The Best Beginner Calligraphy Supplies
/If you want to learn calligraphy, you’re going to need some supplies! There are hundreds of different pens, nibs and inks out there, but these are the ones that I think are the absolute best for beginners.
Your Pen
You’re going to need a pen to write with! You have two options: straight or oblique. A straight pen is like a regular pen where the nib comes right out of the end. An oblique pen has a flange that holds the nib at an angle, which helps to create the angled look that a lot of calligraphy has. Different people have different opinions on which is better to start with, but I started out with a straight pen and recommend that for most beginners. If you’re a lefty, you may find it easier to start out with an oblique pen, but everyone is different! They are inexpensive enough that you can try them both out and see which you prefer!
Your Nib
The nib is the metal piece that you insert into your pen. You dip the nib into ink in order to write. There are literally hundreds of different nibs out there, which all create slightly different letter looks, but my favorite is the Nikko G nib. It’s flexible (but not too flexible) and I think it’s an excellent beginner nib!
Your Ink
For beginners, the best type of ink is, hands down, Sumi ink. This black ink is permanent and is specially formulated for calligraphy and painting. It’s smooth and easy to write with. Don’t forget to get a little ink jar to put your nib into for easy dipping!
Your Paper
While you can practice calligraphy on pretty much any paper, including basic printer paper, having paper that is the right weight and texture can go a long way! A Rhodia notepad is a great weight and texture; your pen will move smoothly along the page and the Sumi ink won’t bleed. This notepad also has a dotted grid, which is perfect for practicing!
Once you have your basic calligraphy supplies, it’s time to start practicing! Check out my blog post on learning basic calligraphy for more information and FREE practice sheet, or tune into one of my upcoming Sip & Script classes to learn modern calligraphy!
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