Based in Cebu, a province of the Philippines, Troublemaker Inks are a small ink studio producing some very exciting products. They have recently sent me their four newest colours which are very pleasing indeed…





The first thing you notice about these inks is the packaging – a stylish minimalist paper wrapper bound with rough twine giving a strong design contrast and more minimalism on the bottle labels with charming animal icons and type.

But for me, it’s the inks that matter and these don’t disappoint:

Milky Ocean – A Royal blue that when dropped onto a wetted watercolour paper bleeds out pink, blue and bright turquoise. No sheen in evidence. A strong white gold effect when subjected to bleach. Hints of Sailor 143?

Abalone – A deep blue grey that when dropped onto a wetted watercolour paper bleeds out pink, dark blue, greys and green turquoise. No sheen in evidence. A strong white gold effect when subjected to bleach. Hints of Sailor 123 & 243?

Petrichor – A deep grey that when dropped onto a wetted watercolour paper bleeds out pink, dark greys and green turquoise. No sheen in evidence. A strong white gold effect when subjected to bleach. Hints of KWZ Lux Grey?

Kelp Tea – A deep olive that when dropped onto a wetted watercolour paper bleeds out ruts, browns and greens. No sheen in evidence. A strong white gold effect when subjected to bleach.

What is so satisfying for me about these is the sensitivity of the inks. I have alluded to their similarities with certain inks made by Sailor and KWZ which are also worth checking out (use the search button to find reviews on this blog).

The image above was created using Petrichor. Simple, subtle and just beautiful to look at. Great colours. So, if you’re looking for inks with great chromatic qualities and a good tonal range that you can write and illustrate a travel, art or diary journal with, these would appear to be made for the job. I’ll certainly be taking these with me to France for that very purpose, and I’ll post the results accordingly.

All tests on Bockingford Rough 200lb watercolour paper with handwriting using a Noodler’s Creeper pen.

Many thanks to Troublemaker Inks for sending me the samples.

WORKSHOP – I have been asked to run a fountain pen ink illustration workshop at the Huguenot Museum in Rochester, Kent, England on Saturday 28th September 2019. For anyone who is planning to do the INKTOBER challenge this year and can get to the workshop, I will be offering top tips on how to maximise your ink skills. Loads of inks to try (including these)! For further info please email Hannah Birkett: learning@huguenotmuseum.org

Swatch cards are now available to buy. Click for details. If you’d like to know how to create these yourself, why not check out my tutorials course? Click for details.

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