Tools and Techniques of Calligraphy

First in a series. Would love to get feedback, if there's interest, I'll make more!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• calligraphy
• medieval
• craft
• techniques
• design
• lettering
• tutorial

[pfraterdeus]

The pen's made from a turkey feather. It's a quill pen. You can see my video of how to cut a quill pen for more info on that process!

[pfraterdeus]

Ink stones can be acquired from a variety of online sources.

google: "oriental Art Supplies"

:-)

[dtolab]

what's this poder that you put on the paper and why?

[pfraterdeus]

I use a 'pounce bag' with Gum Sandarac, which creates a slightly gritty higher surface-tension dust, filling the spaces between the fibers in the paper surface. This helps to keep the ink from spreading into the fibers, and allows me to get a very fine edge and the sharpest possible 'hairline' from the quill.

Inkstones are available from any source which sells oriental art supplies. The cheaper ceramic ones are generally sufficient for our purposes, but fine slate and other stones are also used.

[ClarinetDan]

Can something that looks that well be made with a cheaper felt-tipped calligraphy pen?

Or does it not suffice?

And also, what is the price range for these tools(including the ink stones and pads).

This art is absolutely beutiful. It would come in very handy for me.

[pfraterdeus]

No, unfortunately, the felt tip will never have the clarity and crispness of the quill. In fact even a metal pen, if it's as sharp as the quill, becomes like a razor edge and bites the surface too much! The ink stone and stick can be found online or in art supply stores for less than $20 probably. Of course you can also pay a lot more ;-)

[envirogeologist]

Peter - its cool as hell that you use a real quill. More commentary about the tools and techniques would be useful. Thanks for posting this.

[dalen74]

I just love calligraphy.well,to say the truth,I love every single art that I try:origami,potery,calligraphy­...even sculpture!!!

[Phamster92]

Man, you're a natural. I tried calligraphy once, and I failed miserably. Heck I even tried Chinese Calligraphy and my name ended up looking like a child's chicken scratch. This definitely takes skills and patience.

[graveey]

@dalen74 haha i was just thinking the exact same before I read your comment. Ive gone from sculpting, to manga, to graffiti, and now calligraphy haha, guess were just easily entertained, or extremely gifted..... :)

[JilliCi0usx]

When you're writing.. is this a special pen or something?

[uriah614]

did that ink stone start dissapearing at 3:05 O.O wtf!!!!! i wanna know where he bought his magic kit woah!!!!!

[hellerZauberer]

@ClarinetDan You can also make your own ink stones!  google it!

[janellerobinson1]

Hi Peter, can you tell me what brand nibs you use, Speedball, William Mitchell..

Also have you heard of or used Pilot Parallel Pens, for when you have alot of writing to do. Also what is the best ink, Indian or Acrylic. Thanks Janelle from Australia!

[rubenfacadas2010]

cool

[ericbelify]

Frater, How do I take the next step? I am good with letters, but I know nothing of paper or tools. I buy pens and paper from art-supply stores but have no knowledge of how they work together. How can I break out of the trial and error?