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Chocolate Musings

Set your goals - make the plans - artfully create your life - live it beautifully. Grab the good chocolate and find your muse.

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Home » Get Inspired » Product & Book Reviews » Product Reviews

Beginner’s Handlettering Tips

April 17, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Thicks and Thins & The Basics of Modern Calligraphy Handlettering

Do you want to start handlettering? Here are some beginner’s handlettering tips to get you started!

First, we’ll get on the same page when it comes to the modern calligraphy handlettering style. Then we’ll talk briefly about supplies (because I have another post highlighting supplies for beginner lettering). Finally, we’ll talk about tips and tricks to get you started lettering in the modern calligraphy style!

Brush Lettering or Handlettering is more than “writing pretty.” It is illustrating individual strokes to create thick and thin lines to form letters and then turn those letters into words.

Revised 4/17/2024

Handlettering basics - lettering is more than just 'writing pretty' it's illustrating each stroke using thick and thin lines to form a letter - Want to learn more? Learn the basics + beyond | ChocolateMusings.com #handletteirng #beginner #brushlettering

Table of contents

  • The Thicks and Thins & The Basics of Modern Calligraphy Handlettering
  • Lettering Styles
  • What is Handlettering (and What is it Not)?
    • What Type of Lettering Is This Not:
  • What is Muscle Memory In Handlettering (and What Do Muscles Have to Do With Calligraphy)?
    • Developing Muscle Memory for Calligraphy is Similar To Riding a Bike
  • The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Learn Modern Calligraphy
  • Getting to Know the Thicks and Thins of Modern Calligraphy
    • Beginner Handlettering Tip: How to Hold Your Marker
    • Start With the Foundations – Basic Strokes
  • What are the Basic Strokes in Modern Calligraphy?
    • Basic Stroke Names:
    • Yes, But When Can I Break The Rules?
  • Additional Tips When Practicing Modern Calligraphy
  • Do You Need Special Supplies to Start Handlettering/Modern Calligraphy?
  • Beginning Handlettering Supplies – Short and Sweet Recommendation
    • Marker Guides, Practice Sheets & Practice Workbooks
  • Did I Miss Anything?

Lettering Styles

Before we jump into the beginner’s handlettering tips, let’s talk a little about what type of lettering I mean. When I say handlettering, I mean ‘modern calligraphy,’ the kind with brush pens (like the images below). The type of lettering that you see in planners (like artistic bullet journals) or on trending artwork hung on walls.

There are many lettering styles (don’t believe me, ask Google). But what I am referring to is handlettering with a brush pen or using thick and thin lines to emulate the look of calligraphy made with a flexible tip.

Some call this style ‘modern calligraphy,’ some brush lettering, brush calligraphy, etc. Most people don’t care what you call it. Occasionally, you’ll run into someone persnickety who demands it’s called something different, but I wouldn’t worry too much about them. It’s hard to function when your panties are in a wad.

What is Handlettering (and What is it Not)?

My Definition: Modern Brush Calligraphy in my realm is using a brush marker (or similar) to create thick and thin lines using individual strokes and combining those strokes into letters.

It’s not just writing in cursive and making some parts of the letters thick and some parts thin.

Because you form letters by combining different strokes from your brush or marker, it will look a lot like cursive, and yes, typically, the characters link together like cursive writing.

However, cursive is designed for speed (brush lettering is not done quickly). It also (usually) doesn’t leave enough space to allow for the desired thicks and thins, like the modern brush lettering or hand lettering you see on Instagram and Pinterest.

Modern Brush Calligraphy is a Subset of Formal Calligraphy which is a Subset of Typography | ChocolateMusings.com #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy #modernbrushcalligraphy

Honestly, you’ll get different definitions depending on where you go, and they’re all kind of melding together. Here, I’ll call it about modern brush lettering, modern calligraphy, brush calligraphy, or a combination of those words.

Modern Brush Calligraphy is a Subset of Formal Calligraphy which is a Subset of Typography | ChocolateMusings.com #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy #modernbrushcalligraphy

What Type of Lettering Is This Not:

What I’m not talking about:

I’m not talking about ‘traditional’ calligraphy, Copperplate calligraphy, or lettering with a dip pen and ink. Those types of calligraphy tend to be too formal for what I’m going for here. I consider modern calligraphy to be a subset of calligraphy, which then is a subset of typography or lettering.

