This Inktober, join us as we explore the subtle nuances and applications of acrylic, calligraphy, drawing and alcohol inks in your artwork

Inktober Essentials: The Best Inks and Tips for Your Creative Journey

October is fast approaching, which means one thing (aside from spookiness!) for artists; Inktober!

Whether you’re a curious newcomer, talented professional or seasoned veteran, the 31-day challenge of Inktober is a fantastic for sparking creativity, building confidence, maintaining a workflow and openly sharing your artistic creations with a global community.

The first step to making the most of your Inktober? Choosing the right inks, of course.

Today, we’ll be discussing some standout inks from Daler-Rowney, Jacquard and Winsor & Newton, demonstrating how each of these inks uniquely helps the creative process, along with practical tips to ensure you have fun & remain inspired this Inktober.

We recently covered the Pro Acrylic Ink range from Liquitex in a previous blog, so feel free to check that out too, if you're curious!

What to Look for in Inks

Not all inks are created equal. So, here are some tips to keep in mind when stocking up this year:

Lightfastness: Ensures your artwork won’t fade or yellow over time.
Opacity v Transparency: Opaque inks produce bold, graphic lines, whilst more transparent inks create lovely flowing washes & layers.
Surface Compatibility: Some inks work best on paper, whilst others are suited to canvas, wood or even ceramics.
Drying & Water-Resistance: Fast-drying inks help keep the pace up with daily prompts, with water-resistant ones letting you layer without smudges.
Pigment v Dye: Pigment-based inks are more opaque & last longer, whilst dye-based inks are vibrant, but may fade over time.

Spotlight on Inks for Inktober

Daler-Rowney System3 pigment-based Acrylic Inks for students, artists and professionals

Daler-Rowney
System3 Acrylic Inks

If you’re looking for versatility and reliability this Inktober, System3 Acrylic Inks are a must-have.

These pigment-based acrylic inks from Daler-Rowney deliver bold, opaque applications perfect for strong outlines or dramatic shadows and are completely water-resistant when dry, allowing you to easily layer washes or linework on top, all without smudging.

Available in 28 vibrant shades, they adhere to a wide range of surfaces including paper, canvas, textiles, plastics or ceramics, opening the door to a more colourful & experimental Inktober.

Pigment-based, highly opaque & water-resistant once dry
Suitable for paper, canvas, textiles, wood, plastic, ceramics and more
Fantastic for blocking in shapes, adding pops of colour or layering with other media

Top Tip: Clean brushes and pens promptly after use – acrylics can be stubborn once dry.

Jacquard
Piñata Alcohol Inks

Piñata Alcohol Inks from Jacquard are a game-changer for artists seeking vibrancy & beautiful fluid effects in their work.

These dye-based inks are available in 27 highly saturated, fast-drying and acid-free colours designed to perform brilliantly on non-porous surfaces. With an unpredictable flow & natural translucency, Piñata Inks produce luminous washes of colour, organic textures, marbled effects & stunning blends, all perfect for adding layers of atmosphere to the background of your ink drawings.

Enjoy eye-catching results by combining the Piñata Ink range with waterproof linework & metallic shades, or use their Claro Extender for a variety of effects.

Beautiful, unpredictable marbled surfaces and striking blends
Ultra-vibrant, translucent & perfect for glass, metal, resin or plastic
Excellent for atmosphere behind detailed ink work & illustrations

Top Tip: Use in a well-ventilated space & pair with blending alcohol or extenders for smoother effects.

Jacquard Pinata Color Alcohol Inks for illustration, painting and printing

Winsor & Newton
Calligraphy Inks

A go-to choice for precision and elegance, Calligraphy Inks from Winsor & Newton are specially formulated for use with dip pens or brushes.

Perfect for practising calligraphy techniques, producing stylised lettering or adding decorative flourishes to your work, these expressive inks offer a smooth flowing application and excellent control on paper, card or canvas.

Famed for their professional, timeless quality, Calligraphy Inks are available in a range of 18 bold, vibrant colours offering consistency & reliability, whether you’re incorporating hand-lettered quotes or exploring expressive mark-making this Inktober!

Designed for use with dip pens & brushes
Smooth flow, perfect for lettering or stylised outlines
A wide range of rich colours with a classic, timeless finish

Top Tip: Experiment with different nibs & bristles for a variety of widths, textures and effects.

Winsor & Newton
Drawing Inks

For artists focused on the core spirit of clean, expressive linework this Inktober, Drawing Inks are a timeless favourite trusted for decades.

