Inking devices

[Ian Miller]

I was wondering today about what types of devices you guys might use for inking.

I originally only used ink pens for inking stories, including buildings, panels, and other things, but then I found that using brushes to fill in large black areas helps a lot, too, which is kinda obvious. I also found that using a regular ballpoint pen on panel borders and buildings and stuff, since they really didn't need any depth or line thickness difference. I also just got some Pigma pens which I use for thin detail lines in sketches and buildings in real comic pages I ink. I also use ballpoint pens for filling in borders of black areas where it's too thin for a brush to fill.

Also, I read something by Gerry Alanguilan about a type of thick tracing paper that some inker uses. You just put it over the pencilled art board, and you can preserve the pencils while having a thick, durable inking surface. What's this stuff called?

Anyway, what do you guys use for inking?

[Ragelion]

Well, I am not your traditional inker. I know some would say "thats not how you do it", Hey I think I get the jobs done ok.
My hands are WAY too shakey when it comes to a brush or quilled pens, I feel more in control or a REAL pen, but again...that is just me. So here is mainly what I use:
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/1134010

[Ian Miller]

A bendable straight edge! Who'd've thought of such a thing existing! where can one be purchased, and how much are they? That may be cool for my inking.

[Ragelion]

I got that at Office Max, but other office supply stores likes Staples may care it. Any Art store if in your area would have it as well.

[Ian Miller]

That's really far out. So it's bendy-like, right? does it provide perfect straight edges? It looks kinda mushy from the pic.

[Ragelion]

It can go straight..but I wouldnt use it as a straight edge like a ruler. It is like soft lead wrapped around soft plastic

[Baloodoo Bill]

Originally posted by UniverseX259 Also, I read something by Gerry Alanguilan about a type of thick tracing paper that some inker uses. You just put it over the pencilled art board, and you can preserve the pencils while having a thick, durable inking surface. What's this stuff called?

Drafting Film. Takes a little getting used to as it's SUPER SLICK and the surface you ink on is raised from the image but, because it's clear, you don't notice till your brush hits the surface before you're ready. Also, it soaks oils out of your skin so use a sheet of copy paper under your hand or a cel painters glove (a thin cotton glove with all the fingers cut off except the pinky.) The best part is, ink erases easily with a special, yellow, non abrasive eraser. No more whiteout for big booboos.

[Ian Miller]

So it's called drafting film? Do you know where this stuff can be found?

[Jeremy Colwell]

Start to finish with Wacom. I used to use brushes, dip pens, Microns, sharp sticks...basically anything that would make the mark I wanted. Now I get all the variety without the mess or potential for injury!

Jeremy

[Baloodoo Bill]

Originally posted by UniverseX259
So it's called drafting film? Do you know where this stuff can be found?

If you can't find it at the Art Store a Drafting Supply Store will do.

Don't confuse it with Drafting VELLUM, which is high quality tracing paper. Vellum buckles heavily under ink, although if you're a "large black areas last" kinda' guy it may be ok. Also, because Vellum is paper, it absorbs ink and can't be erased.

A correction on my earlier post: Film doesn't "absorb" oils from your hand (or ink either, which is why it can be erased), it readily accepts the "transfer" of oils. Wiping it with Rubber Cement Solvent will clean the oil off. The solvent then dissipates in a few seconds.