FYI: Some calligraphy ‘snobs’ may tell you that brush calligraphy is not calligraphy at all. You can choose to listen to self-appointed gatekeepers of the lettering world, or you can move on with your life and make beautiful letters with a brush pen/marker.

Whew. I’m not a calligraphy snob, and I think it’s silly to be snobbish.

I started doing modern calligraphy or brush lettering so I could make pretty headers in my bullet journal. If you’re here, I’m guessing that you’ve seen this type of handlettering and are curious about what you need to get started.

Here’s a huge beginner’s handlettering tip: don’t worry about what other people say and how others define what this type of lettering is – go with someone who wants to teach you and let someone else deal with the labels..

What is Muscle Memory In Handlettering (and What Do Muscles Have to Do With Calligraphy)?

As mentioned above, there’s so much variety in lettering. The best way to start is to decide what style you want to learn and practice making that style until you can do it without thinking. Many people call this ‘muscle memory.’

Muscles have a lot to do with writing—you know that. There are muscles in your hand and arm and nerves that send signals to your brain. I’m not going to go into the anatomy or the psychology of the muscle memory effect, but I can tell you that developing certain skills, calligraphy included, creates a connection from your hands to your brain that will stick with you once you’ve learned the skill.

The key is learning how to do it correctly from the beginning.

There are many articles written about muscle memory. Here is one from the Washington Post that sums up muscle memory nicely.

Developing Muscle Memory for Calligraphy is Similar To Riding a Bike

Developing muscle memory for your calligraphy skills is similar to riding a bike. Those skills will come back naturally once you’ve developed and trained those muscles to know what to do in certain circumstances (such as sitting on a bike and pushing the pedals while keeping your balance and propelling the bike forward).

Now, it’s not saying you won’t be a little rusty and need a little catch-up training if you’ve let time pass by without keeping up your practice, but learning modern calligraphy is a skill that will stick with you once you’ve developed muscle memory.

Here’s a Modern Calligraphy Tip: Like learning to ride a bike, you’ll need to practice to develop muscle memory. Once you’ve trained your hand and brain, they will automatically know what to do when you pick up that brush pen.

The Most Important Thing You Can Do to Learn Modern Calligraphy

Practice.

I’m not joking. I’m not trying to keep a secret from you or gatekeep information. Consistent practice is the ultimate tool for learning modern calligraphy lettering.

Whatever tool you use will never help you get better or learn modern calligraphy if it sits on your desk or is hidden in a drawer. The number one thing you need to do to learn modern calligraphy is to practice consistently. 15 minutes per day would do it. More if you have time. Practicing each day is better than for 4 hours on a Sunday. But if you only have Sundays – by all means, every week is better than once a month or never at all.

Practice each stroke 10 times. Practice 100 times—keep going until you’ve practiced the basic strokes a million times each. It’s with practice that you’ll create consistency in your letters.

With practice, you’ll create muscle memory. The strokes will come naturally. They’ll become a part of your hand-to-brain coordination, and you won’t have to concentrate on each stroke. With practice, learning modern calligraphy lettering will become an instinct. These strokes will become so natural that you won’t have to think about them. Practice so much that you dream about the beautiful strokes.

The thick and thins of modern callgraphy handlettering tips to get you started | ChocolateMusings.com

Getting to Know the Thicks and Thins of Modern Calligraphy

Calligraphy is composed of thick and thin strokes. Knowing where to create thick strokes and where to create thin strokes is part of the learning process.

Beginner Handlettering Tip: How to Hold Your Marker

Hold your marker at a 45-degree angle so you can easily add or remove pressure to the marker as you make the strokes. It’s important to note that you’re not pressing straight down on the tip of the marker. You won’t damage the marker as long as you have the marker angled as illustrated.

Commit these handlettering tips to memory (even if you’re not a beginner):

When pushing your marker ‘up,’ the stroke is thin. Up = Thin.

When pulling your marker ‘down,’ the stroke is thick. Down = Thick.

