The 6 Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners in 2024

Best Overall

Mont Marte

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The top choice for its exceptional quality and versatility, this set is ideal for both beginners and experienced calligraphers.
Best for Beginners

STAEDTLER

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Perfect for newcomers to calligraphy, this kit offers an easy-to-use, comprehensive introduction to the art of beautiful writing.
Best with Ink Cartridges

GC QUILL

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A standout for its included ink cartridges, offering convenience and variety for artists seeking ease of use in their calligraphy endeavors.

the best calligraphy pens for beginnersWedding invitations have always been a matter of grandeur and elegance, and every bride-to-be desires a perfect invitation to start her journey to a perfect wedding and a perfect life. But what really makes a perfect invitation? The answer is, without a doubt, the calligraphy penned on it.

The right font, the right strokes, and the right depth are crucial to creating magic on paper. But where do you start if you’re a beginner who has barely held a calligraphy pen before? With so many options in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

calligraphy

Fear not, for we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the best calligraphy pens for beginners available in the market- pens that will make your wedding invitations stand out and leave everyone awestruck. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey to the world of calligraphy.

In this fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to forget about the traditional art of writing with a fountain pen. But there’s something magical about the smooth glide of nib against paper that just can’t be replicated by a keyboard.

Whether you’re a seasoned calligrapher or a newcomer to the handwritten word, finding the perfect fountain pen is essential. Thankfully, the market is flooded with options, from vintage classics to modern marvels.

The search for the ideal instrument can be overwhelming, but fear not, novice scribes: We’ve got you covered. After delving deep into the world of calligraphy pens, we’ve narrowed down the top picks for beginners.

So go ahead, and indulge in the art of writing. Your words will thank you.

And who knows? You may just fall in love with the smooth, effortless flow of ink from nib to paper.

Calligraphy vs. Normal Pens

Calligraphy brings elegance to writing with its ornate strokes and flourishes, setting it apart from regular pens. This skill has been highly coveted for centuries due to its patience, precision, and grace.

The pens used in calligraphy offer endless design possibilities, with their unique texture, weight, and style. While conventional pens can still be reliable and classic, they lack the tactile diversity of calligraphy pens.

For beginners, choosing from the vast selection of pens can be daunting, but with practice and patience, the perfect pen and calligraphy style will be discovered.

Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance and care are necessary to keep the pen functioning optimally, preventing ink clogging or leakage. To clean, disassemble the pen by unscrewing the barrel cap and removing the ink cartridge or converter.

Rinse the pen nib with lukewarm water, gently clean it with a soft cloth or brush, and submerge it in clean water for a few minutes. Allow the pen to dry completely before reassembling.

maintenance

Using high-quality fountain pen ink ensures smooth and consistent ink flow, avoiding clogging. Proper maintenance prolongs the pen’s lifespan and performance, becoming a treasured heirloom and source of inspiration for years to come.

Take good care of your pen and watch your writing take flight.

Selection Criteria for Calligraphy Pens for Beginners

When it comes to calligraphy, the allure of the handwritten word is undeniable. Choosing the perfect pen to achieve calligraphy’s elegance and finesse can be daunting with so many options available.

But fear not, novice scribes! We have combed through the plethora of pens and brought you top picks to take your penmanship to the next level.

Ultimately, the best calligraphy pen for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. But with our top picks in mind, you can confidently search for the perfect tool to unlock your creative potential.

Embrace the smooth flow of ink as it glides across paper and let your creativity soar. The world of calligraphy awaits – are you ready to take the plunge?

Types of Calligraphy Pens

When it comes to calligraphy, choosing the right pen is important. Brush pens are perfect for beginners.

They can make fine lines and thick strokes as well as give varied effects using synthetic or natural fibers. With brush pens, you can create delicate designs, flourishing letters, and artistic flourishes.

 

Yet, each pen has unique features, like different brush tip sizes, ink types, and barrel materials. The right pen for you will depend on your personal preference, budget, and intended use. Whether you’re creating intricate designs or improving your handwriting, brush pens are worth trying.

Nib Materials

As a novice calligrapher, exploring different nib materials is key to unlocking a world of possibilities. Each material has its own unique properties, enabling you to experiment with various line widths and ink flow.