Designed for brushes & dip pens, these beloved inks from Winsor & Newton come in 26 individual colours (both waterproof & water-soluble) with a crisp flow, reliable pigmentation & adaptability to a myriad of creative techniques. Ideal for fine details, hatching or cross-hatching, their flexibility makes them perfect for experimentation. For instance, try using waterproof colours inks for clean outlines able to withstand washes, or a water-soluble option for softer blends & shading.

So, whether you’re tackling daily prompts with speed or producing detailed, finished pieces this Inktober, Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks help bring clarity and definition to every stroke.

A well-know, reliable choice for detailed illustrations
Available in a wide range of waterproof and water-soluble colours
Excellent for techniques like hatching & cross-hatching or producing crisp outlines

Top Tip: Try layering with washes of watercolour or ink over waterproof lines for additional depth in your work.

Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks for illustrations, watercolour effects or washes and background applications

Daler-Rowney System3 Acrylic Ink

Perfect for bold, high-impact Inktober pieces. These water-resistant acrylic inks are ideal for strong outlines, dramatic contrast, and layering under pen details. Try them for prompts that call for energy, structure, or graphic impact.

Graphic prompts: Use the opaque black or strong colours to block in silhouettes or create striking contrast.
Mixed media days: Combine acrylic ink washes with waterproof pen outlines for depth.
Surface play: Try a prompt on non-traditional surfaces (wood slice, small canvas, or even ceramic tile).
Layering: A water-resistant range perfect for underpainting or base layers before adding fine line details.

Jacquard Piñata Alcohol Inks

Best for atmospheric backgrounds and unpredictable textures. Their luminous translucency is great for cosmic skies, dreamy effects, or abstract interpretations of tough prompts. Pair with waterproof linework for striking results.

Atmospheric prompts: Create swirling skies, marbled textures, or cosmic-style backgrounds. Overlay inked figures on top.
Abstract interpretation days: Some prompts are tough—use alcohol ink to respond with expressive, loose colour instead of detailed drawing.
Surprise factor: Since alcohol inks move unpredictably, dedicate one prompt to “chance art,” letting the flow dictate your final composition.
Surfaces beyond paper: Try a resin tile, YUPO sheet, or even a glass coaster. Photograph and share—followers love unusual surfaces.

Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Inks

Excellent for expressive lettering, embellishments, or combining text and art. Perfect for prompts that focus on words, sound, or mood. Their crisp flow makes them reliable for decorative borders or flourishes.

Lettering prompts: Render the word itself in expressive lettering as the artwork.
Borders or embellishments: Add calligraphic flourishes to frame your main sketch.
Practice day: Dedicate one day to hand-lettered quotes or mantras—still counts for Inktober!
Expressive strokes: Use a broad nib or brush to emphasise energy in prompts like “Fury” or “Dance.”

Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks

A timeless choice for classic Inktober linework. Available in waterproof and water-soluble options, they’re great for fine detail, hatching, or layering washes. Ideal for daily consistency and detailed illustrations.

Detailed prompts: Perfect for hatching, stippling, or intricate outlines.
Contrast studies: Alternate between waterproof and water-soluble inks, using water to soften backgrounds, keeping characters crisp.
Daily warm-ups: Use these inks to keep a steady rhythm; even a 15-minute drawing counts.
Finish touches: Add clarity to alcohol or acrylic ink works with sharp outlines and fine detail.

Tips for a Successful Inktober

Mix and Match: Combine drawing ink for outlines with acrylic ink for bold fills or alcohol ink for colourful backgrounds.
Test Surfaces: Alcohol inks shine on YUPO or plastic, whilst acrylic inks thrive on paper, canvas and even wood.
Keep it Manageable: Daily prompts don’t mean daily masterpieces, quick sketches count!
Preserve Your Work: Storing pieces away from direct sunlight, perhaps in a print box of some form, ensures they last longer.
Document the Journey: Inktober is as much about community as it is art, so feel free to share progress shots, behind-the-scenes moments and finished pieces!.

Final Thoughts

Remember, Inktober is about creativity, expression and fun.

Whether you prefer the bold, graphic finish of System 3 Acrylic Inks or the ethereal, flowing nature of Pinata Alcohol Inks, with the right inks you’ll have everything you need to experiment, express and make this October your most creative yet.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your inks, pick up your pens and join the challenge. Happy Inktober!

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