The Basics

To begin calligraphy you must have the correct supplies. Go to the Supplies button above to see all of the supplies you can use. 

    We will be going over Western Styled Calligraphy which focuses on thick and thin strokes. This does not include copperplate calligraphy. 

     If you already have a calligraphy nib that is broad and flat and you have some paper then you are ready to start.

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1. Make sure to start with the pen at an angle

2. The nib should point away from you

3. As you write up strokes are typically thinner and downstrokes are thicker ( this does depend on the style of calligraphy that you are doing)

4. As you move the nib do not turn it, it should always be facing the same direction.

5. Then gently move the nib across the paper with little pressure. 

6. Do not lean very had on your arm, hand, or wrist.

7. Create vertical, horizontal, and even diagonal lines parallel (you will need to know all three)

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The three important skills

1.  Do not push hard on the nib (doing this will damage the nib)

2. Keep your lines parallel (even curves)

3. Make sure to have the pen angle be a constant

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