Test 01Tue 27
Nib Test
It all begins at the tip.
Find the nib that suits your hand.
Pen Week 2026 · The Writing Lab
Ink
Test_
Bring colour to your words.
Deep blues, unexpected tones, shading and surprising sheen. Ink can completely transform the personality of your writing. Explore the possibilities and find the one that feels most like you.
Find your ink
TEST 05 / 06 · 31 OCTOBER
02 — Ink
The same word.
Endless ways to express it.
Ink is much more than the colour we leave on the page.
It can change the intensity of a word, create variations within a single stroke or reveal an unexpected sheen as it dries.
It also affects how your pen flows and how it feels to write.
And, most fascinating of all, you can transform the experience without changing pens. Sometimes all it takes is a different ink.
01 — COLOUR
How many blues are there?
One blue can be deep and elegant. Another, bright and vibrant. Some lean towards turquoise. Others have grey or violet undertones.
And the same goes for greens, reds, browns and blacks. Colour can completely change the personality of our words.
Classic tones
Blacks, blues and understated colours for elegant, versatile writing.
Expressive tones
Greens, turquoises, burgundies and vivid colours for writing with real personality.
Special tones
Unexpected combinations and nuances that invite you to experiment.
Some inks show lighter and darker areas within the same word. This effect is known as shading.
It adds depth and lets each stroke carry subtle variations in intensity.
The result also depends on the nib and the paper.
Imagine writing with a dark blue ink and discovering reddish glints as it dries. This effect is known as sheen.
It happens with certain inks when the dye builds up on the surface of the paper and reflects a different colour.
A detail that can change the look of a word entirely.
Shimmer inks contain glittering particles that reflect the light.
They’re especially appealing for journaling, cards and creative projects.
Their composition may call for more frequent cleaning and a fountain pen suited to this type of ink.
Not all inks behave the same way. Some offer generous flow and a particularly smooth feel. Others give a drier, more restrained line.
The nib, the feed and the paper also influence the result.
The same fountain pen can write quite differently with nothing more than a change of ink.
For taking notes in a meeting, you might prefer a clearly legible ink that dries relatively quickly.
For your journal, you might enjoy vivid colours, shading or a striking sheen.
Not every ink has to serve the same purpose. And that’s the beauty of having a choice.
Iguana Magazine · Writing guide
Much more than a colour.
Discover how ink transforms your writing.
Did you know that an ink can show different intensities, reveal glints of another colour or contain tiny glittering particles? Explore the effects that make each ink different, and how the nib, the paper and the flow shape the final result.
03 — The experiment
Now it’s your turn.
Which ink suits your writing?
You’ve seen some of the possibilities the world of ink has to offer. Now it’s time to find out which colours and finishes come closest to your own taste.
Ink Test · 3 questions
Three questions. Three choices.
One personalised recommendation.
- 01Which colours do you prefer?
- 02Which finish appeals to you?
- 03What would you use your ink for?
04 — The results
Your words have
a colour of their own.
Discover the inks that may suit your personality.
Result 01 — Classic and professional
The elegance of the essential.
You’re drawn to understated colours and well-defined lines.
Classic inks can give you versatility and a timeless look for everyday writing.
Your trait
Elegance
Ink · Classic and professional
A selection for you
We’ve selected inks whose colours and finishes may match your preferences.
[Ink bottle photo]
Classic tones · 01[Brand · Ink][Price]
[Ink bottle photo]
Classic tones · 02[Brand · Ink][Price]
[Ink bottle photo]
Classic tones · 03[Brand · Ink][Price]
[Ink bottle photo]
Classic tones · 04[Brand · Ink][Price]
Your result is meant as a guide. The final look of an ink also depends on the nib, the paper and the writing conditions. Some special-effect inks need extra care.
05 — Iguana Personal Advisor
Your formula is personal.
So is our advice.
The Writing Lab tests are the starting point for discovering your preferences. But choosing a fountain pen also means finding the one that suits your hand, your writing and the way you like to use it.
Thinking of buying a fountain pen?
Our team of specialists can help you choose, with your needs, preferences and budget in mind.
ONLINE · BY APPOINTMENT
Speak to a specialist
Book an appointment with our team for personalised advice.
Book an appointment06 — The Writing Lab · Special experience
Your handwriting says a lot about you.
Because everyone’s handwriting is as unique as they are.
At The Writing Lab we explore writing instruments, but there’s something that makes them truly personal: the way you write.
Graphology invites us to look at the strokes, slant and size of our letters and explore what they might suggest about our personality.
Graphology offers interpretations for guidance only, not scientifically validated personality assessments.
07 — Analysis
The tests
Six ways to explore your writing. Find out which features suit you best through short interactive experiences.
Take the test
Test 02Wed 28
Material Test
Touch writes too.
Find the material that feels like you.
Test 03Thu 29
Design Test
Your style writes too.
Find the design that says who you are.
Test 04Fri 30
Filling Test
Every pen has its ritual.
Find your filling system.
Test 05Sat 31
Ink Test
Bring colour to your words.
Find the ink that’s unmistakably you.
Test 06Sun 1
Balance Test
Weight changes the feel.
Discover your ideal pen weight.