Calligraphy Styles Overview

Style Look & Feel Tools Used Skill Level Common Uses
Modern Script Loose, fluid, whimsical Brush pens, nibs Beginner+ Wedding invites, prints
Copperplate Elegant, looping Pointed pen + ink Intermediate+ Envelopes, certificates
Gothic / Blackletter Bold, angular Broad nib dip pens Intermediate Posters, logos
Italic Slanted, legible Fountain or dip pens Beginner Journals, notes
Brush Lettering Expressive, variable lines Brush pens Beginner Cards, journaling
Monoline Uniform line weight Fine liners Beginner Sketch notes, labels

Calligraphy Tools by Category

Tool Purpose Best For Cost Range
Brush Pens Lettering with pressure variation Modern script, casual $2–$6/pen
Dip Pens (Pointed Nib) Precision with ink wells Copperplate, modern $5–$15 starter kit
Broad Edge Pens Flat nibs for blackletter Gothic, Italic $3–$10 each
Fountain Pens Refillable writing tool Italic, daily practice $10–$100
Calligraphy Markers Easy, clean lettering Practice, travel $2–$5
Ruling Pens / Folded Pens Expressive, abstract styles Art calligraphy $10–$40

Essential Paper & Surface Types

Paper Type Finish Use Case Bleed Resistance Notes
Rhodia Pads Smooth Practice, final art Excellent Popular for beginners
Bristol Board Smooth or vellum Final pieces Excellent Good for inking
Watercolour Paper Textured Brush lettering Very good Absorbs ink, textured
Marker Paper Coated Brush pens, markers High Prevents fraying
Handmade Cotton Paper Soft deckled Wedding stationery Medium Elegant texture
Tracing Paper Transparent Layout, drafts Low Great for transfer work

Inks & colour Options

Ink Type Tool Compatibility Best Use Pros Considerations
Bottled Calligraphy Ink Dip pens Traditional calligraphy Wide variety Requires cleanup
India Ink Dip pens, brushes Bold, archival Waterproof Thick, can clog
Watercolour Ink Brush pens, ruling pens Artistic calligraphy Blendable Not waterproof
Acrylic Ink Dip pens, brushes Mixed media Vibrant, permanent Fast-drying
Iron Gall Ink Dip pens Historic styles Fades to rich tone Acidic, corrosive over time
Metallic Ink Dip pens Invitations, accents Shimmery finish Needs frequent shaking

Beginner-Friendly Starter Kits

Kit Name Includes Price Best For
Tombow Beginner Brush Pack Dual pens, guide ~$20 Brush lettering
Manuscript Starter Set Dip pen, nibs, ink ~$25 Copperplate practice
Speedball Calligraphy Kit Pens, nibs, ink, booklet ~$30 General calligraphy
Kuretake Brush Set Multiple brush pens ~$18 Modern styles
Hand Lettering 101 Book Bundle Workbook, tools ~$35 Self-guided learning

Skill-Building Project Ideas

Project Style Tools Needed Sell Price Time
Place Cards Modern/Copperplate Dip pen + ink $1–3 each 1–2 hrs/20 cards
Envelope Addressing Copperplate Pointed pen $2–5 each 2–4 mins per
Quote Art Prints Brush/Modern Brush pens, bristol $10–30 each 1–2 hrs
Journals & Headers Italic/Modern Markers, fountain pens Personal use Ongoing
Wedding Stationery Mixed styles Full kit + premium paper $100–500+ set Advanced

Calligraphy Business Tips

Tip Details
Offer Custom Envelopes Great upsell for weddings
Build a Portfolio on Instagram Visual work sells
Practice Daily with Drills Muscle memory matters
Photograph with Clean Backgrounds White desk, daylight
Use Pigment Ink for Long-Term Art Increases value and durability

Maintenance & Care

Item Maintenance Task Frequency Notes
Nibs Clean with water After every use Avoid rust, use toothbrush
Brush Pens Cap tightly Every session Prevent drying out
Ink Bottles Shake, seal Monthly Prevent clumps
Paper Store flat, dry Always Avoid humidity bends
Desk Area Wipe clean Weekly Dust can ruin strokes

Learning Resources

Platform Type Focus
Skillshare Video classes Modern + traditional
YouTube (e.g. AmandaRachLee) Tutorials Hand lettering
Instagram Hashtags Inspiration #calligraphypractice
Books (“Modern Calligraphy” by Molly Suber Thorpe) Self-study Great foundational read
Online Printables Drill sheets, guides Free or $ on Etsy

Calligraphy slows time and adds soul to the written word, pick up a pen and begin the flow.