How to write Calligraphy

To learn how to write calligraphy, you need to be familiar with the most basic calligraphy skills below.

calligraphic writing tool
Pen or brush
• Ink, or similar
• Optional: a ruler and pencil (for lines)


Learning calligraphy means learning how to manipulate a ‘thick-and-thin’ effect which pleases the eye with a flowing, regular pattern.

Always calligraphy nib means one that is broad and flat instead of an ordinary rounded point such as a biro or fountain-pen nib.

This broad, flat structure means that the nib creates a distinctive ‘thick-and-thin’ effect when it moves over the page, and this effect is what makes calligraphic letters look so nice.

Even if you already know how to write calligraphy, it's worth refreshing these three core skills:
Keep the pen-angle constant;
Lead the nib, don’t push it;
Make parallel lines and even curves.
Get these right and the rest is just detail, variation and practice mostly.

basic calligraphy exercises