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      • BLACKLETTER CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS – 2018
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
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      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
      • BRUSH LETTERING WITH ALEJANDRO SOLΓ“RZANO
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      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
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  • Home
  • Articles
    • Hand Lettering Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO COLOR YOUR LETTERING (QUICK & EASY)
      • HOW TO DRAW BUBBLE LETTERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A HAND LETTERING MURAL
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO CHALK LETTERING – 7 EASY STEPS
      • WHAT ARE THE LETTERING STYLES?
      • HOW TO DRAW LETTERS IN PERSPECTIVE
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • AN INTRODUCTION TO PYROGRAPHY (A.K.A WOODBURNING)
      • THE HAND LETTERING PROCESS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING LAYOUT WITH THESE 5 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
    • Calligraphy Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE FOUNDATIONAL HAND
      • HOW TO CREATE A CIRCULAR CALLIGRAM
      • HOW TO CREATE BRUSH LETTERING COMPOSITIONS WITH EASE
      • HOW TO DO BRUSH LETTERING – THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE
      • ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • COPPERPLATE CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • CALLIGRAPHY ALPHABETS – A LIST OF MAJOR HISTORICAL SCRIPTS
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A DIY CALLIGRAPHY FOLDED PEN
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CALLIGRAPHY FLOURISHING
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH DIP PEN CALLIGRAPHY
      • FRAKTUR CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS (2019)
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO DO FAUX (FAKE) CALLIGRAPHY – STEP BY STEP
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • WHAT IS BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY?
      • HOW TO DO WATER BRUSH LETTERING
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO MODERN CALLIGRAPHY – 3 POPULAR STYLES
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • BLACKLETTER CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS – 2018
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO BECOME AMBIDEXTROUS IN 6 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
      • BRUSH LETTERING WITH ALEJANDRO SOLΓ“RZANO
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy tips
      • HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LETTERING ARTIST
      • 5 MODERN CALLIGRAPHY TIPS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED
      • 5 EASY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING INKING
      • 5 TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BROKE CALLIGRAPHY / LETTERING ARTIST
      • 8 CALLIGRAPHY BEGINNER MISTAKES
      • 1 EASY TIP THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • 5 EASY BRUSH LETTERING TIPS
      • 6 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR INSTAGRAM LETTERING AUDIENCE
      • 6 EASY TIPS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy reviews
      • 71 OF THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY FONTS (FREE & PREMIUM)
      • CREATE EASY LETTERING LAYOUTS – GRID BUILDER REVIEW
      • 21 OF THE BEST CLASSES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 21 OF THE BEST PROCREATE BRUSHES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 10 USEFUL LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY TOOLS
      • THIS TOOL WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • WHAT ARE THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY PENS FOR BEGINNERS
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • DEVBRUSH 3.0 FOR PROCREATE – REVIEW
      • WHAT IS THE BEST PAPER FOR LETTERING?
      • LEARNING CALLIGRAPHY WITH SEB LESTER – COURSE REVIEW
      • ANOTHER TOP 5 MUST HAVE BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY
      • ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • BRUSH PEN LOGO DESIGN – COURSE REVIEW
      • 9 AWESOME BOOKS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • TOP 5 BEST BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY – 2019
  • Interviews
    • LEFT-HANDED CALLIGRAPHY – A CHAT WITH BAD CALLIGRAPHY
    • A CHAT WITH LEX WILSON
    • IVAN CASTRO
    • COLIN TIERNEY
    • TOM AD – A.K.A. DESS
    • RACHEL E MILLAR
    • KARIN NEWPORT – iPAD LETTERING
    • DAVID MILAN
    • MATTHIEU TARRIN – TARWANE
    • MICHAEL MOODIE
    • STEPHANE LOPES
    • MADE BY MIGHTY
    • JIMBO BERNAUS
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HOW TO GET STARTED WITH DIP PEN CALLIGRAPHY

+ Free downloadable practice sheets!

by Joanna Chia
in Articles, Calligraphy Tutorials
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How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily
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This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

Hello everyone, I’m Joanna from Quirky by Design, but all my friends call me Jo, so please, just Jo.

I’m so excited to share some beginner tips on starting dip pen calligraphy and hopefully infect you with an appetite and enthusiasm for this art form.

