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How to get started with Modern Calligraphy

Updated: Apr 12, 2022

Want to get started with modern calligraphy but don't know where to begin? Let me provide you with 3 simple steps to get started:


1. Buy a brush pen

There are two types of commonly used calligraphy tools - a dip pen and a brush pen.

I personally recommend a brush pen over a dip pen as they are easier to use, particularly as a beginner. Brush pens are like felt tips but have a flexible tip that helps you to create thick and thin lines. If you want to get started immediately, you can use a pencil it's just that the pen looks bolder.


I'd recommend buying a black Pentel Fude Touch brush pen as these are durable and beginner friendly. I have experience with multiple brush pen brands and both as a beginner and a more experienced calligrapher, the Pentel brush pens have always been my go-to brush pen. You can check out my brush pens for beginners post if you want to learn more. If you like lots of colour, they also come in a set of 12 but that involves spending a bit more. It depends how much you're willing to spend for an initial investment.


2. Learn the differences between calligraphy and cursive

Understanding the differences between cursive and calligraphy helps you to start really thinking about calligraphy as a separate art form. Knowing the differences will hopefully encourage you to slow down and to create your letters with a more intentional and methodical approach.


3. Learn the basic strokes

The basic strokes are important for several reasons and you can read more about them in my other blog post.


A quick summary for those unfamiliar with this term - these are movements that you create with your brush pen. They are the first step towards learning how to create beautiful letters. Once you've learnt these, creating the alphabet in calligraphy will be much simpler.


If you would like to see me create the basic strokes in real time consider joining one of my Modern Calligraphy Beginners' Workshops. In my beginners workshops I walk through how to create these basic strokes, how they fit into the calligraphic alphabet as well my top tips and insights into learning calligraphy.


And bonus tip...

Join my calligraphy community on Facebook! The calligraphy community is kind and supportive and it's great to meet others within the community for support with any calligraphy questions you may have. Hope to see you join!


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Get started with modern calligraphy with brush pens and my workbook collection. If you're in the early stages of learning modern calligraphy, you may also want to join one of my upcoming calligraphy workshops.


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