Calligraphy practice

TinyArtist

I enjoy calligraphy, here's one of my practice pages written with iron gull. I started a few kinds of calligraphy hands when I was in my teens. Does anyone else like calligraphy or hand lettering?

Caro1970

I had to do this at school when i was young.
But it wasn't my thing.

Ruleta

I love calligraphy. Would like to do it, just don't know how to start. Your work is great TinyArtist!

Ruleta

Thank you so much TinyArtis! I'll do as you say, pick up a style, join groups and download templates. I imagine it takes a lot of time to master it as you do, but, what are hobbies for if not for enjoying the process? I think the hardest part will be picking a style, any suggestions?

TinyArtist

Ruleta replied at 2025-06-23 20:59
Thank you so much TinyArtis! I'll do as you say, pick up a style, join groups and download templates ...

That's a tough decision, personally I like Copperplate the most and Old English style. They are completely different from each other. Copperplate requires more or less mastering specific stroked, Old English not as much. Bounce or brush calligraphy is very popular currently and not as strict as other styles.
The base strokes of Copperplate actually applies to many different styles or what we call "hands" of calligraphy.

TinyArtist

Here's some examples
The tools for these examples are all different. Blackletter /Old English require a broad, flat calligraphy nib. Copperplate requires a fine, flexible nib. Bounce style is generally done with a brush marker. Cheap Crayola markers are actually good for Bounce style.

Ruleta

Thanks for the information!! I think copperplate is the chosen one. I'll start looking for templates to learn. Give me some time, and I'll post my progress

TinyArtist

Ruleta replied at 2025-06-27 08:32
Thanks for the information!! I think copperplate is the chosen one. I'll start looking for templates ...

There's many free resources out there and a really good Copperplate group on FB with some great tutorial videos. The key is your tools, you will want an oblique nib holder and decent nibs.

TinyArtist

Here are some Copperplate resources to get started

Supplies:
Oblique nib holder : there are quite a few cheap ones out there
Smooth paper: I use HP Premium 24#, 26# and 32# as well as tracing paper or marker paper
Flexible pointed nibs. Nikko G is a decent starter nib
Ink: I use a wide variety, try to stick with calligraphy ink and not fountain pen ink as it's thin. You can use fountain pen ink but it needs adjustment with gum of Arabic or it needs to be evaporated some
Guide sheets: Copperplate is done at a specific 55° angle, there's free ones in the links below.
Hard pencil to draw guidelines if not using a light box
Rulers
Light/tracing box: not required but it makes using guide sheets easy without having to draw the lines
Small jars: never dip directly from an ink bottle as it can ruin the ink if it becomes contaminated. Never pour ink back into the original bottle for the same reason.

https://www.lettering-daily.com/copperplate-calligraphy/

https://loveleighloops.com/blog/copperplate-alphabet/

Free guide sheets

Ruleta

TinyArtist replied at 2025-06-27 18:48
Here are some Copperplate resources to get started

Supplies:

You are awesome!! Thank you! I'll buy everything I need.