provides nine free alphabet guide sheets.
.
(International Organization) has a wonderful website, with and .
-- Provides worksheets, alphabets to copy, illsutrations.
has , a t, a , and more.
generously offers free printable guidesheets and alphabets.
has good beginning instruction.
-- An AP that lets you generate exactly the guidesheet you need for a project.
is a basic reference from the book.
-- Includes links to many sites, with several fonts for digital projects.
The Groom Club’s gives a history and overview, references different cultural styles for calligraphy, and even guides the learner to develop their own unique style. (Thanks to Melissa for suggesting this source.)
at Stanford explains how Calligraphy at Reed College infuenced Apple typography and his view of life.
-- Notable quotes about the program that inspired Steve Jobs to learn calligraphy and design the Apple font.
is a personal blog giving sage advice on materials and techniques.
t is a blog on calligraphy, reflective and beautiful.
includes lessons and worksheets.
Katharine Scarfe Beckett’s has much to offer, and my favorite is -- a broader and deeper subject than one might think.
offers links to the history of calligraphy, several intriguing projects, free calligraphic fonts, and tips for improving your style.
discusses the consequences when students no longer learn cursive handwriting.
Cursive handwriting practice at Education.com offers many .
Alternative for those unwilling or uninterested in learning calligraphy.
| |
|
|
Back to Assignments or Home . Updated 13 March 2024 .
A course by bego viñuela galarraga , calligraphy artist.
Each letter is its own world and has a distinct personality. This is what Bego Viñuela, calligraphy artist and founder of Bilbao Calligraphy, discovered when she began exploring this art form. With more than a decade of experience, she is known for her expertise in English or Copperplate calligraphy and her work has led her to collaborate with brands like Vogue, Mont Blanc, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, among others.
In this course, she teaches you how to master the art of English calligraphy from scratch. Learn how to use the tools and draw upper and lowercase letters until you complete a full Copperplate alphabet.
17 lessons & 7 downloads
Choose your favorite phrase, poem, or song lyrics and write them in English calligraphy.
Anyone who wants to get started in this art form and enjoys creating with their hands, as well as graphic designers and illustrators who use calligraphy as a primary or complementary technique in their projects.
No prior knowledge is needed to take this course since Bego teaches you everything from scratch.
As for materials, you need a nib, a nib holder, 80 GSM paper, and ink.
The course is excellent! The best calligraphy course I've learn so far.
Me encanto ! excelente para personalizar proyectos.
View translation
Hide translation
Muy bueno el curso, me encanto, sigo practicando para hacerlo mejor
Un curso excelente. Muy aconsejable si te gusta la caligrafía. Muy bien explicado.
excellent course for beginners
Bego Viñuela studied fine arts at the University of the Basque Country where she discovered the world of calligraphy, which motivated her to take a master's degree in advanced typography at the University of Barcelona. To fuel her passion for all things calligraphy, she has traveled the world honing her technique and learning from the best local and international teachers.
Since 2013, she has been sharing her knowledge of calligraphy techniques and approaches at her studio and school Calligraphy Bilbao. When she's not teaching, she works with different brands and crafts invitations for weddings and events.
Learn at your own pace.
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
If you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
Domestika's courses are online classes that provide you with the tools and skills you need to complete a specific project. Every step of the project combines video lessons with complementary instructional material, so you can learn by doing. Domestika's courses also allow you to share your own projects with the teacher and with other students, creating a dynamic course community.
All courses are 100% online, so once they're published, courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.
The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.
You can redeem the course you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.
What is calligraphy
Unveiling the Art of Beautiful Writing
Table of Contents
Calligraphy is a beautiful art form that requires practice and patience to master. In this section, we will explore various calligraphy practice exercises that can help you improve your pen control, perfect your flourishes, and elevate your overall calligraphy skills. These exercises have been recommended by professional calligraphy artists and have proven to be effective in honing your calligraphy skills.
Practice is essential for improving any skill, and calligraphy is no exception. By regularly practicing calligraphy exercises , such as pen control drills and flourishes, you can develop muscle memory, improve your hand-lettering technique, and enhance your overall calligraphy skills. These practice exercises are designed to help you gain control over your pen strokes, refine your letterforms, and cultivate a unique calligraphy style. Through consistent practice, you can improve your calligraphy skills and create stunning hand-lettered pieces.
When you practice calligraphy, you give yourself the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and styles. It allows you to explore various letterforms, strokes, and flourishes to find what resonates with you. By dedicating time to practice, you can refine your skills and develop your own unique artistic voice.
Remember that calligraphy is a journey, and improvement takes time. Embrace the process and be patient with yourself. Set aside regular practice sessions, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Consistency is key in building muscle memory and improving your pen control.
“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes
Regular calligraphy practice offers several benefits that contribute to the improvement of your skills. Firstly, it helps to develop muscle memory, allowing your hand to move fluidly and effortlessly as you create strokes and letterforms. With practice, your hand becomes more familiar with the movements required for calligraphy, resulting in smoother and more consistent penmanship.
Secondly, regular practice allows you to experiment and explore your creativity. As you try new techniques and styles, you expand your repertoire and develop your own unique calligraphy style. Practice sessions provide an opportunity for self-expression and growth as an artist.
Lastly, practice helps to build confidence. The more you practice, the more comfortable you become with the tools and techniques of calligraphy. This confidence shines through in your work, allowing you to create beautiful and impactful pieces.
To make the most of your calligraphy practice, it’s important to establish a routine that works for you. Consider setting aside dedicated time each day or week for practice. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself, just like any other commitment.
Create a comfortable and inspiring workspace where you can fully immerse yourself in your practice. Surround yourself with tools, materials, and inspiration that motivate and excite you. Whether it’s a designated corner of your home or a portable practice kit, make sure it’s a space that sparks your creativity.
Additionally, consider joining a calligraphy community or finding a practice partner. Connecting with others who share your passion for calligraphy can provide valuable feedback, inspiration, and accountability. Whether online or in-person, these communities offer a supportive environment for growth and learning.
