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You are here: Home / Calligraphy / The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy

The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy

October 7, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 1,384 Comments
Filed Under: Beginner’s Calligraphy, Calligraphy, Dip Pen Calligraphy, Faux Calligraphy, Inks, Nibs, Tutorials Tagged With: calligraphy, DIY, supplies, tutorial

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.

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The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock

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

How to Make Faux Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
Yep — this “create” was written with the gel point pen shown! You can learn more about how to make faux calligraphy in this tutorial.

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:

  1. 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!
  2. 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 place card below!
Faux Calligraphy Place Card | The Postman's Knock
This Amy Style place card was written using faux calligraphy. Back when I took commissions, I often made place cards just like this one!

The newly-released TPK Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course starts by teaching you faux calligraphy. All TPK printable calligraphy worksheet sets also starts with a faux calligraphy section! It’s a great way to start because you become familiar with letterforms without having to navigate a new writing tool. 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.
  • 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.
The Ultimate Calligraphy Kit From The Paper Seahorse | The Postman's Knock
This is the Ultimate Calligraphy Kit from The Paper Seahorse … it comes with virtually everything you need, except for a potato. 🙂

If you don’t want to DIY your kit and want to treat yourself to something special, you can purchase a kit from The Paper Seahorse. I recently worked The Paper Seahorse to construct an Essential Calligraphy Kit (which includes everything listed above) and an Ultimate Calligraphy Kit (which includes everything above plus an oblique pen, a container for water, and a nib tin).

3. Clean Your Nibs

All nibs have manufacturer’s oils on them to keep them well-preserved as they are waiting to be sold. Before you use your nibs, you should clean the oils off. I generally stick my nibs in a potato to get rid of the oils! You can learn more about how to clean your nibs and why in this blog post.

How to Prepare New Calligraphy Nibs for Use | The Postman's Knock
Make sure you prepare your new calligraphy nibs before you try using them (learn how here). Otherwise, the oil on the nibs will foil your efforts!

Cleaning the manufacturer’s oils off of your nibs will ensure smooth, seamless ink flow. If you don’t clean the oils off, you will probably have issues with ink blobbing on your paper, or the ink may not write at all.

4. Assemble Your Dip Pen

A Guide to Straight Calligraphy Pens | The Postman's Knock

Though you can use a Speedball plastic pen with a Nikko G nib, I recommend purchasing a dip pen with a universal insert. A universal insert has four metal “petals” and a rim; it should look like the photo below. A pen with a universal insert will be able to accommodate a variety of different sizes of nibs versus just a few nibs! To learn about different kinds of straight pens, you can read this blog post.

A Guide to Straight Calligraphy Pens | The Postman's Knock
This is what a pen with a universal insert looks like.

If your universal insert looks like the one below,  then you need to push the petals back inward. Pens often arrive looking like this!

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock

To learn how to push the petals inward, you can watch the short video below.

Once your’e all set, it’s time to insert the nib in the pen. The base of the nib should slip right under the split in the lip of the rim, as pictured below.

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
Make sure you slip the blunt side of the nib in the holder *under* the split in the rim!

If that’s a bit confusing, it may help you to watch this video over nib insertion:

If you have correctly inserted the nib, it should feel secure; it shouldn’t wobble at all.

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
If you look at your pen straight-on, this is what you should see.

Your pen is now ready to write!

5. Hold the Dip Pen

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
Try holding the pen like this. You can find detailed instructions over exactly how to hold and use a dip pen in the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course.

Your grip on the dip pen will probably be similar to the grip you use for a standard pen. You’ll want to use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the holder, then keep your middle finger behind for support. You can allow your pinky and ring finger to lightly drag on the paper as you write.

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
For more information about how to hold a dip pen, check out this blog post!

6. Dip the Pen in Ink

Regardless of what nib you’re using, you should dip it to just above the vent hole (which is that hole in the center of the nib). You don’t want to go any further than that or else you’ll have too much ink on your nib, and it will pool on your paper as you try to write!

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock
Dipping to just about here has another benefit: you won’t get any ink up in your pen. You don’t want to gunk up the universal insert with ink because that may make it difficult to remove and replace nibs!

The Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy | The Postman's Knock

Once you dip the pen in the ink, give the nib a firm little shake over your art water to get any excess ink off.

7. Make Modern Calligraphy!

Printable Calligraphy Worksheet Set (Janet Style) | The Postman's Knock
This is the “Intensive Word Practice” portion of the Janet Style calligraphy worksheet set.

