How to create ink splat effects using real inks and brushes! No computers. No AI.
Sometimes the most creative art techniques are the messiest and the most fun. In this post, we’re going brush first into the messy and unpredictable world of ink splattering. Whether you’re an artist looking for dynamic textures or a designer needing raw, organic ink effects for digital or physical projects, this hands-on method for creating ink splat effects is a way to help you get started.
Grab your black ink, a few basic art tools, and get ready to make a mess … in the best possible way.
How to create ink splat effects – the short answer overview
To create organic ink splats, you will need to be prepared with a small range of basic materials and surface protection! However, you do not need to spend the earth on equipment or have an art degree to make a mess! To create ink splats, you will need a suitable covering for tables and surfaces. Plain paper, ink, and a brush! It can also be beneficial to have a pot of water or a tissue to clean up any spills and excesses, too.
As a summary on how to create ink splats, start with the following:-
- Cover and protect surfaces! Spattering ink can ruin furniture and walls, and can be very hard to clean once dry.
- Position your paper.
- Select a brush that can be dipped into an ink pot! You will want the ink to run!
- Now, daub, spatter, and dropper the ink onto your paper to create a variety of messy shapes.
This is a simplified overview of how to create ink-splat effects on cheap plain paper. You don’t need much in the way of materials or skill to start making an inky mess for your art project. I do encourage you to continue reading and watching more tips and tricks as I go into greater detail about creating ink splats, with examples of what I have created.
You may also be interested in watching my first ropey video or how to create ink-splattering effects on paper.
Step 1 ) How to create ink splat effects | Getting Started
To get started with creating ink spatter effects, you will need very little in terms of equipment, materials, or planning for that matter!
You only need a few simple materials:
- Ink
- Plain white paper (cheap reams are fine for experimenting)
- Paintbrush (dampened slightly)
- Toothbrush or bristle brush
- Gloves (optional, but highly recommended)
- Water (for diluting the ink and cleaning your brush)
- A protective surface or tray (to contain the splatter)
- Tissue paper
There are plenty of other materials you can consider playing with, but for now, keep it minimal and simple. And cheap.
Step 2 ) Experiment with Basic Brush Techniques
Start with a slightly damp paintbrush and dip the tip directly into your ink pot. Remove the brush from the pot. Now apply the brush tip onto your white paper and observe how the ink behaves.
You’ll notice different effects depending on the moisture level of the brush and the ink. On one side, you’ll see deeper, darker pools of ink, which can look amazing when isolated and used digitally—think Photoshop overlays or as texture in a mixed media piece.
Water can be a great way of diluting and softening your spatters, either by adding transparency to your marks or by creating mottling and bleeding with your ink. When applying water and ink directly, the contrast between concentrated and diluted ink adds an interesting complexity variation to your page.
Brushing Ink
This direct method is a simple case of dipping your brush into the ink pot and dropping it onto the paper. You can then smear the ink into random blobs or shapes or add more ink to create heavier saturation or layering! When learning how to create ink splat effects, experimentation is key.
Droppering Ink onto paper
Soak your brush tip in your black ink. Remove your brush from the pot and then hover your brush over the paper so that the tip is more than 10 cm above the paper. Try to tease the ink from the end of the brush to fall onto the paper. This will create ‘ink splashes’ with impact marks.
You can encourage the ink from your brush by either tapping the brush or by gently flicking downwards onto the paper. But be mindful not to get ink on any surfaces. You may also wish to wear a glove.
How to create ink splat effects – Other tips, tricks & tools
From using a bristle brush to blowing the ink around the paper, there are tricks and techniques you can use when experimenting with inks. These additional tips are listed below.
Tip 1: Using a Toothbrush to Create Epic Spattering Effects
When creating ink splatter effects, don’t forget a toothbrush! Yes, a toothbrush. Preferably one you will never want to use again!
To create dramatic spatter effects with ink, use a toothbrush or a stiff-bristled brush. Using a stiff-bristled brush can be a great way of creating fine spattering or spray effects with ink. Just be mindful of where you are spraying. It can be almost impossible to remove ink from soft furnishings and painted surfaces – even more so when the ink dries. So be careful!
To start creating a spatter effect, dip your (old and unused ) toothbrush into your ink pot. Remove some of the excess ink.
Hold the brush away from you – between 5 – 10 cm from you, paper is a good distance to experiment with.
Use your finger or another tool to flick the bristles over your paper to see the effect come to life.
