7. Pointed Pen Calligraphy 101: Common problems with nibs

[@TheKaetschap]

3:49 wonky writing because of not cleaning fresh nib (clean with rubbing alcohol / window cleaner; then never touch it) 5:03 wobbly nib / nib splatters (insert nib correctly, neither too far in or out in the flange) 8:08 railroading and blotting (always dip in the pen past the eye of the nib; oily nib -> clean it again) 10:28 railroading and using too much ink because of pressing too hard 12:00 blotting (don’t write too slowly / write bigger letters) 13:26 dipping too much 13:53 blotting because of too steep nib angle 15:31 nib stabbing into the paper (use lighter touch on upstrokes) 16:50 splattering because of too steep nib angle 17:22 splattering (try a friendlier nib, like a Zebra G or Nikko G) 18:20 splattering (nib too old) 19:15 nib not starting and gunky, thick lines (never let ink dry on the nib) 20:36 nib not starting for Brause Rose and Brause EF 66 (start at high angle; stab the paper to start the nib)

[@lovevids0826]

THANK YOU!!!

[@453421abcdefg12345]

The sign of an expert! Even your splatters look good! Many thanks for these tips, they will give a lot of people more confidence to go on.

[@Galivantin]

Thank you so much for these tips. When I was a kid, my Dad had given me these kind of nibs and I used to get very frustrated because the nibs scratching would make my skin crawl and watching the tip spreading would make me think I was doing something wrong. If only there had been internet in my childhood days, because there is a lot of good info on here. Again, thanks! :-)

[@OpenInkStand]

+Eric Montiel Same here, when I was a kid my dad gave me broad pen nibs and I tried to do pointed pen script with it. Drove me up the wall wondering how I could get thick and thins from a broad pen! Alas no internet back then either.

[@imtiaztvpakistan3871]

Eric Montiel I am from pakistan Plz send these nibs My email id is [e-mail]

[@watteau6646]

Wow very helpful. My Hunt 101 was putting splatter on my upstrokes , and you said to not put so much pressure. I thought I wasn't, but I was. Plus, what you said about how the Nikko G or Zebra nibs are beginner-friendly is helpful, too--"try a different nib!" I also learned how important it is to keep the nibs clean! You are a lifesaver! Thanks.

[@donitaroberts7223]

Wow! Whenever I learn something new, I like to start with all the tough parts, such as mistakes and chores. This is a perfect video! Thank-you very much. You're wonderful :)

[@TOEC]

As someone new to this type of calligraphy, this video covered every last problem I have run into regarding the nibs. Thank you!

[@apscafe]

It's really helpful for all levels

[@luxurycardstore]

Thanks so much. You just solved at least 4 of the problems I've had in the past, which caused me to give up trying to learn calligraphy. I think I will try again.

[@OpenInkStand]

+luxurycardstore Yes, don't give up!

[@antoniofrisby3385]

I appreciate you're videos soooooo much. You've taught me more than probably any other source about calligraphy.

[@OpenInkStand]

Antonio Frisby Thank you, and you're welcome!

[@baileysims5334]

This was SO HELPFUL! Thank you so much for taking the time to show us this.

[@apscafe]

Yes it was so helpful

[@drawer261]

I can't believe the people who disliked this amazing video. Keep up the great work!

[@apscafe]

Yes I agree to you ❤️

[@manicangel7796]

This is one the best calligraphy videos avail. I cannot stand watching 20'somethings doing challenges, princess drawings, unboxings and begging for likes. Ugh. Thank you.

[@DityaSangGita]

Wellp... among other youtube tutorials on copperplate calligraphy, I've found your tips are the best and the most concise. I go back to this video after a while even though I am now able to troubleshoot those issues. Really, thank you for all these teachings! ❤

[@edenspritzer6262]

You’re a star, Schin, and so generous with your knowledge. Your videos are extremely informative. I’ve spent all day just practising capital ‘A’s and they’re coming along nicely! I’m thinking about logging my efforts on a spreadsheet: nib, ink, paper, comments etc. If I find the perfect combo, I don’t want to forget it!

[@OpenInkStand]

+Eden Spritzer That's a good idea. I wish I had kept a spreadsheet when I started out.

