[emilyras]

Now that I’ve tried out my ruling pen, I’m admiring (even more) people who can control it - @melvinfl comes to mind! The line quality.. so beautiful… #inklove

[bastardsecretaries]

Been having fun with this one - give me all the writing tools!

[emilyras]

Another one I like from the flower series I did recently..

[emilyras]

[bastardsecretaries]

The corner of my sketchbook. Playing with a Zebra Disposable Brush Pen, remembering lines from recent conversations.

[emilyras]

Pulled out all of my brush pens today (not that many, I think I need some more 😊 suggestions welcome!) and reacquainted myself with them - it has been oh much too long since I’ve used them. They’re back to stay, because I definitely need a whole lot more practice! And also it’s fun!

[emilyras]

Bit of an awkward crop, but this is where that hand-drawn “Regrow” from last week ended up!

[emilyras]

Excited to share a fun private commission and the reason why I was testing out all the white inks/paints with my dip pen!

[emilyras]

Inking a fun wedding project today with my trusty @kyle.t.webster brushes

[bastardsecretaries]

Working on some calendar lettering

emily

[afldkfj]

Happy New Year!

[bastardsecretaries]

Grinding. A necessary evil on the road to improvement.

Shirong

[bastardsecretaries]

Bleed Proof White is very opaque (in my limited experience)! Much more so than the other whites I've tried - I haven't had to go back over anything except to correct the occasional flow hitch on upstrokes/hairlines. Like anything it's probably about finding the right balance of water - thin enough to flow, but thick enough to be opaque. I've been using it with a Zebra G and it works well - I've heard some nibs work better than others with thick inks/paint but I've only tried this one so far.

[bastardsecretaries]

Hello and a happy 2015 to all!

The above two quotes are attributed to the author of "The Alchemist." When read together they seem to give contradicting advice! So take away what you will. In the end, it's up to each individual as you know your situation and experience better than anyone else.

"The Alchemist" is a book that's hard to resist especially if you've read anything related to its ethereal origins story or the inspiring Foreward from the 25th anniversary release. As an artist, it touched my heart. If you're looking for a quick read and a simple, meditative story on life and one's aspirations, give it a try.

May the new year bring plenty of good omens and creativity into your lives.

Shirong

[bastardsecretaries]

Playing with white ink. After trying a few, Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White is definitely my favorite!

emily

[afldkfj]

Merry Christmas!

[bastardsecretaries]

Merry Christmas from the Bastard Secretaries!

[bastardsecretaries]

My first page of Copperplate practice!

emily

[bastardsecretaries]

Practicing in vermillion. Very fall-appropriate, I think.

emily

[bastardsecretaries]

Playing around with a new logo. Our tumblr also has a new look, so check it out!

Shirong