Supplies
This is not an exhaustive list of the tools I use, but these are my favorites. I have many, many calligraphy inks, tools, etc. that I truly love. But for a beginner, it can be overwhelming to know just what you need.
On my beginners page, I talk about the bare bones necessities of what you need to get started with calligraphy, regardless of whether you’re interested in modern or traditional Copperplate calligraphy, so if you’re new to calligraphy, check that out.
For those who prefer direct instruction in the form of video tutorials and organized, curriculum-based teaching, my Precision Copperplate Calligraphy Course might be just what you’re looking for. To start with the free mini-course, sign up here. In addition, if you are looking for on-demand classes for copperplate calligraphy, modern calligraphy, other calligraphy scripts, watercolor painting, and many more art classes, head over to Kalli Camp Academy and check out our membership-based classes.
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Custom Made Pen Holders from My Beloved Calligraphy
These pens are custom made according to the measurements of your hand. The Ergo Pen is my personal favorite.
Pointed Pen Nibs
Leonardt Principal EF
Hunt 101
Tachikawa G
Other Calligraphy Nibs I Recommend
Choosing a nib is a highly personal choice. I recommend starting with a pointed pen nib sampler pack from John Neal Books and trying one out for several days before switching to another. As a general rule, the finer nibs such as the Leonardt Principal EF and Hunt 101 will give you good shade and hairline differential (nice thick downstrokes and very fine upstrokes), however G nibs such as the Tachikawa G will better hide any shakiness in your lines if your hand is unsteady.
Visit my supply page at John Neal Books to purchase any of these nibs.
Some Basic Inks
Moon Palace Sumi
Walnut Drawing Ink
Dr. Ph Martin’s Bleed-Proof White
Higgins Eternal
Paper
Canson Pro Layout Marker Paper
Clairefontaine
Tomoe River Paper
Maruman Mnemosyne
Metallic Inks & Accessories
Coliro Finetec Gold and Silver Pan Ink
Gum Arabic, Powdered
Gum Arabic Liquid
Magnetic Spinner
Inkwells & Accessories
Jumbo Dinky Dips
Smudgeguard Glove
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Tools & Accessories
Artograph Light Pad
Artograph PadPucks
A Note About the Lightpad
The lightpad listed here is the one I use. When I received it as a gift, it was on a huge sale. There are other much less expensive lightpads on the market, but they do not last very long. The lightpad might be my most important tool aside from the pen, ink and paper.
About These Calligraphy Products
Most products pictured on this page are all available at John Neal Books and Paper and Ink Arts. I may earn store credit from qualifying purchases.