Debunking Calligraphy Myths

Written By Sarah Guidroz

Are any of these myths stopping you from learning calligraphy?

Myth 1: Your Handwriting Needs to Be Pretty

Calligraphy is more about drawing than writing. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be an artist! If you can doodle lines and adjust pressure, you’re already halfway there. Personally, my handwriting can only be described as messy. If I want it to be legible (whether to other people or future me), I have to write in all caps. So trust me, legibility isn't a barrier to beautiful calligraphy.

Myth 2: You Need to Be Right-Handed

Left-handed? No problem! If you write underhand, you start with an advantage. The angle you naturally approach the page at is the angle that oblique holders try to achieve. You’ll probably do best with a straight pen holder. For overhand or hook-handed lefties, there are oblique holders designed just for you. Some lefties even use right-handed tools without issues. Experiment to find what works best for you—this applies to right-handed calligraphers too!

Myth 3: You Need Expensive Supplies

Surprisingly, all you need to start practicing calligraphy is a pencil and paper. By adjusting the pressure, you can achieve thick and thin lines. A softer grade lead like 2B works best, but even a standard #2 pencil will do. Just make sure it’s not freshly sharpened or it’ll instantly break!

If you prefer pointed pen calligraphy (dip pen calligraphy), you still don't need extravagant supplies. Here’s what you need:

  • A basic holder (for versatility, I recommend something that can work as an oblique or straight holder, like the deuce 2-in-1 holder from Paper & Ink Arts.)

  • A few G nibs (e.g., Nikko G, Zebra G, Tachikawa G). My favorite is the Tachikawa, which I use for most of my work, although it’s a bit more difficult to find on Amazon. Soon I’ll do a post comparing these three G nibs, as well as a titanium version of the Zebra G

  • Sumi ink: affordable, deep black, and waterproof when dry. I’ve used both Moon Palace and Yasutomo.

  • An ink holder (Dinky Dips are great, but alternatives work too)

  • Smooth, low-absorbency paper. I learned with Rhodia pads, which are fantastic but pricey. These days, I use and recommend HP Premium 32-lb Printer Paper. You get 500 pages in a ream and can print your own practice sheets!

Here are a few other inks that I find to be beginner friendly:

And a few of my favorite non-Amazon sites to shop from:

So there you have it: three common calligraphy myths, debunked. Ready to start your calligraphy journey?

Sarah Guidroz