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 color 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 · OCTOBER 31
02 — Ink
The same word.
Endless ways to express it.
Ink is much more than the color 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 the most fascinating part? You can transform the experience without changing pens. Sometimes all it takes is a different ink.
01 — COLOR
How many blues are there?
One blue can be deep and elegant. Another, bright and vibrant. Some lean toward turquoise. Others have gray or violet undertones.
And the same goes for greens, reds, browns, and blacks. Color can completely change the personality of our words.
Classic tones
Blacks, blues, and understated colors for elegant, versatile writing.
Expressive tones
Greens, turquoises, burgundies, and vivid colors for those seeking 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 color.
A detail that can completely transform the look of a word.
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 offer different experiences simply by changing 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 colors, 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 color.
Discover how ink transforms your writing.
Did you know that an ink can show different intensities, reveal glints of another color, or contain tiny glittering particles? Learn about the effects that set each ink apart, and how the nib, the paper, and the flow shape the final result.
03 — Experiment
Now it’s your turn.
Which ink suits your writing?
You’ve explored some of the possibilities the world of ink has to offer. It’s time to find out which colors and finishes come closest to your own taste.
Ink Test · 3 questions
Three questions. Three choices.
One personalized recommendation.
- 01Which colors do you prefer?
- 02Which finish appeals to you?
- 03What would you use your ink for?
04 — Results
Your words have
a color 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 colors 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 colors 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
Talk to a specialist
Schedule a consultation with our team for personalized 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 what makes them personal is 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 suits 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 color to your words.
Find the ink that feels like you.
Test 06Sun 1
Balance Test
Weight changes the experience.
Find your ideal pen weight.