Which calligraphy pen is best for beginners?
One of the most common questions I get from my workshop students is, "Which is the best tool to start learning calligraphy? Shall I go for brush pen or dip pen?"
There is no right or wrong answer. However, your lifestyle, your available time, and what style appeals to you will make one of them a better fit for you.
Here is a breakdown of the differences, based on my years of learning and teaching calligraphy, to help you decide.
What’s your style?
While both tools can produce beautiful lettering, the feeling of the final piece, and the experience of creating it, is distinct.
Pointed Pen (Dip Pen)
This tool creates a delicate, polished line. Even if you are writing a fun, modern style, the metal nib produces a sharpness that feels refined. Setting up your workspace with ink jars and nibs feels like a ritual. It forces you to slow down, be intentional, and disconnect from the rush of the day.Brush Pen
This is the energetic cousin. The writing is slightly "chunkier" and full of life. It can look formal and controlled, but it excels at being expressive. It’s the "grab-n-go" option for the creative soul who wants to write now.
My own beginner story
I started my calligraphy journey with Brush Pens and they proved the perfect choice for me.
At the time I was a new mum and my days were often unpredictable. I didn't have the extra time it takes to set up inks, clean up nibs, or wait for paper to dry. I needed a tool I could uncap, practice for a few minutes while the baby slept, and put away instantly.
If your life is busy and you are short on time, the brush pen may be the best option for you too. It doesn’t mean you have to stop there. For me, the brush pens were just the beginning and I later picked up the dip pen, and more recently broad nib calligraphy.
The learning curve
If you want the quickest path to writing pretty letters, Brush Pens are generally faster to learn. The grip is familiar (it feels like a normal pen), so you can focus immediately on learning the letterforms.
Pointed Pen has a slightly steeper learning curve because you first have to understand how the nib works, how to set up your pen, how to hold the pen in the correct position to write, what paper and ink to buy.
The good news is that, whichever tool you start with, the muscle memory is 100% transferable. I found that when I eventually moved from brush pens to Copperplate (a classic pointed pen style), I wasn't starting from scratch. I was just building on the skills I already had.
A modern calligraphy quote written with a brush pen.
CASE STUDIES:
When the tool matters
Sometimes, the choice isn't about preference – the project can dictate which tool is best.
1. Writing on unusual surfaces
I once had a commission to write directly on fabric. Straight away, I knew a dip pen was a non-starter; the sharp nib would snag on the fibers and the ink would bleed. I used a large brush pen (and some faux calligraphy techniques) to get the job done. The flexibility of the brush allowed me to write large, bold letters that the dip pen simply couldn't handle.
2. The bleeding paper
Not all paper is suitable for dip pen calligraphy. When personalising a print for a client I realised the paper wasn't handling the ink well, it was bleeding into the paper. I switched to a brush pen, managed to mimic the Copperplate style, and saved the project without the ink disaster.
The cost of the kit
Don't let the idea of "fancy equipment" scare you off either calligraphy style. Surprisingly, the cost to start is very similar for both—roughly £20.
The Brush Pen Kit:
Tools: Just the brush pen and paper.
Pros: Highly portable. You can practice on your lunch break, on a train, or on holiday.
Cons: Markers wear out fast, while a bottle of ink lasts ages.
Cost: Small brush pens are a few pounds; large ones are £3-4.
The Pointed Pen Kit:
Tools: Pen holder, nib, ink bottle, cleaning cloth, high-quality paper.
Pros: A £1 nib and a bottle of Walnut or Sumi ink can last for months and months.
Cons: Not very portable. You need a flat table and a "safe zone" for open ink bottles!
Cost: The initial list is longer, but the materials last a long time.
(Check out my blog posts for a full breakdown of the materials you need for brush pen calligraphy and for pointed pen calligraphy.)
A note for lefties
If you are left-handed, you might find Brush Pen calligraphy easier to start with. Most brush pen ink dries instantly, meaning there is less chance of smudging as you write. (Read about calligraphy for lefties here.)
A classic style for this Wuthering Heights quote – written with a pointed pen.
The final verdict
If you were to ask me which tool I would take to a desert island, I honestly couldn't choose. I love them both for different reasons.
Choose Brush Pen if:
You are short on time and need a "low prep" hobby.
You want to write energetic, expressive, or large-scale pieces.
You need portability – to practice on holiday or during your lunch hour.
Choose Pointed Pen if:
You crave a relaxing ritual to de-stress.
You love the "period drama" aesthetic (..picking up the dip pen makes me feel like a heroine in a novel).
You want that ultra-fine, polished, delicate look.
Ready to start?
Whether you choose the convenience of the brush or the elegance of the nib, I can help you get started.
Join a Workshop: You can try both styles in one of my upcoming calligraphy workshops (all materials supplied!).
Start at Home: Browse the shop section for beginner worksheets designed for both brush and pointed pen.
QUIZ:
Brush Pen or Pointed Pen:
Which one to choose?
Take this 2 minute quiz and find out!
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