Stainless steel nibs are a favorite among beginners due to their maneuverability and durability. If you’re seeking something elegant, you can always opt for gold nibs. They provide a smooth writing experience, perfect for wedding invitations. Titanium nibs are best for finer details and accents, as they produce incredibly fine lines.

stainless nib
Stainless Nib – Fountain pen writing
Gold Pointed Nib

Each nib material has its own personality and character, allowing for endless experimentation and exploration. By selecting the right nib, you can create truly beautiful works of art.

types of nib
Different Types of Nib Shape

Pen Barrel and Grip

Novice calligraphers often overlook the importance of the pen barrel and grip. However, the wooden dip pen barrel and grip can make a significant difference.

Made from high-quality materials, these pens provide precise control and a comfortable grip. The warm natural tones of the wooden barrel create an organic connection between the scribe and their art.

These pens are perfect for those who appreciate timeless artistry and seek a tactile experience to transport them back to simpler times. While not the most efficient writing utensil, the wooden dip pen requires patience and practice, allowing the user to connect with their creative side and develop a deeper appreciation for calligraphy. Embrace tradition and step back in time with the wooden dip pen.

Ink Compatibility

The right pen can make all the difference to calligraphy enthusiasts. But ink compatibility is also crucial.

Different pens work with different types of ink, including bottled ink. Investing in ink bottles can be a great way to experiment with colors and consistencies.

ink

Ink bottles aren’t all the same, either. Some inks suit fountain pens, whereas others may be better for dip pens. To avoid damage to your pen, only use compatible inks. While it’s fun to try every color, avoid mishaps by sticking to the inks that work with your pen.

Some calligraphy pens rely on cartridges, which can be more convenient and less messy. But cartridge-based pens may not offer the same range of colors as bottled ink.

Whether you prefer bottled ink or cartridges, choose a pen that can handle the ink you want to use. Experimenting with different brands and colors can help you find the perfect ink for your needs. Ink compatibility is a vital consideration for any novice scribe.

Ease of Use

Calligraphy is a captivating art form, with its smooth, flowing strokes and elegant loops. However, for beginners, it can be challenging to recreate these beautiful flourishes on paper.

To make this process easier, selecting the right tools is essential. When choosing a pen, ease of use should be a key factor. It’s best to avoid pens that are frustrating and difficult to work with.

types of calligraphy pens

Instead, select pens that strike a balance between simplicity and sophistication, like brush pens, markers, or traditional nibs and ink. Experiment with different styles until you find one that suits your personal taste.

With the right pen, your calligraphy journey can lead you anywhere.

Top Product Recommendations for the Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners 2023

  1. Overall Best Calligraphy Pen:  Mont Marte Calligraphy Set
  2. Best Calligraphy Kits for Beginners: STAEDTLER Calligraphy Pen set
  3. Best Calligraphy Pens with Ink Cartridges: GC QUILL Calligraphy Pen Set
  4. Best Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set: PILOT Parallel 4 Nib Calligraphy Pen Set
  5. Best Brush Pens for Calligraphy Set: Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen 
  6. Best Dip Pen Calligraphy Pen Set: Speedball Oblique Pen Set

1. Overall Best Calligraphy Pen—Mont Marte Calligraphy Set

mont marte calligraphy set

Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of Pen – 4 refillable fountain pens
  • Nib Material – Traditional nibs
  • Ink Compatibility – Multicolored ink cartridges
  • Ease of Use – 10/10

About Mont Marte Calligraphy Set

The Mont Marte Calligraphy Set is an ideal choice for calligraphy beginners who want to learn and practice the craft. This kit includes calligraphy pens, nibs, ink cartridges, an instruction handbook, and an exercise booklet.

The pens are composed of high-quality materials, and their design guarantees that the ink flows smoothly and consistently, making beautiful and graceful calligraphy easy to create. The kit also comes with a selection of nibs, allowing users to experiment with different writing styles and thicknesses.

The instruction manual includes instructions on how to use the pens and nibs, as well as suggestions on how to produce various calligraphy styles. The exercise booklet includes a number of practice sheets to assist users in honing their skills and refining their practices.

Overall, the Mont Marte Calligraphy Set is a great buy for anyone interested in learning calligraphy. The package is inexpensive, simple to use, and includes everything a beginner needs to get started. Beginners may quickly enhance their skills and create beautiful calligraphy designs with frequent practice and use of this set. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in taking their initial steps into the realm of calligraphy.

