Brush & Nib

Pointed Pen

The flexible steel dip pen is the tool behind Copperplate, Spencerian, and most modern pointed-pen scripts, and it rewards a little patience richly. These guides walk you through seating a nib in its holder, preparing and loading ink, the gentle pressure that opens the tines for thick downstrokes and the light touch that keeps upstrokes hairline-thin, and how to diagnose the railroading, snagging, skipping, and blobs that trip up every beginner.

Pointed Pen

4 guides

Pointed Pen

How Much Pressure to Use in Pointed Pen Calligraphy

Learn exactly how much pressure to use in pointed pen calligraphy, from feather-light upstrokes to controlled downstroke flex. A beginner's practical guide.

August 8, 2026

Pointed Pen

Thin Upstrokes and Thick Downstrokes Explained

Learn why pointed pen calligraphy uses thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes, how pressure controls line weight, and drills to build consistent strokes.

July 25, 2026

Pointed Pen

How to Load Ink Onto a Calligraphy Nib

Learn how to load ink onto a calligraphy nib correctly — how much to use, how to dip, and how to avoid blobs, skipping, and flooding.

July 11, 2026

Pointed Pen

How to Assemble a Dip Pen and Insert a Nib

Learn how to assemble a dip pen and insert a nib safely and correctly — a beginner's step-by-step guide to dip pen setup.

June 27, 2026

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