Stippling is the creation of a pattern simulating varying degrees of solidity or shading by using small dots. Such a pattern may occur in nature and these effects are frequently emulated by artists.

Fine point pen. Artists who rely on pens for stippling try to look for one with a .03 to .005 inch nib, which is a very fine tip. These pens are reliable and won't bleed too much ink onto the page, letting you create stippling that is precise, crisp, and exact.

In this illustration .005 inch nib is used.

In a drawing or painting, the dots are made of pigment of a single colour, applied with a pen or brush; the denser the dots, the darker the apparent shade—or lighter, if the pigment is lighter than the surface.

Stippling involves placing individual dots across a surface in a pattern that will be identifiable, especially when viewed from a distance; the further you are, the more your mind is forced to fill in the gaps on its own.

Stippling is used in this illustration to create an impression.