Calligraphy Essentials
I’m often asked what you need to get started with calligraphy. Here’s a short guide to the tools and accessories I recommend, along with a few extras that, while not essential, make excellent additions to any budding calligrapher's desk.
Calligraphy Pens
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.
Calligraphy Nibs
With countless calligraphy nibs available, knowing where to start can feel daunting. I always recommend beginning with a G nib, which was originally used for manga but is ideal for modern calligraphy. The Nikko G is a great starting point, and I also stock Zebra G and Tachikawa G nibs.
If you're after more flex or finer lines that require expert handling, I offer a selection of other nibs perfect for both beginners and professionals. For more information on the nibs available in the Studio, check out my handy Calligraphy Nib Guide.