Okay, so this is where dip pens and regular ballpoint pens especially differ: when you are making modern calligraphy with a dip pen, you’ll want to keep the angle of the nib in relation to the paper constant. Never hold the pen vertically; instead, you should shoot for a 45 degree angle between pen and paper. If you hold the pen too upright, the nib will catch on the fibers in the paper and affect your ink flow. I know that the concept of using a dip pen can be hard to grasp without actually seeing it, so I made this short video to help you understand:

Before you take on any modern calligraphy projects, I would recommend completing the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. The course starts from scratch to teach you important calligraphy concepts and ensure that you don’t make common beginner mistakes! You can learn more about the course in the video below:


Common Problems

Teaching modern calligraphy workshops has given me a unique opportunity to understand beginners’ calligraphy problems and frustrations firsthand. Here is a list of six problems and their solutions:

  • The nib catches on paper – Try holding your pen at a tighter angle to the paper. The more upright you hold the pen, the more issues you will run into trying to use it.
  • Ink flow is erratic – Same solution as the issue above: try holding your pen at a tighter angle to the paper.
  • It’s difficult to achieve a thick downstroke – Make sure both tines of your nib are evenly on the paper, and that you’re holding the pen correctly. It may be helpful for you to take a video course.
  • The ink is bleeding – Ink bleed occurs with lower quality papers. Make sure you are using a high-quality paper (such as 32# laserjet).
  • Your hand is shaking – See Calligraphy Troubleshooting: Nib Pressure and Shaking Hand.
  • All other issues – See Five Modern Calligraphy FAQs.

Where to Go From Here

The important thing to remember — in modern calligraphy and many other things — is practice will develop your skill exponentially! Everyone starts somewhere, and this is where I started:

An Early Calligraphy Attempt | The Postman's Knock
I created this piece in 2012, before I even understood how to make faux calligraphy (let alone how to use a dip pen!).

And now?:

White Ink Envelope Art | The Postman's Knock
As you can see, my calligraphy skills have grown significantly since writing out the Rumi quote. I continue to improve, just as you will!

The best advice I can give about learning calligraphy is you have to enjoy your practice. Yes, use structured resources like an online course or a worksheet, but also let yourself have fun. As you start to get the hang of how to use a dip pen, take on engaging projects. Make mail art, calligraphy-centric projects (like this birthday card), and/or make place cards for the next gathering you have! As long as your practice is enjoyable, you’ll continue to hone your skills!

I hope that you enjoyed this beginner’s guide to modern calligraphy! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Thanks very much for reading The Postman’s Knock, and enjoy the rest of your day!

Warmly,

Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock

Filed Under: Beginner’s Calligraphy, Calligraphy, Dip Pen Calligraphy, Faux Calligraphy, Inks, Nibs, Tutorials Tagged With: calligraphy, DIY, supplies, tutorial
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon

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Welcome! I'm Lindsey, the designer + illustrator + calligrapher behind The Postman's Knock. I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it!

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1384 Comments

Leave a Comment

  1. MH Pigues says

    December 3, 2018 at 8:24 am

    Great info! Thank you so much. And your work is beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Karen Walker says

    December 3, 2018 at 8:17 am

    I signed up for your beginning class as soon as you offered it. Now all I have to do is commit the time to complete it!

    Reply
  3. soham says

    December 3, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Good information.. !

    Reply
  4. Sana says

    September 23, 2018 at 6:20 am

    This post is absolutely amazing and a great resource for beginners to get started. When I was learning calligraphy your website was my number one resource and helped me get past all the confusion out there. To this day I use your website as a resource whenever I have a question.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      October 1, 2018 at 12:35 am

      I’m so glad you enjoy the blog- thank you!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. dawnd says

    September 18, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    Congratulations on your new baby! I love your work and am enjoying trying out the different alphabets. I just ordered the TPK Holiday Calligraphy Worksheets 2016 & 2017 as well as The Letter Writer’s Complete Resource and the New Kaitlin Style set. Thanks for all you do.

    Reply
  6. Nancy Kvorka says

    September 17, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Congratulations to you, your husband and your new addition!

    Reply
  7. Roseanne Sabol says

    September 17, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    Many congratulations and blessings to all 3 of you!♥️

    Reply
  8. Cindy Peabody says

    September 17, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    Congratulations on the birth of your son, Remi!

