Calligraphy >
Instruments
and Materials
Equipment
and Materials - Getting Started
I
always use a slightly elevated writing surface, either using a drawing
table, or a flat sheet such as a cutting board or baking sheet (expedient)
will serve too. Allow yourself adequate space for the various tools,
and a chair position that allows a relaxed posture. You will not achieve
optimum results if you are cramped and uncomfortable from the start of
the project.
Initially, any paper stock on which the ink does not bleed,
commonly referred to as feathering, will suffice for practice.
Pen flows vary, so some experimenting is necessary. Relatively
in expensive inkjet/laser
coated papers will meet general practice needs, but, again,
testing by brand will be necessary. The paper must also accept
pencil ruling and
notes, and allow era-sure. In learning the various letters
I’ve
found tracing paper beneficial for practice.
Some people find using graph paper suitable for practice.
I do not. I’ve found using this paper to restrictive and the writing
guide lines get confused with the graph lines, so I tend
to keep it simple. Usually, when making a guide from scratch I scan it
into the computer
when I complete it, then use print versions for practice.
Alternatively, I’ll cover the guide sheet with a lighter weight paper (semi-transparent
such as 20 lb. or tracing paper) and practice using this
technique. Either way is effective to expedite practice. Need I say,
the availability of
pre-drawn guides is a great time saver.
As for
the other equipment:
-
Rulers,
triangles (various), and longer straight edges,
-
Lettering
guide (adjustable),
-
Pencils:
wood and or mechanical (.3 and .5) usually with a harder
lead (2H) than typically used for writing though not
too hard,
-
Erasers:
Gum and artist.
-
Pens:
Dip pens, artist pens (such as Rotring - see comments
below), technical fountain pen set, and
- Calligraphy inks: These are purpose specific inks, not for use in a standard fountain pen. Be careful not to confuse
calligraphy and technical fountain pen inks with those
designed for general-purpose writing instruments
Over
the years, I’ve found it necessary to “adjust” the
commercially available calligraphy nibs irrespective of
brand. I use emery cloth,
extremely fine grain, to remove burrs and hone the nibs to
a thinner (thickness) tip. I’ve found this provide a much sharper
line, more suited to the various hands I use. Keep in mind,
Edward Johnston devoted
considerable effort to describe correct cutting of the point
or nib in pens (reed, cane, and quill). I hesitate to say
this again, but you’ll
find this a matter of trial-and-error and it is important
to your final results.
