Broad
Each pick links to an Amazon listing we checked by hand. Prices, colors and pack sizes change on Amazon, so check the listing before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
More ideas
For projects across all acrylic markers, see acrylic marker art ideas; for every marker type, marker artwork ideas. Rock painters should also read paint pens for rock painting.
Questions people ask
Do Posca pens rub off?
It depends on the surface. Posca says its paint is permanent without fixative on porous materials such as wood, cardboard, textiles, pebbles, certain plastics and metals, and erasable on smooth surfaces such as glass, where a damp rag removes it. To stop rubbing on smooth or handled surfaces, Posca recommends a water-based spray varnish.
Is POSCA ok on skin?
No. Posca says its markers are artistic creation tools that are not certified for cosmetic use and must not be used on skin. For face or body art, use products made and labeled for skin. If paint gets on hands while drawing, wash it off with soap and water.
Where can I get Posca pens cheap?
The lowest cost per pen is usually in larger sets rather than singles, and prices on Amazon and at art supply stores change often, so compare the per-marker price. Posca’s website has a distributor finder for local stores. Buy singles only for colors you use up fastest, usually white and black.
What are the best pens to use for rock painting?
Pump-action water-based paint pens. In Sarah Renae Clark’s comparison, Posca scored highest overall among pump-action markers and held up best on rock, with Pilot Pintor close behind, while most direct-ink markers soaked into the stone. A medium PC-5M for fills and an extra fine PC-1M for detail cover most designs.
What not to do with POSCA markers?
Do not use them on skin, do not prime on your artwork, and do not layer over paint that is still wet unless you want a blended effect. Posca also warns against storing markers somewhere too hot, which thins the paint and can cause runs, and asks you to recap after use. Do not expect it to stay on smooth glass unsealed.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Specs and availability change; check the listing before you buy.