    Blessings,

    Cindy Peabody

    Reply
  9. netphile2 says

    August 31, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    I am so glad that I discovered this site. It’s so informative and it’s inspired me to take up calligraphy again. I’ve bought supplies, your Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Course Worksheet and (re)started my new journey. Thank you for this great resource!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      September 1, 2018 at 10:48 pm

      It’s my pleasure! I’m so glad you like the blog 😀

      Reply
  10. kpolahar says

    August 31, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    I just got my starter kit! So excited to get started! Thanks for helping put this kit together with The Paper Seahorse!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      September 1, 2018 at 10:47 pm

      Wonderful! I hope you love it 😀

      Reply
  11. Vivian says

    August 31, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    never knew potatoes could remove the coating on dip pens before this lol

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      September 1, 2018 at 10:46 pm

      It’s such a weird trick yet it works every time! 🙂

      Reply
  12. A Hobbbit says

    August 30, 2018 at 7:04 pm

    Thank you so much for all the worksheets you make for us, they are awesome!!!!! <3

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 30, 2018 at 10:30 pm

      It’s my pleasure! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Patrycja says

    August 28, 2018 at 1:37 am

    Thank you for this post 🙂 When I started my journey with calligraphy I had a lots of problem to find the solution of my problems which you wrote here about 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
    • Charlotte Hwang says

      August 30, 2018 at 5:45 pm

      Unsure how to begin a new comment but I have never been to a site about calligraphy that is so detailed and enticing to the world of art , in general !
      Can’t wait to spend more time on this. Have always admired this way of expression on paper.

      Reply
      • Lindsey Bugbee says

        August 30, 2018 at 10:31 pm

        Thank you so much! I hope you love the blog! 🙂

        Reply
  14. Jackie says

    August 27, 2018 at 8:43 am

    What a perfect post on calligraphy !

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 27, 2018 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Sonia says

    August 26, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    Can I use fountain pen ink in a dip pen, or will it not flow properly?

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 29, 2018 at 11:09 am

      You can use fountain pen ink for a dip pen! However, you may need to add some gum arabic to thicken it up. 🙂 Fountain pen inks are naturally much more thin than dip pen inks.

      Reply
  16. Lindsey says

    August 26, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    This is fabulous! I just took a beginner’s course on modern calligraphy today, and she recommended your blog. This is so great! I can’t wait to use your worksheets to practice and to take one of your courses when I’m ready for the next step.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 26, 2018 at 10:33 pm

      Welcome to the blog! I hope you find it helpful! 🙂

      Reply
  17. purplestix.ld says

    August 26, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Just discovered this site, love the techniques and videos! Can’t wait to try more.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 26, 2018 at 10:34 pm

      Welcome! I hope you love it! 😀

      Reply
  18. Aiman says

    August 26, 2018 at 6:03 am

    This is very helpful!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 26, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      I’m so glad you like it! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Michelle Slowiak says

    August 26, 2018 at 5:57 am

    I love this post. I recommend it all the time!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 26, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Miriam says

    August 25, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    like you’re stile very much, I’m just a beginner

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 26, 2018 at 10:39 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Rebecca Breitenbach says

    August 25, 2018 at 10:00 am

    What a fun project to begin my creative process! Thank you, Lindsey.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 26, 2018 at 10:37 pm

      Thank you, I hope you enjoy! 😀

      Reply
  22. Ann says

    August 23, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    This has been really useful for me as a beginner! Thank you! Would love to attend a workshop someday. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 24, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      I’m so glad I could help! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Jossie N Vazquez says

    August 23, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    Thank you. This is helpful. Ive been following you for a while and now I think its time to pick up calligraphy 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:11 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m glad I could help! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Kris says

    August 23, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    Would love to attend a workshop!

    Reply
  25. Ruo Qi Ong says

    August 23, 2018 at 6:17 pm

    I’ve bought a modern calligraphy worksheet and it was amazing! Easy to follow for a beginner trying to learn ☺️ Thank you and keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:12 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😀

      Reply
  26. Zahraa says

    August 23, 2018 at 11:29 am

    So helpful thank you.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:13 pm

      Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Arly Helm says

    August 23, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Do you think it would be helpful to add a drop of JetDry or ammonia to one’s container of water? I can’t remember where I got this idea, but I’ve never done it.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 29, 2018 at 11:13 am

      Hi Arly! I’ve never heard of doing that, but I suppose anything is worth a try, right? 🙂

      Reply
  28. Scott says

    August 23, 2018 at 11:11 am

    Thanks so much for this awesome beginner guide! Lots of good information.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:14 pm

