One of the primary challenges when learning calligraphy, whether you are left or right-handed is how to properly hold a calligraphy pen. The way you grip the pen spells a whole lot of difference when doing the strokes to produce those thick and thin lines you aim for.

The way you hold the calligraphy holder is not necessarily the same way you hold a pen. For left-handed individuals like myself, the tendency is to grip a pen tightly, curling our hand as we write. This may work sometimes when doing brush calligraphy, but this is not applicable if you use a pointed pen. Also, if you do not properly grip the pen holder, there is the risk of experiencing wrist pain or tiring out sooner as you write more/longer.

What I will be tackling today is just limited to a straight holder. Most left-handed calligraphers I have seen online use a straight holder, myself included. The primary reason for this is that lefties already have a natural slant when we write. It all depends on how we angle the paper. There are, however, options for lefties to use an oblique holder, but I’ll discuss those another day. If you’re an aspiring left-handed calligrapher, I would suggest you start with the straight holder first.

So, now you may be asking, “How should I be holding my calligraphy pen?”

1. Rest the holder on your middle finger, right at the foot/base of your nib holder.
2. Lightly grip the holder with your thumb and forefinger, like you’re holding a potato chip. Gripping the holder too tightly will limit your movement when you write. It will cause your hand to hurt eventually.
3. Rest your ring and pinkie fingers on the paper. They will serve as your base and will help stabilize the pen as you write. Let them lightly graze the paper when you write.
4. Place tip of your nib on the paper. Ensure that the inner portion of the nib is facing the paper and the tines are flat and parallel to the paper. You also have the option to slightly cant/slant the nib towards you.
5. Ensure that your calligraphy pen is angled at approximately 45 degrees from the paper. It is important that you angle your pen correctly as this affects how your nib flexes and ink flow. If you angle it too high, the nib gets scratchy and will not flex as much. The ink will not flow properly as well and you risk ink spatters when you write.  If you angle it too low, chances are you will be creating ink blobs when you start flexing your nib.

To better illustrate what I’m talking about, check out this short video.

I hope this helped you in a way. Please feel free to leave a comment or message me if you have more questions.

Happy writing!