[@sarachan]

Thanks for all the great information!! It's so important to know what's normal and what isn't, what to watch for and avoid, when starting out as a newbie. Can't wait to get started and learn to write as well as you do! :)

[@philiplockwood255]

unbelievably skilled you are!!! I'm sure that you can't be 150 years old and that's about the length of time it would take me to become half as good as you!!!... yet to listen to you, you are no more than 25! Amazing you are,.. quite simply Amazing. Bless you :) x

[@kaitlyn7521]

I just started calligraphy! I bought the typical started kit from speedball before jumping into anything super expensive. By following all these tips I've improved a lot with my mistakes but something tells me if I invest in better quality nibs I'll probably have better results 👍🏻

[@OpenInkStand]

+Kaitlyn Santi You'd be right!

[@gnbnwf]

Thank you so much! All your videos were very helpful. Thank you for spending so much of your time on these!

[@OpenInkStand]

gnbnwf You're welcome!

[@josephsailsman]

Thanks for a great FREE video. Today was my first attempt at Copperplate using a Speedball pen set and yes I encountered the majority of the problems you covered as well as having the nib inserted on top instead of to the side of the handle. Thanks again.

[@kennygo8423]

Thank you for your dedication in making this lesson. I have learned a lot especially for a beginner like me. 😊

[@Grizzisnothome]

I actually love the sound of the scratchy nib lol. I think it's such a good sound to hear especially when you are pointing it directly at the paper

[@user-dp9ui9rn8b]

This was most helpful. I was very encouraged to try again having seen this. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@OpenInkStand]

httpmom Make sure to have fun!

[@megdel8]

I'm starting oblique speedball on Wednesday, so I wanted to get ahead of the learning curve. This video is SUPER helpful! Thanks very much!!

[@goatlovesllama]

Thank you so much for posting this!! I've been struggling with railroading and I didn't realize it might be from touching my nib to adjust it!

[@OpenInkStand]

Thank you!

[@HingLaw]

Thanks so much for putting up this Pointed Pen Calligraphy video series and particularly this one. From second grade through probably the fourth, we diligently practiced with all those nib pens and copy books our teachers ordered. Yet, none of them ever gave us the slightest idea on how to start, let along writing in the right way. Though the endeavor not entirely wasted, I still feel the frustration we had at the time. Fast forward so many years, I caught the bug of doing something like the Copperplate, Spencerian, or Palmerian, this time on my own. Lo and behold, I have to admit, so sheepishly, that this beginner of me bumped into almost all those problems with nibs you mentioned. This video definitely helps me in the next stage. B-) Thanks again!

[@OpenInkStand]

So glad it helps! With practice you will have no more problems.

[@DonaldRennie]

This is the only video of yours I have seen so far and I'm impressed. You seem to be a great teacher. I'm subscribing.

[@OpenInkStand]

Thank you!

[@cyrussdeus3172]

i learned lot from your videos. This is very helpful for beginners like me 😀

[@OpenInkStand]

Glad you like!

[@kristene2004]

Thank you so much, I have had all of these problems , I am only two days in on learning and this video has Been SOOO Helpful!

[@OpenInkStand]

+Kristen E Glad it helps!

[@Xeqcme]

Thank you for the help! I come back to this video every time I have problems. I just got my ink+holder 2 days ago so I have a lot to learn. I think my problem this time was the paper I was using...I just kept making pools of ink with or without pressure on the nib (even after cleaning and adjusting the angles). Working on 60lb Calligraphy Parchment seems to be working well though.

[@SorryBeeinLate]

Another great vid! Just received my oblique holders, and will use your videos to start learning pointed pen!

[@OpenInkStand]

SorryBeeinLate Congrats and have fun!

[@DB-cx6cb]

Beautiful skill❤️Just saved this video is a keeper! Thank you.

[@serenitiesgaming8723]

Oh my god this helped so much I've been having all of these problems your a life saver My grandma wants me to send my calligraphy And its splattering scratching ECT thank you!

[@berryj.greene7090]

This is very good and I thank you. Encouraging to see some of downside as well as the beautiful upside of your writing. I am keen now to watch more of your videos especially now the paper & the ink choices. Thank you! BJ

[@OpenInkStand]

Thanks for watching!

[@abyabraham1136]

Thank you so much.. these are the things nobody explains.. you did it well. Very useful..

[@donskywatcherphx]

Thanks I've learned a lot from your videos. Before I watched your videos I was wondering if my corrections were right and I was doing the right thing by watching you make the mistake and correct the issue helped me very much.

[@OpenInkStand]

You're welcome. Enjoy!