Alternate between distance and vigour to see a range of energetic spatters and sprays that vary in size and shape. Changing pressure and angle will offer more variety when spraying and spattering your ink.
This process creates a raw, expressive aesthetic that’s perfect for backgrounds, abstract compositions, or just experimenting. Some practice is required to master the amount of ink to spatter ratio when working with this technique.
I have used this effect on a range of projects to create blood spatter effects, general dirge, and to add texture to my ink drawings. It’s enormously fun, but can also be messy.
Tip 2: How to create ink splat effects … blown away!
This is a great technique for creating running liquid effects, streaks, and blooms on paper. This technique is simple, all you need is ink, a lung full of air and paper.
Apply the ink to the paper either using a brush or a dropper.
Before the ink dries, blow on it and move the wet ink around the paper! You would be surprised by the interesting patterns and effects that come from using this method. The result is often unpredictable, spontaneous, and incredibly cool. However, it can also be very difficult to control!
You can also tweak this technique by waiting to blow the ink at different stages of dryness.
To move the ink in a particular direction, you will need to blow the ink away from you.
Also, remember not to place your face too close to the ink when you blow it.
When one learns methods on how to create ink splat effects and blowing ink, some mess is expected. But you should avoid getting your ink on your face, or worse, in your eyes from an overzealous blow!
Protection for your eyes is good practice when employing this technique.
Give yourself some distance from the ink when using this technique, or you can consider blowing through a straw.
Tip 3: Layering Your Ink – Ink on Ink
After your first layer of ink has dried (or even while it’s still wet, for more bleeding effects), add more layers with ink. This method can create range and depth to your ink drawings.
You can also mix in a small amount of water to dilute your ink to create variation in tone and opacity. You can further build depth by building layers when the layers beneath have dried.
If you want an even messier result, try blobbing ink directly onto the paper with your brush or an eyedropper. Then let gravity and time do the rest.
Playing with opacity and treating the ink like a watercolour wash can be a great approach when creating ink spattering and layers.
After your first layer of ink has dried (or even while it’s still wet, for more bleeding effects), add more layers with ink. This method can create range and depth to your ink drawings.
You can also mix in a small amount of water to dilute your ink to create variation in tone and opacity. You can further build depth by building layers when the layers beneath have dried.
If you want an even messier result, try blobbing ink directly onto the paper with your brush or an eyedropper. Then let gravity and time do the rest.
Playing with opacity and treating the ink like a watercolour wash can be a great approach when creating ink spattering and layers.
Word of Warning: If Using Cheap Printer Paper!
Using cheap printer paper can cause wrinkling or bubbling when wet. If this bothers you, consider switching to:
- Thicker paper or watercolour paper
- Cardstock
- Mounting your paper on a firm backing to minimize warping
The wrinkling can be more problematic when it forms over larger areas. Wrinkling paper can be exacerbated if you add too much water to your ink.
It should also be noted that the wrinkles will not vanish when the paper and ink dry! If you are working with thin paper, the tension marks are likely to stay.
Creative Uses for Ink Splatters
Ink splats are not just fun to make! They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of projects. Such as this project I have put together for an up-and-coming Kickstarter.
Here are a few ideas:
- Digital art overlays: Scan your splatters and use them as texture or background elements in Photoshop or Illustrator.
- Greeting cards or zines: Add visual interest with handmade ink effects. Ideal for the graphic designers out there!
- Mixed media collages: Use your dried ink splats as cut-out elements.
- Mood boards or journals: Ink textures are perfect for setting an emotional tone or raw aesthetic.
These are just some of the uses for your ink splats! There will be a wide plethora of other uses which are not listed here.
How to create ink splat effects – the entire process is about experimentation and play. There’s no right or wrong outcome—only curiosity, surprise, and maybe a little ink on your shirt or table… and certainly on your fingers if you did not where a glove!
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just someone looking to loosen up creatively, splattering ink is a great way to break free from perfectionism and enjoy the process. It is surprisingly therapeutic.
So get messy, try new techniques, and share your creations!
How to create ink splat effects | Thank you for reading
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See you next time—and keep creating!
Other interesting posts around using inks
How to create ink splat effects – other pen drawings you may be interested in looking at.
All artwork, text and information on this page copyrighted by JD illustration – Jimm Odell – ( James ) cannot be shared, used for professional or personal use without prior consent or purchasing a license. ( external website for license information )
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