After I wrote The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy, I received some questions via email and comments that led me to believe a follow-up post would be helpful. Let me begin by saying that if you’re completely new to calligraphy, I wouldn’t invest in a dip pen just yet. Instead, you might consider building up muscle memory with a regular pen and a faux calligraphy technique. Not only will your hands become accustomed to forming letters without hesitation/trepidation, but you will also gain an understanding of upstrokes and downstrokes.
You probably know that I nearly always use an oblique calligraphy pen to create modern calligraphy. However, I don’t recommend jumping straight from a regular {meaning: ballpoint, gel, etc.} pen to an oblique pen. Instead, you’ll do yourself a favor by purchasing/using a regular straight pen.
There are lots of great places to get one; I, of course, love my Rodger’s Pen Box straight pen, but you can get away with buying a standard, cheap straight pen made from whatever material — for example, this one. The important thing is that the pen has a metal insert like the one pictured below to hold the nib.
The metal insert basically just ensures that the pen can accommodate whatever type of nib you want it to. If you have a pen without this insert {like the Speedball plastic pens}, you can still use certain nibs {e.g. the Nikko G}, but you’ll have a difficult time fitting others in.
Which brings me to my next topic: nibs.
Someone wrote asking if it’s weird that they are completely attached to their Blue Pumpkin nib. The answer is a resounding “no”. It’s completely normal to identify favorites and only want to use them. I, personally, use the Brause EF66 nib 90% of the time. The other 10%, I am using one of the nibs covered in this blog post, or the Leonardt Principal EF, which I was recently introduced to. You should use what you’re comfortable with; not only will it make your calligraphy experience more pleasant, but it will make your work look better.
If you have just approached the point where you are ready for nibs and you’re completely stuck on which ones to buy, here’s the list I recommend. Buy one of each to start {nibs are cheap!}:
- Nikko G: This is arguably the best beginner nib because it’s strong, its tines aren’t super flexible {which means they won’t catch on your paper as much}, and it gives you consistently thin hairlines.
- Brause Steno {“The Blue Pumpkin”}: I use this to write in print because it gives me good control. It’s also a good beginner nib because it’s not fussy, but it’s more flexible than the Nikko G.
- Brause Extra Fine 66: My personal favorite. It’s tiny, but not delicate, and allows for itty-bitty upstrokes and thick downstrokes.
I have also recommended the Brause Rose nib in the past; but I am finding that sometimes beginners find it a little bit temperamental; so maybe wait on that one until you have a little more experience under your belt.
Now that your nib queries have {hopefully} been answered, let’s move on to the big question: when should a person start using an oblique pen?
First things first: if you just looked at the photo above and thought to yourself, “What the …?”, then read this blog post.
Now that you’ve read the post above and effectively have the knowledge you need regarding the whats and whys of oblique pens, let’s talk about when you’re ready to use one. My personal opinion is you are ready to use an oblique pen after spending some time acquainting yourself with a straight pen — and that applies to both right-handed people and left-handed people. There are a couple of reasons I recommend this:
- Using a straight pen helps you to determine which nib/s you like, and you can order your oblique pen fitted for that/those nibs.
- You will more easily get the hang of increasing/decreasing pressure to make thick vs. thin lines on a straight pen {since it’s more like the pens you have been using since before kindergarten}.
- Using a straight pen will teach you that you can create calligraphy, which makes it a lot harder to get discouraged when you move on to the oblique pen. Your thought process will be, “OK, I know I can do this with a straight pen, so with some practice I can do it with this pen, too.”
You may be wondering how to hold the oblique pen. You basically just want to hold it such that both tines of the nib are touching the paper evenly.
A closer look:
Lefties, you will hold a left oblique just like this, but mirrored … if that makes sense.
Another question I get a lot concerns ink flow. First, let’s talk about how far to dip, regardless of whether you are using a straight or oblique pen:
You don’t want too little ink on your nib, but you also don’t want too much ink on there. That’s why it’s good to dip halfway up the vent hole {the oval/fleur de lis/whatever-shaped hole in the middle of your nib}. It’s always better to err on the side of too little ink rather than too much. If you’ve got too much ink on there, when you put your nib to the paper, gravity will work its magic and all the heavy ink will rush down to the paper, leaving you with an ink blot {and frustration}. Here’s what my Brause EF66 nib looks like after proper dipping:
If you are having trouble getting your ink to flow, try “kissing” the tip of the nib to water as described in The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy {part one}. If that doesn’t work, you may need to prime your nib. All {metal} calligraphy nibs are treated with a fine oil by the manufacturer to prevent rusting during shipping/storage. Some of that oil may remain on your nib, which will give you difficulty when you try to write.