[@colleentracey5749]

I've recently started getting into calligraphy, I took a class and some Skillshare lessons but no one ever explained this in detail to me. Choosing a nib, and a holder, and things like how your finger oil can prevent it from working. I had huge blotting issues in the beginning and I wish I had seen this video then! You should consider putting together a Skillshare curriculum. =)

[@OpenInkStand]

Colleen Tracey Glad it helps! I was considering doing Skillshare for a while but it didn't seem worth it to me...

[@emamulhossain3292]

your calligraphy is divine which touches my heart :)

[@Crossword131]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You've given me the answers I couldn't get anywhere else. I've got a ton of nibs I've given up on using, but now I know what I was doing wrong. Xoxoxo. The only question you didn't cover (in this video, I'm going to watch the others now...) was about using fine grain sanding to ?polish? nibs. I have the tools, I'm just not sure when to use them. I inherited these. I've always used a barrel pen (chisel tip) and wanted so badly to expand into copperplate, etc. Thanks again and if you have a tip about toning down extra scratchy nibs, hmu. Muah.

[@OpenInkStand]

+Crossword131 It is not advisable to grind pointed pen nibs. I think it is a better idea to buy new nibs for copperplate. You can keep using your chisel tips for broad pen scripts.

[@liubovpiano9573]

Thanks so much for the video. I’m completely new to calligraphy and just started and using 101 imperial as a first nib with straight holder ( my finger are always have ink) I think to change to oblique holder. You helped me to fix splashing on upstrokes bc I was pressing.

[@ellasadventuresandfriends3388]

This is a perfect video. U stated every issue I was having. Thanks!!

[@nokiot9]

My nib kept falling out constantly, so I just got the idea to take a tiny piece of my putty eraser, smear it over the ring shaped channel it seats into, then just jam it into the area you covered. Now it’s held in very well.

[@biddypunk]

Amazing video, thank you for sharing. Your voice is so soothing to listen to, you remind me of the character BMO from adventure time a little.

[@OpenInkStand]

Haha, really? I gotta watch it now.

[@ggowc833]

LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL YOU DO,,KEEP WRITING N CALLIGRAPHY

[@drorzellner9584]

Thanks! This helps a lot. Looking forward to your next video

[@OpenInkStand]

***** Thanks!

[@CalligraphyMasters]

Great video as always!! #CalligraphyMasters #KeepWriting

[@Syedscalligraphy]

Nice video schin! Looking forward for your next videos. Once I had splattering on upstrokes. I used hunt 100 nib for practice and I improved my hand to light hand on paper! Now I very rarely splatter even if the Nib is broken or very used! The times of the Nib pokes my thumb when I check it but on paper I rarely splatter

[@OpenInkStand]

syed Quadri Practice makes perfect!

[@sunnys94]

thank you so much! I am a beginner and I was having a lot of railroading, so this was very helpful :)

[@OpenInkStand]

Glad it helps!

[@terryglenweaver]

I wonder... The recess where the feed on a fountain pen sets... Could it be filled with a porous sponge type stuff so when you dip your pen in, it holds a lot more ink?

[@GenWivern2]

That was excellent, and probably quite a difficult video to make! Looking forward to further installments. :-)

[@OpenInkStand]

GenWivern2 Thanks!

[@lakritzeslena]

lol, sitting here with a nikko g in a plastic holder I found this to be very helpfull. (not easy to get oblique holders in germany) oh, furthermore, discovering that just a few days of practice made me able to use the leonard principal was a pleasure :D thanks for your hints and tips!

[@OpenInkStand]

I hope you can find a good holder soon!

[@iceruam]

Very nice, I love how you explain issues

[@OpenInkStand]

+John Shaffer You're welcome

[@zx_style]

This is exactly what I needed to know. Thank you so much!

[@avantiiresha6687]

Thanks a lot very very helpful… what do you think about Leonard G ? I am new to copperplate and I have only used EF principle and Hunt 101 at this stage and thinking of trying new nib now

[@Jan-bv3hx]

Hi! What is your oblique pen holder and what are your favorite nibs?

[@gabysanders5887]

great video!!!! could you please tell me which paper are you using? It seems that I never get a good paper :(

[@Karla_Smith]

I'm delighted to have found you on your Instagram feed, and now I follow you here to learn from the best! You! Happy, I am! Good day to you.

[@OpenInkStand]

Karla Smith Thanks Karla!!!! :)

[@Karla_Smith]

OpenInkStand Art & Calligraphy Your welcome.

[@chilliletters]

This is super helpful for Beginners like me! Thank u so much

[@donnakelley1202]

love your videos. Thanks so much. I've learned a lot.

