Left-Handed Beginner Calligraphy Tips (3 Things That Actually Help)

If you’re left-handed and have been putting off learning calligraphy because you think it’s not meant for you – let me stop you right there.

This is something I hear all the time: “I can’t take your course – I’m left-handed!” But the truth is, you absolutely can do calligraphy as a lefty. It just takes a few adjustments to get comfortable. And today, I’m walking you through the top three tips that’ll make all the difference if you’re getting started with brush pens as a left-handed beginner.

Supplies Used

Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!

Let’s Get Started!

Disclaimer: I’m not left-handed. (You caught me.) But I’ve taught myself how to write with my left hand specifically so I can better understand what you’re up against – and I’ve worked with tons of left-handed students over the years. So while I can’t claim full lived experience, I’ve learned a lot from people just like you.

Let’s dive into three key tips that make learning calligraphy as a lefty actually doable (and not totally frustrating).

Tip #1: Use Fast-Drying Pens and the Right Paper

Smudging is probably the number one issue for lefties – and totally understandable since your hand often moves across what you just wrote.

🖊 Start with felt-tip brush pens.

Avoid bristle-tip pens (like the ones filled with ink or paint that behave more like actual brushes). They deposit a lot of ink and take longer to dry.

Instead, reach for felt-tip brush pens:

Tombow Fudenosuke (small tip)
Tombow Dual Brush (larger tip)

Fun fact: while most right-handed beginners prefer the Fudenosuke, many lefties I’ve taught actually favor the Dual Brush! So test both if you can and see what feels better for your hand.

📄 Pair that with the right paper.

Smooth paper is essential – it’ll protect your brush pens and reduce resistance.

Here are two options to try:

Canson Marker Paper – Great for tracing and general practice. But be warned: it’s very smooth, which can mean longer drying time.
Rhodia Dot or Lined Paper – Slightly more absorbent, still smooth, and a better option if you’re dealing with serious smudging.

If you’re unsure which one’s best, try a little smudge test. Write something with your brush pen and drag your finger across. You’ll quickly see which paper dries faster for you.

Tip #2: Adjust Your Paper Angle (Not Just a Little!)

If you’ve watched right-handed calligraphers (hi, that’s me), you’ve probably seen us tilt our paper slightly to the left.

As a lefty, you’ll likely need to do the opposite – but here’s the real key: the best angle totally depends on how you hold your pen.

There are generally three types of left-handed writers:

Underwriters (your hand comes underneath the line)
Overwriters (your hand comes over the top)
Side-writers (your hand stays more to the side, similar to righties)

Regardless of your grip, the goal is to keep your pen perpendicular to the edge of the paper – that’s what gives you better control and helps create those nice thick and thin strokes.Don’t be afraid to turn your paper at a wild angle if that’s what works. I’ve even seen lefties rotate it nearly upside-down! It might feel odd at first, but it can make a huge difference in your ability to form shapes and control pressure.

Tip #3: Hold Your Pen Slightly Higher

This is a sneaky little fix that can have a big impact.

Many beginners (not just lefties!) grip their pen way too close to the tip. It feels like it gives you more control, but in reality:

You can’t see what you’re writing.
Your hand is more likely to smudge your work immediately after writing it.

Try scooting your grip just a little farther up the pen – sometimes even just half an inch is enough. It gives your pinky more clearance from the wet ink, and it allows your palm to hover or touch down farther back on the page where it won’t ruin your lettering.

It might feel awkward at first, but give it a try – you’ll likely find it helps with visibility, control, and smudge prevention all at once.

You Don’t Have to Change Everything – Just a Few Key Things

If you’ve been writing a certain way your whole life, I’m not telling you to completely overhaul your technique. But with a few simple adjustments – using quick-dry tools, rotating your page to match your grip, and shifting your pen hold slightly higher – you’ll set yourself up for a much easier and more enjoyable lettering experience.

And yes, you can absolutely take my beginner course if you’re left-handed.

This extra layer adds more depth and makes the card feel more finished.

That’s a Wrap!

Looking for more? If you’re ready to dive deeper into calligraphy basics, check out my free beginner course, ShowMeYourDrills. It’s packed with step-by-step videos, printable workbooks, traceable exercises, and guidance that works for both righties and lefties.

You’ll find everything you need to build confidence and consistency – no guesswork, no stress.

And finally, your dad joke…

“Dad, I’m cold.”
“Go stand in the corner, I hear it’s 90 degrees.”

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