Writing with a pen is an art. You get pleasure in the writing process and from the words themselves. The resulting writing can vary, depending on the size and design of the pen, the type of ink, and even the paper. If you're ready to use an instrument that requires this precision, keep in mind that you may have to practice because the design of a pen is different from that of a ballpoint pen.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Holding a Pen
Step 1. Balance the pen
Holding a pen can cause weight and balance problems, depending on the size of the hand and the pen. Experiment with holding the pen with the cap attached to the back and removed. Pens are usually more balanced if the cap is attached to the back, but everyone has a different experience.
Step 2. Hold the pen with your dominant hand
Squeeze the pen lightly between your thumb and forefinger, then slide it to the tip of your index finger. Use the bottom of your hand, including your ring and little fingers, to hold the pen on the paper. Do not press the pen too hard against the paper so as not to restrict its movement.
Do not hold the pen by the bottom. Placing your hand too close to the tip of the pen can affect the writing angle and potential for ink flow
Step 3. Place the tube on the bottom of the middle finger
This is similar to the writing position that most people are used to. If your middle finger is guiding and pressing instead of serving as a fulcrum, adjust the back of the pen so that it is closer to the V that forms where your thumb and hand meet.
It may be more comfortable to place the pen closer to the tip of the middle finger, past the knuckle
Step 4. Hold the pen toward the paper at an angle of 40-55 degrees
This tilt is very important because it moves the tines (teeth) away from the feed (the mechanism that moves the ink) and allows the ink to flow. Insufficient ink flow is usually caused by an improper tilt.
- Keep in mind that each pen requires a different slope which allows for separate tines and feeds. You will recognize it with writing practice.
- Some nibs (pen tips) have been modified by technicians to allow for tilts ranging from 35 to almost 90 degrees.
- When holding a pen, it feels different when compared to holding a ballpoint pen, which is designed in such a way that it allows you to write at various angles, including vertically. Using the pen vertically doesn't allow you to take full advantage of the nib width.
Step 5. Make sure that the nib is parallel to the paper
Don't let the nib swing left and right as you write. Ink can flow from a variety of slopes, but each pen has an optimal position that allows for the best flow. Writing with a pen can feel inconsistent if the nib is too high or the slope against the paper is not correct.
Method 2 of 3: Writing with a Pen
Step 1. Do not use the hand muscles
Begin by sliding the tip of the pen across the paper and within the line by pulling the arm out to the side. Most people tend to write using the hand muscles to control the movement to form letters. In addition to applying more consistent pressure, using the large muscles of your arm to write will also prevent your fingers from feeling tired.
- Concentrate on using your shoulder muscles to slide the pen across the paper. Try practicing by writing the letters in the air.
- The wrist doesn't move too much.
Step 2. Minimize the pressure
Unlike ballpoint pens, which often require pressure, writing with a pen doesn't require the same amount of pressure. In fact, if the pen is working properly, you don't have to press it at all. Pressing the pen too hard can damage the nib and affect ink flow.
Step 3. Do not twist the pen
Once you get hold of the pen, you should understand that on its own. However, some people develop the habit of twirling writing instruments to find the ideal point or sharpest tip, but this is not the case for pens. Rotating the pen will align it with the correct paper and potentially cause the paper to scratch.
Step 4. Practice doing single strokes with a pen
Using the arm muscles to write differently can lead to fatigue and uneven writing. So, starting with the basic techniques is a smart move. Try making lines, circles, spirals, and X's. Do this exercise for several lines or pages until you get used to using the pen. The goal is to write letters that flow, have regular and uniform spacing.
It may be easier to practice using multiple line guides the first time you try, then slowly reduce the font size so that it fits in a traditional single line
Step 5. Write a sentence
After practicing making simple strokes, writing complete sentences can be a different challenge. If the nib feels like scraping paper, you should try a different tilt, while making sure the nib doesn't wobble as you write, or reevaluate whether you're using the right muscles. If you successfully master these techniques, the ink will flow smoothly and reduce scratches on the paper.
Method 3 of 3: Setting Up Writing Tools
Step 1. Buy an inexpensive pen
In the world of calligraphy, cheap pens cost around Rp. 200,000, while special pens can cost Rp. 500,000 or more. Start with a pen with a removable ink cartridge.
Try a different nib. Most pens allow you to change the nib so you can try a thinner or thicker nib. There are five types of nibs: extra thin, thin, medium, wide and double width
Step 2. Use new and pure ink
If the ink is several years old, has been in the sun for some time, or shows mildew, it is best not to use it. However, if you want to stick with it, make sure to stir it evenly so there are no lumps. The black ink will most likely clot inside the nib because it contains Arabic latex.
Waterman, Sheaffer, and Pelican brand inks are thinner and more flexible
Step 3. Buy lined books
Lines will help you create uniform letters and strokes. Some people even recommend using a writing exercise book for elementary school children, which has a dotted line in the middle. Once you get used to the pen and font size, you can try writing on a blank sheet of paper.
Choose paper that is not chemically treated as the ink will not be absorbed properly and cause the ink to stagnate
Step 4. Sit in a comfortable chair in front of the table
Writing with a high degree of precision with a pen can tire your arms or hands at first. So, it is advisable to take a position as comfortable as possible. The most important thing is to allow the arms and hands to move freely.
Tips
- Clean the pen if your technique is correct, but the ink is not flowing. Use distilled water at room temperature to soak the nib after removing it from the pen. Rinse well and wait for it to dry before putting it back on.
- Clean the pen after use if you don't use it often. The ink can dry out and clog the mechanism.
- To avoid clogging the nib, make sure you attach the pen cap when not in use.
- If you are using an ink cartridge, but the ink is not flowing, check and make sure that the tube opening is not bent when you insert it into the part of the pen that drains the ink into the nib.
