Q&A for How to Write in Calligraphy

Start by gripping the calligraphy pen between your thumb and index finger, then let it rest on your middle finger. Most calligraphy pens have a divot near the nib, this will help your fingers find a comfortable and stable position. Make sure that your fingers are close to the nib rather than further back, as this proximity enhances your overall control and precision. Also, don't hold your pen too tightly, as this can lead to discomfort and cramping. 

It will take a few weeks to get the basics, but lots of practice to master. The time is determined by how much time and effort you're willing to dedicate to it, as well as your natural skill.

Yes, since they work like a calligraphy utensil - just remember to not use the pointed-tip ones.

Basically, yes, but it could also be considered an art form. Many people take it very seriously.

It began in China, in the seventh century A.D.

Then just practice with your brush at home and use a pencil or pen at school.

Sure, but ensure that you are not applying excess pressure on them.

You can, but it is difficult with regular chalk, as the lines are neither deep nor thin enough.

You can practice writing calligraphy with any writing utensil while you order a set of calligraphy pens online.

Yes, if you are good at writing small. If you mean "Will it make the paper wet?" then probably, depending on the ink. They make notebooks for calligraphy.

You can buy a notebook/paper with a calligraphy grid and use the lines, or you can make your own grid.

It depends on how long you practice, and how good you are at cursive. I recommend practicing 30 minutes a day or more.

Yes, because it will basically make the same thin and thick lines a dip pen makes.

Yes, but it would be known as faux calligraphy. For more information, check out The Postman's Knock. It's a website that teaches everything related to calligraphy, including faux calligraphy.

Any color is fine, as long as you think it looks nice. You can also blend colors together to create an ombre effect.

There are thousands of forms of calligraphy! There is no specific right way.

There is no need to carve a pencil. You can just use a normal pencil, just don’t add excessive pressure.

You can buy a special type of calligraphy marker, but if you just want to use something around your house, a highlighter with a slanted end works best.

Yes, you can surely do it with brush pens. It is the modern method of calligraphy.

Yes. I use watercolor markers, which work because the tip is soft so it is easier to press down. It might be hard to perfect with a chisel-tip marker, but it will still work.

Yes. Just remember that when you start writing downwards, you should thicken the line.

Yes, you can use any type of writing instrument to do calligraphy. However, be sure to follow the calligraphy instructions to get the writing style correct. Also, it won't look as good as when you use a calligraphy pen.

You can look up images and samples online of a font you like and use that as a reference. It may be a good idea to print it out and trace over it. You could always buy a practice book too.

You can practice your writing with thick markers, but they are not going to work well for actual calligraphy. For calligraphy, you'll need calligraphy pens or brushes.

Yes, if it's a brush pen, then it's good to use it. Just know that if it's a fine tip, the down-strokes will be thinner than if you use a normal-sized brush pen.

Practice makes perfect! Keep working on the font by writing words or even sentences.

Yes, just write out the cursive and then fill in the down strokes with the pen. Felt tip pens work best. This is an easier way to do calligraphy but it is not the traditional way.

It can be difficult; but find a calligraphy book that has left-hander pictures. You also will want to check out ordering some nibs from Speedball. They sell left-hander ones.

Absolutely! Once you get good at calligraphy, you can use practically anything that you want to use, as long as it can write.

You typically want to start out with a B-2, B-3, or possibly a B-4, but depending on the type of pen you are using, the numbers might be different. Try not to use one overly large, nor overly small.