To get rid of that oil, you can run the nib through a match very quickly. I have used this method before and it works — though it is hotly contested on some calligraphy websites. A less firey method is to clean your nib with a soft toothbrush and, warm water, and dish washing liquid. Dry them off completely, and you’re good to go!
A lot of people ask me about supplies. If you’re wondering which ink and paper I use for calligraphy, check out this blog post.
As far as where to start, I’ll always point beginners to the Learn for a Latté worksheets.
These worksheets are developed to walk you through learning the style from start to finish. First, you begin with faux calligraphy, then you move on to dip pen calligraphy. For those who are unfamiliar with a dip pen, I’d recommend completing the dip pen sections with a straight holder first. Once you get the hang of that, you can move on to an oblique pen, quite easily.
To my absolute delight, I have been seeing a lot of people on Instagram using the worksheets very effectively! One kind soul even made the comment that she had paid a significant amount of money for a calligraphy workshop last summer, and she was learning more with her For a Latté worksheet than she learned in the workshop! {Of course, I can’t find the exact comment on my Instagram … go figure. But I promise she said it! And it made me happy.}
If you’re wondering where to start with the Learn for a Latté worksheets, the truth is you could start with any one of them. However, I would personally choose to learn them in this order:
- The Kaitlin – This is my favorite style to use because it’s so low-maintenance. It doesn’t require measuring guidelines or making sure your slant is just-so. It’s a very modern style, the kind that looks amazing whether it’s on casual snail mail correspondence; or a beautiful letterpress wedding invitation suite.
- The Janet – I like how formal this style looks. It does require a little more fuss because you need to draw guidelines, and the slant matters. The final result, however, is worth the extra trouble.
- Flourish Formal – This was the first worksheet I created; it’s somewhat similar to the Janet, but it isn’t as closely related to copperplate. You can really go crazy with the flourishes, which I {as a flourishy-type person} love.
- The Beth – I create this style with a straight pen {and a Brause Steno nib}, which is why it’s good for beginners. It’s a pretty, modern, no-frills style — though, like Flourish Formal and Janet, it requires guidelines and a consistent stand.
I think that this post pretty much covers all the questions I have received lately — but if I missed something, please, let me know in the comments! If you have any input/advice for learners, also feel free to comment. The comments are one of my favorite parts of having this blog … I learn just as much or more from you as you do from me!
Thanks so much for reading!
Warmest wishes always,
Hi Lindsey! Thank you so much for sharing your skills and knowledge. I’m a total beginner in calligraphy and still trying to get the hang of it, so your blog has been extremely helpful. I apologies if my question sounds dumb, but how do you remove the nib from the holder? Few weeks ago, I joined my very first calligraphy workshop and I received a G nib already inserted into a straight pen. However after reading your blog I realized the nib has not been cleaned properly so I want to remove it and clean it. I’ve been trying to remove it from the pen but it wouldn’t budge at all. I’m afraid that I will break the nib if I pull too hard, but it just wouldn’t come off. How do you take the nib off in general? Or in case of stubborn nib like this. Please let me know if I did anything wrong. Thank you!
Hi Ria! Not a dumb question … I actually noticed that several of my students encountered that very problem in the workshops I taught in Tampa last weekend. The truth is, it takes patience, force, and, if all else fails, some wiggling. I generally firmly pinch the nib (top and bottom, not the sides) and pull as hard as I can. If that hurts my fingers, I find a napkin or towel to help me grip the nib without discomfort. 🙂
Do these worksheets need to be printed out on a certain paper besides common copy paper so it won’t bleed?
Hi Lydia! I would recommend printing the worksheets on 32# laserjet paper. 🙂
So I just dove into the world of calligraphy and started with your Kaitlyn Premium Worksheet. So far, I think I’m doing DECENT for a newbie. I stress “decent” because sometimes I will look at a letter and it doesn’t look like my 5 year old wrote it. I went to the craft store (Hobby Lobby) yesterday just to see what they had for nibs and tools and ended up getting some Speedball C nibs because that’s all they really had. I’m hoping the Nikko G nibs fare better because they aren’t super easy to to me. Thank you for inspiring me to learn how to do this! I’ve always wanted to!
