Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink

Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink

Cobalt Blue
£14.00
£14.00
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Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
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  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
  • Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink
Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink

Nicker Poster Colour — Japanese Animation Ink

Nicker Poster Colour is the water-based opaque illustration ink used by Japanese animation studios for decades — available in 12 individual colours chosen specifically for their use in professional illustration and animation production.
Ink Type

Poster colour, water-based, opaque
Volume

40ml wide-mouth jar per colour
Waterproof
Opacity

Fully opaque at full strength
Finish

Matte when dry
Additinal Spec

Thinnable: Yes, with water — consistent wash opacity
Origin

Japan, Nicker Colour Co.
£14.00
£14.00
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
ColourCobalt Blue

No guide assigned.
Shipping

Packaging: 

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners. 


Order Processing Times: 

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping: 

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking: 

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio. 
Returns

30-Day Change of Mind: 

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods: 

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs: 

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods: 

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.


How to Start a Return: 

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item
The Nib Safety Net

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

  • Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
  • Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
  • The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
  • Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
  • Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

The ink behind Japanese animation

When Hayao Miyazaki's studio needed colours that held their character across hundreds of animation cels, they reached for Nicker. The poster colour range has been a production standard in Japanese animation since the mid-twentieth century — not because it was the only option, but because nothing else behaved as consistently across the range of applications professional production demands.

A curated range, not a complete one

The full Nicker range runs to 77 colours. We stock 12 — the colours that a professional illustration palette actually requires. This isn't a compromise; it's a decision. Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Prussian Blue, Carmine, Lemon Yellow, Chrome Yellow, Scarlet Lake, Burnt Sienna, Chrome Green, Orange, French Gray, and Black. The colours professional animators reach for most, chosen because they mix predictably and cover completely.

Honest Note:

Dries quickly — keep lid sealed between sessions. If surface skins, remove skin; paint beneath is usually still usable. Thin with water only. Not suitable for pens or fountain pens. Designers White has a standalone product page for its use in calligraphy and botanical illustration.

Who is it For?

  • Illustrators working in opaque media over ink linework
  • Animation and character designers
  • Anyone who uses gouache for colour work and wants to try the animation studio standard
  • Illustrators who need colours that cover completely in one pass

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

What is Nicker Poster Colour used for?

Nicker Poster Colour is an opaque water-based ink used for illustration and animation production — applied with a brush for character colour work, background painting, and mixed media layering over inked linework.

How is Nicker different from regular gouache?

The formulation is optimised for consistency across large production runs — the pigment load and binder ratio produce a more consistent opacity between batches than most gouache ranges. It was designed for studio production, not fine art painting.

Which colours should I start with?

For an illustration working palette, start with White, Black, Cobalt Blue, Carmine, and Lemon Yellow. These five mix to cover the full colour range needed for character illustration and give you a direct understanding of how the colours behave before expanding.

Works perfectly with....