This calligraphy tutorial will cover the following :

  1. Materials to Start Dip Pen Calligraphy
  2. How to hold the pen
  3. Using Guidelines
  4. Basic Strokes and Constructing
  5. Letterforms
  6. FREE downloadable practice sheets
  7. Where to find more resources

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How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

First off, you’re probably wondering :

β€œ What tools and materials do I need for dip pen calligraphy ? ”


Nibs

Β 

Whilst I always say that at the end of the day, a calligrapher’s favorite nibs are a subject of personal preference, there are quite a few that I’d recommend for beginners.

Here are some of my favorites, from a range of modern to vintage nibs :

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Nikko / Zebra G – A popular nib for beginners, the G nibs are not too stiff or too soft / flexible, thus resulting in greater control when you’re just starting out.

Hunt 22 – A slightly softer nib in comparison to the G nibs, the Hunt 22 is a great choice if you’d like a little flex in your nibs without losing control.

Hunt 101 & Leonardt Principal – This is a very flexible nib, with a sharp point.

The flexibility of the nib results in thick, luscious down strokes (also known as shades), and the sharp point results in fine hairlines.

This creates a beautiful contrast between your thick and thin strokes.

I have a penchant for vintage nibs, mainly because it feels surreal to be using nibs that are no longer in production, like writing with a little part of history.

Some of my favorite vintage nibs are :

Blanzy 2552 – Beautiful sharp tip that doesn’t drag or snag on your paper, yet soft enough to create beautiful contrasts between your thin and thick strokes.

Henry 605 – This one has an odd shape, but I love that it holds a ton of ink, meaning you don’t have to keep dipping your nib in ink, freeing up more time for you to concentrate on your strokes and flourishes.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

How to prepare new calligraphy nibs

Β 

Before you actually start using your nibs you need to prepare them by taking of the oil coating that is applied by the manufacturer.Β 

You see, the nib manufacturers apply a protective layer on the nib in order to prevent them from rusting, and before you can start using them you need to remove this oily coating.Β 

This step is essential because if you don’t do it, the ink wont stay on the nib and it will be very hard (if not impossible) to use them.

Luckily this process is quite simple, it only takes a few minutes and needs to be done only once.

Here are a few ways you can do this –

Β 1. Tooth paste –

Apply a bit of tooth paste on your tooth brush and gently scrub the nib (both sides) for about 30 seconds.

Be sure to scrub it gently in order to not damage the nib.

Once you are done, rinse it well under water and dry it off completely with a paper towel (or a rag)Β 

Β 2. Rubbing alcohol/acetone

With the help of a cotton swab rub some alcohol/acetone on the nib. Once you have cleaned the whole nib you are ready to use it.

Β 3. Stick it in a potato!

Yups! good old fashioned potato does the trick when it comes to nib preparation.Β 

All you need to do is grab a fresh potato and slowly (very gently) slide the nib inside of it – don’t stick the whole thing in otherwise it will be hard to pull it out.Β 

Don’t hold it more than 10-15 minutes otherwise your nib might start to rust.

Once you are done, simply dry it off and you are all set.

Pen holders

There are 2 main types of pen holders for calligraphy;

1. the straight holderΒ 

2. the oblique pen holder.

Whilst the oblique holder is admittedly more suited for right handers, there are now also oblique pen holders for left handers.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

The oblique holder holds your nib at a set angle, making it easier on your neck and shoulders when you’re writing for long durations of time.

Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be racking up a bill with a chiropractor due to bad posture, which leads me to my next point –

make sure you have a comfortable chair and desk at the right height for writing.

I’d say, save those extra dollars for writing tools.

Paper

Although normal copy paper would work for practice (as long as it’s bleed proof), I would suggest getting some Rhodia paper if you can afford it. I love these Rhodia pads because :

⦁ The ink doesn’t bleed
⦁ The surface is extremely smooth so your nibs don’t snag as much on them
⦁ They come in blank sheets, lined and with dot grids. My favourite for beginners are the lined pads.

If you want to learn more about the different kind of papers and which are the best papers depending on the tool that you use, you should check out this article –Β 

Articles

WHAT IS THE BEST PAPER FOR LETTERING?

by Lettering Daily

Ink

When it comes to ink, you really have a wide choice.Β 

However, here are a few recommendations for beginners –Β 

⦁ Sumi ink 
⦁ Winsor & Newton calligraphy ink
⦁ Speedball India Ink 
⦁ Gouache (mixed with water)

Not all ink are the same, some are too thick while others too liquid.Β 

Luckily you can always thicken the ink with gum arabic and dilute it with water if needed.Β 

This will require some trial and error before finding the right combination – as it also depends on the nib and the paper you use.

