Copperplate Calligraphy Made Easy - Part 1

This is Part 1 of 2, which covers tools and all lower case letters (minuscules).
Recommended Copperplate Calligraphy digital workbook 50% OFF: www.etsy.com/listing/51088815...
Recommended Copperplate Calligraphy print workbook: amzn.to/3HOG90i
Tools used in this video:
- HP premium laser paper 8.5" x 11" - amzn.to/3Bk5LA4
- Nikko G pointed pen nib - amzn.to/3BhzhWR
- Yasutomo sumi ink - amzn.to/3Ju2j8R
- Speedball oblique pen holder - amzn.to/3LxevaE
- 1/2 oz. ink jar - amzn.to/34SdlWe
- Custom oblique pen holder by Master Penman Michael Sull - spencerian.com
- vintage ashtray for pen rest (soap dish works well for this too)
- vintage tea cup for water container to clean pen nib (yogurt cups or any other container 6 oz or smaller works well too)
- sheet of paper towel folded twice
**recommended USA calligraphy supplies sellers are:
www.paperinkarts.com/
www.johnnealbooks.com/
Buy me coffee: ko-fi.com/calligraphyarts
Please subscribe, like and share. Thank you!

[@shickman1561]

The way you draw a tiny line to square the tops is so neat!!!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Fun to square off those tops! My teacher Elinor Holland taught me this 25 years ago. Thanks Elinor💖

[@angelus_solus]

Wow. Not only did I get a good intro on copperplate, but I got an ASMR session along with it! Your voice is so relaxing that I'm actually tired now.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! Had to look up ASMR. Sounds fascinating.

[@emilycai8205]

I wish I found this earlier! Such a nice camera angle, I can see every detail and the explanation is also exceptional clear, after viewing from nearly a hundred of these learning videos, I think yours is definitely one of the best! Awesome 👏 work!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much, Emily! Funny, I thought 'Wow, this is so (too?) close I can see the paper fibers!', which of course our pen nibs sometimes pick up. In the 16+ yrs of teaching I tell my students, for questionable strokes, look first at your tools and paper. I appreciate you commenting on this. Best wishes on your flourishing calligraphy work.

[@shailajaraparthi1697]

I wished that I found this earlier. This is so detailed and amazing explanation 🤩

[@CalligraphyArts]

Many thanks! Great to hear you're finding it useful.

[@marktahu2932]

Thank you so much - I appreciate your very easy to follow no stress style, and it allows me to just slowly copy and refine my efforts. Its also very helpful watching you patiently "just doing your thing". It keeps me focussed because you make it all so achievable.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much for your feedback. Best wishes on your flourishing calligraphy work!

[@kerrywebb8519]

I absolutely loved this video, thank you. Mesmerising and spellbinding, you seemed to make the words you were saying follow the strokes you were writing. Following you letter by letter has given me confidence to see what I couldn't see before. Great filming by the way. Every stroke accessible. Well done.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thanks so much for your feedback, Kerry! Best wishes with your calligraphy practice.

[@maurolimaok]

Great channel. I´m learning Spencerian now, but I´m pleased by your videos. Thanks. Hope there will be much more, in future.

[@fazergirl1]

Wow, your teaching style is hands-down the best I have come across while trying to learn copperplate calligraphy (and that includes the online course I paid several hundred UK£ for!) As other posters have mentioned, the camera angles are superb and you explain every detail calmly and methodically and listening to you is soooo relaxing! Thank you so much, I'm off to order the book you recommended now too.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much for your feedback! Sending you many good wishes on your calligraphy journey.

[@SuperManning11]

This is fantastic! -and for some reason it is also spellbinding. Maybe it’s the tone of your voice, or just your quiet and very competent teaching method, whatever it is, it embodies the meditative part of calligraphy that drew me to the art to begin with. Thank you for these lessons!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much for your feedback. I find my calligraphy practice to be meditative. I love that part. Best wishes!

[@LuvsSno]

I have so enjoyed your Copperplate Calligraphy Made Easy videos( especially enjoy your optional versions) .. ! I wish you would make video's, one each with miniscule and majuscules alphabets alphabetically.Thanks.

