ink

During my Inktober process, I used basic cheap mechanical pencils. When it came to the actual inking process I used a set of Graphik Line Marker Pens in varying sizes as well as a couple of Pilot Pure Liquid Ink Pens, I found the 0.5 gave a good consistent thin line but it’s nice having the thinner options with the Graphik Pen’s as well for more detail. I also purchased a basic drawing fountain pen with varying nib sizes and some Calligraphy Ink which I used in corporation with brushes for larger black sections as well as black Sharpie Marker pen as well as a Pentel GFKP Sumi Pen for some interesting line variation, backgrounds and filling the occasional black section. As for paper I mostly drew on Windsor & Newton A5 Cartridge Paper which had a nice high-quality texture and helped stop bleed through when inking.

I’d always loved working in Ink but Inktober gave me a chance to use different tools and experiment with different techniques. Generally, my process would revolve around thinking of an interesting idea or concept, looking at a character reference or basing an illustration around a favorite character. At first I’d start with pencil lines sketching a rough outline then follow that with some basic plain line work before working up from there rendering the ink drawing to a point where it felt complete. Initially I started out using fine line pens and a sharpie, then expanded my tool set feature fountain pens, brushes and a japanese style sumi pen but I wanted to stick to traditional ink throughout the process no matter the technique used.

When I started Inktober I had no idea if I’d manage to finish it or if I’d end up enjoying it but I have to say along the way it helped re-ignite creativity and passion in me to keep drawing more, improving and being more ambitious and creative with my work. Though it took a lot of hours and a lot of drawing and sometimes I didn’t feel like drawing that day or life got in the way but I always got a sense of satisfaction when I did finish and post my art and it helped spur me on to do more and finish. Though some of my art didn’t turn out how I wanted it to and I made many mistakes I learned a ton along the way about the process of inking and different styles. I feel like through drawing over the full 31 days I really improved my artwork and instilled some good habits that I’ll carry forward into the new year. I really enjoyed taking part in Inktober 2018 and I’ll definitely be taking part again next year and hopefully between now and then I’ll keep inking and improving and get better before my next 31 days. I know one things for sure! I’ll be much more prepared next time!!

If you’d like to learn more about October or get a head start in preparing for next year you can check out there website Here. Also if you’d like to commission an ink drawing or any other illustration feel free to head over to the contact page and drop me a message so we can have a chat.

– Tom (Cartoon Mind)