Handlettering Basics - Marker Pressure for creating thick and thin lines in your calligraphy practice | ChocolateMusings.com

But here’s another beginner’s handlettering tip (that even more advanced calligraphy students might not know): Fonts of all types follow the thick/thin rule. If the font has any variation in width, it will follow this rule.

Start With the Foundations – Basic Strokes

Now you’re all set to practice. But what do you practice? Ah! The next beginner’s handlettering tip is to practice the right strokes.

Start with the foundations. Practice the basic strokes and get those down. They will help you flourish with modern calligraphy. I promise your foundation in modern calligraphy will be so much more stable than if you start with letters or flourishing or any other method. The foundational knowledge will literally build on itself.


Once you have the basic strokes committed to muscle memory, then you can move on to minuscule letters – or lowercase letters. The letters in modern calligraphy are composed of combinations of the basic strokes.

Tip! Here’s Where You Can Start Learning Modern Calligraphy! Find my Practice Workbooks from the ChocolateMusings Shop

  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Small Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Large Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Modern Calligraphy Guide Booklet | ChocoalteMusings.com #handletteirng #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Guide - Basic Strokes for SMALL Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #lettering #brushlettering
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart

What are the Basic Strokes in Modern Calligraphy?

Basic Modern Calligraphy Strokes | ChocolateMusings.com

Here are the basic strokes in modern calligraphy: Upstroke, Downstroke, Underturn, Overturn, Compound Curve, Oval, Ascending Loop, and Descending Loop.

Practice these strokes until you’re sick of them (then practice them until your hand naturally knows how to create them). Then, you’re ready to combine them into letters. With little to no modification, these strokes will help you form the letters of the alphabet!

Tip: You’ll learn these names as a beginner, but knowing the names is not important once you get the motion down. I teach calligraphy, and sometimes I forget the names!

Basic Stroke Names:

  • Upstroke: This is the starting stroke for letters and usually the connector stroke between letters. Push up with the tip of your brush marker—this should be the thinnest stroke.
  • Downstroke: Start this stroke by pulling down and pushing with the belly of the brush marker. This will be the thickest stroke.
  • Underturn: Start this stroke thick on the down stroke, then turn and curve upwards into an upstroke
  • Overturn: This stroke starts thin. Push your marker up with a thin upstroke, then curve and pull down to a thick downstroke.
  • Compound Curve: Start this stroke with a thin upstroke, curve like you’re doing an overturn, then curve again to an underturn.
  • Oval: This stroke starts in the middle on the right side. Push up using a thin stroke on the tip of your brush, curve to the left, push down with a thick stroke, curve around the bottom, transition again to the thin upstroke, and complete the loop.
  • Ascending Loop: Start with the loop, push up and around with a thin line, and then pull down on the downstroke.
  • Descending Loop: Create this stroke by starting with the thick downstroke. Pull your marker down, then lighten the pressure as you curve around and connect the thin upstroke.

In my basic and lowercase (minuscule) lettering books, I’ll teach you how to make these strokes, how to hold your pen, and how to combine these strokes.

  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Small Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Large Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Modern Calligraphy Guide Booklet | ChocoalteMusings.com #handletteirng #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Guide - Basic Strokes for SMALL Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #lettering #brushlettering
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart

Yes, But When Can I Break The Rules?

I’m all for creating your own style. I support it and encourage it. But like most things, you must know the rules so you can break them.

Here’s another beginner’s handlettering tip: Once you have basic strokes down and you can form letters without thinking using this basic style, then you can start customizing letters with your own flourishes and finesse.

One of the biggest beginner handlettering tips I can give you is: don’t skip the basic strokes.

I’ll say it again, however. Learning the basics takes practice. Whatever you do, don’t skip the foundations.

I hate to admit it, but that’s what I did at the beginning. That’s why I’m so passionate about teaching you the right way. Learn from my mistakes! I tried to skip learning the basic strokes and jump into creating letters and phrases. My lettering looked awful. There was no consistency in shape or sizing. The thicks and thins of my letters were shaky and didn’t look…right.

However, when I went back and learned the basic strokes, that’s when lettering made sense. That’s when my letters looked uniform and, well, pretty.

Additional Tips When Practicing Modern Calligraphy

Go Slow

You’re not in a race! Make each stroke carefully. As a handlettering beginner, take this tip seriously. If you want to create muscle memory, teach your muscles how to create the stroke properly.

