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Calligraphy is an art form that requires very little when it comes to tools. A piece of paper and a good quality Calligraphy Pen is all you require to create some of the most visually pleasing letters and symbols that your hands can draw!
It’s an ancient art form that requires years of dedicated practice to master, and using a good quality Calligraphy Pen can go a long way in enhancing your skills.
As a beginner, it can be quite a challenge to choose a pen that is suitable for your needs, especially with the massive variety of models available in the market.
Featured Image via Álvaro Serrano@alvaroserrano
So in order to help you out, we have reviewed a few of the best Calligraphy Pens available in the market that are geared towards beginners. We have also provided a short buying guide in which we have discussed a few factors that you should take into consideration while buying a Calligraphy Pen.
So let’s get started without further dues!
Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners
Contents
If you’re a beginner looking to get started in calligraphy, the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s the list of the 5 best calligraphy pens for beginners, to help you find the perfect pen to begin your calligraphy journey.
Pilot Parallel Pen – Best for Adjustable Line Width
The Pilot Parallel Pen is nothing short of a breakthrough when it comes to Calligraphy Pen designs. These are some of the most versatile and efficient pens that you can get a hold of in the market, at extremely affordable prices.
For beginners, these are the perfect pens for practicing calligraphy simply because they offer a great deal of adjustability when it comes to line width and color.
Sale
PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 1.5 mm, 2.4 mm, 3.8 mm...
- Unique parallel plate structure achieves a more beautiful...
- Mixable colors - using two Pilot Parallel Pens each with...
Experience
The first thing that struck us when we started testing out the Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen was the fact that the pen was extremely light. This is a great thing to have in a Calligraphy Pen because it allows for seamless movement which can enhance your art.
These pens come with two different ink cartridges, red and black, and feature a pipette and a nib cleaner that can come in quite handy. The model we ordered had a 2.4mm Nib, but there are plenty of different nib sizes for you to choose from!
Now the feature that makes the Pilot Parallel Pen stand apart from the rest of the crowd is the unique “Parallel Plate” technology. These pens feature a nib that has two parallel plates which will allow you to adjust the sharpness and precision of your writing.
This makes this model extremely versatile, allowing you to use it for anything from preparing your grocery list to penning elegant letters and symbols!
Pros
- Parallel plate technology will allow you to adjust the width and sharpness of your writing
- Extremely lightweight and has an excellent grip
- Smooth flow of ink
- Replacing cartridges is easy
Cons
- A little bit of ink-bleeding can occur with the ink that comes with these pens
Brand: Pilot | Pen Type: Calligraphy | Tip Size (mm): 1.5 – 6.0 | Ink Type: Water-Soluble | Number of Nibs: 4 | Refillable: Yes
Scheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy – Best for Budget-Friendly Simplicity
With its simplistic design and a standard nib, the Scheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy Pen may not look like much, but it definitely is one of the best models in the market for beginners. This pen is ideal for anyone who is just starting to learn Calligraphy. These are also great for being used as regular pens for everyday writing.
The Scheaffer Viewpoint is also one of the cheapest models that you’ll find in the market, and for the price it costs – it definitely offers good value!
Sheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy Pen, Yellow, Carded with (2)...
- Fountain pen features a Stainless Steel Nib
- Medium point, (1.3mm)
Experience
There isn’t too much fancy about this model that is worth mentioning, and that is precisely why this pen is excellent for starting out. It has all the essential features that you’d expect out of a good-quality Calligraphy Pen and is perfect for trying out the basic techniques before getting into advanced ones.
The red body of this pen has a standard black grip and a stainless steel, silver-colored nib which gives an effortless yet elegant look to it.
Using this pen was fairly simple, and thanks to the pointed nib, creating those delicate lines felt very smooth and easy. These pens are also very lightweight – making it ideal for beginners.
This pen also features a viewable ink cartridge which will easily allow you to check the level of ink left inside the cartridge without having to take things apart.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly price tag with good value for money
- Ideal for beginners who are looking for a basic calligraphy pen without too many complications
- Very smooth nib
Cons
- The build quality is very cheap
Brand: Sheaffer | Pen Type: Calligraphy | Tip Size (mm): 1.0 – 3.0 | Ink Type: Water-Resistant | Number of Nibs: 1 | Refillable: No
Luxury Jinhao 250 Calligraphy Fountain Pen – Best for Aesthetic Appeal
This is for all those of you who place as much importance on the aesthetics of your pens as you do on their performance!
The Luxury Jinhao 250 is one of the most popular models of Calligraphy Pens out there in the market. Not only does it look stylish, but its performance is also at par with some of the more expensive and advanced models in the market.
Gullor Luxury Jinhao 250 Balck with White Stripe Art Nib...
