The creative process behind every great product is often a beautiful blend of collaboration, experimentation, and a dash of inspiration. This was exactly the case with one of our creations: an innovative ink pot holder for dip pen enthusiasts, affectionately called "Tilt." This unique accessory was inspired by a brief from the incredibly talented Grania of Ink & Paper Design (@inkandpaper_ldn), who gave us a fascinating challenge: create an ink pot holder that allows the user to tilt the pot without needing to remove it from the holder.
At first glance, it sounds simple, but when you consider the precision and care required during delicate dip pen work, the solution needed to be more than functional—it had to be intuitive. The goal was to make sure the ink pot could tilt effortlessly with a gentle nudge, even by using the nib of the pen, as some of our videos have demonstrated. The result is a tool that enhances both the creative experience and the practical workflow for dip pen artists.
The Product: Tilt—The Perfect Companion for Dip Pen Work
Designed specifically for medium-sized 15ml ink pots, Tilt is a multi-functional accessory that keeps the ink pot securely in place while offering the versatility to switch between two positions: flat and angled. A full ink pot sits snugly and safely in the flat position, ensuring that your focus remains solely on your work. As the ink starts to run low, simply nudge the pot into its angled position, and it shifts seamlessly, making it easy to access every last drop of ink.
One of the standout features is the ability to transition between positions without ever needing to remove the ink pot itself. This was a core part of Grania’s original vision, and we’re thrilled to have brought it to life. Alternating between flat and angled requires only an intentional nudge—no more interruptions to your flow or messy ink spills from having to handle the pot directly.
Additionally, Tilt comes with a built-in pen rest at the front, offering even more convenience to keep your workspace organized and functional.
The Collaborative Journey
Working with Grania was not only a privilege but a deeply enriching experience. From the moment she approached us with her brilliant idea, we began a journey of iteration, testing, and refinement. Early prototypes were sent to Grania for real-world feedback, and her keen eye for detail was instrumental in fine-tuning the design. We wanted to ensure that the final product met both her high standards and the practical needs of artists everywhere.
Her feedback was invaluable. Through numerous back-and-forth exchanges, we improved the tilting mechanism, the pen rest, and the overall user experience. The result is something we’re incredibly proud of—a product that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
A Big Thank You
We owe a huge thank you to Grania for her creativity, guidance, and invaluable feedback throughout this process. This project wouldn’t have been possible without her passion for design and commitment to elevating the tools available to the dip pen community. We encourage everyone to check out her incredible work on her website [Ink & Paper Design](https://www.inkandpaperdesign.co.uk) and follow her journey on Instagram: @inkandpaper_ldn.
The Tilt ink pot holder is more than just a product—it’s a testament to what can be achieved through thoughtful collaboration and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your dip pen journey, we’re confident that this little accessory will make a big difference in your creative process.