Crossword Genius

Describes cartoonist's sketch, perhaps, of writer with item of stationery (3-3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pen-and-ink

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'item of stationery' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'describes cartoonist's sketch perhaps of writer with' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'writer' could be 'pen' (something which writes) and 'pen' is located in the answer.
'with' could be 'and' and 'and' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ink' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for pen-and-ink that I've seen is " Writing essentials?".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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