If you’ve ever searched for calligraphy supplies online and immediately felt overwhelmed… same.
Between social media, blog posts, and YouTube videos, it can feel like you need hundreds of pens, inks, and fancy papers just to get started. But let me save you some serious time (and money): you really don’t.
In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what you actually need to start modern calligraphy — no fluff, no overwhelm, no 87 unnecessary pens.
Supplies Used
- Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- Rhodia Paper
- Canson Marker Paper
- Beginner Course + Workbook (Show Me Your Drills, of course!)
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Talk Pens!
Ballpoint or Sharpie?
Nope. These are monoline pens. They don’t give you those gorgeous thick and thin strokes you see in modern calligraphy because they don’t flex when you push on them.
Chisel-tipped calligraphy pens?
Also nope. Even though they’re technically for “calligraphy,” they’re not made for modern calligraphy. They don’t flex either, and they require a totally different technique where you angle and move your hand around in a specific way — which is not what we’re doing here.
So what should you use?
A brush pen! Specifically, one that flexes when you push on it so you can get both thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes. Press lightly = thin line. Press harder = thick line. Magic.
My top recommendation for beginners?
There are tons of brush pens out there, but if you’re just starting out, my go-to recommendation is the Tombow Fudenosuke. It’s seriously my favorite — not just for beginners, but even now that I’ve been doing this forever, I use it all the time.
Bottom line: look for a flexible brush pen. That’s the key.
Let’s Talk Paper!
Please, please, pleaaaase stop using regular printer paper. I know it’s tempting, but it’s rough, it frays your brush pens, and it makes your strokes look scratchy. Plus, it doesn’t have any guidelines to help with your consistency.
Instead, try marker paper!
Super smooth, won’t wreck your pen tips, and it’s see-through. That means you can layer it over practice sheets and trace to build muscle memory (which is so helpful when you’re just starting out).
Also try Rhodia paper!
If you want something thicker that’s not for tracing, this is a great option. It comes in different sizes and patterns (I love the grid version), and it’s buttery smooth so your brush pens will last longer.
There are lots of great paper options, and it doesn’t have to be these exact brands. Just remember: look for smooth paper. If it’s see-through for tracing or has helpful guidelines, even better.
And promise me: no rough printer paper. Your pens will thank you.
To Recap…
You need:
- A flexible brush pen (like the Tombow Fudenosuke!)
- Smooth paper (like marker or Rhodia paper — not printer paper!)
Pretty simple, right?
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you’re feeling excited and want to dive deeper into modern calligraphy, I’ve got you covered. I’ve created a completely FREE step-by-step course called “Show Me Your Drills” – it has everything you need to start with confidence. It includes a giant guide, supply tips, traceable practice sheets, and step-by-step videos to walk you through it all. You can grab it right here.
Happy lettering!
And finally, your dad joke…
A raisin, a peanut, and an oat sit down and order a drink…
The bartender says: What do you think this is? A granola bar?!
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