The Best Calligraphy Products for Beginners

Are you ready to dive into the world of calligraphy but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools and supplies? Fear not, as this post is here to help make your buying process simpler and more enjoyable.

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List of my recommended beginner-friendly calligraphy supplies:

Thick practice paper
Speedball Calligraphy Fountain Pen
Manuscript Dip Pen (straight)
Speedball Dip Pen (oblique)
Nibs (I like Zebra Comic Z and Blue Pumpkin best)
Dr. Ph Martin ink in any color
Fudenosuke Brush Pen
"Mastering Modern Calligraphy" by Molly Suber Thorpe

The Best Fountain Pen for Calligraphy

To start, you'll need a quality calligraphy pen. For beginners, a cartridge calligraphy pen is a perfect choice due to its ease of use and maintenance. The Speedball Calligraphy Fountain Pen is a top contender, offering a thick, broad line and consistent ink flow.

This is the type of pen I first learned on and it is a LOT easier than using a dip pen. The pen is perfect for practicing uncial or gothic letters and is what I used whenever I was hired to write on certificates and diplomas.

The Best Beginner Friendly Dip Pen for Learning Calligraphy

For more intricate work or a more traditional writing experience, a dip pen is a must-have. The dip pen is highly recommended for its precision and flexibility, with the option to switch out nibs for various writing styles.

There are SO many dip pen brands, materials and styles available. I have a handful of pens from different brands and love them all. The Manuscript straight pen is made of wood and is both comfortable to hold and simple to use once you insert the nib into the snap closure. The Speedball oblique pen is a lightweight, plastic pen holder. While it may be nothing fancy, it’s the best price point for value and ease of use, which makes it my number one choice for beginners.

If you’re only buying one dip pen, I would opt for the straight pen because it is easier for learning calligraphy. As you get comfortable with writing with a dip pen, switching to an oblique pen will allow for a more slanted letter formation. These days I typically only use an oblique as I love the slightly more dramatic lettering I’m able to create with it.

Here I’m using the Speedball Oblique Dip Pen with a Zebra Comic Z and Dr Ph Martin ink in metallic Nickel.

Popular Nibs for Practicing Calligraphy

Speaking of nibs, they play a crucial role in shaping your letters and giving your work its unique touch. Consider trying Zebra Comic Z or Brause Steno aka Blue Pumpkin nibs, known for their clean, precise, and smooth lines.

Sure, some dip pens come with nib right in the pack, but not all nibs are created equal. Investing in a pack of quality nibs will lead to better lettering and less frustration. Of course, if your pen came with nibs, you might as well give them a try! Some of them will be amazing and you’ll love them, others not so much. Either way, PLEASE don’t be discouraged if your struggling to write with the random selection of nibs in your set. I have a hard time writing with some of them, too! It’s not you, my friend, it’s the nib.

Popular Calligraphy Ink Ideal for Beginners and Pros

Selecting the right ink is just as important. Dr. Ph. Martin's calligraphy ink is a popular choice for its smooth, dark, and smear-resistant properties, making it a dream to work with.

A quick search on Amazon or Etsy and you will find hundreds of ink options. Some are mass produced and some are small batch inks. There are also inks for drawing, alcohol inks, acrylic inks, watercolor inks and so on. Ah, so many inks to try and so little time! If you’re just starting out, I would suggest sticking to the inks that are specifically made for calligraphy. I LOVE using Dr Ph Martin inks for my calligraphy projects because the inks are easy to find (online and at craft stores), the colors are gorgeous and opaque, and they’re high quality.

The Best Brush Pen for Hand Lettering

A brush pen is another essential tool for beginners. The Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen is a favorite, offering both a hard and soft tip option for creating thin or thick lines with ease. There are a TON of brush pens on the market and to spare you the frustration, I’ve tried a number of them. The Fudenosuke is hands down the best one yet that I’ve tried.

Recommended Paper for Practicing Calligraphy

Don't forget about paper! Some calligraphers practice with printer paper, but I never did like (or have luck with) basic copy paper for calligraphy practice. Low-quality paper can lead to tears and ink bleeds. For beginners, 80 lb text or thicker writing paper, such as resume paper, is a safe bet. I buy Accent Opaque 80 lb text (118gsm) paper by the ream from Amazon. It’s better than the 20 lb printer paper but doesn’t cost a ton.

The Best Calligraphy Book for Learning and Mastering Calligraphy

Lastly, a guidebook can be a valuable resource for beginners. "Mastering Modern Calligraphy" by Molly Suber Thorpe covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, making it a comprehensive and helpful tool on your calligraphy journey. I love this book so much and am always recommending it!

Remember, learning calligraphy is a process, so be patient and keep practicing. With the right tools and some determination, you'll be creating beautiful works of art in no time. Happy writing!