Calligraphy Supplies I Cannot Live Without & Where to Find Them in India!

"Four years and multiple calligraphy supplies later, I have made a list of these 8 calligraphy supplies that I absolutely cannot live without!"

If you’re a calligraphy beginner and are confused about what supplies you should invest in, then this article is for you! I, for one, struggled during my initial years due to the lack of information out there and ended up wasting a lot of my time and money behind supplies that didn’t really work for me. This list contains Broad-edge, Brush, and Pointed Pen Calligraphy supplies to get you started in calligraphy. Some are common for both types. So, here it goes:

#1 Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen (black)

TBH, this brush pen is one of the most versatile brush pens there is! If you ask me which is the calligraphy supply that I have used most then probably this is it. It falls under the category of “Small tip brush pens” and has two versions - hard tip and soft tip. One problem that artists generally face with brush pens is the size of writing as most brush pens are either medium or large tip size. The Fude (short for Fudenosuke) can help you go really small and can be used to write notes, letters, wishes, etc. BTW these are also available in a set of colored brush pens.

#2 Pentel Brush Pens

Oh, how I love the Pentel brush pens! These too fall under the category of “Small tip brush pens” and are available in primary colours as well as pastel shades. Though the tip is small, the flexibility of the tip is commendable and the colour output is beautiful, so bright and captivating! These are my go-to brush pens for writing notes and thank you cards. From a price point, they are slightly expensive; however, it is an investment you absolutely won’t regret. They do not fray easily and will last you a very long time.

#3 Oblique Holder + G-type Nib

Coming to Pointed Pen supplies, I still use the very first oblique holder I received when I attended my first workshop (more than 3.5 years ago). It is a simple black one with a removable brass flange (click here). And, of course, a G-type nib (one of my favourites). Again, a very versatile nib, I use it for my private classes as well as group workshops, for commissioned orders such as envelope addressing, letter writing, and so much more.

#4 Sumi Ink (black)

I kind of have a love-hate relationship with this ink. Ok, maybe more love and less hate! Love, because this ink is super amazing; it is waterproof, works beautifully on most papers, and gives a lovely shine to letters/words. Hate, because it tends to erode my nibs sooner than later. However, once you use this ink, there’s no turning back, it will be your ink for a lifetime. One tip is to ensure that you leave no trace of the ink on the nib after use, wash and dry thoroughly.

#5 Pilot Parallel Pen (2.4 mm)

I have learned and I continue to practice the Italics/Chancery script under the “Broad-edge” category. I love the simplicity of a Pilot parallel pen. I prefer to dip the nib in ink and write but you can also use the ink cartridges if you prefer. I also have the 3.8 mm and 6 mm pens but as a beginner, you can start with just 1 pen.

#6 Mechanical Pencil & Ruler

A pencil is and should be a calligraphy artist’s best friend or most prized possession. My choice is a mechanical pencil that is inexpensive and easily available. The best part is that its markings can be erased, unlike a pen or ink. It gives you the freedom to draft and re-draft multiple times, saves you a ton of paper as well as ink (use ink only once the draft or design is finalised). I love using a mechanical pencil as I don’t have to worry about sharpening it; however, you can use a regular pencil if you prefer. And practicing/writing over guidelines helps to stay consistent and makes calligraphy even more beautiful hence a ruler (preferably steel) is a must!

#7 100 GSM Papers

The paper you use can be a gamechanger! It took me a while to figure this part out, but it’s never too late, right? GSM stands for grams per square meter, which basically indicates the heaviness/thickness of paper or fabric. Considering this is important when dealing with calligraphy. Ideally, 100 GSM or above is good for any form of calligraphy. I always have tons of 100 GSM sheets (click here) at hand for practice, drafting and classes. The only drawback is that these papers are blank, which brings me to the 7th and last supply on this list.

#8 Rhodia Pad

Rhodia is a French brand, and their pads have 90 GSM super smooth paper that works really well for calligraphy (most inks work on this pad, not all). They come in blank, dot grid, square grid as well as lined sheets. I prefer to use the A4 square grid pad (@rhodiaindia) and mainly use it for my practice.

This is, of course, an exhaustive list, and I do use a lot of other supplies depending on what my work demands. This list is mainly for a beginner who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money but still wants to learn and experience this beautiful art.

I hope this list helps you to invest the time that you would’ve normally spent in hunting for the right supplies in thoughtful practice. See you again in my next article. Until then, keep learning keep growing!

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