If you find yourself wanting to create calligraphy but have no idea where to start, then this is precisely the blog post for you! I’ll walk you through which supplies to buy, how to hold the pen, videos on assembly and use, and how to practice.
Over the past few years, I have taught several beginners’ modern calligraphy workshops and answered countless calligraphy questions via email. Those experiences have taught me that there is a need for a blog post like this one: a post that shows you where to start learning from scratch! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to learn modern calligraphy in a few simple steps.
1. Master Faux Calligraphy
Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You?
I believe that “faux calligraphy” — modern calligraphy created with a standard (ballpoint, gel, etc.) pen — is the best introduction to dip pen calligraphy. I advocate starting with faux calligraphy for two reasons:
A standard pen is approachable and non-intimidating. You’ve been using it all your life, and can use it to start building calligraphy muscle memory that will come in handy later!
Faux calligraphy isn’t just for beginners. No matter what your level is, faux calligraphy can come in handy for a variety of projects like the Amy Style place card below!
Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You? | The Postman’s Knock
Every TPK printable calligraphy worksheet starts with a faux calligraphy section. If you don’t currently own any worksheet sets, I would recommend beginning with Amy Style. The Amy is a straight up-and-down script that offers the perfect introduction to both faux and dip pen calligraphy whether you are right- or left-handed! Once you’ve been practicing faux calligraphy for a couple of weeks and feel comfortable with it, you are ready to move on to dip pen calligraphy.
2. Assemble a Modern Calligraphy Dip Pen Starter Kit
The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman’s Knock
You can find a detailed starter kit guide in The Ultimate Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit post, but here’s a basic summary and links to what you need:
2 Nikko G nibs – You can read about why I think this nib is the best beginner nib in this blog post. (Wondering how to tell nibs apart? Look at the etching on the barrel of the nib. That will tell you what the nib is, e.g. “Nikko G”, “Brause EF66”.)
1 straight pen – I use Manuscript pens, which feature a universal insert, in my workshops. Any straight pen will work, though; I love General’s cork grip pens because they also have a universal insert and are comfortable to use!
32# laserjet paper – This paper is cost-effective and prevents ink feathering/bleeding.
Sumi ink, plus a screw-top container to store the ink in. (You can also use India ink.) Both sumi and India inks are opaque inks with a smooth viscosity.
“Art water” – Basically, just fill a cup with water. You’ll use this water to clean off your nib in.
Non-fibrous cloth (such as a dinner napkin) – A paper towel will work as well, but the fibers may catch in your nib every so often.2234567890-
