I always recommend the Nikko G nib as the best beginner calligraphy nib. It’s in the supply list section of all TPK Learn Calligraphy worksheets as well as the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. Using the Nikko G can save you a lot of frustration, which will encourage you to keep practicing your calligraphy! In this post, we’ll discuss why the Nikko G nib is good for beginners, where you can find it, and how to use it to its full potential.
What is the Nikko G Nib?
The Nikko G nib is a strong, medium-flex nib that was originally developed for Japanese comic illustrations (manga). As it turns out, the Nikko G is just as great for calligraphy as it is for drawing! There are people who use the Nikko G exclusively for calligraphy, and those who use it exclusively for illustration. Then there are those like me, who embrace it for both.
Why Is the Nikko G Nib the Best Beginner Calligraphy Nib?
The magic of the Nikko G lies in its medium flex. Basically, the more flexible a nib is, the more easily it’s able to make thick downstrokes as its tines spread apart, and thin upstrokes as its tines spring back together. (For an in-depth explanation of how upstrokes and downstrokes work, you can check out the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course.)
There are high-flex nibs available (e.g. the Brause Rose), and many intermediate/advanced calligraphers prefer those nibs to the Nikko G. However, high-flex nibs can prove challenging for a beginner. They’re very touchy, which means that if you apply just a bit of pressure, the tines of the nib will spring apart, ready to make a downstroke! If you haven’t perfected the art of exerting balanced, even pressure on your pen just yet, that can translate into disaster. One tine of the nib can dig into the paper, leaving the other one to splay out and spray ink, for example. Or, the high-flex nib will simply get caught on the paper, preventing you from moving forward.
Think of the Nikko G as your “training wheels”. It will allow you figure out the kinks with applying pressure to a dip pen nib to create that desirable contrast between thin upstrokes and thick upstrokes. The video below compares the delicate Brause Rose nib to the Nikko G, as well as provides a more detailed explanation of why the Nikko G is generally a better nib for beginners. (If you cannot see the video, you may watch it on YouTube by clicking here.)
Advantages of Using the Nikko G Nib
There are several reasons to love the Nikko G. First of all, it’s sturdy and long-lasting. No one can say exactly how long a nib will last, but I have had Nikko G nibs endure for several months, up to a year.
The Nikko G writes very smoothly, and it can fit in just about any straight pen holder. (Compare that to the tiny Brause EF66, which can’t fit in, say, a simple plastic Speedball holder). Another nice advantage of the Nikko G versus some other nibs is that it holds quite a bit of ink, which means you won’t have to re-dip it as often as you do with smaller nibs. Re-dipping can get tedious and discouraging, especially if you’re just starting out.
The Right Nib Does Make a Difference
I like to recommend that beginners use the Nikko G nib because I did not use it as a beginner, and I wish I could have. What I had access to, instead, was the Hunt Imperial 101 nib (which came in a cheap calligraphy kit), pictured below. Obviously, the Hunt Imperial 101 continues to be manufactured for a reason; it’s not a bad nib, by any means. The Imperial has a lot of flex, meaning the tines readily spread apart when you exert pressure on them. For beginners, however, this generous flexibility can result in ink spatters and the tines getting caught on paper fibers.
You might wonder why I didn’t purchase a Nikko G nib to begin with. When I started learning modern calligraphy six years ago, there wasn’t much quality information out there for beginners. Everything was targeted to advanced learners and seasoned pros, so I had a hard time finding relevant, non-intimidating advice. In fact, I really had no idea that there was any significant difference between calligraphy nibs at all. Had I known then what I know now, I would have ordered the items detailed in the Ultimate DIY Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit post, and saved myself from buying calligraphy tools that I didn’t really need.
How to use the Nikko G Nib
The Nikko G’s versatile nature makes it ideal for learning with any of the TPK Calligraphy Worksheets. Some of the right-slanted styles (e.g. Kaitlin, Janet) may be a bit easier to write using an oblique pen if you’re right-handed, but all of them can absolutely be written using a Nikko G nib in a straight holder. If you’re a beginner, I recommend you start with a straight holder, for sure. It can be less intimidating than an oblique!
If you opt to use a straight holder, make sure your pen assembly looks like the photo below. You can see that the nib sits right below the split in the metal lip of the universal insert. If you’re using a plastic holder without any metal, the photo is irrelevant; you can stick the nib in anywhere.