[@nolettepabio1610]

Another excellent video of yours! Thanks for sharing, I hope you'll continue to create contents like this. Your voice itself is entertaining, love it! Looking forward for more.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Wow, thanks so much! I hope your calligraphy work is blossoming!

[@CraftyAliConfessions]

What an awesome video, and wish I found you sooner! Love the closeup, and all the explanation you do with each letter. Thank you heaps for this, I feel that I can tackle calligraphy now. Lol. Xx

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much! Your comment made my day. Many good wishes on your calligraphy journey!

[@sulagracehenrichsen6682]

I absolutely LOVED that lesson! Thank you sooooo much!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thanks so much for your feedback! Best wishes on your calligraphy journey.

[@jmwilson6792]

Simply beautiful.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Many thanks and happy lettering to you!

[@user-jp5nr3ke8y]

Вы замечательная художница! Я два дня, как смотрю Ваши видео и вижу плавное движение Ваших рук. Это танец! И хотя я ни слова не понимаю, но движение говорит само за себя. Спасибо!

[@lindajoyce467]

Great teaching. Ill watch it many times as i practice copperplate. Thank you!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you, Linda! Best wishes on your calligraphy practice/work.

[@Funnellyenough]

Absolutely engrossing. I am definitely going to practice this diligently 😊

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! So great to hear 🎉✍🏽Best wishes on your calligraphy journey.

[@lupebutterfly9161]

Awesome! I can't wait till I get my materials! Your voice is very clear and soothing. And the position of the paper is perfect. Such a useful tutorial for beginners.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Many thanks for your kind words! Recommend materials are helpful and while waiting you can start with a pencil (HB is fine but you'll see more thick/thin contrast with a softer pencil like 2B).

[@knightonwoods287]

You have such an amazing talent for writing and for teaching. Thank you so much.

[@CalligraphyArts]

🙏 Thank you very much for your feedback. Means so much to me. Many good wishes on your calligraphy journey.

[@auntyvenom133]

You are a very good teacher! I thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. Thank you ✍️❤🇨🇦

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much! Many blessings ✍🌿

[@kassik]

the best tutorial on youtube. thank you so much!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Wow, what a huge compliment. Many thanks!

[@jeylful]

Thank you for this beautiful class!

[@CalligraphyArts]

You're welcome! Many blessings to you.

[@eulerzao]

Quanta perfeição! Parabéns!!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Muito obrigado!

[@jck01010101]

Absolutely fantastic thank you so much

[@phoenix7984]

Such an interesting tutorial!! You are giving so many tips as you write, which answers the questions for newbies like me. Calligraphy is a new hobby I have picked up to keep myself occupied when d world around me is so crazy lol.. I’ve subscribed to your channel and I look forward to practice and learn from your videos. I struggle a lot with flourishing. Would be great if you can make a separate video on it whenever you find time :) Thanks a lot once again for these tutorials!

[@CANALPARACONOCERADIOS]

Muy buen video. Qué hermosa letra. muy bien explicado. Dios te bendiga por compartir.!!!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Muchas gracias. ¡Suerte en tu trabajo de caligrafía!

[@sandrabrezina5799]

Brilliant presentation. This helped me so much to get started!!!! Thank you very much.

[@CalligraphyArts]

I am so grateful for your comment. And great to see your beautiful calligraphy work here on KZbin!

[@rob-in-the-marsh5311]

A very useful video. Beautiful writing, I wish I could make a video of this for reference.

[@carolynnesbit8670]

You are marvellous!!💕

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! Best wishes to you!

[@juanjocali7950]

Muy buenos tips. Muchas gracias. Haré ejercicio siguiendo las indicaciones. Felicidades.

[@CalligraphyArts]

¡Muchas gracias! Buena suerte con tu trabajo de caligrafía.

[@barinderpalsingh2197]

Very informative, thanks so much!

[@CalligraphyArts]

You're welcome! Best wishes for your calligraphy practice.

[@dianita3030]

Thank you once again

[@annebelgard6723]

Years ago my step mom took classes to learn to do this. She would do wedding invitations for people...

[@CalligraphyArts]

I'm sure she made a lot of folks very happy. So great to contribute to huge milestones.

