Inks
Besides all the other tools that I use, inks are probably the most underrated but also the most important.
Inks are the main ingredients in my sketches (watercolors tend to come after this step if they are involved), hence they need to have superb qualities that make them stand up to my high demands during a sketch session. Some of the most important things I look for in a good ink are how fast it dries, and is it waterproof.
As you can see, there aren’t many varieties in color but that’s because I prefer to add color with my watercolors. Maybe that’ll be my challenge this year for inktober…
De Atramentis document ink black: Amazing waterproof qualities! This is a great ink for sketching with watercolors! Thanks to Liz Steel for her suggestions on her blog with this ink last year. I have found that it takes a bit more time for it to dry but the waterproofness is worth the wait!
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Diamine jet black: I have found this ink to be rather wet, at least in comparison to the De Atramentis but just as solid in color. The waterproofness on this ink acceptable for most of my sketches, so I am happy with it.
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Iroshizuku Take-Sumi: Not the best when it comes to waterproofness but great drying time!
Noodler’s Ink Black: This was the first ink I bought! It has great waterproof qualities for when you’re sketching with watercolors but don’t use too much water otherwise it really does start running a bit.
Noodler’s Ink Red: I don’t really sketch with this ink because it was bought more so for writing purposes but I would like to try sketching with it in the future. Watch out for this on my blog!
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Pelikan Royal Blue: My favorite color is blue so this is a favorite of mine. Since I don’t really to mix colored ink with watercolors, it doesn’t really matter too much to me if its waterproof. (Hint: it’s not!) I do love its solid color. It works well for sketching if I do want to have a blue inked sketch.
The following are the current ink supply that I hold. Not all of these have been found to have my much-needed qualities, but that hasn’t suppressed me from drawing with them (Disclaimer: All links are affiliate links):
