Your Calligraphy Questions, answered!
Hi friend,
Last week, I posted this adorable video of Jasiel writing her name using a calligraphy pen! She really loves to pick up the pen and actively tries to learn how to write her letters. I mean, who needs pencils and markers when you can use a calligraphy pen, right?!? In fact, she joins me whenever we do our Write Slowly Live Practice Sessions. If you want to practice with us this month, our next session is July 25, from 2-3PM Vancouver Time.
If you're new here, our Write Slowly Collective is our monthly membership where we get to practice calligraphy together through live practice sessions, weekly challenges, submit homework (and get them checked), and monthly worksheets. For only $8/month, it's a really worthwhile time to do together!
Join the Write Slowly Collective
Recently, I had to explain to a few people how calligraphy works and with me teaching the kids how to use the pen recently, I thought it'll be fun to share some of these questions!
What is modern calligraphy?
Modern Calligraphy uses traditional tools of calligraphy (the art of writing beautiful letters) and allows you to infuse your own style to it. Particularly, we use a dip pen, pointed nib, and ink. In our beginner calligraphy course, we start with learning one of my calligraphy styles, and you learn the foundations so you can develop your own style one day.
How do you dip ink with your pen??
I know we use a "dip pen" but we don't even dip it - but it's because we discovered that using the tip of the dropper bottle to "swipe" ink onto the nib works so much better. This controls the ink on the nib better, so it doesn't pool onto the paper as much, and the ink doesn't dry as quickly too. TBH, it also helps a bit with the mess ;)
How to "dip" the pen into ink
Can lefties do calligraphy?
I've shared this many times, and here's a demo as well by Sarah from Joyful Splashes, lefties can definitely do calligraphy! In calligraphy, we position our hand below the baseline, so we generally avoid smudging that way. There's a learning curve to adjust to writing with a new pen or a new skill, so it does take a bit of time and practice to find your sweet spot.
Watch Sarah Demonstrate
My handwriting is terrible
Your daily handwriting actually uses a different side of your brain than calligraphy - calligraphy is closer to painting and drawing, and is more like an artform, but with a bit more control because of the metal nib. What's fun about calligraphy is that a lot of it starts with specific strokes, vs. completely freeform. With intentional practice and time, it's an artform that can be learned.
What are some of your best tips for calligraphy?
Honestly, I'm so overdue for a long-form tutorial! I'll definitely work on one soon. But here are some of mine:
- paper towel + water is an essential for me. I love using it to clean my nibs in between use
- start small - even if you have littles around! My daughter loves copying me as I write. 10-15 mins is fantastic practice time
- silicon mat - ink just gets messy!
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Also, don't want you to miss this - our Scribe Snail Mail for August is open!
The Scribe is our snail mail subscription that we send out once a month. I'm extra excited about this one because this one features my own story, and as we celebrate Jasiel's birthday next month, it's in her favorite colors. Rejoice with me!
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