Inking Room Tutorial: Brush Inking Basics

A recorded video tutorial as part of my online Livestream art show, The Inking Room.

http://www.jonponikvar.com

This video focuses on the basics of brush inking. It includes everything you'll need to get started on inking with a brush, from the materials to instructions on how to hold the brush. Practice is everything.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• art
• inking
• cartooning
• illustration
• brush
• tutorial

[NickGuy0320]

wow some of these "tips" blow my mind. let the ink dry in the brush? swirl the tip on your tongue? you need to learn more about brush maintenence. I suggest you pick up klaus jansons inking book and learn from it

[peterandcompany]

I've been using the same brushes for all of my inking work for over six years now, and they're still holding the same tip as the day I bought them. I'd consider that a pretty good track record for my methods of maintenance.

Plus, I picked up these "tips" from my lessons under Mark Schultz, who used these same methods for his own brushes. He was still using some that he had bought several decades earlier. Personally I'm more inclined to follow his advice after seeing his work methods in person.

[allgoldproductions]

You should never dip the brush that deep in the well. The ink will dry in the base where you won't be able to clean, and your brush will be ruined since it will no longer hold a point.

[peterandcompany]

This actually really depends on the brush type. The beauty of the Series 7 brush is how it always keeps its point, which is why it is preferred by sequential artists. I even let the ink dry intentionally on the base of the brush because the tip holds so well. Even after cleaning them once a month, all it takes is a little moisture and a quick twirl to reform the bristles.

Trust me: I've used the same brushes for well over four years now and have yet to need a replacement for any of them.

[hurricaneru5793]

hey im working on a comic and im really used to using sharpies but i noticed they dont stay a true black they fade to deep deep gray. and i bought some brushes and ink but im not really getting anywhere with it. also where can i get that micron pen u were using thats what im really looking for a pen or marker that stays true black. any suggestions?

[peterandcompany]

Sharpies are difficult to get a pure black, especially if you use them over a good length of time. Practicing with a brush and ink will probably feel a little awkward at first since it is a completely different method, but just keep at it and you will definitely get the hang of it over time. As for the microns, you can find them at any general art stores in your area. They're not too expensive, but they're also not the best choice for covering large areas of black, as they will run out of ink.

[TheCrewchief478]

I'm sorry but I ink with brushes but the advice on letting the ink dry is terrible. If you want to keep your tip wash your brushes with brush soap and after it is totally clean add some more soap and let it air dry. Also don't lick it, keep a cup of fresh water by you and rinse your brush off in it from time to time. Especially if you have to stop for a few minutes to do something and then at the end of your session or day clean as above. I will say however the not moving your wrist is good adv

[88riddlemethis]

I love how people come here obviously to learn something about inking and they tell you that you are not cleaning your brush right. Lol, that's funny.

[eveyy393]

michael cera??

[DangerMcDeathface]

I have been trying a variation on the ink drying thing. I have this cleaning solution I made, and I dip the brush in for a bit to get the excess ink off, then I wipe it and let the ink inside the bristles dry, keeping the form of the brush. Very useful video, and I thank you. I am an aspiring cartoonist, and any bit of help I can get is is appreciated.

[lordtoranaga]

@NickGuy0320

oh how quick we all are to criticize a technique without actually trying the technique.

[Diego1999ist]

Great vid!

[jerkONaLease]

...so thats why my ink smells...



[ritter89]

Nice tutorial. I've found that for beginners choking up on the brush handle (as far as possible) resolves 90% of their technical problems. It gives the artist more control over line weight and application. Many novices instinctively hold the brush loosely and grip near the middle (great for painting but inking not so much) which causes shaky application and uneven line weights. After experimenting with choke technique for a bit, most people can loosen up as they gain more confidence

[akirakhan1]

CAN SOME ONE PLZ TELL ME HOW TO SHARPENN A STABLE BRUSH TIP? PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ­ZZZZZZZ

[Miganishi]

Recently I learned how to ink with brush, but by that time I had been already too used to dip pens so... XD Nice vid, you should upload more stuff, like tips on how correct mistakes or whatever.