If you are just starting out with learning modern calligraphy and you want to watch the Nikko G in action, consider the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. That should make learning a bit easier as well as familiarize you with the nib.
Disclaimer
It is, of course, risky to use adjectives like “the best”. Not everyone will agree with me that this is the very best calligraphy nib for beginners. Indeed, you may find that you connect much better with a different nib! That’s why it’s good to try out a couple of different calligraphy nibs. That said, I have received feedback from several learners indicating that the Nikko G revolutionized their calligraphy and confidence. A lot of these learners experienced the same problem I did: their previous nib wouldn’t cooperate, so the natural assumption was, “I’m just not good at this.” If you’re at that point, try the Nikko G. Be sure to prime it with a potato first, as explained in the How to Prepare New Calligraphy Nibs for Use post, and you’ll be ready to start writing!
If the Nikko G nib isn’t available in your area, variations of it (like the Zebra G) will also work! In the US, Paper & Ink Arts is one of many stores that stocks the Nikko G for a reasonable price. If you live outside of the US, check out the Where to Purchase Calligraphy Supplies page.
If you have any questions or input, I’d love to hear from you. Otherwise, I hope you found this post to be helpful, and that it encourages you to try out a new tool!
Warmly,
I work in an art supply store and this is by far the nib I recommend the most! Thanks for sharing your knowledge about why these nibs are so great!
Before stumbling upon your blog, I tried learning calligraphy and it was not fun. I was indeed going to give up! i am now working slowly , trying to get the strokes right, and your advice regarding the supplies is bang-on!
Hello, I’m Duarte, I’m a beginner calligrapher. I read your post and I liked it very much. But I have a small problem because I live in Montreal and to find the Nikko/Zebra/tachiwaka G NIB is very difficult: I do not find it. I would like to know if there is another nib that I could use to start calligraphy?
Hi Duarte! I would use one of the nibs you mentioned for sure … you can buy them in several places online in Canada. 🙂 Check out this list to find out where!
Thank you, Lindsey for your advice! Now I know which nib to get 🙂
Hi Lindsey! I just wanted to say……. you were right. I purchased the beginners class and you kept saying to purchase the Nikko G and specific paper and I was like… well, I already bought this speedball set and have regular paper- it’s all the same. I worked for weeks and was always just OK. I finally broke down and bought the Nikko G and suggested paper and it REALLY has made a world of difference. I apologize for second guessing you in my head 🙂 For all beginners- buy the stuff- it 100% makes all the difference in the world!!!!
I’m so glad you finally made the switch to the right nib! It can be so disheartening to try calligraphy and have it not work out just because of some bad supplies, and I hope that you enjoy continuing with the beginner’s course!! 😀
I totally agree! I always try to go the cheaper route and I end up kicking myself later. Thanks for the heads up.
Hello from Bremen / Germany!
I completely agree with Lindsey as for the choice of the Nikko G for almost every purpose, and also for beginners. A problem however may be the regular feeding of the ink to the nib. I use an ink reservoir (either Brause or Mitchell) attached on the bottom. Ink is easier hold and fed to the nib.
I started with the Nikko but had to switch to the softer nibs like the Brause Rose
and Blue Pumpkin. A couple of the Hunts are wonderful, too. I’m still a struggling beginner, but the Nikko’s and the Zebras are so stiff I have to bear down too hard to make anything happen. The results are jerky, sometimes picking at the paper. Your expertise is profound, I just don’t like the Nikko/Zebra.
Hello! Do you recommend the Nikko G tip for lettering on agate slices as well?
I’m lettering for a wedding and haven’t used agate slices yet. Dip pen tips looks beautiful on them but I’m wondering, since I’ll be lettering about 100+ of them, would I need more than 1 tip to do the job?
Thanks!
Hi Amanda! I wish I could offer some insight on lettering on agate; but I’ve never tried. Sorry about that!
I have to try this nib. It sounds like a good one.
Recently came across your blog. I am now working through each post one by one. Thank you for recommending the Nikko G nib! I was struggling with the Hunt Imperial which I got because it was cheap.
Also your blog and your calligraphy is amazing!! I am learning so much from you!! Thank you!