I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’re willing to share your knowledge and skills! The blog posts on beginning are so informative and I love the photos too. This is just the thing I’ve been looking for to get started. Thank you so much!!!
Amanda
I’m so happy the post is helpful to you! Thanks, Amanda!
Hi Lindsey!!
Thanks to your blog, I’m about to start on my calligraphy adventure without being lost on what to get as a beginner.
Would like to ask, after using the calligraphy pen, should I remove the nib from its holder and wash it? Or just leave it alone?
Hi Audrey!
You’ll want to swish the nib in water, then use a non-fibrous cloth to wipe it off. As long as it’s completely dry, you can leave it in the pen, which is what I do. 🙂
Thank you!!
Are there any helpful tips or different techniques for people that are left-handed like me? Thanks!
Hi Kayla!
Lefties all differ so much in the way that they write, that it’s hard to formulate exact tips! That said, in the last workshop I taught, there was a leftie, and she was experiencing a lot of frustration with her straight pen. When she switched to an oblique, a whole new world opened up for her — it was so much easier to write/achieve a proper angle! So, that’s something to keep in mind. 🙂
Hi Lindsey! I’m new to calligraphy and was just wondering what worksheets would be best to begin with, the Amy Style or Kaitlin Style? Thanks!
Hi Alexandra! You could start with either/or, but I recommend the Amy to those who are brand-new to calligraphy because it doesn’t have a slant. You can learn more about both styles, though, in the A Guide to TPK Calligraphy Styles post!
Hello! And thank you for such an amazing website! A total go to for all things calligraphy! I have been learning your Kaitlin style and LOVE it. My question is and I apologise if its been asked, (i cant find the answer). I have seen conflicting information on holding the pen. Ive seen some people say you don’t move your fingers when writing, just your hand, and others say you only move your fingers. Which would you suggest? And thank you!
Hi Talia! The correct advice for a beginner would be to move only your hand (as controlled by your arm/wrist), not your fingers. 🙂
I just decided to start learning Calligraphy and your blog/videos are extremely helpful! So thorough and informative! Thanks! 🙂
It’s my pleasure, Shaunna! You are very welcome!
Hi,
I recently discovered your blog and have really enjoyed reading it! I have a dumb question. If you pour ink into an inkwell, can it be poured back into the original bottle? Does it dry out if not kept covered? And as for the art water, how often should I be rinsing the nip? Do I have to dry it off each time? As you can tell, I am completely new to calligraphy! I look forward to practicing with your worksheets!
Hi Mel! You can pour your ink into your original container if you want; but I prefer to transfer ink permanently to a screw-top jar. It’s easier to keep/pick up to use quickly that way. 🙂 I usually rinse my nib every 1-2 minutes, so you’ll want to do so fairly often, but not every single time you pick up your nib. I hope this helps!
Hi Lindsey,
I’m so grateful for your advice to start with a regular pen first!!! I would like to inprove my handwriting (cursive style) due to printing (drafting style for years!).
Is there any worksheets for faux calligraphy to start with?
Thanks for sharing…
Mya
Hello, Lindsey! What do you think of this oblique pen? Would it be okay for a beginner like me? If so, I will buy it. Hehe. Thanks for your opinion! 🙂
http://thecraftcentral.com/products/peerless-oblique-holder
Hi! Yes, the Peerless holder would be a good choice!
Hello again Lindsey, I’ve ordered my supplies based on your recommendations. While I’m waiting, I’m practicing my Faux Calligraphy and have downloaded the free versions of your worksheets to get a sense of the different styles. While reading your blog, I seem to recall you making a recommendation as to which of your styles was best suited for lefties, but try as I may I can’t seem to locate that information now. Is one of your style sheets better suited for lefties? I’m an “under” writer, not a curled-up-above writer. Thanks so much for all of your great information!
LisaT
Hi Lisa!
The new Amy Style is definitely best for lefties, as it has no slant to try to figure out. Once you master the Amy, it will be easier to move on to styles that do have slant, like the Kaitlin or Janet! 🙂
Lindsey,
Without your website I don’t think I’d have ever attempted calligraphy! Thank you!!