[@mjcard]

We learned to write with straight pens in grade 3 and we were taught to put a new one in our mouths for a bit to remove the wax coating from the manufacturer.

[@CalligraphyArts]

That's an effective technique. Thanks for commenting.

[@user-cc8gh6gu2m]

Great 💐, Very much thankful and admire you for this detailed and helpful teachings. 🙏💐🙏

[@CalligraphyArts]

You're welcome! Many blessings for your calligraphy work ✍

[@KreativeCornerByAnkita]

Amazing work 😊 your handwriting is really awesome ❤❤❤

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much! Many blessings to you and happy lettering✍

[@usmanriaz9966]

Great video, thanks.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Many thanks. Wishing you a wonderful calligraphy journey!

[@alkarathi6535]

Very helpful love it

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! Wishing you a flourishing calligraphy practice!

[@THTWriting]

So good 🎉

[@islamicgallery786]

Great explanation on Copperplate drills... Could you please mention what would be the ratio of Ascender height, waistline and baseline, if we are not working on calligraphy sheets...

[@CalligraphyArts]

Great question! 3:2:3

[@sweetbabyjames0714]

I wanted to thank you for recommending the Nikko G nib. I purchased them, and it has made the biggest difference! Now, if only I could find a local printer that knows anything about paper! If you have a website where I could find more information, I would appreciate it.

[@CalligraphyArts]

That's great! Nikko G is a wonderful and reliable nib. Regarding a resource website I recommend calligrafile.com (not my site). Thanks!

[@nimeshkk2386]

I love your calligraphy classes. Iam very aspire to become a calligraphy expert anf as am a beginner i need your help yo buy a calligraphy pen.. Which kind of pen should i buy?

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! I have some supply recommendations in the description section, below the video (click 'show more'). Best wishes on your calligraphy work!

[@galvieira2115]

Que aula maravilhosa , Deus abençoa tua vida.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Obrigado🙌🏽 Bons estudos! ✍🏽

[@galvieira2115]

Qual o teu País ?

[@TheSmoochy2]

Love your teaching you are the Best****. You have a remarkable way of explaining as you go that goes perfect with your teaching style. I love how sometimes you will do the letter several times, and sometimes add a lettter to it. Do you have any courses you teach. You could really have a nice School going because you love your art, your skill and have a perfect hand. I think it would be a real hard job teaching this lettering. The folks that are really good love this art form. Their are few great Pennman giving courses, and usually they are all booked up. Curious which ink you are using It flows beautifully and I LOVE THE DARK BLACKNESS and the shine it leaves. I notice your strokes are nice and wide which is nice as well. Bo

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! I’ve been blessed with great teachers. Nope, currently not teaching any courses. You mentioned Penman so I’m guessing you’re already likely an IAMPETH member. I also recommend Society of Scribes in NYC. Do you know Dr. Joe Vitolo (for virtual materials) and Loredona Zega (online courses)? Ink used is Yasutomo sumi ink ✍

[@user-pm2me4du2j]

FANTASTIC!!! What Kind of Inn do you use?……And what paper?? Both are fantastic to!! !

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you! In the video I used Yasutomo sumi ink and HP premium laser paper (products links in the description). Happy lettering!

[@kirandembani4596]

Oh this is an amazing calligraphy tutorial..I just started copperplate, and learned a lot form this.. Thankyou so much for sharing 😍 Also I wanna ask- when I don't use my nib for 2-3 days, why it start getting rust and doesn't work properly..I also did that fire thing twices🥺

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you so much for your positive feedback, Kiran! I recommend only tempering your nib with fire once when it's brand new and only for a couple of seconds, then dip into water and wipe clean. After you're done lettering clean your nib with water (some people use soap and water) and dry it complete with a cloth or paper towel. Which nib are you using?

[@TheSmoochy2]

Curious which nib are using? It is gorgeous in how beautifully lay the ink. You do gorgeous writting. Bo

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thanks! Nib is Nikko G made in Japan. It's made really well.

[@pradeepchaitanya8364]

Awesome

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thank you, Pradeep!

[@luizferreiradonascimento2418]

Luiz.ferreira Muito Bom.mesmo.acompanhar.os Ensinamentos.de.escrita

[@CalligraphyArts]

Obrigado!