- Classic Smooth Writing Pen
- 18k gold-plated stainless steel nib
Experience
Writing with the Jinhao 250 felt very effortless and natural thanks to its extremely lightweight body. It’s surprising how the company has managed to keep the weight of the pen so low, despite the build quality of the body being top-notch!
Out of all the pens we tested out, the Jinhao 250 was undoubtedly the most aesthetically pleasing model we had. It features a Metal Steel Chrome body and weighs only around 35 grams.
When it comes to performance, the Jinhao 250 does a great job with a consistent and smooth ink flow that feels great on paper. For beginners, this is a great model to start with because of its simplicity and ease of use!
For advanced and large-scale calligraphers, however, these are definitely not ideal!
Pros
- The nib is very well-built and has a very effortless glide
- Very lightweight at only 35 grams, ideal for starters
- Looks fantastic
- Consistent and smooth ink-flow
Cons
- Tends to spit-out ink onto the paper
Brand: Jinhao | Pen Type: Calligraphy | Tip Size (mm): 1.1 – 1.5 | Ink Type: Liquid Ink | Number of Nibs: 1 | Refillable: Yes
While being a bit on the more expensive side, the Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen makes it to our list thanks to a whole bunch of versatile features that make it one of the best calligraphy pens in the market!
With a sleek black body and an outstanding build quality, this pen has a very premium feel to it along with a host of features to justify its price!
Sale
PILOT Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen, Silver Barrel,...
- Pilot's sleek Metropolitan Collection signature pens
- Finest quality at a mid-range price
Experience
The Pilot Metropolitan is one of the most reputed calligraphy pens in the market, and is used by both beginners and advanced calligraphers alike!
Unlike the other models we tested, this pen is slightly on the heavier side thanks to the durable brass barrels featured in these pens. But thanks to the ergonomic design, the heavier weight of the pen does not affect the glide at the least.
This model features a full stainless steel, a medium-sized nib that has an incredibly smooth glide. It comes with just a black ink cartridge which is more than enough to get you started!
The medium-sized nib of the pen is optimal if you’re into bold and grandiose type of calligraphy projects. The grip of the pen, however, can be a little slippery!
Pros
- Premium matte finish and polished accents give a sophisticated look
- Ink-flow is smooth even with minimal physical effort
- Outstanding build quality
Cons
- The grip of the pen tends to get very slippery and can cause problems while writing
Brand: Pilot | Pen Type: Fountain | Tip Size (mm): Fine, Medium | Ink Type: Liquid Ink | Number of Nibs: 1 | Refillable: Yes
If you’re the kind of person that lays a much greater emphasis on performance and don’t care much when it comes to building quality and looks, this is the model for you!
Built to deliver superior performance with an ergonomic design and super-lightweight body, the Lamy Joy L15 is undoubtedly one of the best-performing Calligraphy Pens in this price range!
Lamy Joy L15 ABS Black with Red Trim Calligraphy Fountain...
Experience
The first thing we noticed when we were testing out the Lamy Joy A15 was its unique ‘elongated’ design thanks to a rather long barrel. While one might brush it off as nothing but a visual gimmick, it’s actually a blessing for people with long hands!
The glide is super-smooth, and thanks to the light weight of the body, doing calligraphy with this pen becomes effortless. It’s perfect for beginners that are looking to put in hours of practice to perfect their art.
These pens also feature an interchangeable nib along with a modifiable ink cartridge system which is usually not seen in calligraphy pens in this price range!
However, when it comes to the build quality, this model fares poorly. The material feels very cheap and prone to damage.
Pros
- Long barrel is excellent for people with large hands
- Super-smooth glide with no bleeding or leaks
- Very lightweight & sturdy grip
Cons
- Barrel of the pen tends to get dirty very easily
Brand: Lamy | Pen Type: Calligraphy | Tip Size (mm): 1.1 – 1.9 | Ink Type: Liquid Ink | Number of Nibs: 1 | Refillable: Yes
Best Calligraphy Pens For Beginners Comparison Table
| Product | Brand | Pen Type | Tip Size (mm) | Ink Type | Number of Nibs | Refillable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Parallel Pen | Pilot | Calligraphy | 1.5 – 6.0 | Water-Soluble | 4 | Yes |
| Scheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy | Sheaffer | Calligraphy | 1.0 – 3.0 | Water-Resistant | 1 | No |
| Luxury Jinhao 250 Calligraphy Fountain Pen | Jinhao | Calligraphy | 1.1 – 1.5 | Liquid Ink | 1 | Yes |
| Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen | Pilot | Fountain | Fine, Medium | Liquid Ink | 1 | Yes |
| Lamy Joy L15 ABS Black with Red Trim Calligraphy Fountain Pen | Lamy | Calligraphy | 1.1 – 1.9 | Liquid Ink | 1 | Yes |
Image via Art Lasovsky@artlasovsky
Buying Guide For The Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners
If you’re just getting started with calligraphy, then choosing the right type of pen is of vital importance. With thousands of models out there in the market, choosing the right one can be tricky!
