5 Organic Inking Techniques for Your Drawings

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Are you eager to add some new techniques to your artistic toolbox to create compelling inking textures? Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, exploring different inking techniques can breathe new life into your work. This blog will guide you through five organic methods to elevate your drawings, focusing on creating diverse and fascinating textures using ink. Let's dive in!

1. Ink Wash Technique

Our first technique is the Ink Wash method. Known for its versatility and simplicity, this technique can be used to create a variety of inking textures. Here's how you can get started.

Choose Your Brush

The brush you select can greatly influence the outcome of your ink wash. Larger brushes can cover more area and create soft, smooth textures, while smaller brushes allow for more detail and precision. It's a good idea to have a variety of brushes on hand, so you can experiment and see what works best for your artwork.

Prepare Your Ink

Next, you'll need to prepare your ink. The ink consistency plays a significant role in creating different inking textures. For a lighter wash, dilute the ink with more water. For a darker, more intense texture, use less water. Remember that you can always add more ink or water to achieve the desired shade—so start slow and build up.

Practice Your Strokes

Finally, it's time to put brush to paper. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to mastering your strokes. Try out different stroke techniques—long, short, curved, straight—and observe how each affects the resulting texture. Experiment with pressure too; a lighter touch will yield a softer texture, while a heavy hand can create bold, dramatic textures.

By mastering the Ink Wash technique, you can open up a world of possibilities for creating unique and captivating inking textures in your artwork. But this is just one method. Let's move on to explore more techniques you can use to enrich your drawing repertoire.

2. Stippling Technique

Have you ever seen an image that's composed entirely out of dots and marveled at the level of detail and texture it presents? That's the magic of the Stippling technique. This method can create a wide range of inking textures, from subtle shading to bold, dense patterns. Let's break it down step by step.

Select Your Tool

Your choice of tool can make a significant difference in the stippling process. Fineliner pens are often a popular choice due to their precision and ease of use. The pen's thickness will determine the size of your dots, so consider having a range of pens to create varying effects.

Practice Dot Placement

The placement of your dots is key to creating desired textures. Closer dots will create darker, denser areas, while more spaced-out dots will give a lighter, softer effect. It's worth spending some time practicing dot placement to get the hang of this technique. And don't worry if it's not perfect—the charm of stippling lies in its organic, slightly imperfect nature.

Develop Patience

Stippling is not a technique for the impatient. Creating a piece of stippled art can take time, but the result is often worth the wait. Patience will not only benefit the quality of your work but also the overall enjoyment of the process. Remember: art is as much about the journey as it is about the final product.

Once you've mastered stippling, you'll be able to create a vast range of inking textures—from delicate gradients to dynamic, textured patterns. But let's not stop there—there are more techniques to explore in the world of inking textures.

3. Cross Hatching Technique

What if you could create a spectrum of inking textures just by drawing lines? Welcome to the world of Cross Hatching—a method that uses intersecting lines to create different levels of tonal effects. Let's dive into how to master this technique.

Understand Line Angles

The angle at which you draw your lines in cross hatching makes a big difference in the final look of your texture. Lines drawn at different angles can create varied effects. Horizontal and vertical lines will give a more structured, orderly look, while diagonal lines can add a dynamic, energetic feel to your work. The secret here is to experiment—try different angles and see what works best for your style.

Experiment with Different Pens

Just like with stippling, the choice of pen can significantly influence the final look of your cross hatching. A thicker pen can create bold, striking lines, while a thinner one can give you a more delicate, nuanced texture. By using a range of pens, you can add depth and variety to your inking textures.

Practice Layering

Layering is the heart of cross hatching. By overlaying lines at different angles, you can create a wide range of tones and textures. Start with a single layer of lines, then add more layers to achieve darker tones. Remember, the more layers you add, the richer your texture will be. But be careful not to overdo it—too many layers can make your work look muddy and overworked.

With cross hatching under your belt, you're now equipped to create an even wider range of inking textures. But why stop there? There's still more to learn in the world of inking techniques. Ready to keep going?

4. Scumbling Technique

Imagine you're doodling during a boring meeting or class—your pen mindlessly moving in circular motions on your notebook. Little did you know, you've been practicing a fantastic technique for creating unique inking textures: Scumbling. Let's demystify this artistic trick.

Choose Your Pen or Brush

Scumbling can be achieved with a variety of tools. A fine-tip pen will allow for detailed, intricate textures, while a brush can create broader, more sweeping textures. The beauty of scumbling lies in its versatility, so don't limit yourself—try everything from sharpie markers to calligraphy brushes to explore the full range of scumbling potentials.

Practice Loose Circular Motions

Scumbling is all about loose, free-flowing circular motions. Imagine you're drawing tiny clouds or cotton balls—soft, rounded, and overlapping. The key here is to maintain a relaxed hand and not to worry about the circles being perfect. The more you practice, the more natural it will become, and the more dynamic your inking textures will be.

Experiment with Pressure

By changing the pressure you apply, you can dramatically alter the look of your scumbling textures. Light pressure will produce soft, airy textures—think of a misty morning or a soft wool sweater. Heavier pressure, on the other hand, can create intense, dramatic textures—like a stormy sky or a rough stone wall. So, don't be afraid to press down or lighten up—experimentation is part of the fun!

And just like that, you have another technique under your belt! Scumbling can add depth and interest to your inking textures arsenal. But wait, we're not done yet—there's one more technique to explore. Are you ready to dip your toes into the world of dipping pens?

5. Dipping Pen Technique

Remember the old-timey movies where the hero pens a poignant letter with a fancy pen dipped in ink? Well, you're about to become that hero, but your letters will be transformed into stunning inking textures. Time to put on your artist's hat and dive into the dipping pen technique.

Select Your Dipping Pen

Choosing your dipping pen is a bit like choosing a wand in Harry Potter—it needs to feel right in your hand. Dipping pens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and nib styles, each lending itself to creating different inking textures. Broad nibs offer bold, thick lines perfect for dramatic details, while fine nibs allow for delicate, intricate textures. Experiment with different pens to find your perfect match.

Prepare Your Ink Well

Just like a car needs petrol, your dipping pen needs ink. Fill your ink well about halfway—this prevents the ink from spilling and gives your nib plenty of room to dip. Remember, it's easier to add more ink than to remove it, so start small and add more if needed.

Practice Steady Strokes

Steadiness is the name of the game when it comes to dipping pens. Unlike other pens, dipping pens don't have a consistent ink flow, so you'll need to control it with your strokes. Start with straight lines, then move on to curves, circles, and more complex shapes. With practice, you'll be creating unique, eye-catching inking textures in no time.

And there you have it—the dipping pen technique! Whether you're crafting a vintage-inspired masterpiece or just playing around with inking textures, the versatility of the dipping pen is sure to inspire. So, why not give it a try? Who knows—you might just discover your new favorite drawing technique.

If you're looking to expand your inking techniques and bring your drawings to life, don't miss out on the 'Substance Painter Texturing Workshop' by tabithaswanson_. In this workshop, you'll learn how to create stunning textures for your drawings using Substance Painter, taking your organic inking skills to the next level.