Calligraphy practice sheets and worksheets are valuable resources for honing your calligraphy skills. These structured exercises provide guided lines, stroke sequences, and lettering drills that allow you to practice specific techniques and styles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced calligrapher, using calligraphy practice sheets can help you refine your strokes, improve your letterforms, and enhance your overall calligraphy skills.
There are various types of calligraphy practice sheets available to suit different preferences and areas of focus. Traditional calligraphy practice sheets are designed to help you master classic scripts like Copperplate or Spencerian. Modern calligraphy practice sheets cater to those interested in contemporary lettering styles. Brush lettering practice sheets focus on developing skills specific to using brush pens , while digital calligraphy practice sheets offer exercises for creating calligraphy on digital platforms like the Procreate App.
By incorporating calligraphy practice sheets into your routine, you can establish a structured approach to learning and refining your calligraphy technique. These sheets provide a solid foundation for building muscle memory, improving pen control, and exploring various lettering styles. With consistent practice using these resources, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful, professional-quality calligraphy in no time.
If you’re new to calligraphy, starting with basic calligraphy exercises is a great way to build a strong foundation. These exercises focus on fundamental strokes, such as upstrokes and downstrokes, transitioning between thick and thin strokes, and creating oval shapes. By practicing these drills, you can improve your pen control, learn proper letter formation, and develop a consistent writing style. These exercises are designed to help beginners develop the necessary skills and techniques for creating beautiful calligraphy.
One of the key calligraphy drills for beginners is practicing upstrokes and downstrokes. This exercise involves applying pressure to create thick downstrokes and releasing pressure for thin upstrokes. By mastering this technique, you can achieve the desired contrast in your letterforms.
Another important drill for beginners is transitioning between thick and thin strokes. This exercise helps you understand how to vary the pressure on your writing instrument to create different line weights. It’s essential for creating elegant and dynamic letterforms in calligraphy.
Basic Calligraphy Exercises for Beginners | Description |
---|---|
Upstrokes and Downstrokes | Practice applying pressure to create thick downstrokes and releasing pressure for thin upstrokes. |
Transitioning Between Thick and Thin Strokes | Learn how to vary the pressure on your writing instrument to create different line weights. |
Creating Oval Shapes | Master the technique of smoothly transitioning from thin to thick strokes to create oval shapes. |
In addition to these drills, beginners can also practice creating oval shapes. This exercise involves smoothly transitioning from thin to thick strokes to form perfectly rounded shapes. Mastering this technique will help you create beautiful flourishes and decorative elements in your calligraphy.
Remember, practice is essential for improving your calligraphy skills. By dedicating regular time to these basic calligraphy exercises , you can develop the necessary foundation to progress to more advanced techniques and styles. So grab your pen, find some practice sheets, and start honing your calligraphy skills today!
If you’re looking to take your calligraphy skills to the next level, it’s time to challenge yourself with advanced calligraphy exercises. These exercises are designed to push your skills beyond the basics and allow you to explore more complex techniques and styles. By regularly practicing these advanced exercises, you can further develop your own unique lettering and refine your overall calligraphy technique.
One of the key areas to focus on in advanced calligraphy is brush lettering. Brush lettering involves using a brush pen or a paintbrush to create thick and thin strokes, adding depth and dimension to your letterforms. By practicing brush lettering drills, you can improve your control over the brush, experiment with different pressure variations, and create beautiful calligraphic compositions.
Another important aspect of advanced calligraphy is mastering various calligraphy drills . These drills focus on specific aspects of calligraphy, such as achieving consistent spacing between letters, creating intricate flourishes, and perfecting complex stroke combinations. By dedicating time to practicing these drills, you can enhance your overall technique, develop your muscle memory, and expand your repertoire of lettering styles.
Finally, using practice sheets specifically designed for advanced calligraphy can be immensely helpful. These practice sheets provide guided lines and exercises that challenge you to experiment with different shapes, angles, and lettering styles. They can also serve as a valuable reference as you work on perfecting your technique and developing your own unique calligraphy style.
Benefits of Advanced Calligraphy Exercises | Examples |
---|---|
Enhances brush lettering skills | Creating thick and thin strokes, experimenting with pressure variations |
Refines overall calligraphy technique | Mastering spacing, creating intricate flourishes, perfecting stroke combinations |
Expands repertoire of lettering styles | Practicing different shapes, angles, and |
“Advanced calligraphy exercises allow you to push the boundaries of your skills and explore new possibilities in lettering. By challenging yourself with more complex techniques and drills, you can greatly enhance your calligraphy skills and create stunning hand-lettered pieces.” – Professional Calligraphy Artist
If you’re ready to take your calligraphy skills to new heights, start incorporating advanced calligraphy exercises into your practice routine. Dedicate regular time to brush lettering, explore different calligraphy drills, and utilize practice sheets specifically designed for advanced techniques. Through consistent practice and experimentation, you can continue to grow and improve as a calligrapher, developing your own unique style and creating breathtaking hand-lettered artworks .
When it comes to improving your calligraphy skills, choosing the right calligraphy practice sheets is crucial. These sheets provide structured exercises that allow you to practice specific techniques and styles, helping you refine your strokes, improve your letterforms, and elevate your overall calligraphy skills. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting the perfect practice sheets:
By selecting practice sheets that suit your specific needs, you can ensure a more effective and enjoyable calligraphy practice experience.
Here is a sample of calligraphy practice sheets that you can use to enhance your skills:
Sheet Type | Focus | Recommended for |
---|---|---|
Basic Strokes | Mastering fundamental strokes | Beginners |
Alphabet Lettering | Improving letterforms and consistency | All skill levels |
Flourishes | Practicing intricate embellishments | Intermediate to advanced |
These practice sheets are just a starting point, and there are countless resources available online that offer a wide range of practice materials. Explore different styles, techniques, and scripts to continuously challenge yourself and improve your calligraphy skills.
Enhance your calligraphy skills with a wide range of free calligraphy practice sheets and worksheets available online. These resources provide valuable practice materials for both beginners and experienced calligraphers, allowing you to improve your hand lettering and lettering techniques.
