What Are the Best Tips for Writing in Calligraphy?

Calligraphy can turn ordinary invitations, letters, or art projects into something amazing. Some of the best tips for writing in calligraphy are to use a separate piece of paper to get rid of the excess ink each time that you refill the pen and to use pressure changes to alter the thickness of the line rather than twisting the pen itself. Holding the writing utensil correctly is essential when writing in calligraphy, and it can also be helpful to think of writing in this manner as drawing rather than simply conveying a message.

Whether you use an automatic calligraphy pen or a traditional quill, the ink can easily collect in the tip after the pen or quill has been sitting or right after you dip it into the ink. To prevent smearing, blobs, or too-thick lines, do a few strokes on a separate piece of paper before you start writing in calligraphy. This will prevent mistakes on your actual project, keeping your letters smooth and beautiful.

If you’re new to calligraphy, you may be tempted to twist the pen if you want to make a line thicker or thinner; however, this will not produce the desired results. Calligraphy pens are designed for the ink to come evenly out of the quill when pressure is applied correctly; therefore, turning the pen will typically result in skipped or jagged lines. If you want to adjust the thickness of a stroke, simply apply a little more or less pressure. More pressure will result in a higher ink flow and therefore a thicker line, while less will cause a lower ink flow, and thus a thinner line.

The manner in which you hold the pen or quill is essential when writing in calligraphy. The end of the writing utensil should rest on the side of your index finger’s lowest knuckle. Letting the end of the pen sit on the soft spot between your thumb and index finger will give you less control over the pen, resulting in messier calligraphy. It is also a good idea to hold the pen as lightly as possible for the most fluid, even lines; for many people, a tight grip can cause a shaky hand.

Perhaps the best tip for calligraphy is to think of it more as a type of art rather than a means of conveying a message. Oftentimes, people put little thought into how they are writing something on a daily basis, as the message is more important. When writing in calligraphy, however, the way each letter looks is just as important, if not more so, than what the words actually say. Try to view each letter as a separate image, and the entire project as a whole picture for the best results.