If you’re getting started with pointed pen calligraphy, you may find the tools confusing.
Is there a correct way to hold a pen holder? How do I use an oblique pen holder? Do I place the paper upright or do I need to rotate it?
These were some of the questions I had when I started learning pointed pen calligraphy. I get it – learning how to use nibs and oblique pen holders can be very frustrating and intimidating. So after looking at the tools required for pointed pen calligraphy (including an oblique pen holder), this blogpost will show you how to prepare and position your tools to start writing!
Preparing Your Tools
Step 1: Check the nib
It’s very tempting to skip this step and jump straight into writing. But you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and frustration down the line as new nibs can arrive damaged. So always do a quick check!
- Hold up the nib and make sure that the tips of the tines line up straight, and are not separated.
- Run both sides of the nib against your finger pad to check for any defects or sharp protruding edges.
- Push the nib on your finger pad to Check that the tines separate evenly, and spring back into place when you release pressure.
Here’s a video to show these steps in action.
Step 2: Insert the nib into the pen holder
When inserting nibs into the flange of oblique pen holders, align the tip of the nib with the centre axis of the pen holder. This gives you better control of the nib when writing.
Step 3: Clean the nib
New nibs are coated in oil to prevent rusting during storage. This oil means that ink can’t coat the nib evenly, so make sure you clean the nib to avoid any ink flow issues when writing.
My preferred way of cleaning is to wipe the nib with rubbing alcohol on a piece of tissue. Some other ways include washing gently with soap and water, rubbing some toothpaste on the nib before washing it, or running the nib quickly through a flame.
I usually clean the nib only after inserting it into the pen holder. When handling and inserting nibs, oils from our fingers can get onto the nib and affect ink flow. So if you have any ink flow issues when writing, do a quick clean! That usually solves the problem most of the time.
Getting into Position
Now that you have your tools ready for writing, let’s get into position! There are three areas to take note of:
- How you sit;
- How you hold the pen holder; and
- How you place the paper.
Step 1: Sitting properly
Make sure you’re seated comfortably and well supported for your writing session. This means not sinking into your armchair, or hunched over your coffee table! The guidelines for a proper sitting posture at your work desk applies here. I try to make sure that:
- My feet are flat on the floor, knees are about same height as my hips, and ankles are slightly in front of my knees.
- I sit up straight with shoulders relaxed.
- My forearms can rest comfortably on my desk, with my elbows at around 90°.
Most importantly, I remind myself not to hunch over or squeeze my body too tightly. Otherwise, it’s difficult to achieve smooth arm movements, and it gets tiring very quickly.
Step 2: Holding the pen holder
Depending on how you were taught to hold a pen, you may have to relearn it for calligraphy! At least, that’s the case for me. 😛
When writing calligraphy, hold your pen holder using a triangle grip. Only three fingers help to keep the pen holder in place. Place your index finger on the top side of the pen holder, and position your thumb on the side behind the flange. Your middle finger supports the pen holder from the bottom.
If you’re not used to holding a pen this way, it may feel awkward and uncomfortable. But it gets easier with practice, so hang in there! Most importantly, avoid gripping the pen holder too tightly. This affects your control and you’ll get tired very quickly.
Step 3: Placing the paper in position
When writing, the nib should follow the slant of your guidelines, which is 55° for Copperplate.
The easiest way to know how to place your paper is to first find your comfortable writing zone. Where is the zone in which you can write without stretching your arms too far out, or hunching over? Keep your hand and pen holder in that spot, then slip the paper underneath your hand. Rotate the paper until your nib follows the slant of your guidelines or letters.
When you’ve hit the limit of your writing zone, move the paper to fit your writing zone instead of stretching your arm out.
If that sounds confusing, don’t worry! This video shows it in action.
What Next?
Now that you’ve prepped and positioned your tools, try doing some drills!
These help you to get comfortable with the angle and grip of using an oblique pen holder.
Remember – don’t hunch over, don’t hold your pen too tightly, and breathe!
Before you go, here are some other great resources that I found useful.
free resource —
Calligraphy Drills Worksheets
Simple calligraphy drills and exercises that help you to master pressure and release strokes, and build muscle memory for wrist & arm movement!
