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 |
| 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.