How do I hold an oblique pen holder ?Β 

Probably one of the questions I get asked most, the oblique pen holder looks tricky, but you basically hold it like you would a regular pen or pencil.

One point to observe is that when observing the pen from its side, the nib should be at a less inclined angle as the body of the holder, as this prevents the nib from snagging on your paper on the upstrokes.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily
How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

By aligning the point of your nib to the slant lines, you allow the nib tines (the two sides) to open up equally – thus giving you that nice thick down stroke.Β 

In order to achieve this you will have to rotate the paper your are writing on – instead of bending your arm in a unnatural position.Β 

How do I get started writing calligraphy ?


Learning how to use guidelines


It is always recommended that you use proper guidelines when starting out.

This ensures that you develop the right muscle memory.

The diagram below refers to both the anatomy of calligraphy type in accordance to the baseline, cap height, ascender and descender, as labelled.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Basic strokes

I like to think of calligraphy as a composite of different basic strokes.

Please refer to the attached guide sheet to practice some of these strokes on your own –

Underturn – start by applying pressure on your nib on the down stroke, slowly curving upstrokes and releasing pressure as you do that.

Overturn – the opposite of the underturn, start with an upstroke, curving downwards and applying pressure for a thicker down stroke.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Ovals – when drawing out oval strokes, I imagine the face of a clock, and start going counter clockwise from β€˜1 o clock’ making sure that the stroke is balanced on both sides.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Compound Stroke – a combination of the overturn and underturn, start as if you’re writing an overturn, and connect that to the underturn after your down stroke.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Ascender – this stroke is used for tall letters like β€˜l, b, k, h etc’. Start with a thin
upstroke, and cross over to end with a thicker down stroke.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Descender – this stroke is used for letters such as β€˜ g, j, y, and z’. Start with a thick down stroke, crossing over to end with a thin delicate upstroke loop.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Letterforms

Now that you know the basic strokes, it’s time to combine them to form letterforms, or alphabets.

It’s easier to approach calligraphy when you break down each alphabet into the basic strokes that they’re composed of.

For instance, the letter β€˜a’ is made up of an oval and an underturn.

Refer to the attached sample guide sheet for a quick example and rundown of how to write the letters β€˜a, d, g’ and β€˜n, and m’.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily
How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Examplars

Below are some examples of dip pen calligraphy letters.

Try and identify the basic strokes that make up each letter, and reconstruct the letters based on the basic strokes they’re composed of.

Lowercase letters :

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Uppercase Letters :

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

FREE Downloadable practice sheets

Now it’s time to practice!

We’ve prepared some free downloadable practice sheets that will help you practice the basic calligraphy strokes as well as blank sheets with guidelines that will keep your letter forms nice and consistent.

Drop your email below so we can send you over the practice sheets.Β 

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Stay updated with our tutorials and get instant access to the Lettering Crate –

A growing library of free lettering & calligraphy resources that includes – FREE downloadable calligraphy practice sheets, Procreate brushes, the 30-day lettering planner, printables, and more.

Other resources and where to get them

The internet is a rich resource for materials pertaining to calligraphy.

Here are a few of my favorite places for resources, ranging from tools to free articles dating back to the 18th century.

IAMPETH.com – the International Association for Master Penmen and Teachers of Handwriting is a wonderful site that is a treasure trove for free articles pertaining to traditional calligraphy.

Members also get to join their annual gathering where you get to
meet Master Penmen and other calligraphy enthusiasts.

The Postman Knocks – a pretty equipped website for modern calligraphy, covering tutorials and more.

John Neal booksellers – one of my favorite places to get tools, they stock everything from papers, inks , nibs to hand turned pen holders and calligraphy books.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Final words

Calligraphy is a process and a journey.

I’ve been doing it full time for almost four year now, but still find myself learning something new everyday, therefore I think that an essential ingredient in what makes a great calligrapher is the enthusiasm to keep learning and keep on practicing.

Here are some final tips on how to keep on improving :

Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for intentional practice.

Intentional practice means paying close attention to your letterforms, and studying each one intently before moving on to the next.

I like to practice with quotes and poems to practice long form writing, and I think writing out the lyrics of your favourite songs can be an interesting way to keep on practicing.

Refer to the classics.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

Whilst calligraphy is just enjoying a resurgence in popular interest, the art form has been around for centuries.

