If you're an art collector looking for FAQs, that can be found here!
Links for my Original Abstract Art and Commissions pages
There are various questions that I get in my DMs or comments regularly, so I thought I'd share a few of them with you guys here!
What products do you use?
This is probably my most asked question! When I first started out in alcohol inks in 2019, I personally couldn't find a lot of useful information for someone who lives in the UK. Most of the products that are favoured for this medium come from outside the UK, so it's a bit tricky to get started. However, there are suppliers who are getting better at stocking what's needed!
For a lot of my supplies, you can get them on Amazon or Jackson's Art Supplies.
Here are my links for both websites*:
Jackson's Art Supplies Affiliate (If you're a new customer, you'll get 10% off your first order using this link)
As for any brands I use, I always tag the company in my Instagram posts. I will eventually do a blog post which goes into detail about the products I use, but for now the links above are the best way to find what I use.
*I make a very small commission if you buy anything through these links. It doesn't affect your order in anyway but helps me out a little so it is much appreciated if you choose to use these links!
What are alcohols inks?
Alcohol inks are highly pigmented inks which are fast drying. They are alcohol based
(hence the name!) and are commonly associated with the term fluid art. When mixed with isopropyl alcohol or blending solutions, the alcohol will evaporate leaving behind the dye. Unlike some other mediums, the inks can be reactivated by using more alcohol which can create some magical effects and designs. Non-porous surfaces are favoured, but these inks can be used on porous surfaces as well.
Using these types of alcohol-based products requires some safety cautions. Toxic fumes can be created, they’re highly flammable and they can stain. Research is recommended before using this medium.
I’m just starting out with alcohol inks – what are your tips?
Get your basics, your PPE and find a space. Then just have some fun! Honestly, I believe that the magic behind creating artwork comes from just letting go and playing with your supplies. Try only starting off with one or two colours, and build from there when you've developed your technique.
How have you grown your Instagram following?
Firstly, I did not pay for any of my lovely followers! I didn’t even know that was a thing until it was asked of me a few times!
My growth has been organic, and I love that. I am thankful for every single person who has joined me on my creative journey.
I am by no means going to give you the secret to Instagram’s algorithm, because let’s face it does anyone actually know the answer?! And I think there is a lot to dive into when it comes to the suggestions of growing your following, keeping up engagement, etc., so I will write a separate blog post on my experience.
For now, just remember that your follower number is just a number. And it’s all relative – my follower count may be impressive to some but to others is so minor!
Do you do workshops or tutorials?
To put it simply, the answer is no I don't.
This is for two reasons. Firstly, I have spent a long time figuring out how to do what I do and while it is frustrating at times, it’s also what I believe adds to the magic behind my pieces. Everything I do has been created out of experiments then experience. If you're looking to get into alcohol inks, just grab some supplies and start playing! You want to find your own magic!
Secondly, I just simply don't have the time (alongside doing my university degree) or what I feel is the correct set up to take on workshops. I'm actually a very shy person when it comes to new people or situations and am only just getting used to being in front of the camera more and creating videos for social media!
Maybe this answer will change in the future, and I will definitely on occasion create content which features videos of pieces I am working on (who doesn’t love a sped-up reel or time-lapse?!) but right now it’s not in my plans.
Can you give me the link to *insert product here*?
Most of my supplies can be found using the links from the first question.
If there is a particular product or tool you want to know about, I’d first kindly ask that you go through my Instagram feed to any related posts and read the captions or view the tagged accounts first to find brands. Over time, I will update my blog with more resources too. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, then try researching via Google (usually putting in said product/tool + your country works!).
If you still cannot find the information you’re looking for, again I kindly ask that you don’t just send me a message directly asking for the links. Since starting my alcohol ink journey, I have spent endless hours and a questionable amount of money finding products from suppliers that I think work for me. This is all part of the journey.
I don’t mind being asked these kinds of questions at all, but what I do ask is for some respect and appreciation for my time. I often get messages from individuals who haven't asked in a polite manner or have a demanding tone. Usually, these accounts are not following me on my socials and they'll likely not get a response from me. Please remember we're all human - a friendly message isn't too much to ask for!
More importantly - help artists out! Follow their accounts, share their work, engage in their content, show that you actually care about what they have to say. But please remember, even after that if you still don’t get an answer it isn’t out of spite or rudeness – it simply stems down to not every artist wanting to provide all their resources, essentially for free. And that’s okay! Some of us are trying to make a living on our passions. You wouldn't expect a lawyer to give you legal advice for free, and some artists are them same.
I think there's nothing wrong highlighting this and if you're an artist yourself, don't feel the pressure to provide all resources just because you see others doing it. You can also change your mind in the future! That's the beauty of this life, you shouldn't feel tied to the decisions your past self has made.
For now, I think I'll leave it there! I'll add to this post if I think there are any other questions that need answering! And I will hopefully be creating more blog posts in the future.
If you have any suggestions or particular topics you'd like me to cover, then feel free to leave a comment below!
Thanks for reading!
- Rachael