Learn the Basics

We’ve covered this in other lettering tips above, but it’s worth repeating: Learn the basic strokes!

Stick to the Strokes

Now, this rule won’t last forever. Once you learn the basic strokes and create muscle memory, you’re free to create your own style. But while you are in the process of learning, stick to the strokes!

Angle Your Pen

Use a 45-degree angle on your pen. It will feel weird at first (if this isn’t the way you hold your pen), but it will allow you to create thick and thin strokes. Remember all that talk about muscle memory and practice? Yes, this is part of it.

Losen Your Grip

It’s easy to slip into the habit of holding tightly to your marker, especially if you’re struggling. But your hand will get tired (faster), and it will be very hard to transition from one stroke to another. Shake out your hand and loosely hold your marker.

Another beginner’s tip: Don’t hold your marker too close to the bottom or too close to the top of the marker barrel. Too close to the paper will not allow you enough movement to make the strokes, and too far away will make your strokes… well, squirrely.

Allow for Mistakes

This beginner’s tip goes without saying, but I feel like I need to remind you that every person started as a beginner at some point. You won’t start out as a pro calligrapher. Allow yourself to make mistakes and allow yourself to be a beginner. Follow the process I’ve outlined and spend some time practicing every day. Your practice sessions won’t be perfect, and it might be months before that muscle memory is built up.

PRACTICE.

Sorry if you’re sick of me saying that word. But the biggest tip I can give a beginner to handlettering is to practice. Practice every day if you can. Practice just a little bit each day. You won’t get a sculpted 6-pack on your abs if you do crunches once. But if you do a little each day, in no time you’ll see those muscles develop in beautiful ways.

Start practicing all the time. Practice in spare moments while waiting for your kids at their activity. Or you can practice while dinner is in the oven. Practice any chance you can fit it in, but the point is to choose some simple supplies and start doing it.

Do You Need Special Supplies to Start Handlettering/Modern Calligraphy?

Honestly, you don’t need specific supplies. I’ve seen amazing modern lettering done with just a pencil and paper or a ballpoint pen and paper.

However, the people who make this art know the principles of creating thick and thin lines with their tools. Modern calligraphy is all about thick and thin lines. Using a brush pen or brush marker makes it easier to start handlettering.

  • Read this post on beginner’s handlettering supplies for more on what supplies you need (and what I recommend for beginners)!

Read on if you’re looking for the short and sweet version of handlettering supplies – those supplies that will get you started and on your way to practicing all those lovely letters and strokes.

Beginning Handlettering Supplies – Short and Sweet Recommendation

Even though you could dive right into large-tipped brushes, paint brushes with watercolor, water pens or many other supplies, I recommend getting a small-tipped marker (start with the Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip). Pick up some good paper and the Basic Strokes Small Marker Workbook #1 from my shop.

Here are the Basic Supplies I Suggest to Start Lettering Now!

Handlettering Supplies - Short and Sweet - Start Lettering Now
  • 32 Lb HP Premium Paper
  • Basic Modern Calligraphy Strokes Workbook #1 (Small Marker) Print on Smooth, Heavyweight Paper (like HP 32 LB Paper)
    >> Find this Product in the Chocolate Musings Shop!
  • Lowercase Alphabet (Minuscules) Modern Calligraphy Strokes Workbook #2 (Small Marker) Print on Smooth, Heavyweight Paper (like HP 32 LB Paper)
    >> Find this Product in the Chocolate Musings Shop!
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip Marker Packs

Beginner’s TIP: I find that if you start with a smaller brush tip and learn the technique of forming the various strokes, your knowledge will translate to the larger brush markers more easily.

However, I have a friend who preferred to start with the Tombow Dual Brush Tips and worked down to smaller brushes.

I say give it a try if you have them to see how they work for you.

What size marker do I recommend to start handlettering? Modern Calligraphy Tips and Tricks | ChocolateMusings.com

Marker Guides, Practice Sheets & Practice Workbooks

Use these sheets to practice your lettering. The guides help create consistency in your strokes and uniformity in your letter heights. You can find guides for large and smaller Markers in my shop!