Thus, one of the best resources to refer to is the work of the old masters of the craft.

Thankfully for us, there are tons of resources available, both in printed form and on the world wide web.

Whilst it is great to refer to these works for reference, it is imperative that you keep on honing your skills and learning the right letterforms before coming up with your own take on flourishes and variations to the alphabet.

Have fun. After all that has been said and done, remember to always have fun.

Personally, I find it very therapeutic and relaxing to unwind at the end of the day whilst practicing some letterform variations or referring to old journals and articles regarding penmanship.

How to get started with dip pen calligraphy - Lettering Daily

I’m always amazed at the amount of creativity and dedication that was put into the simple art of translating thoughts into tangible letters, and presenting it in a way that is ageless.

These days, calligraphy is seen on everything from wedding invites, to branding and posters, to high end ads on TV, so much so that it is easy to forget that it all started with the humble act
of putting pen on paper, and watching ink scribble out beautiful letterforms that has graced everything from official documents to intimate love letters.

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Joanna Chia

Jo's love for calligraphy stemmed from her grandfather who taught her cursive at the age of 7. Till this day Grandpa Chia is fondly remembered for his beautiful penmanship and penchant for sneaking chocolate treats to the grandkids. After working as an engineering researcher and obtaining her doctorate in 2015, Joanna took a plunge of faith and ventured into the world of art and calligraphy. Having honed her skills under the tutelage of international Master Penmen and renowned calligraphers, today her calligraphy has graced corporate branding, logos, events, weddings and has steadily built a client portfolio of international and local brands. In her spare time, she teaches calligraphy to both adults and children. She has been featured in various publications, including Harper's Bazaar, CLEO, Elle and is one of Malaysia's Top 10 Calligraphers (Tallypress). Jo also appeared on NTV 7's Bella, where she got to chatter excitedly about her passion for letters and mission in reviving this long forgotten art. She believes that even as we live in an ever exciting digital world, there is something magical and transcendental about transferring thoughts unto paper, of encapsulating personal messages in handwriting, something uniquely intimate to each individual. If you would like to get in touch for event and private session bookings, she'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

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This tool will help you improve your lettering composition - Lettering Daily

THIS TOOL WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION

How to get started with calligraphy flourishing - Lettering Daily

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CALLIGRAPHY FLOURISHING

Comments 14

  1. Vahid Esmaeelzadeh says:
    2 months ago

    Hi,
    Thanks a lot for your amazing website.
    I appreciate it if you could please send the exercising template sheets .

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      4 weeks ago

      Thank you Vahid, the worksheets can be found in the Lettering Crate. Sign up for the newsletter and you will get instant access to all the freebies πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Kristi says:
    2 months ago

    Hello, can I please get the free practice sheets? πŸ™‚ Thank you!

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      4 weeks ago

      Absolutely, you just need to join the newsletter in order to get full access to the Lettering Crate.

      Reply
  3. Kiwa says:
    3 months ago

    Can I have the practice sheets please? e-mail: [email protected]

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      3 months ago

      In order to get the practice sheets, you have to sign up to our newsletter. Once you do that you will get full access to the Lettering Crate, a place where we keep ALL of our freebies.

      Reply
  4. pbass wil says:
    4 months ago

    Flex nibs are one approach to calligraphy. Also know that italic nibs (not mentioned here) are the other major approach – a broad, non-flexy nib, where horizontal angle determines the line width, instead of pressure.

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      4 months ago

      You are totally right, the title is a bit misleading. I will change it on the next update. Thank you for the mention πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Gauri Vitthal Wavhal says:
    6 months ago

    Could you please provide me basic tutorial for calligraphy??

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      6 months ago

      Hey Gauri, this is a basic tutorial for calligraphy πŸ˜€ What exactly are you struggling with? I would be happy to help

      Reply
  6. Tobal says:
    10 months ago

    Hello,
    Could you tell me the name of this book you show in this picture?:
    https://www.lettering-daily.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/40409337_562992057454702_4708696581015350740_n.jpg

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      10 months ago

      I am not sure, but i think that if you reach out to Joanna directly she will be more than happy to provide additional info.

      Reply
  7. Asia Hartley says:
    10 months ago

    This article you have written, was so informative, I absolutely loved it. I’m wondering if you have a online course?
    Thank you
    Asia

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      10 months ago

      We are really happy to hear that you enjoyed the article! As for the online course, it’s best if you reach out to Joanna and ask her directly

      Reply

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