Calligraphy has been around for a long time, but it retains its distinctive qualities. Senior ability enhancement and increased patience and mental focus are some of the plethora of physical and mental health benefits. Having said so, modern calligraphers strive to master the art and create their unique aesthetic, techniques, and artistic mediums.
Whether starting to learn modern calligraphy or just sharpening your skills, having premium calligraphy supplies is crucial to getting started in the right way! But, with so many options available finding the right set can be overwhelming. This ultimate calligraphy supplies checklist breaks down the essentials every serious calligrapher should have in their arsenal.
Calligraphy Pen
The type of pen you decide to go for will certainly depend upon your skill level and what suits you most. However, browsing for quality calligraphy pens Australia-wide will help you produce delicate lines and crisp edges. Those who are just starting should start using a ballpoint pen.
These are used to create "faux calligraphy," which is perfect for anyone who would rather progressively advance their talents rather than step outside of their comfort zone right away. Additionally, some high-quality ballpoint pens come with alternative inks that work well for calligraphy.
The fountain pen or dip pen is the next logical step as you get a little bit more experienced. Your hand pressure will help you make the best choice possible at this stage. Several pages can be printed from ink cartridges, depending on your writing style. You should always carry a fountain pen with you, though, in case you're still not comfortable dipping your pen or would like to practice while on the go.
A fountain pen is more appropriate for novices than a dip pen since it requires less skill to use. The ink runs through the feed with greater consistency. Although writing with a fountain pen has its drawbacks, it does offer a different experience than using a ballpoint pen.
Once you've been comfortable with using a fountain pen, you'll find that dip pens are easier to use due to your valuable muscle memory and familiarity. Here, again consider the pressure on your hands. For example, you will require less nib elasticity—the amount by which the pen moves—if you have a heavier hand. Most nibs, as you will see, have a slit in them that separates two "tines." To see how hands-on you are, try writing a few words in pencil on a piece of folded paper. Examine the amount of impression on the folded half of the paper. For example, if you can see the impression, that your hand pressure is too strong.
When finding the best calligraphy pens Australia-wide, you will also come across the brush pens. It’s another calligraphy tool that any novice should think about, plus learning how to use a brush is much simpler than learning how to use a dip pen. You can experiment with different lettering or writing styles. They are equally as easy to use and offer more utility than ballpoint and fountain pens. Plus, they require very little maintenance.
Calligraphy Paper
When choosing the ideal calligraphy paper for artwork, there are a few crucial factors to take into account. Smooth, thick paper is what you should be looking for. The texture of a card will affect how your ink sets. Contrarily, card paper starts to absorb the ink right away, giving the script its fuzzy edges. On the other hand, some printer sheets can provide a very good surface for writing, but they often have insufficient thickness, which makes the ink bleed.
For novices, paper’s smoothness is far more important than its thickness. If the ink bleeds a little on thinner paper when you first start, don't worry too much about it; instead, concentrate on getting used to how the pen glides.
Furthermore, beginners ought to consider purchasing some practice paper that has layouts on it. You can get a range of notepads with traceable script layouts and practice sections for different methods online. It's also recommended to use dotted grid paper to help keep letters proportionate.
Ink
The choice of ink is also quite individual; what works well for one calligrapher may be a disaster for another. Fortunately, there are numerous types, compositions, and colours to pick from. India inks and calligraphy are frequently confused by the public. But they're not the same either. They have diverse uses and are constructed differently.
Calligraphy ink mostly comprises water, pigments, lubricants, surfactants, and biocides. Furthermore, Indian ink is sometimes made by mixing varnish with carbon or lamp black pigment and water. To make the ink more waterproof or fade-resistant, gelatine or varnish is added after it has dried. Some calligraphy ink varieties, however, are not waterproof. Moreover, the ink adheres to the paper's surface rather than soaking into the fibres since they are somewhat thicker than ordinary inks.