  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    Large Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    $2.50 Original price was: $2.50.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Small Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    Small Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    $2.50 Original price was: $2.50.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Modern Calligraphy Guide Booklet | ChocoalteMusings.com #handletteirng #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Guide - Basic Strokes for SMALL Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #lettering #brushlettering
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Large Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Small Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
Printed guides help your modern calligraphy practice | ChocolateMusings.com
Are you thinking about learning modern calligraphy/handlettering? Here are the tips to get you started as a beginner! | ChocolateMusings.com

Did I Miss Anything?

Are there any other tips you’d like me to cover? Which supplies have you used? Seriously, I’d love to know. Good luck lettering!

Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Blog, featured, Get Creative, Pen & Marker Reviews, Product Reviews, Start Handlettering Here Tagged: beginner, beginning handlettering, calligraphy, handlettering, lettering, lettering supplies, modern calligraphy beginner supplies, supplies

Essential Handlettering Supplies for Beginners

April 16, 2024 3 Comments

Handlettering For Beginners: The Essential Supplies

I teach local classes for beginning modern calligraphy hand-letterers and recommend these handlettering supplies to my beginner students. Some tools make it easier to start modern calligraphy lettering, but I want you to remember that no matter which pen or paper you use, it’s going to take a lot of practice to progress in your handlettering journey.

Remember that practice is the most important tool of all.

Post Updated & Revised: 4/16/24

Beginner Handlettering Supplies - what you need to know to start lettering | ChocolateMusings.com

Table of contents

  • Handlettering For Beginners: The Essential Supplies
  • First and Foremost – What am I Talking About? What Style of Handlettering Are These Supplies Good For?
  • My Essential Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Supplies for Beginners
    • Best Beginner Level Markers:
    • Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip – The Marker I Recommend for Beginners!
    • Tombow Fudenosuke Soft Tip
    • The Difference Between Hard Tip & Soft Tip Tombow Fudenosuke Pens
  • Other Supplies:
  • Optional Handlettering Supplies for Beginners:
  • Additional More Advanced Markers:
  • What I Prefer (to this day)
  • Ready to Start Handlettering?

First and Foremost – What am I Talking About? What Style of Handlettering Are These Supplies Good For?

FYI – the lettering style I’m referring to is what I call “Modern Handlettering” or “Modern Calligraphy”. These styles are typically done with a brush pen that allows you to create both thick and thin lines with a flexible tip.

Handlettering is such a fun bandwagon to jump on – the thick and the thin lines, the flourishes beckon, and the thought of making beautifully crafted words makes your heart race and palms sweaty. Maybe not in a good way. Does the idea of picking up a brush pen scare you? Not sure which supplies are essential and which are ‘nice to have’ when starting your handlettering journey?

I get it – I’ve been there. I remember being completely overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of essential handlettering supplies for beginners. So you know what you *really* need to get started with your handlettering journey and what is just eye candy.

My Essential Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Supplies for Beginners

Best Beginner Level Markers:

Whether you follow my recommendations or not, I highly encourage you to choose one marker type to get started. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you have too many choices. Practice for a while with that marker, then expand your collection.

  • Tombow Fudenosuke
    • Hard tip (I prefer this pen for beginners more than other pens – see below for why!)
    • Soft tip
  • Pentel Sign Touch
  • Sharpie

Shop for the Supplies:

Essential Handlettering Supplies: Small Tipped Markers
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen – Hard/Soft Tip Set
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip Colors 10-Pack
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip Marker Packs
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tipped Neon Set
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Hard-Tipped Marker – 5 Pack
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Soft Tip Marker Packs
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Store on Amazon
Which marker should I choose to learn handlettering? Essential Modern Calligraphy Supplies | ChocolateMusings.com

Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip – The Marker I Recommend for Beginners!

My favorite marker is the hard-tipped Tombow Fudenosuke marker. Even after nearly a decade of lettering, I consistently reach for this marker.

In fact, I recommend starting with the Hard-Tip Tombow Fudenosuke marker when I teach my calligraphy classes.

Why Do I Recommend this Marker Versus Other Markers?