[@bhaskarbakle6450]

I loved ur video because with problem s u told solution to them which many people don't do.....I am also a youtuber but I kind of lack in this things......plz upload some more videos like this

[@hermionejarvis648]

This will be so helpful for me! Thank-you!

[@pocketofmarbles]

This is amazing and so helpful, thank you! What script is this?

[@dirkligillesbachtal6354]

Thank you so much for this interesting vid and the helpful advice! :-)

[@Knowledge629]

Everytime you finish writing do you clean your nib with water or rubbing alcohol? Or does it matter?

[@apscafe]

I think it's the best one for learning about handwriting

[@mireyaherrera705]

Thank you so much for your videos. I love the clarity of your explanations. I have a Hunt 101 nib that has had medium use. The tines are in good condition, although it is starting to get a little more flicky. My problem is that I can only use the nib for about 1-2 downstrokes before the eyehole opens and the ink pools on the paper. This occurs even with a thinner and gentler downstroke. I've cleaned it several times trying both alcohol and Windex with a clean paper towel and also I tried cloth. I'm truly at a loss and also curious. Have you come across this?

[@OpenInkStand]

Mireya Herrera It seems as if the nib still has oil on it. Once cleaned make sure not to touch it with your fingers again. Also make sure to dip past the eyehole, and don't flex too much. If you flex too much, too slowly the ink has nowhere to go but blob on the paper. Also consider the ink you are using, some inks are more viscous than others. Good luck!

[@brookeharris5659]

Hello!! Thank you SO much for all of your amazing tips! I am so inspired by your work, and I am so grateful to have your videos guiding me through my calligraphy journey! I recently purchased Sennielier India Ink and the color is very opaque and beautiful, but the ink gets totally stuck on my nib. Is this okay? I have problems with ink flow in the upstrokes, but I cant tell if its the ink or something else? Is it too thick? Thanks!!

[@glennwigmore6604]

G'day could you please tell me what kind of fountain pen you used

[@Su7-kn8it]

Thank you so much! This video helps me a lot!!

[@Rotwang72]

Thank you, for a beginner like me this is very helpful.

[@likepht2717]

Amazing skillz what paper u use?

[@samber001]

Your hand writing is beautiful.

[@OpenInkStand]

samber001 Thanks!

[@49Nutmeg]

Is it hard to get use to using that off set pen?

[@izazagajrjoseluis908]

with what pen y can start if i am left handed

[@siewboon91]

just started with brand new nib. Already washed it but seems after I dip the ink I can only write not more than 1 letter. the ink doesn't hold on the nib. I did dip it above the hold. does it means there still oil on the nib?

[@OpenInkStand]

+Siew Boon Lim Yes, I think so. Try cleaning it more thoroughly

[@baryafe]

Hey, If I have a calligraphy pen without a holder... just looks like a regular pen... how can I fix the problem you shows? Like splatters etc.?

[@OpenInkStand]

+BarYafe22 I don't understand... you have to use a holder for your nib.

[@baryafe]

OpenInkStand Art & Calligraphy I have a calligraphy pen that is just like a pen...

[@star12341998]

+OpenInkStand Art & Calligraphy I think she/he is talking about a straight pen holder instead of an oblique one!

[@SleepyPurpleSloth]

i dip my pen in ink but no ink will show up on the paper, can you help me? i tried the flame to the tip and cleaning it but nothing works. please help.

[@cathysartstudio8551]

Thanks for very helpfuly tips!! I'm startet with the nibs and i have problems with the ink and the elasticitiy of the nib! 😩 Practice makes perfect!

[@OpenInkStand]

+KaBo HH Good luck!

[@carolb861]

Thank you so much for very clear tips!

[@wltn972000]

I really like your caligraphy! By the way, your nib holder looks unique. I've only seen holder that nib and holder is in straight line.

[@OpenInkStand]

+J.S -J THanks, it is called an oblique holder

[@bandulas.tilakasena5785]

@@OpenInkStand Why do not I see any videos on straight pens? Are they only used for drawing?

[@isaiahgonzalez8845]

Bandula S. Tilakasena oblique holders are used for slanted scripts as it is more natural for the hand. It automatically corrects the tendency for you to point your nib to the left edge of the paper, pointing it to the right, and minimizes chances of the user dragging a nib tine, reducing possible damaging of nib or getting scratchy writing. If your doing non slanted scripts, are drawing, or are left handed, it may not be necessary to have an oblique holder. But if your trying into the standard slanted calligraphy it’s highly recommended and more comfortable if set up for the Individual user

[@bandulas.tilakasena5785]

@@isaiahgonzalez8845 Thank you Isaiah.