[@johnpowell3935]

A great informative video. A quick question. How much above the x height and below the base line are the ascender and descender in relation to the x height. ?

[@CalligraphyArts]

Great question, John. The typical ratio is 3:2:3. In this video my guidelines measured 1/4" for the X-height and 3/8" for both the ascender height and descender depth.

[@johnpowell3935]

@@CalligraphyArts thanks for your reply. A lot clearer now. I love your copperplate style. I’ll keep practicing.

[@ruchitataria2142]

Which brand is best for this and which pen is for biggners can u please suggest

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thanks for your question. Speedball oblique pen holder is a good one for beginners: amzn.to/3LxevaE There are also more supply recommendations/links in the description area below the video (click more to view). Happy Lettering!

[@ruchitataria2142]

Thank you so much 💗😘

[@muhammadabrar-6732]

i need this nip and holder. i love it. where i can buy it???

[@CalligraphyArts]

Thanks for commenting. All the tools I used in this video are in the description section, below the views and date. Click 'more' to see it all.

[@Syedtahir-mj1nf]

where i can purchase this pen

[@CalligraphyArts]

The wooden penholder is custom made by Master Penman Michael Sull, spencerian.com. Link is in the description. I also listed a link to a student grade Speedball penholder. Happy Lettering!

[@AndreasNkleby]

Have I improved my writing? Maybe Have I improved my sleep? Absolutely

[@CalligraphyArts]

Yay, for improved sleep!

[@meastratonite3344]

🤩

[@Kaligrafist]

👏

[@aruntk1222]

Nobody believe this is a hand lettered one as it appears a printed absolutely, I can say. Its really mind blogging. By the way my doubt is whether a beginner should start calligraphy with a normal pencil or straight away can use a calligraphy pen ?

[@CalligraphyArts]

Great question. Practicing with a soft pencil is a helpful exercise; you'll see contrast with lighter upstrokes and fuller/bolder downstrokes. I letter often in pencil on scrap paper, when I need to measure my lettering to later center it (with ink) on my master copy. Good luck!

[@alijee9342]

Wow

[@lkacalligraphyvn93]

You share link file page Copperplate, please. Thanks. ❤️

[@darisanty4497]

good

[@aj7aj]

equipment to you use ink paper nibs makes and where to purchase etcetera ?

[@CalligraphyArts]

In the description area. Click 'show more' and it's all listed there. Best wishes with your calligraphy work!

[@TheSmoochy2]

@@CalligraphyArts where is description area? Bo Thanks.

[@CalligraphyArts]

@@TheSmoochy2 Apologies, I see now that it's not called description on this platform. Up above the comments section and below my name you'll see text that starts with 'Please subscribe,..." 3 lines below that click on 'show more' and the materials I've used are listed there. Thanks!

[@TheSmoochy2]

I use a Nikki G and I notice my writting is extremely dark black shinny, and bright glossy. Does this mean I am doing something wrong?,Bo

[@CalligraphyArts]

Sounds like too much ink is coming out too quickly. Perhaps the Nikko G nib is too flexible for you. Each calligrapher has a different amount of (default) pressure that they apply. I recommend checking out johnnealbooks.com and/or paperinarts.com and reading each nib description. If too much ink is flowing out then maybe you need a stiffer nib and/or a nib with a larger reservoir to hold more ink.

[@halinacheng4048]

🙏🏻🌹

[@Chafalota]

CAN YOU USE ALCOHOL OR ACETONE TO REMOVE THE LAYER ON THE TIP OF THE NIB?

[@CalligraphyArts]

Hmm? I'm not sure. I wonder if they may too harsh and reduce the life of the nib. Options that I know of (fire, saliva & potatoes) to remove the nib film are not always practical. Please share what your results are if you do try them. Happy lettering!

[@Chafalota]

@@CalligraphyArts THANKS👍🏻👍🏻

[@mikegregory6319]

Copperplate is very strict to the way it is written so i don't think that f would be used in traditional copperplate you would get away with it in modern calligraphy because the rules of the letting is more forgiving and flexible that's the way i understood of the two differences.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Excellent point. Copperplate calligraphy is quite formal. We can observe variations among master calligraphers such as Zaner, Bickman and Waters. Best wishes on your calligraphy practice.

