Quirky Ink & Watercolor Illustration Process
My Ink and Watercolor Illustration Process (Even If It Doesn’t Look Like One)
If you’re looking for a clean, step-by-step ink and watercolor illustration process…
this might not be that.
But if you’ve ever wondered how whimsical dark art actually comes together—this is probably closer to the truth.
It Starts Messy (On Purpose)
Most of my pieces don’t begin with a polished sketch.
They start with something loose, uneven, and a little bit off.
A crooked house.
A character with too-long limbs.
Something that feels like it exists just slightly outside reality.
When I’m sketching, I’m not thinking about perfection. I’m trying to catch a feeling before it disappears. Overthinking at this stage usually kills the idea.
So I keep it rough.
Inking Is Where It Becomes Real
Once I move into pen and ink, everything shifts.
This is the part of the process where things either come together. Or don’t.
There’s no undo. No fixing it later.
It’s the most dramatic but also scariest part. What you put down is permanent-ish. You can always paint over it if need be but the imperfect parts are what makes the piece perfect.
The uneven lines, the slight wobble, the variation in weight… that’s where the personality shows up. Clean lines can be nice, but I’m more interested in lines that feel alive.
Watercolor Does Its Own Thing
After ink comes watercolor—and this is where I let go of control a bit.
If you’re searching for watercolor techniques, mine is basically this:
guide it, but don’t fight it.
Paint spreads. Colors bleed. Edges soften.
Sometimes it does exactly what I want.
Sometimes it does something better.
That unpredictability is part of the final piece. It adds a layer you can’t really plan.
There’s No “Perfect” Finish
I don’t aim for perfect.
I stop when it feels like the piece has settled into itself. Like it belongs in its own strange little world.
Something slightly eerie.
A little whimsical.
But still… inviting enough to look twice.
My Watercolor Supply List
I don’t use anything fancy. I don’t believe you have to go into debt to create art.
I use 140lb watercolor paper, Arteza watercolor tubes, and synthetic watercolor brushes.
I use paper towels to blot or add texture. I use white gel pens and Micron black pens for inking and details.
Everything I have I’ve gotten off Amazon.
You don’t have to overcomplicate this.
Just make something.
Anything.
If You’re Trying to Find Your Own Style
A lot of people look for a structured art process because it feels safer.
But not having one - at least not a rigid one - can actually be the thing that helps your style stand out.
Don’t fight to find a style. Your style will come with time.
And mistakes.
And lots and LOTS of work.
Let it be a little messy.
Let it be inconsistent.
That’s usually where the interesting stuff lives.
If you’re drawn to this kind of ink and watercolor illustration style and want something created just for you, you can check out my commission page or reach out directly.
I’m always open to bringing a little weird to someone else’s idea.