8 Types of Calligraphy Pens That Artists Should Know

Created by Jessica Barbosa

Watching artists going about their fantastic calligraphy writing will look very easy. However, the art form demands some skills and long practice. It is an undeniable truth that learning this lettering art can take months or even years. But other than the technique, you will also need to consider the calligraphy pens. The lettering difficulties will depend on your pens. 

How so? It is fair to say that pens will decide how and what you will create. You can see it from how artists master one or two particular mediums or pens. It is because there are many types of calligraphy pens for artists that demand specific mastery. So, what kind of pens should you choose? 

Before you start wondering, the term calligraphy pens is mainly a vast blanket that explains a tool to make the lettering art. It does not specify or limit your option. In other words, your option of pens types is pretty much endless. You can start with the standard pen, Crayola, fountain, to the artists' favorites such as brushes or fancy dip style. Read further for more. 

Here are some of the most usable types you can use to make calligraphy: 

1. Standard pens 

Starting with the most obvious and the very easy to find, the standard pen. Not many artists use this tool due to the simple and unprofessional-looking item. Thus, they are bound to choose the more complex options such as brushes or dip pens. However, as learners or beginner artists, people can start with these types. Why so? Because it is cheap but also doable for lettering. 

How is it possible to make a beautiful script design with this kind of pen? The best answer is to use faux calligraphy style. The style is also called fake calligraphy due to its technique that relies on standard tools and coloring. The artists need to imitate how the lettering looks, rather than making one in one go. 

In this case, drawing lines for thick or thin strokes will create faux calligraphy. After that, you need to fill or color the inside with the standard pen. It is also one of the types that you can write with any drawing or writing utensil. The pens most likely fit simple or new artists. It is also good for students since everyone knows how to use this pen. 

However, compared to the other types of calligraphy pens, the making process might take longer. Initially, you got two or three steps to include wiring the words, adding strokes lines, and coloring them. It is also almost impossible to make clean and delicate-looking lettering. That is why it is way more suitable for beginners rather than artists' projects. 

Created by flaviosarticaligrafia

2. Crayola marker 

Crayola is only one of the calligraphy pens brands. So, it does not mean you have to use the same manufactured utensil. The underlying point is that it comes in the form of a marker. One thing for sure is that these types of pens come in varying sizes and shapes. Thus, you can generate a huge array of lettering forms, including modern or traditional calligraphy. 

It also has the same nature as a standard pen, which is the most basic item you can use. However, you will need more practice. Crayola also has a similar property as brushes pen, but with more options in color and appearance. So, many artists have started to use these types of tools to create beautiful, colorful, and popular designs. 

With that point, artists also have many possibilities and calligraphy concepts to test out. It was made possible due to the variable calligraphy pens types. It is not a surprise that some models might come with unique features, such as blending ink, alcohol-based ink, and many more. The color and calligraphy style made with markers are currently on the rise.   

Another good point of this calligraphy pen type is the flexible tip. Some markers come with hard or flexible tip designs. Thus they come with bigger ranges of usability. You can use it just like the standard one. Choose the one that comes with a chiseled tip or the soft one to make a unique modern calligraphy style. For artists, it is a blessing novel utensil to use. 

Created by micafor.3

3. Fountain or cartridge 

Also called fountain pens, these types of utensils are pretty much the evolution of the traditional dip ink version. Due to the similar uses and characteristics, many beginner artists or learners confuse these types with the straight dip. However, both types of calligraphy pens are not interchangeable or completely different. 

One of the most significant dissimilar is the inflexible nib. Fountain pens do not flex as the dip one does. That is why the function and general uses are also not in the same range. Most of the time, artists will use fountain pens for general writing. But again, it is another one of the utensils that you can use to make exciting lettering, especially the faux one. 

There is also a huge consideration that these utensil types are just like the standard pen. It is because the design puts the ink source inside the body. The nipple of these calligraphy pens also lasted for decades. Again, you can say it as the revolution of the dip types for modern artists. That is why the use is quite similar despite the significant harder nibs. 

Created by Cyril Jayantx

If you are looking at calligraphy artists, most people will consider the use of dip pens due to their flexibility and easier-to-use points. Compared to those types, fountains have limited usability. The ink also might jam and not properly transfer to the paper. Thus, creating blotched or unfavored ink inconsistency. 

With that said, the biggest point why these types are harder to use comes from the nib. However, to comprise the usage difficulties, the fountain pens are considerably more practical. You don't need to dip it in ink due to the installed cartridge repeatedly. It also has a range of nib types. So many artists can make many kinds of calligraphy. 

The ranges of types of calligraphy pens nibs make it one of the flexible options you can opt for. You can use it for general writing or turn into skilled artists to create lettering. In this case, faux calligraphy is most likely the best style you can produce. It is possible to make with either pointed or chiseled nibs since you can draw thicker lines. 

In this case, you got to choose some fountain pens nibs. The chiseled nibs include those that are also called italic nibs, cursive, stub, fude, or music nibs. On the other hand, the pointed nibs are flex, G, or soft. Regardless of your pick for the nibs, it is possible to make faux calligraphy with this kind of pens type. That is why artists love it. 

However, you also need to consider that the internal ink reservoir is not made to last longer. The water-based inks can fade within time after light exposure. But the calligraphy pens are pretty much the best ones to introduce you to dip types. You can also pick the newer ink model that has less maintenance and lasts longer. So, it is a great option for artists in general.  

Created by Cosmas_Adrian

4. Brushes

If you are looking for the best utensil that fits with modern lettering, the best pick is a brush. Artists in many online sharing media use these pens types to show off their lettering mastery, including creating calligraphy. However, you can find that many of the writing models have informal touch in them. 