Pros:

  • Smooth ink flow
  • Package includes a pump for using ink bottles
  • Variety of nibs allows you to experiment with many calligraphy styles
  • Many color inks to choose from

Cons:

  • Does not come with a nib holder or pen holders

2. Best Calligraphy Kits for Beginners—STAEDTLER Calligraphy Pen Set

STAEDTLER Calligraphy Pen set

Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 9/10
  • Type of Pen – 4 refillable fountain pens
  • Nib Material – Stainless steel nibs
  • Ink Compatibility – Multicolored ink cartridges
  • Ease of Use – 9/10

About STAEDTLER Calligraphy Pen Set

The STAEDTLER calligraphy pen set is ideal for beginners who want to study and practice calligraphy. There are 33 parts in this set, including calligraphy pens, metal nibs, ink cartridges, and an instruction booklet. The set is adaptable and can be used by people of different skill levels.

You can choose from five distinct nibs that are easily swapped out, and the package includes four different pen bodies, so you can make your pen unique and try as many styles as you need, before you decide on the perfect combination for you.

The metal container looks really high-end and would make a great gift. Further, there are twenty different color ink cartridges available in this kit. Beautiful hues can be used to jazz up handmade greeting cards, wedding invites, and even doodling. The colors brown, black, blue, green, yellow, pink, and orange are all included.

The instruction manual contains helpful information on how to use the pens and nibs, as well as suggestions on how to produce various modern calligraphy styles. The guide is simple to understand and contains step-by-step directions, making it excellent for novices.

Overall, the pens perform admirably, with no skipping or bleeding ink. The comfort of the nibs also dispelled any concerns I had about the durability of the pen, due to its low price point.

Pros:

  • Wide variety of colors, including  brown, blue, green, yellow, pink, orange, and black ink
  • Easy to experiment with, until you discover your personal calligraphy style
  • Comfortable holding pen body

Cons:

  • Excess ink may drip, until you find the correct pressure for the pointed nibs

3. Best Calligraphy Pens with Ink Cartridges—GC QUILL Calligraphy Pen Set

GC QUILL Calligraphy Pen Set

Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of Pen – 7 refillable fountain pens
  • Nib Material – Metal nibs
  • Ink Compatibility – Multicolored ink cartridges
  • Ease of Use – 9/10

About GC QUILL Calligraphy Pen Set

Delivering quality at an affordable price, the GC QUILL Calligraphy Pen kit is perfect for those just starting out and who want to explore the world of ink cartridges.

This set includes seven fountain pens with various nibs, allowing for a variety of writing styles and to even creating fine lines. The pens themselves are lightweight and simple to grip, which is especially beneficial for beginners who are still working on their technique. In addition, the set contains 40 ink cartridges, which should last a long time and allow users to experiment with different colors and styles.

One disadvantage of this kit is that it does not have an instruction booklet or guide. This can be a drawback for novices who are still learning the fundamentals of calligraphy and may require further instruction on how to handle the pens and nibs.

Pros:

  • Versatile and precise set
  • Wide color selection
  • Ink flows nicely
  • Great option to learn hand lettering

Cons:

  • No instruction booklet
  • Does not include calligraphy markers

4. Best Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set—PILOT Parallel 4 Nib Calligraphy Pen Set 

PILOT Parallel 4 Nib Calligraphy Pen Set 

Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 9/10
  • Type of Pen – Parallel calligraphy pen
  • Nib Material – Plastic nibs
  • Ink Compatibility – Calligraphy ink
  • Ease of Use – 9/10

About PILOT Parallel 4 Nib Calligraphy Pen Set

This sleek, affordable pen set is perfect for anyone starting out in the world of calligraphy. The bold, angular nib allows for a variety of stroke widths, making it ideal for experimenting with different lettering styles.

The PILOT Parallel 4 Nib Calligraphy Pen Set is a set of four calligraphy and lettering pens with varying nib diameters. The package includes nib sizes of 1.5mm, 2.4mm, 3.8mm, and 6.0mm, allowing you to create a range of calligraphy styles.

The pens have a parallel plate structure that enables a smooth and steady ink flow, which is necessary for making crisp and clean lines. With a unique parallel design, it offers impeccable line variation, making it a great choice for beginners looking to experiment with different stroke widths.

They also have a one-of-a-kind cap system that keeps the ink fresh and prevents leaks. The kit includes four black and four red ink cartridges that are simply replaceable as needed.