I do have a question, though. Do you happen to have a post about letter height? I’m still confused as to how high to make my capital letters and my tall lowercase letters (ex: “L”, “T”, etc.) Should they be shorter than the capitalized letters? Also how far down should lowercase letters like “Y” and “F” dip?
Grateful for any advice! Thanks again.
-Brittany
Hi Brittany!
Letter height is a matter of personal preference in modern calligraphy; that said, I prefer to make my tall lowercase letters noticeably shorter than my uppercase letters in formal styles like the Janet. I think it gives the calligraphy a bit more elegance that way! However, in more informal styles like Kaitlin, I don’t pay attention to making the tall uppercase letters shorter … with that style, it’s “whatever”. 🙂
As far as how low to dip “y” and “f”, that’s totally up to you! I don’t generally dip them too terribly far; probably half as far down as I “dip” the tall lowercase letters up.
I hope this helps!
What a wonderful blog you have! I’ve been wandering around all morning AND I’ve ordered the beginning supplies you recommended. Yay! I’ll be back to get worksheets when my supplies arrive. Thank you for your informative and inspiring site! 🙂
Thank you! I really enjoy writing it, so it’s my excellent luck that you enjoy reading it! You’ll love your supplies, and the worksheets are designed to help you use those supplies. 🙂 Thanks very much, Julie!
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate this post and part I. I have always loved doodling and in class I am constantly hand-lettering in my notes when I’m bored. I have actually been doing what you call “fake calligraphy” without even knowing it! I’ve been wanting to learn how to do real calligraphy for a while but just felt overwhelmed because I don’t know the first thing about it or where to even begin. I stumbled across your blog last night and I am SO excited to start learning! So, thank you so much for taking the time to write these beginner posts! I will update you on my progress 😉
If you’ve already got faux calligraphy down, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you grasp the concept of dip pen calligraphy! I’m excited to hear updates. 🙂
Hi Lindsey! Thank you for sharing your art and your knowledge to us noobs. I am so glad to have stumbled upon your blog :)) My interest in the art of calligraphy has been reignited and this time I would really like to pursue it. I have been doing the faux calligraphy since high school, back then I simply referred to it as “lettering” but now I am discovering that it can still be improved and that I can create more 🙂 Again, thank you!
If you’re that familiar with faux calligraphy, dip pen calligraphy will come to you relatively easy! Even as you’re learning dip pen calligraphy, you can continue to focus on your faux calligraphy skills to create beautiful things. Sometimes I see photos on Instagram of creations by people who read this blog, and I can’t even tell they were created in faux calligraphy — which is awesome! No matter what, I’m a firm believer in “the end justifies the means” … work how you want to in order to create the effect you like! As long as you like what you’re doing, you’re succeeding. 🙂
wow, your blog is amazing, i am astonished because i had never seen such wonderfull, creative and FREE website. Congratulations its really helpfull, it is just what i wanted to see. I’ll keep looking for new ideas and tutorials. I love calligraphy and typography!
Thank you, Dangelo! I love calligraphy and typography, too, as you probably noticed. 😉 I’m really glad the website is helping you!
Hi Lindsey!! I just started practising calligraphy from you and I am here to express my deepest level of gratitude to you. Your blog-posts are superb and very helpful… leading to exactly where a to-be-pro calligrapher wants to go. Thank you so much for being super kind and guiding me always in the perfect direction. Hope to meet you someday and take your autograph, cuz you are my Guru 🙂 Thank you lots!! God bless you.
I am so happy that you are benefiting from the blog posts! That’s what they are here for, so it’s really nice to hear they are fulfilling their purpose and helping you to learn and improve. I hope to meet you someday, too, and take your calligraphed autograph. 😉 Thank YOU!
I am so happy I found your blog! Pinterest saves the day again. 😉 I’m a very very new beginner, and even though I do mixed media art regularly and I understand that it all takes practice practice practice, I’ve been getting really frustrated with calligraphy. Your posts and worksheets have been so helpful! As per your suggestions, I’m taking a step back and using a cheapie brush pen/marker to learn the letter styles and learn about varying pressure to make the downstrokes, and it has made a huge difference, both in my skill level, and more importantly, my confidence level. I’m not in a hurry anymore to use all the ‘real’ supplies that I bought. Thank you so much for taking the time to put together these posts. They’ve made a world of difference for this newbie!
Hi Tracie!