[@bandulas.tilakasena5785]

@@isaiahgonzalez8845 Thank you very much.

[@Tee_eM_Kay]

Thank You for this video!!! Very helpful tips

[@nate12345671]

very helpfull!! wish I had found this video sooner!!

[@OpenInkStand]

+johnny vanderbeck Thanks!

[@LinJia]

amazing, Support you always

[@OpenInkStand]

+Lin Jia Thank you!

[@ankitamukherjee8089]

Thanks! It is very useful for a beginner

schin, i found that your nib is EF76 rose, not 66?, 66 is a small one with arrow shape?

[@OpenInkStand]

Dú Sữa Căng Mọng Yes 66EF is the small one

[@caseypoi1]

hi! your video is amazing, thank you! i wanted to know what kind of pen you have? i have a very hard time with up strokes (going up the page) where the tip of my sharp nib gets caught on the paper fibers. it's very frustrating. you seem to move so smoothly and quickly, something i could never do with my nib. maybe it's my technique! if you had any tips id greatly appreciate it! thanks again!

[@OpenInkStand]

I think you may have a heavy hand. Strive for a lighter hand and you will also glide and write smoothly.

[@theinkbrain]

What is that contraption which is holding the nib?

[@HingLaw]

An oblique nib holder

[@theinkbrain]

Hing Law Thank you so much. Cheers.

[@mohammedibrahim4256]

Hey! I just wanted to know what oblique pen you are using.

[@londonin1977]

I have started learning calligraphy recently, thanks to youtube. but i have the pen holder which holds the nib straight unlike your diagonal holder which stays outside the holder. will there be any problem with that kind of holder? and can you help be about the papers? i don't mean brands but the kind of papers to use. if you have time then reply please.

[@daedalus31]

tirtha banerjee That is an oblique holder. It is used for formal calligraphy such as Spencerian or copperplate. This is because both of these scripts are slanted and also require flex. If you are planning to write Spencerian or Copperplate, make sure you get an oblique holder.

[@londonin1977]

at first lot of thanks for your kind reply. I surely will have an oblique nib sooner. I think you won't mind to send a little reply if i ask you for some other suggestions later. and thanks again.

[@DashCee]

You have amazing talent.

[@OpenInkStand]

+Cameron Murray Thank you!

[@dayeongsin8415]

the liquid you used to clean the pen is it water???

[@dayeongsin8415]

and what if you are left handed???

[@grammarnazi5209]

Dayeong Sin she used rubbing alcohol

[@jinkies2609]

Grammar Nazi wot

[@naticristellavi8236]

Do you ever use flat square tip nibs?

[@OpenInkStand]

+Naticris Tellavi No, that is not my specialty..

[@starzart1979]

Hi Schin, I have been working my way through your videos for the last month or so (huge fan!) and I am getting ready to buy an oblique holder. Can you recommend one for beginners? Thanks-- Jo

[@OpenInkStand]

+Starzart 1 (Starzart) I would recommend any oblique holder with a metal flange. Stay away from the speedball plastic holder (it's super cheap at $2 but the flange is plastic), and you should be good to go!

[@mouselim72]

Very informative video - your writing is also so fluid and beautiful. By the way, what ink are you using? Very deep black.

[@OpenInkStand]

+Nicholas Lim Thanks! I was just using a basic sumi ink for this.

[@zanzibarbob7]

Love your videos. Always a great resource for beginners like me. Thanks!

[@OpenInkStand]

***** You're welcome!

[@DozrVision]

do you know what metal that leonardt is?

[@OpenInkStand]

It's some kind of steel..

[@Chensten]

What's the nib you're using?

[@adelineting6489]

where did you get that kind of holder? I've been trying to look for it ! Your reply is much appreciated !! oAo

[@OpenInkStand]

You can buy oblique holders from paperinkarts.com or johnnealbooks.com (not affiliated)

[@adelineting6489]

Thanks a lot! :) Will definitely check it out

[@kishordabade2777]

Which ink and nib u r using ?

[@bgtip]

Hay, love the vid. Where can i buy good quality pens and nibs?

[@andream8671]

you order them online

[@no_handle_required]

You are amazing.

[@Csoery]

Very helpful video, thanks.