Hi, thank you for sharing!
Can you suggest a few straight holders that the Nikko G fits into… No one actually seems to talk about them together.
Thanks in advance!
Thank you so much for making this post. I was thinking of trying out calligraphy and therefore getting some supplies – turns out I already have all of them. ^^
The nib you recommend is reffered to as ‘g-pen’ by illustrators (especially in Japanese manga-art) and I had aquired a Zebra-G, a holder and several bottles of ink a few years ago. I also wouldn’t have thought that this nib could be used for calligraphy, let alone be recommended for it especially since the packaging specifically states ‘comic pen’. So thank you for saving me the money. I also own a couple ‘Tama’ and ‘maru’ nibs by Zebra, also intended for inkwork. Do you have any thoughts on those?
Hi Roxane! I haven’t heard of the Tama and Maru pens, but I’d recommend giving them a try. 🙂 A lot of Japanese manga nibs are awesome for creating calligraphy!
Oh Man, no Nikko G in Brazil! #bummer
Hi Natalia! Brazil seems to have the best selection of calligraphy supplies in South America, so I was surprised to hear that! I did some googling and found Nikko G nibs at mangamono.com, which is an online store based in Brazil. 🙂 The nibs are R$10 apiece, which is about triple what they cost in the US, but seems fair if you just want to order one right now. If you want to order several, I think it would be worth it to just order from the US … the cost would probably be less, even considering shipping cost!
I’m slowly working my way through your blog. Thank you for taking the time to share what you have learned! It’s an inspiration to watch your ease with a pen. Your suggestions are highly valued. Thank you!
Hi,
The only G available in Turkey is the Kuretake one. Do you think this will also be a decent substitute? I so want to try a G nib but ordering from abroad isn’t much of an option right now 🙁
Thanks..
That should be fine, Ece! 🙂
Hiii I am a beginner and I have a set of Italian nibs. Can I use them to practice? And also, under what category does the nikko g nib fall?
Hi there! The Nikko G is a manga nib. You can start with any nib to practice, however, I find that beginners consistently take very well to the G!
I placed an order with Paper & Ink Arts over a week ago and it still hasn’t shipped. Really disappointed with this recommendation. This is certainly a poor reflection as you have endorsed them.
Hi there! That is the first I have heard of anyone having trouble with them — did you check up on the order? I have placed orders before where I forgot to hit the “Submit” button, which makes the order not go through. I would contact them to see what’s going on! I am sorry you feel it is a poor reflection on my recommendation … that’s too bad.
I just bought the G nib from the Art Friend store in Singapore! 🙂
Hi Lindsey! THANK YOU FROM THE B9OTTOM OF MY HEART FOR THE WONDERFUL INFO FOR LEFTIES!!!!!!!!! Finally, straight forward information on what is needed for a leftie, like me.. I’ve struggled myy whole life with pens, paper angle, etc. when I was learning penmanship. i have discovered that calligraphy is similar to the Palmer writing method. I still have beautiful handwriting. My father had me practice so that I would have good handwriting.
For lefties, this post is a Godsend. Thank you for taking the time to write this post.
Thank you for this post and every other! I just have one question: As fas as I could find out, here in Germany one can only order the Zebra G nib, That is also the nib that is included in some manga drawing starter kits… I have bought a box of them and am very happy with them. But what is the difference between the Nikko G and the Zebra G? Should I look further for Nikko G or are they basically the same and it doesn’t matter?
Thank you very much!
Hi Maja! They are so similar that it doesn’t matter. 🙂 The Zebra G is just a little bit more stiff than the Nikko G, but not significantly so.
Hi! I just love this blogpost, this was exactly that I needed. Actually, I read it several times, just to be sure I knew everything I wanted to know. And today my Nikko G arrived! I’m so happy with it, because it is exactly as you said it’d be! I just love that you’re giving arguments for this nib, instead of just saying it’s a good nib. Thank you very much!
Thanks, Jet! I’m really happy that this post helps. 🙂
Do you have any other store suggestions for the US that carry this nib? I live in Colorado and we don’t have a paper & inks. We have hobby lobby and Michaels. Would either of them carry it? Thanks!!
The nib I have is the speedball 56. Is this a good nib? I like it better than the 101 imperial. Or is it similar to the Nikko?