Whether you’re interested in traditional calligraphy or modern calligraphy, you can find a variety of free practice sheets that suit your needs and skill level. These practice sheets cover everything from basic strokes and alphabet lettering to more advanced techniques and styles. By regularly using these practice sheets, you can refine your calligraphy strokes, perfect your letterforms, and develop your own unique calligraphy style.
Many professional calligraphers and calligraphy enthusiasts generously share their worksheets for free, making it easier for aspiring artists to access high-quality practice materials. So, take advantage of these free resources and start practicing your calligraphy skills today. With consistent practice and dedication, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can improve and create stunning hand-lettered pieces.
“Practice makes perfect. Take advantage of the free calligraphy practice sheets and worksheets available online to sharpen your calligraphy skills. These resources provide structured exercises that target specific techniques and styles, allowing you to refine your strokes, improve your letterforms, and enhance your overall calligraphy skills.” – Calligraphy Master
Using free calligraphy practice sheets offers several benefits for calligraphy enthusiasts:
Practice | Benefits |
---|---|
Using structured exercises | Improves pen control and letter formation |
Tracking progress | Allows you to see improvement over time |
Exploring diverse styles | Helps you find your unique calligraphy style |
Accessing free resources | Provides easy and cost-effective practice materials |
Consistency is key when it comes to improving your calligraphy skills. By dedicating regular time to practice and focusing on targeted exercises, you can enhance your technique and achieve the desired results. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your calligraphy practice:
Remember, practice is the key to improving your calligraphy skills. Stay dedicated, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey of honing your craft.
Drill | Description |
---|---|
Upstrokes and Downstrokes | Practice creating smooth and consistent upstrokes and downstrokes, focusing on maintaining a consistent angle and pressure. |
Transitioning between Thick and Thin Strokes | Master the art of creating thick and thin strokes by gradually increasing and decreasing the pressure on your pen. |
Oval Shapes | Create perfect oval shapes by practicing your hand movement and maintaining a consistent width throughout the stroke. |
Flourishes | Experiment with different types of flourishes, such as loops, curls, and spirals, to add flair and elegance to your lettering. |
Regularly incorporating these drills into your practice routine will help you develop muscle memory, improve your technique, and elevate your overall calligraphy skills.
Calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that requires practice and dedication to master. By incorporating calligraphy practice exercises into your routine, using practice sheets and worksheets, and staying consistent with your practice, you can greatly improve your calligraphy skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced calligrapher, there are always new techniques and styles to explore and refine.
With time and patience, you can develop your own unique calligraphy style and create stunning hand-lettered pieces. So pick up your pen, grab some paper, and start honing your calligraphy skills today!
Remember, learning calligraphy is a journey, and each practice session brings you closer to your goals. Set specific objectives for your practice sessions, whether it’s perfecting a certain letterform or refining your flourishes. Regularly compare your earlier works to track your progress over time. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and keep pushing yourself to grow. With dedication and a growth mindset, your calligraphy skills will continue to improve.
Calligraphy allows you to express your creativity and unique style. As you practice and refine your skills, you’ll develop your own signature lettering and flourishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. Explore traditional calligraphy, modern calligraphy, brush lettering, or even digital calligraphy. The possibilities are endless, and the more you practice, the more your calligraphy will become a reflection of your artistic voice.
Calligraphy practice exercises are structured activities and drills designed to improve your pen control, flourishes, and overall calligraphy skills.
Regular practice in calligraphy helps develop muscle memory, improves hand-lettering technique, and enhances overall calligraphy skills.
Calligraphy practice sheets and worksheets provide guided lines, stroke sequences, and lettering drills to help you practice and improve specific calligraphy techniques and styles.
Basic calligraphy exercises focus on fundamental strokes, transitioning between thick and thin strokes, and creating basic shapes to develop pen control and proper letter formation.
Advanced calligraphy exercises focus on intricate flourishes, varying line thickness, and practicing control with different shapes and angles to push your skills to the next level and refine your technique.
Consider the size, slant, and paper type that align with your writing utensil, calligraphy script, and prevent ink bleeding or damage to your writing utensils.
Yes, there are numerous free calligraphy practice sheets and worksheets available online that cover a range of techniques and styles, shared by professional calligraphers and enthusiasts.
Dedicate regular time for calligraphy practice, set specific goals for each session, track your progress, embrace mistakes, and focus on targeted exercises to enhance your skills and achieve desired results.
March 5, 2024 June 18, 2024
February 29, 2024 June 17, 2024
February 26, 2024 June 17, 2024
Hi, I'm Jay, the author behind What is Calligraphy. As an avid calligraphy enthusiast, I've dedicated this website to share my passion and knowledge with all things calligraphy. With a deep love for the art form, I aim to provide a comprehensive platform where beginners and experienced calligraphers can explore and learn. Through informative articles, step-by-step tutorials, and helpful resources, I'm here to help you embark on your calligraphy journey. Whether you're curious to know the history, different styles, or the tools needed, this site has got you covered. Join me as we dive into the enchanting world of calligraphy and unlock your own creative potential.
This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.
In this article, I will teach you everything I know about calligraphy paper.
Calligraphy paper is extremely important and can have a tremendous impact on your calligraphy as well as your tools.
There are many different types of papers out there, and finding the right one can get overwhelming.
So if you want to learn more about calligraphy papers, you’ve come to the right place.
Here is a quick overview of what you’ll learn in this guide –
Calligraphy practice paper vs. calligraphy paper for special projects.
Let’s dive right in.
Note – If you’re just getting started with calligraphy, I highly recommend you check out my ultimate guide for calligraphy beginners.
Working with the wrong type of paper can ruin the look of your calligraphy, damage your tools, and slow your progress .
Here’s a quick story.
Imagine you just bought a brand-new car.
That car can more or less drive anywhere.
However, what happens if you take your new car off-road somewhere?
The car can still drive, but it goes very slowly, you’re not very comfortable, and it’s just a matter of time before you damage a vital part.
You can render a brand-new car into a piece of junk rather quickly.
