Drawing inks have long been a favourite among illustrators, calligraphers and mixed media artists for their intensity, versatility and expressive potential. Whether you’re working with a dip pen, brush or airbrush, the fluid nature of ink allows for precision and spontaneity in equal measure. With so many types and brands available, knowing which ink suits your process can be a game changer.
At ArtStore Online, we stock a diverse selection of drawing inks to suit a variety of styles and applications. This guide will walk you through the different types of drawing inks, how they’re used in both fine art and calligraphy, and which brands artists consistently trust for professional results.
Unlike paint or dry media, drawing inks are pigment or dye suspended in a liquid carrier, which makes them smooth and highly responsive. They flow beautifully across most paper types and can create anything from sharp, detailed lines to bold washes and subtle gradients.
Drawing inks can be waterproof or water soluble, opaque or transparent, depending on the formula. This makes them adaptable across many creative disciplines, from fine illustration and modern calligraphy to mixed media work.
They’re also incredibly concentrated, so even a small bottle can last for many artworks. The range of colours available, from deep blacks to bright jewel tones and soft neutrals, gives artists an enormous palette to explore.
When choosing a drawing ink, it helps to understand the differences in base formulas. These affect everything from flow and drying time to waterproofness and compatibility with other media.
One of the most traditional and widely used inks, Indian ink is typically made from carbon black pigment mixed with a water-based binder like shellac. It dries to a deep, matte black and is often waterproof when dry. It’s well suited for dip pens and brushes, making it ideal for high-contrast drawings, linework and detailed illustration.
Indian ink is favoured by comic artists, illustrators and tattoo designers for its permanence and crisp finish. Because it can clog fountain pens, it’s best used with dip tools or technical pens designed for thicker ink.
Acrylic ink is pigment suspended in an acrylic emulsion. It behaves more like paint than traditional ink and dries to a waterproof finish with excellent lightfastness. It works well with brushes, airbrushes and dip pens, and it can be layered or mixed with other acrylics and mediums.
This type of ink is perfect for artists who want bold colour, water resistance and compatibility with mixed media. It’s less prone to fading than dye-based inks and performs beautifully on a variety of surfaces.
Alcohol-based inks are dye-based and known for their fast drying, vibrant colour and ability to blend on non-porous surfaces like glass or metal. These inks are less common for traditional line drawing but are excellent for creating expressive, fluid artworks with markers or brushes.
Because they are dye-based, alcohol inks are not typically lightfast, so they’re best used for personal work, printmaking or where exposure to light is limited.
Drawing inks are highly versatile and can be used in many ways depending on the tools and techniques you prefer. Whether you’re illustrating with fine lines, lettering a phrase in flowing script or experimenting with abstract forms, ink allows for strong impact and elegant control.
Dip pens are one of the most common tools for applying drawing inks. They come in a range of nib styles, from pointed tips for fine lines to broader ones for calligraphy. Dip pens give you the freedom to vary line weight and pressure easily, which is ideal for expressive work.
When using a dip pen, keep a paper towel nearby to blot excess ink and maintain flow. Always clean your nibs thoroughly after each session to prevent clogging or corrosion.
Brushes allow for broader strokes, washes and painterly effects with ink. You can load a brush with colour for bold marks or dilute it with water for soft gradients and tonal variation. Brushes are also helpful when working on larger pieces or when blending multiple inks on a single surface.
Different brush shapes give different effects, so flat brushes can be used for graphic marks while round brushes are excellent for controlled lines and curves.
Drawing inks layer well, especially waterproof varieties like India and acrylic ink. You can sketch lightly in pencil, ink over your lines, then erase the pencil once the ink is dry. They also work well over watercolour, coloured pencil and marker for added dimension.
When combining ink with wet media, always test the order and compatibility. Water soluble inks may reactivate when rewetted, while waterproof inks stay fixed and allow for clean layering.
While the best ink often comes down to personal preference, some brands have earned loyal followings among artists for their quality, colour and consistency.
Known for vibrant colours and reliable performance, Winsor & Newton’s drawing inks are perfect for illustration, calligraphy and design. Their range includes both water soluble and waterproof options, and they flow smoothly whether used with brush or pen.
Liquitex inks offer intense pigment and professional durability. The acrylic base makes them waterproof and lightfast, ideal for use in mixed media and on varied surfaces. They’re also available in a wide colour range with excellent opacity and fluidity.
At ArtStore Online, we stock a broad range of drawing inks to suit every type of artist. Whether you work in line art, calligraphy or experimental techniques, we’ve got the tools and formulas that help bring your creative ideas to life.
Explore our collection of high quality drawing inks and enhance your creative work today.
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