A handy resource page with tools, materials, and places to help start your hand-lettering and calligraphy journey. Let your creativity thrive!
- Free Guide Sheets
- Supplies
- Specialty shops
- Where to learn
- Free mini-course
- Book recommendations
- Gift tags templates
Guide Sheets
Guide sheets are a must-have for practicing calligraphy. I’ve created different variations of guide sheets for myself and a lot of people are asking about them, so I am making it available here. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful. There are 9 pages in the PDF with two slant angles and various type proportions.
Papers
Tracing Paper
Tracing Paper is a must-have for everyday practice and drafting composition. Its smooth surface keeps your pens from wearing-off too soon.
Layout Bond
Layout Bond is a semi-translucent paper that is more smooth than tracing paper and can take in more ink. I use it to practice steel nib hands.
Rhodia Notepads
Rhodia paper is great for calligraphy writing once you pass the ‘tracing’ stage. The paper is a lot more smooth than your typical notepad, which means writing on this paper keeps your pen tips in shape.
Moleskine Art Sketchbook
The Art Collection notebooks by Moleskine is great for calligraphy and hand-lettering journal. The heavy paper means your writing and drawing won’t bleed through the pages. I use it for sermon notes.
Pens and Brushes
Brush Pen Set
These brush pens can be used for practice as well as producing the final artwork. They are must-have.
Large Brush Pens
These brush pens are good for bigger writings. They come in many colors and are blend-able.
Crayola Markers
These markers have flexible tips so you can produce various stroke width. They are very fun to write with and very inexpensive.
Crayola Supertips
These markers also have flexible tips and they write similarly as the regular Crayola Markers.
Pilot Parallel Pens
These pens write like the traditional broad edge pen without the fuss. I recommend starting with the 2.4mm nib.
Paint Marker Pens
Although the tip is not flexible, these acrylic-based paint markers give you full-coverage on almost any surface.
Chalk Markers
I’ve tried many chalk marker brands and this is the best. The flow is consistent and the tip size is just right.
White Pens
A good white pen is unbelievably hard to find, and this is the only one that I would recommend.
Specialty Store
Unfortunately, you can’t find everything on Amazon. These two online shops carry all sorts of calligraphy pens and papers, plus other specialty art supplies. You’d want to bookmark these two stores.
Calligraphy Resources in New York City
Type@Cooper
This is where it all began, I took a calligraphy class here many years ago and it’s been the best investment I’ve ever made on myself. Type@Cooper is the Typeface Design certificate program at Cooper Union. They have weekend workshops as well as months-long classes in the field of typography ranging from traditional calligraphy, sign painting, to digital font creation. There are also free lectures throughout the semester. Check out their website.
Society of Scribes
The Society of Scribe is another organization full of resources. They often have workshops and exhibitions by calligraphy masters. Check out their website.
Learn Calligraphy Online
Skillshare
Skillshare is a wonderful learning platform. It is full of creative courses covering art, graphic design, photography, and more. You can check out my classes and get two months of free membership:
Udemy
Udemy is another platform with many interesting topics. It is run on a pay-per-course format and you can access the purchased course forever.
IAMPETH
If you really want to up your skill on the pointed pen, then this website has everything you need! From worksheets to adding flourishes, all taught by long-time masters! Check out their website.
Free Pencil Calligraphy Mini-course
Want to learn calligraphy but not sure where to start? Join my Quiet Life Lettering Club – Pencil Calligraphy Mini-course. It’s free and you can start right away with a pencil you probably already have!
Book Recommendations
If you are starting out your calligraphy and hand-lettering journey, here are my top 6 books for you!
Free Gift Tags & Template Download
Disclosure: This post and the photos contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.