Pros:

  • Includes a range of nib sizes for a variety of textures
  • Especially preferred for italic calligraphy

Cons:

  • Set comes with just two colors, red and black ink
  • Does not come with a pen holder

5. Best Brush Pens for Calligraphy Set—Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Calligraphy Pen Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 9/10
  • Type of Pen – Brush pens
  • Nib Material – Brush nib
  • Ink Compatibility – Calligraphy ink
  • Ease of Use – 10/10

About Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Artists, letterers, and calligraphers of all skill levels can benefit from the Tombow 62038 Fudenosuke Brush Pen Set. Both the soft and hard-tipped pens in this set feature interchangeable brush tips that may be used to create different line thicknesses and strokes.

The hard-tip pen is wonderful for making thick, dramatic strokes, while the soft-tip pen is best for drawing fine details. Both brush pens have a reliable ink flow, making them suitable for a wide range of writing and drawing tasks, as well as brush lettering.

These pens are notable for how long they last and how well they hold ink. High-quality materials were used to ensure that the brush tips would not fray or bend, even after repeated use. The fact that the pens can be refilled reduces waste and saves money in the long run, making them an even better choice than other pens from the competition.

Pros:

  • Features both hard and soft apexes
  • Makes it simple to sketch or write
  • No leakage or smearing, and a wide range of possible ink thicknesses and depths
  • Comfortable, thanks to the tips’ pliability and control

Cons:

  • Limited ink color variability

6. Best Dip Pen Calligraphy Pen Set—Speedball Oblique Pen Set

Speedball Oblique Pen Set

Selection Criteria

  • Quality – 10/10
  • Type of Pen – Parallel pen
  • Nib Material – Metal nibs
  • Ink Compatibility –  Ink bottle
  • Ease of Use – 9/10

About Speedball Oblique Pen Set

Calligraphy is the art of beautifully crafted scripts and ornate hand-lettering, but it’s not just for experts. Anyone can learn it with the right guidance and tools, such as the dip pen nibs. This elegant pen features a sleek, vintage-inspired design that’s sure to impress. It’s also lightweight and easy to hold, making it a great option for marathon writing sessions.

If you want to splurge on a true luxury item, there’s the Speedball Oblique Pen Set, which with its classic black resin, exudes sophistication, while the finely tuned nib ensures beautifully precise strokes.  The four interchangeable nibs in this set can be used with the same penholder to create lines of varying widths and styles. The oblique penholder is made to assist you in getting the perfect writing angle, which in turn helps you produce more even and fluid strokes.

The set’s user-friendliness makes it a great option for novices. The slanted pen holder is easy on the hands and makes extended periods of writing more bearable. Nibs may be swapped out fast and easily due to their plug-and-play design.

Pros:

  • Lightweight pen holder
  • Easy to assemble
  • Dip calligraphy pen is a great option for hand lettering

Cons:

  • Ink bottle is sold separately

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best calligraphy pens for beginners is a task that requires careful consideration. There are numerous options available in the market, ranging from traditional dip pens to modern brush pens.

The key to making the right choice is to identify your specific needs and preferences, as well as taking into account your skill level and budget. With the right calligraphy pen, you can embark on a journey of self-expression and creativity that will enhance your writing and art skills.

Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different styles and techniques, and seek inspiration from other calligraphers. Whether you aspire to become a professional calligrapher or simply want to indulge in this timeless art form for pleasure, the right pen will guide you on your journey.

Overall, the GC QUILL Calligraphy Pen Set is a good option for novices seeking an inexpensive and adaptable calligraphy set. While it lacks some of the teaching tools found in other sets, it does provide a good selection of pens and ink cartridges for experimenting with different calligraphy styles.

Both novice and seasoned calligraphers will find the PILOT Parallel 4 Nib Calligraphy Pen Set collection of pens useful for exploring new styles and approaches. Depending on the size of the nib, you can create anything from tiny, exact letters to broad, expressive brushstrokes for your calligraphy or lettering projects.

Finally, the Tombow 62038 Fudenosuke Brush Pen 2-Pack is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experiment with calligraphy and brush lettering. With their versatile brush tips, durable construction, and refillable design, these pens are a great investment for any artist or calligrapher.

So go ahead and explore the endless possibilities of calligraphy, and unleash your inner artist today!

We hope you found our analysis of the top calligraphy pens for beginners of 2023 to be helpful. Consult our associated guides for further sources of comparable items for the artistic lifestyle.

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