Brush & Nib

Getting Started

Everything you need to make your very first letters without feeling lost. We start with the most encouraging trick in lettering — faux calligraphy, which turns any pen you own into a calligraphy tool — then cover how to sit and hold the pen, building a short, repeatable practice routine, the warm-up drills that loosen your hand, and honest reassurance for left-handers and anyone convinced they have bad handwriting. Start here and the rest stops feeling like magic only other people can do.

Getting Started

8 guides
Getting Started

Is Calligraphy Hard to Learn? What to Expect

Calligraphy has a real learning curve, but it's manageable. Here's what beginners actually experience and realistic timelines to expect.

July 3, 2026
Getting Started

How to Start Calligraphy as a Complete Beginner

Learn how to start calligraphy from scratch. Choose a style, gather a minimal kit, learn basic strokes, and build a practice routine that actually works.

June 29, 2026
Getting Started

Left-Handed Calligraphy: A Beginner's Guide

Yes, left handers can do calligraphy. Learn paper rotation, hand positions, pen holder choices, and how to avoid ink smudges from the start.

June 24, 2026
Getting Started

Calligraphy vs Hand Lettering: What's the Difference?

Calligraphy and hand lettering look similar but are built on different rules. Learn what sets them apart and which one to start with.

June 23, 2026
Getting Started

Calligraphy Warm-Up Drills for Beginners

Learn essential calligraphy warm-up drills to loosen your hand, build muscle memory, and write smoother letterforms from your very first session.

June 17, 2026
Getting Started

A Beginner's Daily Calligraphy Practice Routine

Build a realistic daily calligraphy practice routine with drills, warm-ups, and a sample 15-minute session designed for beginners.

June 12, 2026
Getting Started

How to Hold a Calligraphy Pen: Grip and Posture

Learn the correct calligraphy pen grip and posture from day one. Simple, practical guidance for beginners using dip pens or brush pens.

June 8, 2026
Getting Started

Faux Calligraphy: How to Fake It With Any Pen

Learn how to do faux calligraphy with any pen you own. A step-by-step beginner's guide to fake calligraphy that looks like the real thing.

June 4, 2026

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