Method of preparing pigment dispersions

A process for preparing an aqueous pigment dispersion comprising the steps of:

• a) preparing an initial mixture comprising water, a pigment, an organic solvent and a water-soluble polymer as a dispersant to disperse said pigment, wherein said water-soluble polymer has a solubility of greater than 10 grams per 100 grams of water at 25° C., and said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, diethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, ethanol, isopropanol, dibutyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and mixture thereof;
• b) subjecting the initial mixture to a dispersive mixing operation;
• c) milling to reduce particle size;
• and
• d) removing said organic solvent.