On the other hand, if you drive your car on a regular (car-made) road, you can move pretty quickly (and comfortably), and your car will last for years.
Well, it’s fairly similar to your calligraphy pens and papers.
Here are a few common issues you can encounter when you use the wrong calligraphy paper.
1. Ink bleeding occurs when the ink soaks on the paper and starts showing on the other side. It might even leave a mark on the page or surface underneath.
2. Ink feathering – happens when the paper fibers absorb much of the ink and they dont hold it in place. It then starts spreading through capillary action, completely ruining the look of your calligraphy.
Note – bleeding and feathering can also be caused by the ink.
3. Paper fibers catching onto the nib – when small pieces of paper start catching on the edges of your nib. This can happen both to broad edge and pointed nibs.
4. Lack of control – some papers have texture on them. This is also known as the paper tooth. Depending on the tool you’re working with, paper with too much or too little texture (too smooth) can be both good and bad. I’ll talk more about that later on.
5. Fraying brush tips – specific issue related to felt tip brush pens. Rough paper fibers can damage the tips of your brush pens. Once that happens, you’re stuck with a crappy brush pen.
Note – Not all brush pen tips are the same. I talk about this in my best brush pens article . For example, the felt tip brush pen of an ABT Tombow is much more sensitive than the small plastic tip of the Tombow Fudenosuke or Pentel Fude Touch . This means it will fray more easily if the wrong paper is used.
Ideally, we want to avoid all of these issues, as they can affect our calligraphy practice and the longevity of our tools.
At the same time, the goal is to spend the least amount of money for the best possible paper.
There is a ton of different types of paper you can get.
Seriously, the choice is overwhelming.
You can find specific papers for nearly any tool and technique you can think of.
Some characteristics of the paper are –
Im not going to cover all these things in this article.
Otherwise, it would really get overwhelming.
Instead, Strathmore shares great information about papers on their blog .
You don’t have to know all of these things right away.
But with time, as you explore different types of papers, understanding these basic characteristics of paper can be useful.
Regardless of the calligraphy style you choose to practice, a super important distinction about paper is –
By finished pieces, I mean special calligraphy projects.
Think of artwork you would present in a gallery, sell as a decoration piece, hang on a wall, etc.
Basically, something you’ve put a lot of effort in.
These types of paper usually look and feel nicer; as you might have guessed, they’re more expensive.
On the other hand, we have practice paper that is usually consumed in larger quantities.
Once you get started with calligraphy practice , you’ll realize how much paper you end up using.
That’s why it’s important to find something that is affordable yet suitable for your calligraphy tools.
Let’s begin with the practice paper.
It’s crucial to pick your calligraphy paper based on the calligraphy tool you’re working with.
It will make all the difference.
Here are some of my recommendations (all link to Amazon).
The best all-around calligraphy paper for practice is – The Canson Marker Pad.
Other marker papers will do just fine, but Canson’s offers the best price and quantity, and it’s my top choice for calligraphy practice.
This type of paper is bleed-proof and super smooth.
With this paper, you’ll be able to use various calligraphy pens and inks without issues.
It will work great with –
It will also prevent any sort of feathering and bleeding.
Which for me is super important.
I still haven’t encountered a type of ink or pen that feathers on this paper.
Also super important to mention is that the tips of your brush pens won’t fray on this paper.
I know it isn’t easy to see the difference just by looking at the image above.
However, using cheap printer paper will fray and ruin the tips of your brush pens in a matter of days.
I believe that only one side of this paper is coated, so make sure to use the correct one.
You can find it by inspecting each side with a gentle touch.
Another feature of this paper is that it is super thin (only 70gsm).
Because it’s so thin, you can place a guide sheet underneath, so you don’t have to draw them manually every time.
Which is great for streamlining your practice sessions.
You’ll find other brands of bleed-proof marker paper.
But in my experience, Canson offers the best bang for your buck.
The only downside I can think of is the lack of tooth.
Paper tooth is referred to the texture of the paper.
More tooth = more texture (think of watercolor paper).
Having a bit of texture can sometimes be good for calligraphy.
It improves the control of your strokes.
Too much of it can have the opposite effect, same as too little.
Another excellent practice paper that works with all three main pen categories is the Rhodia paper pad.
Rhodia is a French-based paper company known for producing high-quality papers.
It’s slightly more expansive than the Canson marker paper , but it’s fantastic to work with.
If you want to work with dip pens or any other pen/marker with heavier ink flow, you won’t experience any feathering or bleeding.
Regarding your brush tips, they won’t get frayed and will last much longer.
The Rhodia paper pads come with different grid samples on the pages.
My preferred one is the dot grid, but feel free to pick the one that suits you best.
A worthy mention here is the PAScribe Rhodia pads.
These pads are an absolute dream to work with.
I was actually gifted these by Paul when I visited him in Portugal (humble brag).
The HP 32 Premium is one of the most frequent paper recommendations you’ll find online.
It’s a good paper, quite thick (120gsm) and smooth to the touch.
However, I don’t think it’s the best for all calligraphy pens.
For example, working on this paper with a Pilot Parallel Pen , which has a heavy ink flow, will cause some feathering and slight bleeding.
It’s not the end of the world, but I just can’t stand to see my hairlines feather like that.
As for brush pens, they will glide quite smoothly on the HP 32 Premium .
However, the tips of your brush pens will fray over time.
Again, I know it’s hard to spot the difference from the image below, but I’m saying this from experience.
It is cheaper than the two recommendations I made above, but if you have to purchase calligraphy pens more often, it’s not really.
If you plan to exclusively practice calligraphy styles with brush pens, I would stick to either the Canson or Rhodia paper .
The HP 32 Premium will work great with dip pens (both pointed and broad-edged).
If you plan to practice with dip pens, I would definitely recommend this paper.
However, it does depend on the type of ink you’ll work with.
The Sumi ink and gouache will work great with this paper.
Other inks might need their viscosity adjusted with either gum arabic (to market it thicker) or water (to make it thinner).
Either way, this will require a bit of trial and error before getting the right combo.
