Normal calligraphy equipment
“Normal” doesn’t mean professional or expensive. It means familiar.
In calligraphy, familiar tools help you settle faster, listen better, and focus on the marks rather than the equipment. If something more specific is needed, it’s normally named clearly, otherwise, your usual tools are enough.
Basics
- Pencil HB, B. or a propelling pencil
- Ruler
- Paper (bond for layout, paper of your choice or that specified for the workshop)
- Small cloth or wipes for spills
- Apron
- Eraser
- Fine liner
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Bone folder
- Old brush(es) for mixing, loading
- Add a small mixing container (if taking paint to mix)
- A container for water
Paper
- Layout paper
- Good paper for a final piece
Pens
Depending on the workshop, choose one (if it is a workshop where you are working on expression you may want to choose more than one in each group) Sometimes it is useful to have. A few sizes
Pen holder and a few nibs for:
- Pointed pen
- Broad pen: One or two broad‑edge nibs (any size you enjoy)
- Pilot parallel if you have
Brushes
- Pointed brush
- Broad brush
- Loading brush, inexpensive (if you are using gouache or watercolour to write with, you may want to have. a loading brush)
Ink/gouache
This will depend on your preference, or what is specified. If nothing is specified take black.
If colour will be used, don’t take more than 3 colours, unless specified
Ink (can always decant a small quantity into a leakproof bottle)
Paints: gouache, watercolour or acrylic (3 colours)
Optional Tools
Packing these will depend on your style and also the workshop you will attend, and your personal preference
- Fineliner (black)
- Gel pens (metallics, black, white gold, if you have)
- Wider instruments
- Cola/ folded pen
- Ruling pen
- Foam brush
- Balsa wood
- Carpenter’s pencils
- Additional nibs you enjoy
Less is sometimes more!