Choosing your first pen is an exciting moment! Here in the Studio, I offer four different calligraphy pens, available as straight or oblique (with the exception of the Carrot, which is oblique only). All of our oblique pens come with my universal nib holder, designed to accommodate any size calligraphy nib, adjust the nib’s tilt, and be set up for both right- and left-handed use.

The Original Flourish is a fantastic starter pen. It features a simple, tapered design and is only available in black, keeping the price low while still including features similar to the more colourful Flourish. The Carrot is ideal for those who prefer a shorter tail and wider grip; I designed it to relieve finger strain and prevent calligrapher's claw. The Bloom is my flagship pen, the result of seven years of designing and making calligraphy pens. With a solid brass tail inspired by my very first calligraphy pen, it has an excellent weight and balance.

Choosing between all the options can be a bit intimidating, but don’t worry! I’ll give you a quick overview so you’ll be picking from a delightful array of colours in no time. To start, ink can be divided into two main categories: dye-based and pigment-based. As the names suggest, they’re made differently, with various pros and cons:

Dye-Based Ink
Pros

• Smooth-flowing and perfect for fountain pens, though also a good choice for dip pens.
• Often more translucent, allowing you to build up layers for a deeper colour and added effects.
• They even work well as a substitute for watercolour paint.

Cons

• Not lightfast – UV rays will eventually cause dye-based inks to change and lighten if exposed to sunlight.
• Not waterproof, so you can’t paint or write over them without smudging.

Our range of fountain pen inks is top quality and ready for you to explore here.

Pigment-Based Ink
Pros<