That goes not just for this paper but for any type as well.
If you live in Europe, you won’t be able to find the HP 32 Premium.
Instead, here we have the HP Color Choice.
When you start looking for papers for final calligraphy projects, you start realizing how beautiful some papers can be.
Also, how expensive 😀
Let’s begin with one of the most common options.
I would say that watercolor paper is kind of a safe choice.
Widely available and works great with multiple calligraphy pens.
Usually, it’s thick (around 300gsm), giving it a nice feeling when holding it.
An important mention of watercolor paper is the texture.
We can distinguish between hot-press and cold-press watercolor paper.
In short, the cold press will have more texture, and in comparison, the hot press will be smoother.
Underneath, you can see a comparison between the two ( Fabriano vs. Hahnemühle ).
The difference matters because it might be suitable for one tool but not the other.
For example, a cold press watercolor paper might work well for broad-edged calligraphy.
However, the extra tooth will give you some control issues when working with a pointed nib.
That’s why for pointed nibs I would choose a hot press watercolor paper.
Sometimes (depending on your ink viscosity), it can also give you a very interesting texture to your letterforms.
Felt brush pen tips will also last longer on a smoother surface, like the hot press watercolor paper.
Again, keep in mind the tool you’re working with before you purchase paper.
Some watercolor papers I recommend getting are –
Handmade paper is probably one of my favorites.
It just looks so freaking amazing.
Plus, it comes in various textures, colors, and patterns.
The downside of handmade paper is that some calligraphy tools and inks can cause some issues.
If the handmade paper is very fibrous, it might feather.
If that happens, you can adjust the ink consistency with some gum arabic.
As I mentioned earlier, gouache is also a great alternative since you can easily regulate the consistency of the ink.
The nib might also get caught onto the paper.
However, that could be either because of the ink or the angle of your pen hold.
Pro tip – since this paper is usually quite expensive, make sure to test out the ink and nib on a separate, smaller piece of paper.
Handmade paper I recommend –
Also, make sure to check your local art stores. I usually find some of the best handmade papers in these shops.
Bristol is a thicker type of drawing paper that is made by gluing together to form multi-ply sheets.
Because of that, it’s usually sold in smaller quantities and for a higher price.
Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic paper for final calligraphy projects.
You can find two types of surfaces on Bristol paper , Smooth or Vellum.
Bristol Smooth – great for pens, inks, and markers. Little to no paper tooth, making it smooth. This version of Bristol is more suitable for final pieces with brush pens, pointed nibs, and even broad-edged pens if that’s what you prefer.
Bristol Vellum – the more textured surface is more suitable for graphite, pencils, charcoal, pastel, crayon, etc. I would pick the Vellum Bristol only if I plan to work with a broad-edged calligraphy pen.
Bristol paper I recommend –
Think of mixed media paper as a type of hybrid suitable for both wet and dry mediums.
It’s usually a thicker type of paper with a slight tooth.
Personally, I find the amount of tooth on these papers just great for broad-edged and pointed nibs.
I would avoid using felt tip brush pens on this type of paper.
The surface is a bit too rough, and the tips start fraying quickly.
Mixed media brands I recommend –
Sometimes you want to spice things up and do some calligraphy artwork in different background colors.
I love the strong contrast of white ink on black paper.
Pro tip: For white ink, I recommend trying Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof white ink .
That’s why I decided to include a few options for black and colored papers.
I haven’t tried many black/colored papers, but the ones I did and want to recommend are –
The Canson Colorline also offers other paper colors.
You can also try out various colored cardstock.
I got a set of papers from Ikea, which worked fine with pointed and broad-edged nibs and various inks.
However, felt tip brushes are quite sensitive to uncoated papers.
Unfortunately, my brush pens did not last very long with this Ikea paper.
Some papers are better than others.
Some are just downright horrible to work with.
Like the one you see below.
Here are the types of papers I would advise you to avoid getting –
Keep in mind that paper can sometimes be hit-and-miss.
Some might work well with a Pilot Parallel Pen but not with a Tombow Dual Brush Pen .
You might get an awesome and affordable type of paper, or you might end up with something unusable for your calligraphy tools .
Finally, I would stay away from papers/pads labeled as “calligraphy paper.”
They are usually produced for specific types of tools, and some of them come with a grid.
You might think the grid is helpful until you realize it’s not made for the style you want to practice.
Again, calligraphy is an umbrella term with many writing styles and scripts sitting underneath.
Trying to narrow down calligraphy as a single thing is just wrong.
As you may know, producing paper is not the most sustainable practice, and recycling paper isn’t super straightforward.
On top of that, it’s a consumable material and gets used quickly and in large quantities.
Taking that into consideration, I wanted to include a few suggestions for eco-friendly papers.
The best choice is to purchase paper pads made of recycled paper.
Strathmore has a whole line of different recycled paper pads.
Canson offers one as well.
I haven’t tried all of these papers, but from those I did, I can say that they’re more suitable for pointed and broad-edged nibs than brush pens.
These recycled papers tend to have a bit of a rougher surface which will damage your felt tip brush pens.
Technically yes, however, using regular paper can damage your calligraphy tools. Using the wrong paper can also have a negative impact on the sharpness of your strokes, issues with bleeding, feathering, nibs catching onto the paper, and more. That’s why picking the right type of calligraphy paper is important.
Paper weight for calligraphy can range from 70gsm all the way to 300gsm. Of course, it all depends on the calligraphy pen you are using. Check out the article for more detailed information on each tool.
Bleed-proof paper such as the Canson Marker Pad. These paper types are treated with a special transparent coating that prevents the ink from bleeding. Thicker papers, such as watercolor paper, will also prevent the ink from bleeding.
Thicker paper, such as Bristol paper, with a smooth finish. Mixed media paper is also great for dip pens. The slight texture of these papers can also help you increase the control of your calligraphy strokes.
This issue can happen for multiple reasons. Most commonly, it happens when you apply too much ink on fibrous paper. The ink softens up the paper fibers, which are easily caught by the pointed nib. This often happens with cheap paper. It can also happen due to holding the pen too steeply, so try to adjust your pen angle.