Pinterest is amazing, right? It influences pretty much every facet in my life, from cooking to fashion to, of course, art. 🙂 Long live Pinterest!
You know, when I first began, I remember thinking, “OK. I’m not good at this, I don’t understand it, and I don’t enjoy it. So, I’m not going to do it.” And for a while, I didn’t do it. Then, I started practicing in a really pleasant environment. I’d make myself a cup of hot tea, set out a few pieces of fruit and chocolate, and put a good movie or TV series on Netflix. The projects I worked on, too, were fun — just casual envelopes for friends. Once I started genuinely enjoying my practice, my calligraphy improved very rapidly! And, yes! There’s no hurry to master your “real” supplies. As long as you are creating handwritten pieces that you like, you’ve already got all the real supplies you need for now. 🙂
Thanks very much, Tracie!
Recently I decided to learn calligraphy and stumbled across your blog. So far your website has been really helpful to me. I started practicing with faux calligraphy and received some nibs and a straight pen for my birthday! I was immediately confused when I took it out of the package. Attached to the nibs is a brass colored piece. It basically slides off. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be a reservoir or a “cover” for the nib. Two of the nibs I received are speedball round B-nibs and they have a similar brass piece, but it doesn’t slide off. Any thoughts?
Hi Briana!
I know exactly what you’re talking about … the nibs look like these, more or less, right? I have a strong hunch that those are reservoirs. I do have some of those nibs, but found that they were weird to work with {they were also a bit wide for my taste}. As a beginner, I would recommend that you start out with the Nikko G!
My grandma taught me how to write calligraphy a few years ago. I loved getting letters from her as a little girl because the second I saw it I knew it was hers. For years now I’ve been using only one font and only markers and pens. Thank you so much for introducing me to the dip pen and so many more possibilities! I’m now excited about calligraphy again!
I wanted to ask about paper, but it seems no one else has this problem. When I use nice drawing paper I have no problem, but I am currently trying to address some envelopes that came with some shower invitations and I keep getting fibers from the paper stuck in the nib. Is there any way to better deal with inexpensive paper? Am I doing something incorrectly? If I want to begin calligraphy as a business, is there a standard I need to give to customers based on paper quality? How could I be sure that my calligraphy will work on a customer’s envelope? Where do you find envelopes with quality paper?
Thank you so much for your help and for all of the information in your blog. You have inspired me!
Sara
Thanks so much for this blog! I find I refer to it often for advice on nobs, pens, inks and the like. I’m having the hardest time keeping my nibs from catching and dragging on the paper. It’s driving me batty. This obviously happens on the upstroke. Any tips? Too much pressure? Incorrect hand position? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Hi Katherine!
It sounds like the pressure is part of the issue; and perhaps the paper is the other half. If you’re not already, try using 70 lb. Strathmore paper, which is pretty hardy and great for calligraphy. 🙂 Some nibs just naturally catch more than others, depending on the user. For example, I find that when I use the Nikko G, the nib catches somewhat often … but when I use the Brause EF66, I never have that problem. So: you might experiment with less pressure, different pressure, and a very different nibs.
I hope this helps you! Please feel free to let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for your tutorials! My grandma taught me calligraphy a few years ago and all I knew was one style and calligraphy markers and pens. Your blog has opened my eyes to different styles and dip pens which really have no equal.
I am also having trouble with catching on the paper. When I’m practicing I can use nice paper, but I was recently addressing envelopes for a bridal shower and the paper fibers kept getting stuck in the nib. The ink also bled a bit. Is there any way to avoid or correct for this? If this is something I would eventually like to enter professionally is there a standard that you demand paper-wise?
Thank you so much for your time!
-Sara
Hi Sara!
I have the same problem that you do when I use paper that is not super high-quality. If I am doing calligraphy on envelopes, I ask that the client make sure that envelopes are created from 70 lb. {or higher} paper; the envelope manufacturer will know the weight if it’s not listed. If possible, I get a sample before the client orders so I can try creating calligraphy on that. I’ve had great luck with envelopes from Cards and Pockets and Paper Source — all envelopes from either of these places are very calligraphy-friendly. Nice envelopes are a win for you as the calligrapher {no dealing with fibers catching and/or bleeding} as well as the client; heavier envelopes always communicate a more regal, elegant “vibe”.