Hi Ari! I also live in Colorado (Boulder); I just order my supplies from Paper & Ink Arts. 🙂 I would recommend purchasing a Nikko G nib from them.
Hi I’m just starting out in calligraphy and have noted your recommended beginner’s nibs/holders (thanks for the information!). Before I purchase anything, can I check that the Nikko nib etc will be suitable for me as i am left handed? I am aware some other calligraphy sets are specifically for lefties! Also will I need to do anything else different as I am left handed? Thanks!
Hi Charlie! No, no need to do anything different, and the Nikko G nib will work great for you. 🙂
-Thank you 🙂
I just found your blog… and found this posting to be not only delightfully informative but also lovely to view. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent! I look forward to reading many more of your posts.
Thanks, Trish! I am so happy that you are enjoying it! 🙂
Thanks for the link where to buy things here in the Philippines.
No problem at all! 🙂
In your opinion, what is the best straight pen holder for the Nikko G nib?
Also, can you recommend a straight pen holder for the Brause EF66?
If there is a universal straight pen holder that would work for them both, even better.
Thanks in advance. I love your website!
Hi Arlene!
I really like any cork-tipped, cushy holder like the General’s holder. The holder has a universal insert, so can accommodate both. I also really like the Tachikawa T40. It has a different holder inside (a rubber or plastic insert), so insertion is a little bit different, but it can also accommodate both nibs beautifully!
HI Lindsey,
I love seeing this blog over and over again and since I love to write different quotes using my gel pens and water base pens using the “cheating” calligraphy that I read on this blog, I would like to know how the nib and the pen holder will work together? Is it just the nib needs to be inserted to the pen holder?
I’m sorry for this shallow questions of mine. I really like to start my calligraphy lessons using a decent nib, pen holder and ink.
Hi Momo! No problem at all; The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy post will show you how to insert a nib. 🙂
Hello! I’m actually reading your blog because I’m diving into the world of dip pens for drawing purposes, particularly anime/manga(japanese comics) style. I guess it’s universal though, whether for calligraphy or making comics, G-pens are the best! Did you know that in Japan, you have to be good at using g-pens or else you wouldn’t be accepted as a mangaka (even if you’re good with other mediums)? And they are particular, it has to be G-pens!
The popular brands for manga making are Tachikawa, Deleter (and I think Zebra and Kuretake as well). Have you try those yet? I was wondering if they’re any different from Nikko G, probably not since they’re all almost the same price point. Anyway, great advice and will definitely try Nikko G.
(sorry if I sound like a child, just a bit enthusiastic on trying dip pens :))
Hi Aby! I actually didn’t know about the requirement for using G pens to be a manga artist — very interesting! I have tried the Zebra, and found that it was just a tad stiffer than the Nikko, but there wasn’t a huge difference. I’d encourage trying all three and seeing which one you like best!
Hi Lindsey,
Thanks so much for all of your posts and videos and taking the time to teach us your ways 🙂 I love your calligraphy and think it is beautiful. I finally bought a dip pen and some nibs and ink today and sat down with your practice sheets. I am such a beginner and have been doing the faux calligraphy style with pens until now 🙂
I am having trouble with my strokes. They aren’t really going thick to thin at all. The stroke is staying the same thickness for some reason. I watched your videos and you don’t angle the nib or turn it any way, it’s just held straight the whole time so that’s what I am doing. Maybe it is the nib I am using? Should the nib bend at all? The tines bend a decent bit but the split in the back, i don’t know what thats called, but the back side (the piece that does not come off) is hard and doesn’t bend at all.
Any advice on achieving those thick to thin strokes or what I may be doing wrong?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Taylor!
After reading your comment, I realized that others were probably experiencing the same issue, so I addressed it in a blog post. 🙂 You may see it by clicking here!
Awesome, thank you!
Do you have a video to show how far the nib should go into the cork holder?
Hi Dominique! No, but you’re actually going to push it up in the holder basically as far as the nib will go (but don’t force it). As long as the nib isn’t wobbly in the holder, you’re good to go!
Hi Lindsey
Thanks for the very helpful article. I’m planning on trying the Nikko G to start out with, but wondered what you’d recommend for a wider nib for italic calligraphy for a beginner. I’d like to try out both styles!