Printer paper is not recommended for brush pens. Most commonly, printer paper is a cheap uncoated paper that will quickly damage the gentle felt tips of your brush pens. These papers also tend to soak up more ink, draining your brush pens faster.
In most cases, cardstock is too rough for brush pens. However, it depends on different types of cardstock. A better alternative is the Canson Marker Pad paper, or you can choose smooth Bristol paper for finished projects.
The best for brush pens is bleed-proof marker paper. It’s treated paper that is very smooth and non-absorbent. As a result, the tips of your brush pens will not fray, and the ink will last longer compared with cheap print paper.
You can use brush pens on watercolor paper. It’s also great if you plan to blend different colors together. The thickness will absorb the extra liquid needed for blending. Make sure to take hot-press watercolor paper for extra smoothness.
Watercolor paper is a great choice when creating final calligraphy projects. It has a nice feel to it. It’s quite thick and works well with almost all calligraphy pens. However, it’s not the best choice for regular calligraphy practice.
If the paper is fibrous, thin, and untreated, then most likely, yes. The best paper to prevent your brush pens from bleeding is bleed-proof marker paper, such as the Canson Marker Pad.
Yes, calligraphy paper is an important element for successfully learning and practicing calligraphy. In the article above, I describe why calligraphy paper is important and how to choose the correct one.
Yes, cotton paper is great for calligraphy, especially for creating final calligraphy projects. Just make sure to get the right type of ink to avoid ink feathering or ink bleeds. A helpful tip if these issues happen is to adjust the consistency of the ink with some gum arabic. Gouache is a great alternative.
In most cases, by slowly touching and feeling the paper’s surface. You can quite easily spot the difference between smooth and rough paper. However, sometimes the paper can feel smooth to the touch, but it’s still not good for your more sensitive tools such as brush pens. That’s why it’s important to pick the right paper.
And there you have it, friends.
I hope this article helped shed some light on the topic of calligraphy papers.
Now I want to hear it from you:
What’s your favorite type of paper for calligraphy?
Or maybe I forgot to mention your favorite paper for calligraphy.
Either way, please let me know by dropping a comment below.
Thanks for reading,
And I’ll see you at the next one!
A growing library of free lettering & calligraphy resources that includes –.
Hey, I’m Max Juric, and I’m deeply passionate about calligraphy and hand lettering.
I’ve spent years honing my skills in the art of lettering, working with hundreds of clients from all over the world on design projects such as logotypes, branding, custom lettering, murals, and more.
But my journey doesn’t end there. I’ve also dedicated myself to sharing my knowledge and expertise with others, creating a wealth of resources including tutorials, articles, and podcasts.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see thousands of people engaging with my content each month. Knowing that I’m helping fellow enthusiasts grow and develop their skills makes me really happy.
Welcome to Lettering Daily, your hub for all things lettering and calligraphy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your lettering journey. Stick around, and let’s explore the world of letters together!
Hi, I’m a calligraphy beginner. Thank you so much for your sharing! I recently bought a Rhodia notepad(80gsm), and I use Daler Rowney’s calligraphy ink( https://www.daler-rowney.com/calli-calligraphy-ink/ ). When I write with a bit of pressure, the ink bleeds and feathers on the paper, but on the Rhodia notebook(90gsm) is less bleeding and feathering. Does this mean that this ink is better suited for final artwork (thicker paper) rather than daily practice? Looking forward to your reply. :-)
Hey Sophie,
Yes it could be due to the ink. Have you tried with a different type of ink?
Thanks for this very comprehensive article, Max—a wealth of great information and advice!
Thank you so much, Drew! I really appreciate it 🙂 What’s your go-to paper for calligraphy?
This is a great and helpful article about what papers to use. I have another question. I submit my calligraphy scans for printing. But I’d like to put embellishments (gold ink) when I get the print back. There are a bunch of papers to choose from the printer- but I made a mistake, and the paper I chose didn’t hold the fine lines- it bleed. Do you have a suggestion for what kind of paper doesn’t bleed that is used by printers- but is still suitable for framing? Thanks!
Hey Lianda, unfortunately I don’t have much experience with printer papers. Your best shot is to purchase a few different types of premium matte printer paper and test them out with your tools before the print. You can also try different types of gold ink, and I would even try to play with the viscosity of that ink by adding some gum arabic to it. What tools do you use to apply the gold ink? Another alternative is to add the gold embellishments before you send them out to print. But that depends on what you use to create your artwork. Let me know a bit more info.
Thanks for your reply. I’ll try the gum arabic recommendation- sounds like a good idea. But I can’t add anything before- it’s just an image file. As you know, there’s no metallic printing available. But in Photoshop, you can make effects that look like gold.
Thank You Max, is a lot and very educational information.
Thank you, Jose! 🙂 I appreciate your comment. What’s the paper you work with the most?
Hey there, what are your thoughts on stone paper?
I tried it once in a notebook, and I was pretty impressed. However, I remember that this particular notebook was pretty expensive. After that, I haven’t looked into it. I remember that a cool feature was that was stain-proof. If you spilled coffee on it, you could just wipe it off with a cloth. I thought that was pretty cool. Maybe I’ll get some and do a test run with various calligraphy tools. Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂
I tried it in a notebook a while ago too, but I found that some ink colours/makes were distorted–that is, the colour of the ink once dry was different from the wet ink as I wrote. I reverted to using pencil only 🙂
Great article, thanks for the tips. Some I had discovered from experience 🙄, others were news and very helpful.
Thank you, Liz! I appreciate your feedback 🙂 What’s your favorite type of paper for both practice and final projects?
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
Stock up! USA orders $85+ from the Supplies Shop ship free ! →
Your cart is currently empty!
Lindsey Bugbee
— 20 Comments
When it comes to calligraphy practice, people often run into a rut. Today, I’ll share 25 unique tutorials with you that have a strong dip pen focus! All of these tutorials have “real life” applications as gifts or home décor.