[@jck01010101]

Is that paper or digital?

[@CalligraphyArts]

It's paper. Hewlett Packard premium laser paper to be exact. Thanks for asking; others may be wondering too.

[@KundanKumar-en7cl]

Very easy to understand but hard to write the same...🙏🏿. Would you please provide the PDF page if that page on which you are writing... Please think on it I will pay for that if u dont mind it🙏🏿

[@CalligraphyArts]

There's a link for it in the description section (it's the first link). Thank you for commenting and watching the tutorial!

[@DeaK5]

Your handwriting is superb!

[@plouteo6612]

the Speedball oblique pen doesn't work with most nibs... the tip of the nib should align with the axis of penholder's barrel.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Aligning the nib tip to the barrel's axis doesn't always apply. For instance my favorite penholder, skillfully made by a Master Penman, was designed for vintage Esterbrook nibs and other smaller sized nibs, however I often use a much larger nib with this penholder and if I were to align the tip with the axis of the barrel it would be way too far into the flange and not as flexible as I need it to be. Also the Speedball student penholder is around $2 each; making it accessible to many. I only recommend nibs that I know fit it in my classes.

[@britevision]

Laura Di Piazza I understand what Asaph73 is saying. I started with the oblique Speedball with Nikko G nibs, and finally learned where nibs should align. After getting a new pen holder, it was SIGNIFICANTLY easier for me to attain the right flex and feel to write beautiful calligraphy. I really think Speedball should redesign their oblique holders, because so many beginners buy their oblique pens first. I wouldn’t be surprised if many quit out of frustration, when they would’ve continued if they had a different pen.

[@CalligraphyArts]

@@britevision I agree! I also hope they'll do a redesign. The nib rotating in the holder is very frustrating.

[@luifarrah1167]

can i have the name of this pen?

[@CalligraphyArts]

Yes (and sorry for the delayed response). It was made by Master Penman Michael Sull and you can reach him through spencerian.com. Good luck!

[@hayesm665]

Can you imagine that we learned and it was mandatory calligraphy in grade 3 way back in the 70's when schooling actually meant something? Yah, now we have movies and pajama day on Friday's. No wonder the western society is in a bad shape. ...sorry I had to edit it. Now kids are playing the challenge if they can wright they're name without lifting up the pen off the paper. 😅😂🤣

[@user-se9bk7el4v]

Дякую

[@CalligraphyArts]

Ласкаво просимо!

[@rob-in-the-marsh5311]

Why didn't you warn against using fountain pen ink, and discuss the differences between fountain pen ink and calligraphy ink?

[@juliocesarxr5288]

1.000 Likes

[@CalligraphyArts]

Many thanks Júlio! Sending you many good wishes :)

[@monicagandy6723]

I'm going to help use this handwriting to sign/press them criminal charges for harassment cyberstalking online impersonation stolen identity

[@DaRougaroux1]

Why does no one talk about paper. If you don't have the right paper, none of this will matter.

[@CalligraphyArts]

Agreed, paper is a game changer. For practice I use HP premium laser paper. It's 32lb bright white paper and holds ink well.

[@DaRougaroux1]

@@CalligraphyArts I ordered some HP Premium 28. You think that will be okay for an ultra beginner for practice?

[@CalligraphyArts]

@@DaRougaroux1 I haven’t used 28 yet. Since it’s premium I think it’ll be fine. Pls share your opinion after trying. Thanks.

[@CalligraphyArts]

@@DaRougaroux1 & save those early practice sheets. You’ll be amazed at your progress in just a few months.

[@DaRougaroux1]

@@CalligraphyArts will do, thx!

[@inesmargaridaalvespereirap1169]

Que video chato

[@user-qj9jh2il5y]

Thank you

[@yokikokudou]

So you just PRESUME EVERYONE IS RIGHT HANDED!!!

[@CalligraphyArts]

Go to 5:50 where I discuss the best pen options and paper angle for left-handed folks.

[@christiangonzalez6945]

Be angry at anothers video, there is the political side of youtube for that.