GOLD AND METALLIC INKS
I use a variety of metallic inks and paints, but these are my old standbys in gold (try them also in other metallics). The Dr. Martin's is easiest to use because it's already in liquid form (thin with water), but I reach for the Coliro palette or Schmincke pots when I want a specific shade. To use the Coliro, I place drops of water in the color well, and then load my nib with a small brush. I mix the Schmincke with water and a little gum arabic in an inkwell, and then I stir the hell outta' it, and frequently. The Schmincke makes you work for it, but it's pretty gorgeous.
COLORED INKS
For those who prefer ink over gouache, these are vibrant, mixable, waterproof, and dry with a little bit of a raised sheen. I usually thin them down with a tiny bit of water. Make sure to clean your nib after use, even with a few drops of ammonia in water, because once dried on your nib, this ink is hard to remove (learn from my mistakes).
WHITE INK
My love for this Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleedproof White knows no bounds. It's simply the best white I've used, for nib calligraphy or brush: it's opaque, and I can get good hairlines with it. It comes in a very thick, pudding-like consistency, so you have to transfer some to an inkwell and thin it down until it’s the consistency of cream, which is where the fancy micro spatula comes in. I also mix in a drop or two of gum arabic as a binder, which is better explained here. Contrary to its name, Bleed Proof White is not a waterproof ink (yeah...I know).
SMALL BRUSH PENS
If you've tried lettering with Tombow Dual Brush Pens, you know how magical they are, but also how sometimes you feel as if you're writing with a broom. My favorite small brush pens are the Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens, which come in a soft tip (the black-barreled pen) and a hard tip (the navy-barreled pen), and are now available in a 10-pack of colors in the hard tip. I also really like the Pentel Arts Sign Pen Touch, which comes in a variety of colors.
WATERCOLOR BRUSH PEN
Ecoline Brush Pens come in a total of 59 super-saturated colors, which can be dipped in the brand’s Liquid Watercolors to create beautiful ombré lettering:
GEL PENS
I love using gel pens, like these in white, glitter, clear glaze (which adds an embossed effect), and metallics, for accenting calligraphed or brush-lettered work.
PAPER FOR CALLIGRAPHY PRACTICE
The perfect calligraphy practice pad: smooth paper, semi-translucent so you can see your guide through it, and it won't break the bank.
Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper, 140 lb.
My go-to for formal calligraphed pieces. You can buy large sheets at art supply stores.
PAPER FOR BRUSH PEN PRACTICE
Excellent, smooth paper for brush lettering practice. You get 500 sheets for less than $12, and you can print a guide sheet on them!
Great, inexpensive paper
for brush lettering practice.
Strathmore 300 Series
Smooth Bristol Pads
I like this Bristol paper for making
greeting cards or framed pieces
for gifts. Be sure to purchase the “smooth” surface, not “vellum.”
Download and print my calligraphy and lettering guide sheets here!
On Safari:
To print file, click on link and select File -> Print
To save file, click on link, click File -> Save As, then enter file name and location to save file to hard drive.
On Chrome:
To print file, click on link and select File -> Print
To save file, click on link, click File -> Save Page As, then enter file name and location to save file to hard drive.
SKETCHBOOK
Strathmore 300 Series Visual Journal,
Bristol Smooth, 9"x12"
This Visual Journal is currently my favorite journal for brush lettering and sketching—the paper is nice and thick, with no bleed-through, and you can tear off the paper cover to reveal a rigid brown cover that projects your notebook from being thrown around in a bag. I also really like their mixed media journal, which has a little rougher paper texture.
NIBS
Zebra Comic G Nib, pack of 10 (left)
Nikko G Nib, pack of 10 (right)
I give my beginner students a Nikko G nib because it's strong, durable, and doesn't catch on the page and make them want to throw it across the room. Similarly, the Zebra G nib is strong and reliable, but it has a little more flex and can produce thinner hairlines, so it's frequently my go-to nib. To me, choosing a nib is like buying a car or makeup--it's a pretty personal decision, and there's no "best" or "worst," just personal preference, and it's especially dependent on whether you have a light or a heavy hand. I keep a bunch of nibs on hand, but these days I find myself reaching for a Hunt 22b or Brause 66EF (the latter sometimes requires a special holder), both of which have more flex than the Nikko and Zebra nibs. Not sure where to begin? Try a nib sampler and see what feels right to you! (And don't forget to prep them by removing the oil coating with soap and water!)
INK CONTAINERS
Nakpunar 24 pcs, 1.5 oz Mini Hexagon Glass Jars
with Gold Plastisol Lined Lids
I love these jars for mixing and storing larger amounts of custom ink or gouache. They seal well, they’re a good size for individual jobs, and they’re cute!
Dappen Dish Glass Crystal Cup Glassware
These nail salon dishes are perfect for decanting a small amount of ink from a larger jar, and they're heavy enough that they won't tip over.
Taylor Magnetic Speedstir Stirrer
Do I absolutely need this? Nope. Does it magically stir the shiny particles in my metallic ink at the press of a button, preventing me from stopping every other envelope to stir my rose gold ink yet again? Yep. Yep, it does. A 1" diameter container will fit the indentation, but I use my mini hex jars.
ADDRESSING ENVELOPES
I use a tool called a Slider Writer that's not being made anymore, but a lot of calligraphers use this laser level to keep lines straight on their envelopes. Check out how to use it here.
Huion L4S LED Light Box A4 Ultra-thin
USB Powered Adjustable Light Pad for Tracing
I sometimes use this lightweight, inexpensive lightbox for addressing light-colored envelopes with a guide placed inside, or for tracing large-scale projects.
BOOKS
Modern Calligraphy
by Molly Suber Thorpe
My favorite book for new modern calligraphy students includes great information on different types of inks, papers, and nibs, as well as troubleshooting tips, innovative project suggestions, and a fab resource guide.
The Ultimate Brush Lettering Guide
by Peggy Dean
I'm buying anything Peggy Dean is selling. Seriously, she's the best, and this brush lettering book is no exception. Ignore the Amazon comments about the difficult-to-read text—the updated edition no longer has that problem.
NIB HOLDERS
If you're right handed and want to invest in just one workhorse nib holder, this would be my suggestion. You can adjust the flange's pitch (how steep you write) and cant (how far inward the nib turns toward the holder) to your liking *carefully* with pliers.
My students are always smitten with this puppy. Also, it's technically a "carrot," so it reduces hand fatigue. You're welcome.