Thanks
Sarah
Hi Sarah!
I wish I could offer some knowledge in that area, but I haven’t tried to make italic calligraphy yet. My recommendation wouldn’t be worth much as far as that’s concerned, unfortunately! 🙂
It may just be my paper, but the Nikko G is very scratchy and catches on the paper for me. In this regard the Blue Pumpkin dosen’t scratch as much and the EF66 is much more flexible and easier to use than the nikko. This is ofcourse just my personal experience with 120 GSM paper and Higgins Eternal Black, so take it with a grain (or 20) of salt.
You are completely correct to point out that sometimes different nibs are in order, especially when using different papers! I won’t use the Nikko G with fibrous papers because it does catch on them; but for beginners who are practicing with the Rhodia pad, I think it’s great. 🙂 I agree with you, though; I like the EF66 and find it more intuitive for me, personally. That said, every beginner I’ve had try it has a hard time with the EF66, so I always recommend they use the Nikko G to start!
I’ve just been writing with the Nikko G on a Rhodia pad and it scratches the paper — I can’t get any ink to flow on an upstroke. I have no idea what I’m doing wrong! 🙁
You know … maybe try holding the nib at less of a severe angle. Experiment with getting it closer and closer to the paper (45 degrees or less versus 90 degrees). That should help a lot!
Your blog is a heaven send. I bookmarked your blog a couple of months ago, meaning to come back later and take a closer look. I’m just about to embark on learning calligraphy and thank God you’re my first post of call. I had gone out and got the calligraphy set and fountain pens in preparation and was already frustrated. Now I understand why. Looking forward to learning from you. Thank you so much for what you have made available. God bless you Lindsey.
.
It’s amazing how some of those sets really don’t help much! And fountain pens are great — but not so much for dip pen calligraphy (which I didn’t understand as a beginner). I’m really happy that this blog is helping you and that it helped you to realize why the pre-assembled set may not have been cutting it!
Thank you Lindsey this is a great post and I’m very happy because I’ve just bought a Nikko G and can’t wait to use it! I read the previous post for beginners and they were very helpful.
Can’t wait for a post on inks and type of papers!
For Italy buyers: http://www.calligraphystore.it/pennini-a-punta-fine.html
THANK YOU for the link to the Italian store!!
Thanks so much for the great info! I didn’t realize the basic supplies were so inexpensive. But, I am wondering what I put the ink in while I’m writing?? They have a few inkwells on that website- but they are $75! I am thinking there is something cheap (or free at my house already??).
Never mind, I figured it out! It’s not considered new paraphernalia for a new hobby if I already do handlettering, right???? Just ordered the supplies you recommended.
I actually just put my ink in tiny jam jars or baby food jars — they’re cheap and convenient! Basically, I like using anything small and cheap with a screw top! That will serve you just as well as the $75 inkwell. 🙂
Thanks for this tip… I was looking for inkwells and wasn’t having luck.
This post was so good, Lindsey! The Nikko G is probably the nib I use the most, particularly on cotton envelopes. So many of the other nibs just act up on cotton and the Nikko G is one of the few that can stand up to the fibers. Using a nib like this can make the the difference for beginners when there is so much to concentrate on and the last thing you want are splatters and blobs. Once again, Lindsey…you’re the best! Thank you!
I agree! The Nikko G can give a person the occasional issue, but on average it really is reliable and a pleasure to use. 🙂 Wonderful input — thank you very much, Nancy!
I had the same experience with the Hunt 101 (the only nib available to me “over the counter” :p ). When I got my first order from Paper & Ink Arts with the Nikko G – I stopped being frustrated and started having fun with calligraphy! That was the best gift I gave to myself! Thanks for spreading the word!
Agreed! It makes me wonder why larger stores like Michaels/Hobby Lobby don’t stock the Nikko G. :-/
Your opinion of the Nikko G for beginners is very true. Years ago, I tried writing pointed pen calligraphy and gave up because of the frustration with the nibs. Then I tried the Nikko G, probably a year or so ago, and I am doing much better with it. At this point, I think I am ready to try other nibs. I do like the Blue Pumpkin (I think that’s what it is called) also, but I need some more challenges now. Thanks for your posts and your opinions. I always find them very helpful……..Linda E.
