Calligraphy is a writing style that has developed thousands of years ago in various cultures around the world. Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply a hobbyist, learning to write with a calligraphy pen is a valuable and rewarding skill.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Calligraphy Pen
Step 1. Understand the four most common types of calligraphy pens
Each pen has a different type of ink, and ink is the most important element for you to write good calligraphy. Choosing a calligraphy pen is very much determined by each individual. In addition to the appropriate ink, the pen should fit snugly in your hand, and you should feel comfortable using it. There are four types of pens that are ideal for calligraphy, including:
- Feather pen: This pen is suitable for beginners because it is inexpensive, easy to use, and there is no need to prepare ink before using it. However, quill pen ink tends to run out quickly and ink can seep on paper or other writing media. This pen is suitable for practice, but is not recommended for writing important documents or artwork.
- Pens: Pens are usually used by those with intermediate and high level calligraphy skills. This pen has a replaceable pen tip and ink cartridge. The ink flows to the nib and is channeled onto the paper through the slit in the nib.
- Dip pen: This pen is used by calligraphers with advanced skills, but can also be used by beginners with patience and practice. A dip pen consists of three parts: a hilt, a nib holder, or rod, where your finger holds the pen when you use it, a nib, which is usually made of metal and has an opening for the ink to escape, and an ink holder, which is a small cup or groove that drains the pen. ink into the gap in the tip of the pen. Several ink tanks are placed above the nib and some below it. The ink tank stores a small amount of ink for the nib so you can write before you have to refill ink.
- Brush pen: This pen consists of a thin brush, about 6-20 mm wide, with a head made of nylon or leather. The brush head should be made of short, stiff bristles so that you can control the writing well because the brush must be dipped in the ink as you use it. Writing calligraphy with a square brush is different from a pen equipped with a pen tip because the brush lines will get thicker when pressed and the lines will look rough or stutter when the ink is running out. These pens are also messy for beginners and more difficult to use than quills or ballpoint pens.
Step 2. Try one or two pens at the same time
Choosing the right calligraphy pen must go through a trial and error process. Choose two types of pens, such as quills and ballpoint pens, for a writing experience with both.
- Choose a pen considering how messy the writing process will be, and how simple the equipment will be. For example, brush pens require that you prepare ink and must dip it in the ink frequently while writing. However, brush pens can produce finer lines than quills, which don't require any preparation, but can't be used for smooth writing.
- If you're weighing between a fountain pen and a dip pen, keep in mind that a dip pen gives you the flexibility to choose the nib, the ink, and the handle or hilt. However, these pens can be more messy and unstable than pens. A pen, or any other pen with an ink cartridge, is less cluttered and more convenient because you don't have to prepare the ink before writing. However, the ink and nib options are limited if you use a pen. In addition, pens are not as flexible as dip pens or brush pens.
Step 3. Purchase ink for a dip pen or brush pen
If you are using a dip pen, or a brush pen, you will need to purchase ink. Use calligraphy ink instead of pen ink. Calligraphy ink is thicker and will stick to the nib better, giving you more control when writing.
Look for a thicker ink such as Indian ink or Chinese ink. Avoid Indian inks that contain lacquers, as these dry the ink quickly and can damage the nib in dip or brush pens. Many brush and dip pens are sold packaged with the ink and nib
Step 4. Purchase ink cartridges for pens
Many pens are sold complete with the ink cartridge and pen tip recommended by the manufacturer. Start with what the manufacturer recommends when you are first learning to write calligraphy.
Some pens also have converters so you can use a different ink when you're comfortable with a basic pen. The pen ink is fairly thin so it won't clog the pen while writing, but the nib is usually stiff. So, not as flexible as dip pen or brush pen
Step 5. Select the nib for the pen
Pens, dip pens, and brush pens use the tip of the pen to hold the ink inside and channel the ink as it is used. Contrary to popular belief, it's best not to dip a calligraphy pen directly into an ink bottle. This will cause blotches and uncontrolled ink flow. It is recommended to purchase a pen tip. There are two types of pen tips:
- Beveled nib: This nib is commonly used for writing Gothic and Italic calligraphy styles. The beveled nib has a blunt, stiff edge so it's not very flexible and doesn't allow you to vary the lines or strokes as you write.
- Flexible nib: Most calligraphers use this nib. The tip of this pen is rounded with two tines (teeth) on the tip. The wider the tine spacing, the wider the resulting line. The pen must be pressed while writing so that the tine expands so that the line also expands.
