Finding the Best Black Ink for Inktober
Fall has crept up on us, ushering in another October. And another October means a brand new Inktober prompt list to inspire your pen to paper!
What is Inktober?
For those not in the know, every October, thirty-one words are released and creators from all over tackle the Inktober prompts and create an art piece a day in response. The goal of Inktober is to inspire, create, and share art! Traditionally, Inktober was focused on traditional black inking, but creators have expanded it to include calligraphy, lettering, poetry, and many other art forms.
In the spirit of creating and sharing, Phidon wants to join in on the ink-festivities and is having a give away! To enter, just tag @PhidonPens on your Inktober creation on Instagram and use hashtag #Inktober2021Phidon. The winner will be randomly selected at the end of the month and will receive a Pilot Parallel Fountain Pen - a staple for lettering artists - and a Ferris Wheel Press Ink Charger Set - a set of 3 coloured inks.
We can’t wait to see and share your creations.
Getting you started with the right tools: the best black inks
Inking traditionally has always been about the high contrast black on white. Afterall, black is a timeless classic. Whether you’re inking a drawing, doing lettering, or just writing your daily to-dos, black ink is always professional and bold.
A common misconception is that ‘black is black’, however not every black ink is created equal! The variation of black hues amongst inks can be more unexpected and subtle than other colours. However, it is important that you find that reliable black that you love and can always come back to.
Let’s talk Phidon’s top picks for black ink.
Waterman: Intense Black
The Waterman Intense Black is a no-nonsense black that, at its very reasonable price point, makes it a reliable go-to black ink for office work or personal journaling. The black colour is a soft and cool toned, and if using dip pens or brushes, can be diluted for a cool grey. It can also be easily layered for a very solid black to create bold designs and patterns.
This water-soluble ink provides a smooth flow for any and all fountain pens - from an introductory Lamy Safari, to a well loved vintage - perfect for your everyday uses.
Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi
The Take-Sumi black ink from Pilot Iroshizuku is a soft black that holds subtleties and depth in its colour. “Take-sumi” can be loosely translated to “bamboo charcoal”, which is a fitting name for this warm toned black that gives a hint of a red sheen.
This black ink is quick drying, with minimal risk of bleed through, a silky smooth flow, and is perfect for pairing with your hardest working pen. If you’re looking for an upgrade, both in colour and feel, the Take-sumi should be at the top of your list.
Platinum Carbon Black
If you are looking for a deep, true black - then the Platinum Carbon Black will hit the mark.
This black ink is an insoluble, waterproof ink that once dry, won’t budge. This ink is a great choice for multimedia applications - whether you’re an artist, or just want an ink that won’t smudge under your highlighter.
Perfect for watercolour artists, inking, or for anyone looking for a bold, expressive line, the Platinum Carbon Black is your most reliable permanent ink. No need to worry about smudging or running, because once it is on, it is on.
J. Herbin 1670 Stormy Grey
Don’t be fooled by the name - The Stormy Grey by J. Herbin is a beautiful dark ink that gives you the perfect “almost black” look. This ink is a soft dark-grey alternative to the traditional high contrast black, with a gorgeous, yet subtle, gold shimmer to it. This coloured ink gives depth and a bit of interest to the marks on paper, and compliments calligraphy and lettering perfectly. If you want to add a bit of decadence to your correspondence cards or journal spreads, the Stormy Grey will give you that - and some sparkle.
It can be surprising how different black inks can be, but it is important to find the one that compliments your use and personal style. These four inks are proof that just because black is a versatile classic - doesn’t make it boring.
Phil Carr-Harris (@pcarrharris on instagram) used Leap of Faith with his Twsbi Vac700R to ink this detailed life drawing. The dark lines could be mistaken for black, but at a closer look the “Leap of Faith” colour gives the drawing a bit of a unique touch. If you love the look of a bold line, but find a black ink to be a little lackluster, then check out Phidons Diamine exclusive “Leap of Faith”. This ink is a gorgeous ultraviolet-black with a red sheen that gives a dynamic line or swatch.
For sketching on the go, Phil enjoys his Twsbi Vac700R for its large ink capacity - when it’s full, no worries about running out mid drawing. Not everyone chooses a fountain pen for inking, however the Twsbi has proven itself it gives you consistent ink flow, and a surprising amount of line variation (especially at its price point). For those looking for a fountain pen for writing and drawing - this Twsbi would be a great place to start.
Phil is a talented artist currently based in Toronto - keep an eye on his Instagram page for his Inktober creations come October!