That said, sometimes you’re just stuck addressing envelopes that are a bit lower-quality for whatever reason. This has happened to me a couple of times! If this is the case, you’ll need to use a thicker ink — which will prevent bleeding and also help with the nib catching. To get your ink to be thicker, you can add some ink thickener. The higher viscosity of the ink really helps to make calligraphing easier!
Let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of expertise and obvious love/passion for calligraphy! I’ve loved calligraphy since I was a little girl. I was even given one of those starter sets that included paper, pens and cartridges of ink. The red ink was beautiful and I couldn’t wait to use it. Then I was told by my parents that I couldn’t use any color but black until I was “good enough” at calligraphy. I’d be “wasting” the ink if I used before then. Well, that kinda took the wind out of my sails. I practiced a little bit but I really wanted to use the red ink. I put it away. When I was 16 I moved in with my sister and didn’t live with my mom again until I was nearly 18. During that time my mom “cleaned” my room for me. She threw nearly everything out that I had any attachment to including the calligraphy set. I didn’t think much about it again until I found your website about 4 or 5 months ago. I have all of your worksheet sets and I love the Kaitlin style. I’ve been practicing whenever I get the chance and today I’m heading to San Fransisco to take a beginner’s calligraphy workshop. Thank you again for sharing your love and passion for calligraphy. You’ve helped reawaken mine!
One of the most valuable lessons my mom taught me was to use nice things. When I was little, we had her grandmother’s china set, which she loved dearly. We used it about once a week because, even though she wanted to preserve it, she also wanted to appreciate it and make it even more worth keeping, if that makes sense. It couldn’t do much good just sitting there in the china closet.
Recently, I splurged on a watercolor set from Greenleaf & Blueberry. My first instinct when I got it was to not use it because I value it so much. But then I realized there was no point in having it if I’m not going to get messy with it! I’ve been playing with it for a couple of weeks, and I’m glad I am because it makes me happy.
My point is: I hope that you don’t still worry about saving the “good stuff” for later, when X or Y happens. You deserve all the best now! I’m really glad to hear that you now have the chance to follow your calligraphy passion with a “no holds barred” mentality. Your mom should not have thrown out the supplies you loved; but in the end it was okay because I’m sure you have an enhanced appreciation for the freedom to follow your bliss. Thanks so much for such a candid, beautiful comment! I’m really glad that the TPK blog helped you to rediscover lettering!
I hope you had a great time at the workshop! Always feel free to reach out if you have any questions. 🙂
Yes! I do have an a “no holds barred” attitude on many things thanks to my mom not valuing my things. But that’s all in the past and I forgave her a long time ago! Now I am LOVING calligraphy! The workshop I attended was informative and helpful, especially for me as I need to actually “see” some things in order to learn them; the correct way of holding my pen is one of those things. I am so excited to continue down this new road of creativity and continue to practice on my “Learn for a Latte” worksheets. Again, thank you for sharing your passion and being so willing to help others find theirs!
For preparing nibs, since that is something that I did not realize when I first got into pointed pen: other methods I have heard of is sticking the nib into a potato, like stabbing Julius Caesar, a few times, some put them in a plastic bag and run them through a dishwasher, and so on. I’ve tried the match thing, but I’ve gotten nervous since it turned the tip of a nib blue, like I had burned it. My favorite way is to scrub it with a toothbrush and toothpaste (some of the pastes with a bit of grit are the ones I like best – they also work better at removing paint and ink that have dried on nibs).
If you are going to use the match method, place the nib into your pen holder, or use a pair of pliers to hold the nib. Hold the lit match under the tip of the nib for just a few seconds and then turn the nib over and repeat on top. Follow this by wiping the carbon residue off with an ammonia based cleaner like Windex or use rubbing alcohol or even soap and water. The nibs are made of steel, so holding the match under the nib for a few seconds won’t hurt it. That being said I probably wouldn’t use this method on an expensive, vintage nib, I would just scrub off the oil.
Potatoes are fantastic for getting the ink flowing again. Often, when you have plenty of ink on your nib and it refuses to start flowing because the ink has dried ever so slightly on the tip of the nib, simply jab the very tip (1/16″ or 1 mm or so) into a raw potato and the ink will begin to flow again. This is an old pointed pen calligraphy trick that really works!
I had hoped that you would jump in to give an opinion on preparing the nib! You and Meredith and both super knowledgeable … two of the coolest people I know. Thank you, Rodger!