      I’m glad I could help! 😀

      Reply
  29. Ashley A Grant says

    August 23, 2018 at 10:56 am

    Thanks so much for this intro and help which is so nice as a beginner just diving in! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks for reading! 😀

      Reply
  30. Ingrid says

    August 23, 2018 at 10:48 am

    The posts have so much detailed information, they are always inspiring, and helpful as a beginner. And I love the give-aways…I have my fingers crossed for this latest one!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:15 pm

      I’m glad I could help! 🙂

      Reply
  31. Alex Umali says

    August 23, 2018 at 1:14 am

    This single post is one of the most helpful, and comprehensive among others I’ve encountered. Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:19 pm

      Thank you so much for reading!! 😀

      Reply
  32. Sue Darcy says

    August 22, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    Wow, talk about soooooo much helpful information. For a complete newbie like me, who has never picked up a pen or even tried calligraphy before, this is a great place to start.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:39 pm

      Wonderful! I’m so glad I could help! 🙂

      Reply
  33. Anne says

    August 21, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    This is still one of the best beginner’s calligraphy guides out there. Thank you, Lindsey! It’s truly a delight following your blog.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:33 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  34. carolann says

    August 21, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    I refer to this post all the time when I need a little bit of reminding. Love what you do Lindsey.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:26 pm

      I’m so glad I could help! 🙂

      Reply
  35. Jennifer says

    August 21, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    I so love your blog and use some of the faux calligraphy exercises with my high school art students. The drill sheets are so user friendly and wonderful for students to do when they finish other work. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:26 pm

      Thank you so much for reading- I’m glad you enjoy the posts! 🙂

      Reply
  36. Irene says

    August 21, 2018 at 2:50 pm

    Thank you for sharing these tips. I save everything single newsletter you send because I love going back to your tips or tutorials.
    I belive I still have the newsletter you shared some of these tips before.
    Love your work and how generous you are with your knowledge.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 23, 2018 at 10:23 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoy the blog and newsletter! 😀

      Reply
  37. Jodie Moss says

    August 21, 2018 at 10:08 am

    I love your basic explanations, great for me as I have never used proper calligraphy pens. You’ve given me an idea where to start and what I need. Thanks

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      Wonderful! I’m always happy to help 🙂

      Reply
  38. Lena says

    August 21, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Fun! FUN! FUNNNNNNN! I did it! Did I say it was Fun? 😉

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 29, 2018 at 11:19 am

      <3

      Reply
  39. Priyanka says

    August 21, 2018 at 4:09 am

    Nicely explained.Following TPK since long through emails.Thanks.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:07 pm

      Thank you for keeping up with the blog! 🙂

      Reply
  40. Wendy says

    August 21, 2018 at 2:51 am

    Wonderful! Thanks Lindsey

    Reply
  41. lutfiyya-adt says

    August 21, 2018 at 1:17 am

    Great blog. Very helpful. Out of all the videos i’ve seen, i’ve never seen anyone else recommend starting with a normal pen for muscle memory.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      Thank you, I’m glad you like it!

      Reply
  42. Iryna Boehland says

    August 21, 2018 at 12:13 am

    Your posts are such an inspiration! I could read each of them many times and never get tired! You have a talent of teaching

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      Thank you so much for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  43. Kim Skinner says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    I have just found your website and it is amazing.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      Thank you! 😀

      Reply
  44. Rebecca Pelletier says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Your creative skills amaze and inspire me.

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  45. Rachael says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:16 pm

    Love this post! Thank you for sharing your passion. I have to tell u, it is very contagious! 😀

    Reply
    • Lindsey Bugbee says

      August 21, 2018 at 2:22 pm

      Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  46. Gina Quill says

    August 20, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    Lindsey, I love your “You Can Learn to Do Calligraphy!” attitude. It gives the hesitant beginner the courage to work on a new skill.

    Reply
  47. Deborah Cisneros says

    August 20, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    I am just starting to learn about calligraphy and so glad I found your website. Thanks for all the advice on how to get started and which tools to use.

    Reply
  48. Gail D says

    August 20, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    Lindsey,
    Thanks so much for sharing your gift with all of us. I’ve been on a lot of writing sites, but yours is so thorough, I love everything about it. Bravo to you.

    Reply
  49. Stephen says

    August 20, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    Thanks for this info!

    Reply
  50. Bette Stanek says

    August 20, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    I started the beginner’s video course this weekend and wonder why it took me so long to get going! I had such fun with the practice and the tips are amazing. Now I’m combing the blog for further tips and tricks. Thank you so much for sharing your passion, Lindsey.

    Reply
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