Five Calligraphy and Lettering Tools for Beginners
What are the best calligraphy and lettering tools for beginners?
That’s one of the most common questions I’m asked from people who are interested in learning modern calligraphy. While the most expensive tools won’t help you master calligraphy overnight, it can ease the learning process by tenfold. With all the variety and options on the market, sorting through the basics you need to get started to learn calligraphy and lettering can be overwhelming. Here are my favorite, most trusted go-to tools for writing on different surfaces.
In this blog you will find calligraphy and lettering tools to have fun and get creative.
1. Nibs
A great starter nib, which I use for all my calligraphy workshops, is the Nikko G. This is a strong, long-lasting nib that does not break easily. It holds a good amount of ink so you don’t have to re-dip as often. Because it is sturdy, it will be easier for you to figure out the right amount of pressure you need to produce the thick and thin strokes for your letters. However, my absolute favorite and go-to nib is the tiny superhero, Brause EF66. It’s very flexible, which means that the tines spread apart more easily producing beautiful downstrokes (thick) and superfine up strokes (thin). A good rule of thumb is that once you have a good grip of the pen holder, buy a variety of different nibs and test out which suits your style best.
Calligraphy Nibs
2. Sharpie Oil Based Markers
I’m often asked what tool I use to write on mirrors/windows/glass/wood. Whether it’s a 6 foot mirror or a small wood signage, the Sharpie Oil Based Paint Pens are fantastic for decorating and adding accents to a variety of items. They are opaque, fast-drying, and mess-free.
Calligraphy on Acrylic
Calligraphy on Wood
Calligraphy on mirror with Sharpie Paint Marker
3. Micron Pens
I’m a huge fan of the Pigma Micron Pens which come in a variety of sizes and colors (black, naturally, is my favorite color). Micron pens work great for any handwritten project that requires precision and detail. When trying to determine a layout and lettering style before using ink or paint, I start with a quick draft using one of the micron pens. It is bleed-proof and smear-proof. You can get the different sizes here.
4. Pentel Aquash Water Brushes
This is a great, portable water brush that comes in fine, medium, and broad tip. You can blend colors, fill it in the barrel with water, and use it to create watercolor washes or lettering projects. The easy to use barrel allows you to control the flow of water and has a good grip. You can get it here.
5. White Mechanical Pencils
This white mechanical pencil (soapstone pencil) is widely used for marking fabric. However, as a calligrapher, this has become a common staple in my tool box. It’s ideal for drawing lines on dark paper or to mock up a chalkboard. Its fine point makes it easy to draw and erase lines without leaving residue or marks. Once you have one, you’ll always need one. Find them here.
Gifts Under $40 for the Paper Lover
Give the gift of handcrafted art this holiday season for all the stationery enthusiasts in your life! To satisfy their paper-quirkiness, choose from a variety of our build-your-own boxes, single cards, or art prints. Enjoy 20% off on ALL orders with code thanksTMI. Happy Shopping!
Our holiday boxed card set includes 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Each card is paired with a black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Choose 6 messages from our holiday collection.
6 cards. Folded cards, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our live/love/party card set is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Each card is paired with a black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
6 cards, 2 of each. Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our celebrate/thank you/superstar boxed set 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Each card is paired with a black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
6 cards, 2 of each. Folded cards, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our joy to the world card is 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our twinkle all the way card is 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our sleigh it girl card is 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our if not now, then when print is letterpress printed in rose gold foil on bright white, 100% cotton paper. Fits an 8 x 10 inch frame.
*Frame not included*
Purple Love
PURPLE LOVE: Not literally, but as in this bride's love for the color purple. This pertinent, yet only information was all I was given when I began collecting inspiration for our recent bride. While pairing subtle touches of metallics, fresh lavender, letterpress printing, and preserved skeleton leaves, the unique details gave a classy take to this suite.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
Love is in the Details
When I met Stella and her mom at our initial consultation, I immediately realized something: She knew exactly what she liked! Stella had a keen eye for attention to detail, and I was anxious to start on her project.
This invitation suite is a combination of unique watercolor brush strokes and modern calligraphy, printed on 100% cotton paper. Blush tones, soft grey, and rose gold details, brought together a romantic, yet cohesive suite, just like Stella had envisioned it.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
Dads & Grads
Right before June rolls around, dads and grads finally get the spotlight. They have worked hard for their achievements, so let’s congratulate and celebrate them for their dedication, time and commitment.
Shop one of our newly curated sentiments for the special “dads and grads” in your life, and write on the inside to show them your appreciation and how much they mean to you.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
Our proud to call you dad card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our you did it card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our soaring to new heights card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our you inspire me card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Dear Mom
Because of you...
I have learned the true meaning of unconditional love.
I have matured from a shy girl to a strong woman.
I have persevered through the most difficult patches of my life.
I have smiled and laughed my heart out.
I have become a dreamer.
Mom, because of you… My world is full of wonder.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
P.S. Sorry, mom, I couldn’t say because of you I have learned to cook, even though you’re wonderful at it.
Shop Mother's Day cards now:
You had me at Hello!
Welcome to the TMI blog! I’m hoping this blog will serve as a creative outlet to showcase my obsession for all kinds of paper, design inspirations, useful tips and information (we’ll keep it short and fun), collaborations with other talented artists, and maybe topics that come to me on a whim.
Formerly known as Angela Calligraphy, I started pursuing my passion as a freelance calligrapher a few years ago, where my services were solely focused on lettering. However, I always had a vision of combining calligraphy with the various options of incorporating stationery, which would encompass the essence of the newly founded truly.madly.ink.
I’m often asked how I got into calligraphy. It was a few years ago when my cousin was getting married and asked me to address her envelopes (she may have thought I have nice handwriting). It was after my first “addressing job,” that I began my intensive practice sessions, because I immediately knew this was something I truly loved doing. I am mostly self-taught, however, I also took multiple workshops from calligraphers that inspired me. Calligraphy is not an art that can be learned without practice and patience, but my love for paper, ink, and the handwritten experience, made it worth the effort.
Upon receiving one of our cards, you’ll experience heartfelt impressions. From the hand-calligraphed sentiment on each card, to the letterpress imprint, and the handmade wax seal, every aspect is distinct in its attention to detail and a labor of love.
As each card is its separate component, it is also a part of the entire identity, with the “ink” component representing the vast calligraphy services offered. The “truly” cards convey sentimental and romantic messages, while the “madly” cards are passionate, bold and significant. Our “tmi” cards represent fun word play, and over-the-top messages that are just TMI.
Starting anything new, especially a new business takes grit and courage, but with determination and hard work, visions and ideas can turn into reality. Thank you for coming along with me on this journey.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly