Learn
Which pen, which ink
A short guide to the tools in the shop, so you buy the right thing first time.
Nibs
Pointed or broad
| Nib | Makes | Good for | Start with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pointed | Thick and thin from pressure | Copperplate and modern script | Starter kit |
| Broad-edge | Thick and thin from the angle | Italic and gothic | Italic kit |
| Brush pen | Thick and thin from pressure | Brush lettering and signs | Brush kit |
Starter kit
What is in the box
The kit we hand out in the beginners' workshop.
- Holder
- Straight, turned wood
- Nibs
- Five pointed nibs
- Ink
- Black, 30ml
- Paper
- Practice pad and guide sheets
- Guide
- A printed alphabet to trace
Five tips for your first week
Little and often
Fifteen minutes a day beats two hours on Sunday.
Smooth paper
Rough paper catches the nib and spatters.
Light upstrokes
Almost no pressure going up.
Clean the nib
Wipe it after every session.
Go slowly
Speed comes later.