Lettering and Design Guide for Learning Calligraphy

By Maggie Stevens

Copyright 2018

Third Edition, License Notes

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Lettering and Design Guide for Learning Calligraphy

Introduction

Nibs

Nib holder

Ink

Paper

Places That You Can Have Access To Your Supplies

Having Your Workplace As Well As Nib Prepared

Practice The Below Curves And Strokes

Words of Caution

What To Always Think of Whenever You Happen To Be Practising

Troubleshooting

Conclusion
Introduction

This is actually a newbie’s guide and as such there is no need for you to have
any knowledge regarding what calligraphy (or beautiful writing as an art) is all
about. The Greek translation for beauty is (κάλλος (kallos) while that of writing
is γραφή (graphe). Learning calligraphy isn’t difficult. The only thing is that just
like other crafts, it will require some serious practice. The only difference is the
fact that having to practice it can be fun as against what you will have with other
crafts. It is fun having to fill pages with the use of curls, various words as well as
letters. I would prefer to say the act of practising calligraphy is similar to Zen
meditation in lots of regards.

Get vital materials such as ink, guide sheet, paper and nibs

There are some important supplies which are required for you to actually get
started. The practice tends to be easier when you are making use of tools which
are of high quality. Calligraphy is not expensive in any way. This is because the
needed tools are a writing surface as well as materials to be used for writing. You
will be shown how to get access to these supplies at the end of this write up.
Nibs

This is the first material that you will need. Pointed nibs are what the modern
calligraphy is actually written in. They aren’t only flexible but have got pointed
tips. This is the major reason why the letters will always appear fascinating. It is
also the reason why practicing is necessary.

Nibs are of various types. However, you can make use of one or two types since
you are just starting out. Continue using them until you become very good. The
most recommended for starters is Nikko G. This is not only sturdy in nature but
also very reliable.
Nib holder

This is the next item which you will need. They are always in either wooden or
plastic form. There are also the basic models which aren’t expensive. If you are
getting one then ensure that it has got a general holder (you can see the image
below to understand more). In other to have the nib inserted, have its back end
wedged. This should be between its inner prongs as well as metal rings. Be sure
that it is sitting very tight.
Ink

Once the nib has been installed, it is high time you made use of the ink. This is
what will enable you write or send your message across in written format. This
is why you hear of dip nib. In most cases, ink can be used for the purpose of
calligraphy. It can start working immediately since it will always arrive
premixed. You can use either Sumi Ink or India Ink.
Paper

In the case of which paper to make use of, you may want to ensure that yours
isn’t only smooth but also transparent. This is a good way to start in calligraphy.
When the paper is transparent, you will be able to get a clear view of the guide
sheet you are making use of underneath. Layout paper can actually do a very
good job. The one which I makes use of is known as Hahnemühle Layout Pad. It
is transparent and the nib does not snag in any way. Also, it does not bleed each
time I make use of it.

The paper used for printing isn’t a good option in this case. This is because it can
make the ink bleed. However, note that there are some printer papers which have
been discovered to be very effective for this process. You can learn more about
them here.

Layer papers are only great when it comes to practising. However, when you
want to have your own project executed, you can make use of papers which are
thick. They shouldn’t be too textured. There are some watercolour papers which
have been discovered to be good. You can also make use of Bristol paper for this
purpose.

When starting out, you may be required to use guide sheets. This is important to
ensure that your writings are on a straight line. Finally, a bowl of water will be
needed as well as a piece of cloth which is clean and soft. Your nib will be
cleaned before being put to use through soap or rubbing alcohol.
Places That You Can Have Access To Your Supplies

It is possible that there is an art store close to where you live. In such a case, you
can ensure that you check the place to see if the needed items are present.
However, if there are no stores to meet your needs, then the best option will be to
order for the tools online. There are lots of reliable supplies that can help you out
on this aspect.
Having Your Workplace As Well As Nib Prepared

Every nib has got chemical residue on it whenever they are released by their
producers. This is what actually prevents them from getting rust. If the layer is
still on then you may likely experience a few problems when writing. Having it
removed is very easy. There are two ways of having the nib dipped into alcohol
or scrubbing it with the use of soap in other to have the residue removed
completely. After using the soap, you can clean it thoroughly.

Ensure that there is enough space or rooms for you to have your arms moved in a
free way. In a nutshell, ensure that you can freely dip the nib into your ink and
move freely. This is because calligraphy is a process which involves you having
to move every part of your arm. It doesn’t only include your elbow.

Ensure that the ink is always positioned at your right hand side. This will prevent
the problem of it dripping on top of your paper. The guide sheet should be placed
under the paper layout. Have it fastened with the use of tape and take a position
which you feel is comfortable for you when writing. Have the nib placed inside
the ink. Let it cover it very well (half of the nib will be fine). It is high time you
started practising curves and strokes.
Practice The Below Curves And Strokes
The best way to go about this is to ensure that you are not in a hurry. That is to
say, write in a way that is calm. This is how to feel the nib’s effect. Here are
some rules that you should abide by.

The pen should be held at angle 45 from your paper.

There should be pressure applied on your downstrokes while your upstrokes

The downstroke’s weight will be determine by the amount of pressure which you
must have applied

Strokes are always thin and consistent

You can see the basic strokes in this PDF.

Practice these rules until you have become very comfortable making use of your
nib
Practise Words And Letters
It is high time you had letter forms constructed. If you observe closely you will
notice that letters are in group shapes which are familiar in terms of how they
look. For instance, there is similarity between letters such as k, d, b, f, t, h and l
in the case of upstrokes. For downstrokes, you have j,g,p,z,y,q. In the case of
round letters, you have o, e, c, a. Other similar letters are w, v, u, n, m. You will
need to ensure that you have really practised these letters in other to understand
what connects them.
Words of Caution

Practising the letters will require patience on your part. However, it is worth
your time. If you don’t have enough time to practice the 26 letters, you can use
your name or its initials to practise. Ensure that you write up to the point where
you don’t have to feel concerned regarding how to write. Such can be referred to
as muscle memory building. Writing a whole sentence which makes sense in
calligraphy will need you to understand how to have these letters written even
when you are asleep.
Learning Various Styles
You have various calligraphy styles that you can easily mimic by practising
them.
Number 1: The classic style which is a basic round.
Number 2: Fancy and dramatic style
Number 3: The elegant style
Number 4: The informal style (upright script)
What To Always Think of Whenever You Happen To Be Practising

Downstrokes should always be parallel

There should be consistency between cap and x – height

Descender/ascender height

Baseline should be consistent

Spacing should be even

When pen happens to be snagging

Avoid the nib being pushed into your paper. This is because your ink may
splatter. Pressure shouldn’t be excessively applied when upstrokes are written.

When Your Ink Isn’t Flowing

You may likely experience this whenever you are not holding the pen properly. It
should be held at angle 45 . Your nib’s tip can be put into water. It could also be
as a result of the nib and ink which you are using together.

Ink Clogging

You can experience this after writing for a while. Have the nib cleaned with the
use of water. After that, you can then have it wiped off using a cloth which is
clean. You can have the ink diluted (with water) if it happens to be very thick.

Important – Always Practise

The most important of all of these is to ensure that you are consistent in your
practice. This is what will make this writing skill to be part of you. As time goes
on, you will begin to see improvements.
Conclusion

Once you start to implement the steps outlined you will be able to become a
master at Calligraphy. Good luck and enjoy!