I really have only prepared a nib once, and I used the match technique! I think the toothbrush/toothpaste method sounds like a winner, though. This will be a really helpful comment for others to read; I know it helped me! Thanks a million, Meredith!
First, I think your work and your posts are super! Second, thank you so much for freely sharing your expertise in a simple and easy-to-understand format. I made a New Year’s resolution to learn modern calligraphy using your workshops. I haven’t started yet, but I haven’t forgotten either 🙂
I do have a question on this post — in your intro para you state: ” I wouldn’t invest in a dip pen just yet. Instead, you might consider building up muscle memory with a regular dip pen.” Did you mean not to invest in an oblique first, or are you meaning to start with a regular pen and faux calligraphy? Thanks! Anna
We are both on the same page with New Year’s Resolutions: “I haven’t started yet, but I haven’t forgotten, either.” 😉 Love it.
You caught an error — THANK YOU! I corrected the paragraph, but what I meant was I wouldn’t invest in a straight dip pen just yet. I’d start out with a “regular” — meaning ballpoint/gel/whatever — pen, and once you master faux calligraphy, move on to dip pen calligraphy. Faux calligraphy takes about a day to master, though; so it’s not an insurmountable undertaking!
This is perfect timing! Since I recently got my first oblique pen it’s good to read how to hold it, etc. Thanks!
I remember my first oblique pen was a bit difficult to get the hang of … but once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing after that! Your experience will certainly be the same. 🙂
Thank you for another wonderful addition to explaining calligraphy for the newbies like me. Your posts are really inspriring and i hope my work will be worth sharing one day!
I did want to ask advice if that is ok… I recently bought some vintage nibs which are fairly flexible as I wanted to try copperplate, however no matter how light I try to write I end up with the first few letters really thick and overloaded with ink and then when the ink is about right I run out of ink on the next letter! Im using plain printing paper and winsor & newton indian black ink. Ive tried dipping less ink and brushing the ink on the nib but no joy as the ink will only last a couple letters if I’m lucky. Im really down at the moment becuase I’m struggling to overcome this problem. Ive ordered the zebra G to see how I do with that.
Sorry for the long post!
Hello!
No apology necessary at all; I’m glad to help you!
First of all, I would write on 70 lb. Strathmore drawing paper. Sometimes printer paper can be difficult to write on because it’s so very absorbent … the ink soaks right into it and spiderwebs out.
I have never tried the W&N black India ink … so I can’t give any input on that, but I might recommend trying sumi ink instead. It’s nice and smooth, and long-lasting.
Vintage nibs are great! However, if you can’t get them to work, it is a great plan to try the Zebra G or the Brause EF66. The nibs may be worn out from the previous owner (if they had one), or maybe you need to accustom yourself to a newer nib before you try using the vintage nibs (if they have never been used). At any rate, I think that you’ll find the paper change, at the very least, will make a big difference!
Lastly — just make sure you’re dipping halfway up the vent hole, and using a light touch. 🙂
Let me know if this answer leaves any questions open, or creates new questions!
Good morning Lindsay. Thanks again for giving us newbies instructions in this wonderful art. My question is how much time should we put in practicing each style. I have been working on the flourish formal for about a month. I am a bit of a perfectionist and so getting it right is important to me. The letters are looking beautiful. My hard work is paying off and I am having fun learning . Anyway does each letter need to be just about perfect before moving on to the next style? To keep my skills up to date how often do you think I should review past styles I have learned?
Hi Suzette!
That’s a really good question! First of all, I would say that you know you’re finished with a worksheet set when the letters look beautiful to you. As long as you have the gist of it and love your results, then you can comfortably move on to another style. It sounds like you’re at that point now — which is great (and you should be very proud)!
As far as keeping your skills up to date, don’t worry about that too much. Honestly, writing in these styles are like riding a bike. Once you get the hang of one, it never truly leaves you. You might be a little rusty if you haven’t used the style in a month or so, but just pull out the page of the worksheet with a reference alphabet, write 5 or so words, and your skill will be fresh and ready to go!
Let me know if you have any other questions; I’m always happy to answer!
Lindsey ~ Thanks so much for taking the time to write such an informative blog post. As always, very helpful … especially for those of us just learning. Thank you, thank you!!!
It is my absolute pleasure! Thank you for reading … I really appreciate that. 🙂