Beginners have a different set of requirements when it comes to pens as compared to more adept Calligraphers. There are different types of nibs, pen designs, and handles – all of which affect your art in different ways.
Comfort is also a huge factor that must be kept in consideration when buying calligraphy pens, especially for beginners.
So in order to help you choose the ideal Calligraphy pen, we’ve discussed in detail three factors that you must into consideration when choosing a Calligraphy Pen –
- The Type of Nib – The Nib of a calligraphy pen is the tip of the pen from where the ink is released onto the paper. The shape and size of the nib can affect your art in a lot of different ways, and thus it is essential to choose a pen with a nib that is ideal for your particular style!
There are a plethora of options when it comes to nibs. They come in dozens of different shapes and sizes – all aimed at creating different styles/fonts.
In order to choose the right type of nib, you must first decide on your own style of calligraphy, and how you want your art to look. If you’re looking for something dramatic, Italic nibs are a great choice. If you, however, wish to keep your style more traditional – go for flex nibs!
- Pen Style – Traditionally, Calligraphy has been done using pens that did not have pre-inserted ink cartridges in them. It was done using pens that were dipped in a vial of ink before being used on paper.
However, modern-day calligraphy pens come with pre-inserted ink cartridges which makes things much easier. Although a lot of professionals still prefer using the traditional style, as a beginner, it is advisable to stick with pre-inserted cartridge pens as that will save you a lot of hassle!
There are also different types of designs when it comes to the body of the pens. Depending on the size of your hands, choose between elongated or regular-shaped pens as that can go a long way in improving your art!
- A Comfortable Handle – Another extremely crucial feature that you should always look for in a calligraphy pen is a comfortable handle!
As a beginner, you’d probably be spending a lot of hours practicing your art. An uncomfortable grip is not only going to cause pain in your fingers but will also negatively impact your artwork.
Choosing a lightweight pen, as opposed to a heavy one, is also advisable for beginners.
Calligraphy Pens For Beginners FAQ's
What types of calligraphy pens are best for beginners?
For beginners, starting with fountain pens or brush pens is recommended as they are easier to use and control. They also come in various nib sizes and shapes, making them versatile for different calligraphy styles.
What is the difference between fountain pens and brush pens?
Fountain pens use ink and a nib to create lines, while brush pens use a flexible tip made of bristles to create varying line widths. Fountain pens are ideal for smaller, precise writing, while brush pens are better suited for larger, expressive lettering.
Can left-handed people use calligraphy pens?
Yes, left-handed people can use calligraphy pens, but they may need to adjust their grip and writing angle to avoid smudging and smearing the ink. Some calligraphy pens are designed specifically for left-handed use, with angled nibs that help reduce the risk of smudging.
What kind of ink should I use with calligraphy pens?
There are many types of ink available for calligraphy pens, including bottled ink and cartridges. It is important to choose an ink that is designed for use with calligraphy pens to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Pigment-based inks are often preferred for their vivid colors and lightfastness.
How do I clean and maintain my calligraphy pens?
To keep your calligraphy pens in good working condition, cleaning them regularly after each use is important. For fountain pens, flush the nib with water or a cleaning solution and dry it carefully before storing it. Brush pens can be cleaned by running them under water and gently wiping the tip with a cloth. Store your pens with the caps on and in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article, and we hope you found it useful in your quest for a beginner calligraphy pen! We wanted to ensure we test and analyze the best pens out there, so you can make a well-informed choice. Our mission was to make your calligraphy journey accessible and exciting!
Out of these 5 best calligraphy pens for beginners, here are the top three expert recommendations:
Pilot Parallel Pen is an ideal option, as it boasts its unique parallel plate technology, allowing you to adjust the width and sharpness of your writing. With its lightweight design and various nib sizes, it caters to every beginner’s needs, making calligraphy a joyful and comfortable experience.
Sheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy is a good option for those looking for a calligraphy pen without breaking the bank. It provides a smooth writing experience, lightweight design, and simplicity, making it well-suited for beginners.
Luxury Jinhao 250 Calligraphy Fountain Pen is the right choice for anyone who loves a touch of chic while practicing calligraphy. It offers a pleasing aesthetic, and consistent ink flow, and its lightweight build makes it another fantastic option for beginners getting into the art of calligraphy.
These recommendations have been based on the extensive testing and experience we had during our review process. Remember, the pleasure of mastering calligraphy comes from both practice and the right tools, so consider your preferences and needs in making the final choice. We wish you the best of luck on this artistic journey, and may you create beautiful and expressive pieces with your perfect beginner calligraphy pen!
Image via Tyler Nix@jtylernix
