St Cuthberts Mill : Inktober Inspiration: Creating with Watercolour Paper

Rhinoceros by Kim Whitby,
ink on Saunders Waterford

Every October, artists around the globe take on the creative challenge of Inktober - an initiative founded by Jake Parker that encourages daily ink drawing throughout the month.

What began as a personal project has grown into an international celebration of creativity, discipline, and artistic expression, filling Instagram feeds and sketchbooks with an astonishing variety of artwork.

Making the most of Inktober

One of the joys of Inktober is the official prompt list, released each year as inspiration for daily drawings. From single words to evocative themes, these prompts spark imagination and encourage artists to explore new directions. If you’re taking part this October, we encourage you to:

Ink drawing with watercolour
on Saunders Waterford
by Anne @mapetiteusinebricole

Follow the prompts: They’re a wonderful way to stretch your creativity and break out of your comfort zone.

Set a rhythm: Even if you can’t complete all 31 days, a regular drawing habit, whether daily or weekly, helps build momentum.

Experiment with tools: Try dip pens, fountain pens, or fine liner pens - revealing new textures and expressive qualities.

Share your journey: Part of the magic of Inktober is the community. Post your work on Instagram or other platforms using the #Inktober hashtag.

Combine ink with washes: For those who enjoy a touch of colour, Saunders Waterford® and Bockingford®’s surface makes it ideal for mixing fine ink lines with delicate watercolour washes.

Ink drawing on Saunders
Waterford by Lois Davidson

Inktober is not just about producing art every day; it’s about embracing the joy of mark-making, pushing personal boundaries, and finding new ways to tell stories through ink. We’re proud that Saunders Waterford is a trusted companion for so many on that journey.

At St Cuthberts Mill, we can’t help but feel a special connection to Inktober. Our watercolour papers have always been about more than just surface and texture, they’re about supporting an artist’s vision from the first stroke to the final detail. And when it comes to ink, many artists choose one of our watercolour papers.

Ink drawing on Bockingford
by Marek Badzynski

All of St Cuthberts Mill’s papers have a dimensional stability that enables them to stay flatter when painted, due to their Mould Made papermaking technology. This makes them so much easier to use when applying lots of lovely ink to the surface.

Our watercolour papers are equally loved by illustrators and ink artists with both Bockingford® and Saunders Waterford® known for their ability to hold fine lines, rich blacks, and expressive washes. The subtle texture of these papers add depth and character to drawings, while its strength and durability means it can withstand hard treatment.