Part 2 of 3: Using Ink on the Pen and Choosing Paper
Step 1. Insert the ink cartridge into the pen
The pen consists of three parts: the cap, the tip of the pen and the barrel (pen body). You will need to attach the ink cartridge to the nib for the ink to flow. To do so:
- Open the cap, then remove the barrel from the nib by turning it clockwise.
- Attach the ink cartridge to the nib by pushing it firmly against the non-sharp tip of the pen. Once the ink cartridge is installed correctly, you will hear a soft “click” sound.
- You can switch from packaged ink cartridges and conventional ink cartridges to pens once you are proficient at writing calligraphy.
Step 2. Use the dropper to put the ink into the ink reservoir on the dip pen or brush pen
Due to the nature of dip pens and brush pens, you may need to refill the ink reservoir after writing a few letters or words. To fill the ink reservoir:
- Hold the pen horizontally with your dominant hand.
- Use the other hand to dip the dropper in the ink so that the pipette fills up.
- Drop the ink from the dropper into the ink reservoir. Continue to hold the pen horizontally to prevent ink from dripping onto the paper or hands.
- Place the dropper on the saucer near the ink. You will need to refill the pen again after a few minutes of writing.
- Try the flow of pen ink on a piece of paper before writing calligraphy on the main paper.
Step 3. Write using special paper for pens, not regular HVS paper
Thin, low-quality paper, such as HVS, can leak ink and damage the calligraphy. Look for paper suitable for pens at your local craft store.
- Most pen paper will be thicker and of higher quality to prevent ink from seeping through.
- When you're first learning to write calligraphy, use practice paper with lines and margins. You can access the practice paper here and print it on heavy paper. This will help you get used to writing according to certain guidelines so that as you continue to practice, you can write calligraphy on paper without lines.
Part 3 of 3: Practicing the Basics
Step 1. Use an angled writing pad for the dip pen and brush pen
This pen is ideal for use on inclined surfaces, such as an inclined writing desk, easel, or board that rests on your lap and rests on the edge of a table.
- Always use a stable base that does not slide or move easily. Also adjust the height of the chair so that it allows you to write comfortably.
- Place the calligraphy ink where your hand is not used for writing, along with the dropper, so you can refill the nib easily. Also provide a small saucer to put your brush pen in if you need to stop and leave the work area. This step ensures that the paper and hands are free from smudges.
Step 2. Secure the paper to the writing pad
Use paper tape or paper clips to keep the paper flat against the base. Paper that moves easily can cause streaks and broken lines when you practice calligraphy.
- If using lined practice paper, back it up with thick paper to prevent ink from seeping onto the surface of the base.
- Also line your hands with paper so that the oil from the skin is not absorbed by the paper and spoils the calligraphy.
Step 3. Perform a line pull down
Hold the pen so that it is horizontal with the top writing line. This is the zero angle of the nib. Make sure the tip of the pen is flush with the paper when making a vertical downward line. Press the tip of the pen steadily as you draw the line downwards. This exercise will produce a downward line of maximum thickness.
- To produce the thinnest lines, drag the pen horizontally across the paper from left to right. Draw a thick line down and a thin horizontal line to create a box. This exercise will give you an idea of how hard the pen must be pressed to create thick and thin lines.
- Use your arm, not your wrist, to write. This will stabilize the arm and allow the writing to flow smoothly.
Step 4. Draw a line upwards
Position the pen so that you are holding it at a 45-degree angle. Use the drawn box as a marker. The 45 degree slope is exactly between 0 and 90 degrees. So, cut the square in half and place the tip of the pen parallel to the diagonal line. Practice making an upward line with the pen at a 45-degree angle, starting at the bottom line of the paper.
Try pressing the pen with various pressure variations for each stroke of the line. The more you press, the thicker the resulting line. The thinner line is created with less pressure as you pull up
Step 5. Draw a jagged line
Use the lines on the paper to create a jagged pattern that helps train you to tilt the pen. Continue to hold the pen at a 45-degree angle.
- Draw a thin upward diagonal line and a thick downward vertical line. That way, you will create a jagged pattern. Lift the pen every three strokes and make one stroke down then one up.
- Keep making jagged patterns until the practice paper is full.
Step 6. Use practice paper for different writing styles
Keep practicing with squares and lines with a pen until you can comfortably draw these basic lines. After that, you can continue to practice by making writing such as letters and words in a calligraphy style.