I’d recommend giving the Brause EF66 a go! It’s my favorite nib because it makes nice, thin upstrokes and fat downstrokes. 🙂
I loved using the Nikko G when I first started getting really serious about calligraphy again.
There’s a little bit of difference in the flex of the other G nibs as well, though!
I like Tachikawa G nibs more for calligraphy, to be honest, because it’s a little more flexible, I suppose. It also works very well when I’m doing really cartoony artwork that utilizes bold outside lines and thin inside lines type style. I’d say this one is my favorite out of all my nibs ever, though the Brause Steno is a close second, followed by the EF66. (:
The Zebra Comic G is the in-between G nib that is also just really fantastic; it’s the perfect compromise in flexibility between the other two, even though the differences across the board are very subtle. I think that subtle difference *really* matters most to me when I’m drawing, over anything else. They all are similar indeed, but each has something unique about it, in my experience with all three of them, anyway.
I have to say though, I’m really glad I switched from Speedball nibs that I had had forever, to a Nikko G when I started reading this blog. I felt like I was going nowhere fast with my calligraphy, even though some of the nibs were alright for drawing. (:
I love this input — super helpful, thank you!! And I agree: my calligraphy was revolutionized when I got off the Speedball bandwagon. 🙂
Hi!! I was just wondering what holder you recommend for people in the UK? They don’t seem to have the cork one you recommend on Scribblers.
Hi, I’m also in the UK and just got the General’s cork holder on Amazon – came from the States but only took a week. I’m a newbie, but it seems really good to me!
They stock a cork tipped one with black painted wood that works just as well 🙂
This holder from Scribbler’s would be perfect. 🙂
Great post, Lindsey! I completely agree with you that the Nikko G is the best starter nib. In fact, after years of doing pointed pen calligraphy, the Nikko G is still my “go to” nib! It has a nice combination of pointy tip for fine hairlines, medium flex, is very smooth and very long lasting, especially with iron gall inks. It is for this reason that I fit all of my oblique pens for a Nikko G unless another nib is requested!
One wonderful thing about drawing with a nib like the Nikko G or a crow quill and ink vs. a pen like a Micron, is that your line width will have variation by simply applying more or less pressure on the nib.
I agree with you! But then again, you are the person who first suggested to me that the Nikko G is best for learning. 🙂 Based on that suggestion, I played with the Nikko G a bit more and figured out, “Yeah, this is really great for beginners!”
Great post! Very informative and keeps a beginner like me hopeful in becoming better at calligraphy. Recently ordered a Nikko G nib online. I can’t for it to arrive! Thank you for this post 🙂
P.S.
Your works are incredible! Such an inspiration.
You’ll love it! It’s a wonderful nib to learn on and pave the foundation for using other nibs in the future! Thank you, Johanna!
Hi there Ms. Lindsey! 🙂
I am a newbie in calligraphy thing… I just wanted to ask you if using poster colors as alternative to sumi ink is fine? Have you tried it? I am from Philippines and I have a hard time looking up to our local stores for alternatives. I couldn’t to find some calligraphy inks.
Thank you so much in advance.
Btw, I love all your works! 🙂
God bless you always.
<3 Imie
Hi Imie!
I haven’t tried poster colors, but I don’t see why you couldn’t use them as inks as long as they have an ink-like consistency. You can use just about anything as ink, even watercolors. 🙂
Hi Imie and Lindsey!
I just want to say that there are a lot of craft stores active right now in the Philippines. Try thecraftcentral or pens-galore as they are the ones that I have tried. They are very responsive and your stuff usually comes in 2 days. Best of luck!
Thank you, Zeril! 🙂
I Love! the Nikko G thanks to your recommendations–so easy to use! But I’m also wanting to move on to the “next nib” and wondered which you would more recommend of the Brause nibs? I was looking at the rose for fatter downstrokes but then wondered about the blue pumpkin and this EF66 you just mentioned?? Any help?
I really love all your tutorials–I’m learning and trying new things almost every day with your blog! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us!
Hi Dawn!
I’d try the EF66 next … it’s my absolute favorite. The Brause Rose is also great, but has a bit of a learning curve. 🙂
Does the Brause E66 work with the General straight holder?