One of the reasons comes from the free flows and detailing in the modern calligraphy spectrum. Brush pens help bring great line variations, which make the practice easier to learn. A brush might be one of the many types of calligraphy pens that are better used for a modern, informal, friendly, and colorful design. Many artists also explore these possibilities. 

It comes with a great range of nib options. Thus, you can choose the best calligraphy pens that fit your needs and lettering project. At the same time, it is also possible to consider the types based on the ink options such as watercolor, ink, paint, or many more. In other words, you can easily change color or medium, which is why artists love these types of pens. 

Created by omelartjewelry

The good reason to pick brush is the line variations and usage. If you are a new learner that wants to join many calligraphy artists, try to use a brush. The bristle brush nib is pretty flexible and easy to move around. It is also the epitome of calligraphy since you can create thick or thin strokes depending on your hand pressure. 

One thing that makes the brush worth paying attention to and considering is the line detailing and swashes. To make a formal toned work with intricate detail, decorative swashes, or small addition, you better pick dip calligraphy pens. The flexible brush is pretty hard to control for smaller details. At worst, you or artists will only make unsteady strokes.

For artists, it can be one of the hells that they need to look after. Thus, they tend to blend into different types of pens to use for them. In this case, a monoline option will work wonders. If you are interested in trying these types, make sure to check the brush tip. It most likely looks like a felt tip that somehow many people mistaken with the chiseled one.   

Created by omelartjewelryx

5. Felt tip or marker pens 

The Felt tip has harder tips compared to the brush pen. Surprisingly, it is one of the most popular types of calligraphy pens you can ever find. The best part itself is the colorful and the best use for flourishing. Due to the harder tips but still having bristling texture in them, the option is considerably easier to control than a brush. Even for non-artists, it works wonders.  

However, the option itself is most likely used to make monoline. While it does have some line variations, it is still not the best for some unique styling. Due to this nature, artists tend to use it as a secondary utensil along with a brush. You can use it to add finishing touches, details, intricate texture, swooshes, and many more. 

Another great use of these calligraphy pens is for decorative purposes. Artists can create an awesome drawing or lettering that fits for bullet journal, formal design, or casual writing. It also comes with a range of colors, which add extra points for modern uses. But, since it more likely leads to monoline, the pens are best for faux writing. 

Created by brushkatze

6. Italic pens 

It is one of the unique options you can find in a stationery shop. The italic pens are a blend of dip and fountain pens. One thing that stands out is the chiseled nib. You can say that it is particularly a practice option to do italic writing. However, the chiseled tip makes it a permanent stroke width and line weight. For big artists, it is a blessing for some reason. 

In other words, you hardly have a chance to control the line variation. Aside from that, the chiseled types of calligraphy pens are a very good option for those who want to start learning calligraphy. Artists on many levels will consider this option as one of the quick picks. It is also the best economic choice for your lettering project. 

You don't need to dip it in the ink since it has an internal ink reservoir. It also makes the calligraphy pens reusable for such time. However, you need to consider the ink option. Avoid thicker ink since it can clog the pen. If you have some artists' projects with a larger area to cover, don't hesitate to pick these calligraphy pens.

Created by kalemran

7. Glass dip 

Glass dip will be the perfect substitute for the traditional dip or the fountain pen. As the name says, it is made of glass which is pretty much a fragile substance to use. But the material makes ink slide and move smoothly. You can clean it easily, it has a lot of models and designs, it is good for finishing jobs, and it can hold a lot of ink. A great piece for artists. 

It is not a surprise that it is one of the advanced types of calligraphy pens you can ever find. It comes in many different models, which include the body shape, handgrip, tip, size, and line. These types have very fine lines, which make them perfect artistic monoline stationary. Thus, it leans toward faux design. 

Another surprise is the aesthetic point. Some of the glass dip pens come with stylish designs. You can see it from many artists' showcases that highlight their glass dip. It is also the best option for those who love changing ink. Most of the time, the glass calligraphy pens material will hold any kind of paint or ink. 

Created by tsugumi_shosha

8. Dip

The dip model comes in two different types. It is mostly characterized by the grip shape, which is the Oblique and the straight dip pen. The name explains its shape. The oblique mostly appears with a fancy-looking design and a metal tip in it. The metal tip (flange) will hold the nib, which later artists can change and use according to their work. 

These types of calligraphy pens have an iconic shape that helps to angle and distribute the pressure. Thus, the flange and the grip are better. You can find professional artists who use the dip types to make the perfect 55 degrees angle. However, it does take some time to get used to using the calligraphy pens. If you want to try the easier option, check out the straight one. 

The straight dip has a more straightforward model, a standard grip, and is easier to manage. Due to its straight posture and design, it is not that far different from a normal pen. So, you are familiar with it. The nib is also replaceable, depending on your design type. But the biggest disadvantage is the inconsistency angle, which is why artists love the oblique. 

Created by Cosmas_Adrian

You need to learn how to use an angled grip and measure the pressure to make a clean, crisp stroke. Again, it is something that you can learn with constant practice (which is done by artists). So, don't hesitate to use these particular calligraphy pens. Other than the shape, the dip pens also have different nib types. The types are characterized based on their shapes and uses. 

The first one is pointed nib. It has soft or flexible material with better hairline strokes. It is the most basic nib for the dips. But it also has a lot of variances that allow artists to consider the flex and its softness. The other one is chiseled nibs. It is better and easier to use due to the automatic line variations compared to the other types of calligraphy pens.  

Created by Cosmas_Adrian

Final Words

Why are there so many options? The answer is pretty much in line with the huge range of calligraphy styles. Each type has different uses and difficulties in working with. At the same time, they were meant to be used with an unalike mastery level. The more care it needs, the more complex the use. That is why many artists work with different tools for their work.