Ink Sticks are made by mixing carbon particles with a glue or gum base and water to create a dense black liquid. The liquid is then dried and formed into small solid sticks. The sticks are ground against an abrasive surface and the dust mixed with water to produce the liquid ink. Ink sticks are easier and cleaner to transport than liquid inks.

Liquid Inks are made in the same manner as stick inks but without the drying and reliquifying process. Liquid inks come in two forms: nonwaterproof and waterproof. They are made the same way, except that shellac or rosin is added for waterproof inks.

Ink Techniques: All inks use the same techniques: One method is to apply the ink to the drawing surface with a pen. There are several types of pens:

- Reed Pens, used to create wide, short, bold marks
- Quill Pens, used to create blunt, medium or fine marks. Quill pens are very durable and the tip can be made finer by sharpening against an abrasive.
- Metal Pens, with nibs that are made in varied styles and create a wide variety of marks
- Fountain Pens, which have a well of ink built in that automatically allows ink to flow to the nib.

Another method is to use a brush to apply the ink to the drawing surface. The line drawn by the brush is controlled by the angle at which it is held and the amount of ink used.

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