Every time you pick up your dip pen and write, you’re getting in some calligraphy practice. For your first few calligraphy sessions, that practice should be structured — ideally with a worksheet or a video course so you can learn the basics. But once you understand how to hold your pen and (mostly) regulate ink flow, it’s time to take on projects! Today, I’ve got several suggestions for real life projects that you can use your calligraphy skills to make.
This card is an all-time favorite tutorial on Instagram. People make it all the time, yet no two cards look alike!
Medallions help you to practice calligraphy because they’re basically one big, gorgeous calligraphy drill.
If you’ve got a light box and 45 minutes or so, you can write out practically any passage.
Choose a favorite poem, play, or book, and use its words to make this lovely artwork. Mine hangs in an 11″x14″ frame with a mat in our guest bathroom.
Take advantage of free time this summer to make this tasteful flourished card. You’ll be all set for the holiday season! (There’s also a heart version for Valentine’s Day.)
… Because you won’t find better calligraphy practice than writing out (and centering!) an address.
If you’re too intimidated to make these cards for a formal celebration, try using a family dinner as an excuse for doing a “dry run”.
In my experience, goals are easiest to achieve when you see them every day. And goals are easiest to display when they’re beautifully written out!
I made this card for a friend who was feeling a little down about the COVID quarantine. However, you could modify the concept to fit any occasion.
This ampersand gives you a great opportunity for calligraphy practice, and it makes a stellar gift!
My nieces (ages 6 and 4) were so happy to receive this envelope. Who doesn’t love a cute bunny?!
This card does require just a bit of illustration, but I promise it’s simple! Use the balloon strings to convey your warm wishes with calligraphy.
A midcentury design motif meets Amy Style calligraphy to result in holiday gift tag perfection!
With just a few sweeping strokes, you can transform an ordinary phrase into an eye-catching work of art.
I love to make these bohemian banners for guests.
Don’t be intimidated: these flourishes are all traceable from a free template (you can find it in the tutorial ).
Nothing ties your paper goods together better than paper sashes, both visually and literally! Make calligraphy on your sashes, and you’ve got a beautiful presentation.
This envelope is so magical that I made it for my friend in 2017, and I never could bring myself to let it go! Now that she’s moved, I have an excuse to keep it forever.
If you’re up for developing your own calligraphy style, try making an exemplar so you can remember all of the letter formations!
The fun, coastal look of this envelope art is the perfect complement to a summer day!
Feeling up for a calligraphy practice challenge? Try tackling Schin Loong ‘s swan envelope art!
You can use calligraphy and flourishes to fill in any country or state silhouette, which makes for a fabulous gift!
I also used this concept to make this artwork , which I gave to my (Kansas-dwelling) brother as a Christmas gift:
I made this family tree for my mom’s birthday. She’s absolutely in love! A simple calligraphy family tree like this one can help to make any space feel a little more homey.
I call this the “little black dress” of calligraphy birthday cards because it’s perfect for everyone! Man, woman, close friend, vague acquaintance … you can confidently give this card to anyone.
This simple project incorporates a hand-drawn roadmap, calligraphy, and lettering. If you’re looking for a quick and meaningful gift, give this map a try!
These charming tented cards provide guests with essential information about the food they’re about to enjoy and add an elegant touch to your table or buffet setup!
Remember that calligraphy practice should always be fun, so work on whatever you feel like. There will be some days where you’d prefer to practice with a worksheet or do some drills, and there will be other days where you want to freestyle a bit! I hope that this article gets you excited about project ideas and helps to show you that dip pen calligraphy can be versatile in its applications. Enjoy!
inspiration in your inbox
TPK’s innovative newsletters and tutorials are a regular artistic treat. Join the 125K+ subscribers who have already discovered The Postman’s Knock, and receive 10% off your first Digital Catalog order.
Don't waste your time. Follow the steps below to find out.
Ask us! Email Chris at [email protected] and he'll answer your hardest questions.
Melissa was the first calligraphy teacher to take online instruction seriously back in 2012.
A number of free and paid online classes have popped up since then, and we believe that Calligraphy.org is still the best option.
So go ahead and ask Google how to learn calligraphy online. We're confident in our teaching model and the excellent outcomes that we've seen year after year.
We offer a number of classes, so check out our online store to browse all of your options. This can be the hardest step, so we've written a guide on how to pick a class .
Our online courses are entirely self-directed and at your own pace .
We don't have start dates.
We don't have deadlines.
You can start learning within five minutes of your purchase, and you can learn as quickly or as methodically as you like. And you can always circle back for more practice :)
We'll email you an activation code for each class that you purchase.
You should receive the activation code in your inbox within five minutes of making your purchase. It will go to the email address that you used to make the purchase. It should arrive right alongside your receipts.
Email [email protected] if you have trouble with your code. He'll get right on it.
Click the link on your activation code or log into Calligraphy.org and copy/paste your activation code on your dashboard.
We ship our supplies every morning from a warehouse in Utah. We ship USPS 2-3 Day Priority within the US. International orders take just over a week via DHL airmail.
Start reading the class material and practicing with a pencil while you wait for your supplies.
Starting a new class is exciting, and we need to leverage that excitement to build great practice habits. You only need to dedicate 15 minutes per day to make fast progress with calligraphy, and that includes reading and pencil practice, so get moving!
COMMENTS
Unclassified Foreign National Visits and Assignments Questionnaire Part I Fillable pdf, Attachment 602-3 August 28, 2024 Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Security
Jordan Walker went 5-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and four runs on Sunday, making the St. Louis Cardinals outfielder the first player in nearly 100 years to do so against the New York Yankees.
Strokes done in the first lesson of calligraphy (View large version) First home assignment, flat paintbrush (View large version) Tip: A lot of useful resources and online courses are on the Internet. However, I recommend starting by learning from professionals (in workshops, at calligraphy schools).
Watch on. For this little demonstration, you only need two things: a writing utensil (pen, pencil, marker, crayon, etc.) and a piece of paper. Calligraphy is a joyful hobby, so we're going to use the word "joy" in this tutorial :) The word "joy" written in calligraphy step by stepy. on a piece of paper in cursive.
