(UPDATED AS OF JANUARY 12, 2015) Recently, I've been getting a lot of questions regarding basic tools to kickstart any calligraphy journey. So, I want to share with you guys my favorite (and overused) tools for calligraphy and brush lettering.

PAPER

1. Muji Dotted Notebooks - Php 295

OK for pointed pen calligraphy and brush lettering.

2. Rhodia Pads - available at Fully Booked, Php 189

OK for pointed pen calligraphy and brush lettering.

Dotted/Grid pads are also available at Fully Booked.

3. Urban Paper Noir - available at Fully Booked, Php 185

Black sheets of paper. Great for gold or white ink.

4. Midori Plain Pocket Notebook - available at Scribe Writing Essentials, Php 345

OK for brush lettering.

5. Sunday Paper Notebook - available online via www.sundaypaperco.com, Php 350 set of two

OK for brush lettering.

6. Notebook of Infinite Patience from The Fozzy Book - available online via www.swirlsandstrokes.checkout.ph, Php 230

Comes with slant guidelines. OK for pointed pen calligraphy.

7. Calligrapads from @the_md_writes - available online via @calligrapads, Php 180

OK for pointed pen calligraphy and brush lettering.

Muji Dotted Notebook, Urban Papier Noir, Rhodia Uni Blank, Midori Pocket Notebook.

My most recent addition to my notebook collection.

WRITING TOOLS (POINTED PEN CALLIGRAPHY)

1. Speedball Oblique Holder - available at @swirlsandstrokesph, Php 150

2. Brause Straight Holder - available at Scribe Writing Essentials, Php 220

3. Century Oblique Holder - available at @swirlsandstrokesph, Php 1490

Oblique holders are great for writing as they are already configured to write at a slant angle.

4. Moonpalace Sumi Ink

I use this black waterproof ink for both calligraphy and brush lettering.

5. Walnut Ink - available at @createbytlf, Php285

I love this sepia ink! This is not waterproof, though. Okay for pointed pen practice.

6. Finetec Watercolor Palette - available at @swirlsandstrokesph, Php 1800 - Php 2000

I use the gold one for my artworks. Read this review for more details.

WRITING TOOLS (BRUSH LETTERING)

1. Tombow Brush Pen - part of the set I bought from @swirlsandstrokesph, Php 1400/set

Felt-tip. Okay for brush lettering practice because it's easier to control the strokes.

2. Sailor Maki-E Brush Pen - available at Scribe Writing Essentials, Php 1795

Synthetic, brush-like tip. This brush will require more control than felt-tip pens.

It comes in a plain version and it retails at Php 975. You may opt to buy a converter for easy ink refilling.

Note that this is refillable by cartridge or by converter.

3. Pentel Aquash, Fine - available at @dipnbrush, Php 400

Synthetic, brush-like tip. This brush will require more control than felt-tip pens.

Fill with water and use for watercolor/Gouache OR Fill with fountain pen ink.

4. ZIG Brush Writer - available at @swirlsandstrokesph and Scribe Writing Essentials, Php 220

Synthetic, brush-like tip. This brush will require more control than felt-tip pens.

Not refillable.

5. FOUNTAIN PEN INK: Noodlers or J.Herbin - available at Scribe Writing Essentials, Php 525 - Php 650

I use these inks for my brush pens (Aquash and Sailor)

Tombow Brush Pen, Sailor Brush Pen, Oblique Holder, Straight Holder, Sumi Ink, Walnut ink.

NIBS

1. Tachikawa G Nib - Php 100

Great for beginners! You can also use this for drawing. This nib is stiff and will require more pressure for downstrokes.

2. Hiro 41 - Php 100

Highly suggested in Flourish Forum. Flexible. Flexible nib.

3. Esterbrook 355 - Php 75

Perfect for Copperplate calligraphy but snags a lot of paper fiber.

4. Brause 66EF - Php 100

This is my ultimate fave! Small but flexible nib.

5. Brause Steno - Php 90

I use this for everyday writing.

L-R: Tachikawa G, Hiro 41, Esterbrook 355, Brause 66EF, Brause Steno

The tools that I listed here are what I use for most of my artworks and everyday writing practice. It may or may not work well for you but it is best to do your own research and experiment until you find your faves.

Scribe Writing Essentials stores: SM Aura, Shangrila, SM Megamall, Eastwood, Glorietta 5.

Swirls and Strokes wesbite: https://swirlsandstrokes.checkout.ph

Happy inking :)

xoxo

Tools of the trade.