Yep! It has a universal insert, so it does. 🙂
Thank you so much for this post – as well as many of your other ones! I’m just getting started with modern calligraphy. I have mastered “faux” calligraphy, and am just starting to try and learn to use real nibs and holders, and also working to start up an etsy shop soon. I’m also in the middle of designing my own wedding invitation suite – needless to say, your blog is nothing short of a godsend. I’ll be ordering the products you recommend for beginners…thank you for compiling your list!
Something I’m really trying to learn, and that I would love to hear about from you (if you haven’t already written on it – I didn’t see anything in my quick browse but could have overlooked – sorry if so!!) is transitioning your lettering into photoshop/the computer for digital use. Everything from simple digital clean up to using your hand lettering to turn into something like a photo overlay/a vector….if you have anything to share on the topic. I would love to learn from you.
Also – last question I promise – do you have any advice on getting prints made? I need to get my invites printed (as much fun as it sounds like to do all 100 by hand individually…no thanks!) and will need to get future commissions printed. Can you recommend where to do something like that? We have local print shops, then there’s places like kinkos/fedex and staples, or even online options like vistaprint. I don’t know where to start!!
Thanks again for your wonderful blog, I’ve bookmarked about 100 pages to go back and review. This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for!!
Best,
Katie
Hi Katie!
I actually made a video course over how to digitize your calligraphy using Photoshop! The course teaches you the same simple methods that I use. 🙂
To get prints made for invitations, I generally use printingforless.com. They offer great stocks and awesome customer service. I have used local print shops and Kinkos, and they don’t compare (at least in the Boulder area)!
Katie, how is your Etsy shop coming along? Would love to take a peek!
Hello,
To digitize your calligraphy, I would scan it, then bring it into Photoshop.
Once in Photoshop, go into menubar Image > Adjustments > Levels… In the dialog that pops up, bring the left most arrow to the first ‘spike’ in level from the left, then bring the right most arrow to the first ‘spike’ in level from the right. Finally, play with the middle arrow do make the writing as crisp as possible.
Once that’s done, select your writing with the selection marquee and then copy and paste it into Illustrator. With the image selected in Illustrator, go in the menubar Object > Image Trace > Make. Illustrator will attempt to trace all the shapes in the pictures using paths. Use the threshold setting to fine tune where Illustrator puts the path. Not to go into boring details but the threshold setting basically tells Illustrator how dark a pixel needs to be for it to be taken into consideration for tracing (In a black and white image). Depending on your version of Illustrator, there’s a checkbox to ‘Ignore white’ so that illustrator doesn’t try to create shapes out of the white areas. This is an important
setting for this purpose as otherwise, you might have to delete every single white area within the loops of your script which could become extremely tedious depending on the length.
Once you’re satisfied with the look of the paths, click ‘Expand’ to lock the lines into place. And there you have it, your script is digitized.
Any Canadians know of any good sources for calligraphy supplies in Canada? I’ve been buying from Paper & Ink Arts in the States. They are super lovely! But I’d love to skip the whole exchange rate buying internationally stuff, if I could.
I love my Nikko G nib 😀 It is perfect for both drawing and for writing. Love this post, Lindsey! It’s simple and not overwhelming.
Stephanie,
Where are you located?
Richard
Do you have tips for where to buy in Canada? I’m in BC. Thanks!
Hi Stephanie! I’m not Canadian, but it looks like Amazon Canada stocks some of the supplies! You could totally use the Zebra G (instead of the Nikko G, which they don’t seem to stock for cheap). The Tachikawa pen holder would work well, too. 🙂 I think Richard is located in Canada, so he probably has some good tips, too!
Hi Stephanie, I know you were looking for Nikko G, but I found Zebra G in Vancouver Pen Shop (If you’re located in Vancouver).
I’m located in Vancouver and I’m having no luck finding Nikko G in any Canadian online store 🙁
The Vancouver Pen shop has them now (:
Hi! I just found the Nikko G at an art store in Toronto called ARTiculations. They have a website and if you don’t see it on their site you can call them and they will ship!
Thank you so much for posting this! I called Wonder Pens and Curry’s and even that place by OCAD and nobody carried it. I had almost given up and was looking at ordering a box from Japan when I scrolled past your comment. I went to ARTiculations today and I LOVE THAT STORE!!!!