5 Types of Calligraphy/Lettering to Learn: "Basic" (aka Handwriting and Hand Lettering) "Loopy Calligraphy" (aka Modern Calligraphy) "Olde English Calligraphy" (aka Blackletter Calligraphy) "Hardcore / Heavy Metal" - (aka Calligraffiti) "Fancy Calligraphy" (aka Spencerian/Copperplate) Calligraphy Roadmap - Styles Ordered ...
Build Muscle Memory. When you first learn calligraphy, certain hand movements require a lot of effort. Calligraphy basics like using a pointed pen or even drawing even thick or thin strokes require focus and repetition — this is completely normal!. Through repetition and practice, you can slowly but steadily eliminate this need to concentrate on the fundamentals.
Modern & Brush Calligraphy for Beginners 🏼 The #1 online calligraphy class - Taught by industry pros - Learn at your own pace with one-on-one coaching ... As you complete your assignments, you will upload snapshots of your work to your personal feedback gallery. You can use the gallery to ask your instructor any questions that you have.
10) LHCalligraphy. This website is a complete package of help for anyone who is looking to get their hands on a complete online learning platform that can be their guidance for the best calligraphic lessons. Well, you don't need to tire yourself more over it. This website got all you looking for.
start by working through the alphabet - connect a to b, b to c…. soft on upstrokes, firm on downstrokes. soft in between letters. don't be scared to lift up your pen! it's okay to go back to basics. practice your name. For more great calligraphy resources, visit my calligraphy board on Pinterest!
Calligraphy Assignments. Alphabet Sentences, with all 26 letters in every sentence, help a calligrapher practice an alphabet in context. A Plethora of Pangrams.Even a Daily Pangram website (stopped after 2000 of them). Have even more fun with the Quick Brown Fox calligraphy project here.. Calligraphy Guidelines for all projects in general.. Calligraphy Unit Projects-- Eight suggested ...
Calligraphy is a visual art of writing letters in a skillful, creative, and expressive way. It can give life to boring texts and make them beautiful. Want to...
This is what Bego Viñuela, calligraphy artist and founder of Bilbao Calligraphy, discovered when she began exploring this art form. With more than a decade of experience, she is known for her expertise in English or Copperplate calligraphy and her work has led her to collaborate with brands like Vogue, Mont Blanc, and the Guggenheim Museum ...
The three-step formula. Step 1 - Choosing a calligraphy style. Step 2 - Picking the correct calligraphy pen + the essential calligraphy tools. Step 3 - Find a proper study resource and create an effective practice routine. Additional learning resources for calligraphy. Advanced calligraphy techniques and effects.
Calligraphy Practice Sheets and Worksheets. Calligraphy practice sheets and worksheets are valuable resources for honing your calligraphy skills. These structured exercises provide guided lines, stroke sequences, and lettering drills that allow you to practice specific techniques and styles. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced ...
Bristol is a thicker type of drawing paper that is made by gluing together to form multi-ply sheets. Because of that, it's usually sold in smaller quantities and for a higher price. Nonetheless, it's a fantastic paper for final calligraphy projects. You can find two types of surfaces on Bristol paper, Smooth or Vellum.
2. This Calligraphy Medallion. Medallions help you to practice calligraphy because they're basically one big, gorgeous calligraphy drill. 3. This Shortcut Calligraphy Passage Concept. If you've got a light box and 45 minutes or so, you can write out practically any passage. 4. This Silhouette Artwork.
A skilled designer is able to create a beautifully finished composition through a series of. This is true for a lettering composition, a painting, a song, a photo - these fundamentals of design apply to all works of art! The elements of design are the invisible forces behind great layout and composition. In design theory, these intentional ...
Step #1: Do your research. Melissa was the first calligraphy teacher to take online instruction seriously back in 2012. A number of free and paid online classes have popped up since then, and we believe that Calligraphy.org is still the best option. So go ahead and ask Google how to learn calligraphy online.
Whether it's day 1 or day 1,000, ALL calligraphers use free calligraphy practice sheets to guide their practice.. Even us, Jillian and Jordan, the calligraphers here at Loveleigh Loops (cue us waving!). From mastering the basics of calligraphy to developing a unique individual style, lettering worksheets build consistency and give an invisible boost to your final composition.
Tools: Hunt 101 for the Copperplate script and Chinese brush for the Chinese characters.. From the artist: "I think that Copperplate (with flourishing) matches the Chinese calligraphy style 'thin-golden-style' just right because they are elegant and graceful.". What can we say about the elegance, balance and breathtaking beauty of this piece by Tsung-Yi Nina Chin?!
Try these calligraphy exercises to practice hand lettering and to master different calligraphy strokes and techniques. It's easy to understand the allure of calligraphy. Calligraphy is a rare analog form of visual expression—one that's often described as meditative and conducive to other creative pursuits as well.
Home / All about calligraphy / Library / Library on-line. The art of calligraphy - a practical guide to the skills and techniques . For 2000 years, the western Latin alphabet has developed and been modified by a vast range of social and technological changes, providing a rich and varied resource for the modern calligrapher to quarry. ...
Large Soviet encyclopedia. CALLIGRAPHY (Greek: kalligraphía — neat handwriting, from kallós — beauty and grápho — am writing), the art of beautiful and legible handwriting. The history of C. is connected both with the history of font and writing utensils (kalam, the reed stick in the Ancient world and medieval East; quill pen in Europe till the 1850's; brush in the Far East) and ...
The basic rules of hieroglyphic writing: When being written, a hieroglyph is placed into an imagined "square". A hieroglyph is written from top downward. A hieroglyph is written from the left to the right. A horizontal stroke is prior to a vertical one: in case of the intersection of several strokes in a hieroglyph.
Books. Calligraphy Lesson: The Collected Stories. Mikhail Shishkin. Deep Vellum Publishing, Apr 27, 2015 - Fiction - 180 pages. The first English-language collection of short stories by Russia's greatest contemporary author, Mikhail Shishkin, the only author to win all three of Russia's most prestigious literary awards.