  • It’s a small-tipped marker with enough flexibility to get a thick and thin line, but it’s a little more rigid than the soft-tipped Tombow Fudenosuke Marker. Giving you greater control.
  • With that control, you’ll more easily create consistency in your thick and thin strokes, giving you the confidence to keep going in your lettering journey.
  • If you use high-quality paper or marker paper, these pens will last you a long time!
  • As a bonus, the Fudenosoke hard-tip markers are also available in several color variety packs, so you can change up your marker color.
  • This marker is relatively inexpensive to replace as needed. If you’re going to practice a lot of lettering, consider getting a multi-pack so you can keep one with you, have some at home, or replace them as needed.

Tombow Fudenosuke Soft Tip

This marker has a bit more flex than its hard-tipped counterpart. Which isn’t bad; it just means that you give up a bit of control. Even though I started with the hard-tipped version, other calligraphers swear by the soft-tip version. If you order the dual-pack of Tombow Fudenosuke markers, it comes with both a soft & hard tip marker, so you can choose which you like best.

Tip: Tombow doesn’t make a variety of colors in the soft-tip style. The color variety is only available in the hard-tip version.

How to tell Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip & Soft Tip Markers apart | ChocolateMusings.com

The Difference Between Hard Tip & Soft Tip Tombow Fudenosuke Pens

I visited Tombow USA Headquarters here in Georgia a few years ago at a fun little event. While there, I learned how to tell the difference between the two types of Fudenosuke pens by Tombow. Here are two ways I know to tell the difference.

Here are the Ways to Tell Them Apart:

The first way is the color of the pen casing—the hard-tip pen casing is dark blue, and the soft-tip pen casing is black.

The second way to tell the difference is to look for the letters and numbers by the barcode.

  • WS-BH 150 is the hard-tipped one (H=Hard).
  • WS-BS 150 is the soft-tipped pen (S=Soft).

**UPDATE: Tombow has since added a tiny square with the text “Hard Tip” or “Soft Tip” on their markers. But it’s still very hard to see!

Pro Tip: If you still have trouble figuring out which is which (and you like to use one or the other), put a piece of fancy washi tape around one so you can tell the difference!

Which is which? Tombow Fudenosuke pens. How to identify each one | ChocoalteMusings.com
Lose your favorite marker? Use this trick with washi tape to easily find your favorite marker | ChocolateMusings.com

Other Supplies:

  • Pencil (one that you can use to write softly and erase easily)
  • Eraser (I prefer white pearl & polymer eraser)
  • **Smooth paper (32 lb paper is what I recommend – it’s the most cost-effective), Rhodia & Marker Paper are good options too!
  • Any pen
  • Any Marker with a Bullet Tip (rounded tip, not flat or chisel tip)

**The only supplies you really need to start is the paper. Everything else is not necessary.

What supplies do you need to start handlettering? Do you need all this stuff? Find out what you actually need to start practicing modern calligraphy | ChocolateMusings

The pen & marker are so you can create Faux Modern Calligraphy – I’ll explain this technique later in more detail.

The pencil & eraser are simply good supplies to have on hand so you can write out phrases and organize your lettering. You can also handletter using a pencil – which I’m excited to show you in the future.

TIP: Using printer paper or any old paper can cause your precious brush pens to fray or dry out more quickly. Believe me, it’s frustrating to use a frayed marker tip and try to get those coveted thin upstrokes or pick up what you thought was a brand new brush pen only for it to create streaks instead of lovely lines.

Shop for the Supplies:

Essential Handlettering Supplies: Other Supplies
  • 32 Lb HP Premium Paper
  • Art Graf – Pack of 2 Pencils with Soft Lead
  • Copic Markers – Multiline Inking Pen Set – Waterproof – 9 Tip Sizes
  • Paper mate White Pearl Eraser (Latex Free)
  • Papermate InkJoy Pens (all versions)
  • Pentel Gold Gel Pen
  • Pentel Hi-Polymer Erasers
  • Pentel Sharp Mechanical Pencil .7mm Metallic
  • Pentel Touch Pen
  • Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner Pens – Waterproof – 10 Sizes
  • Winsor & Newton Fineliner Pens – Pack of 5 – Waterproof (Assorted Sizes)
  • Zebra Zensations Technical Drawing Fineliner – Waterproof – 6 Pens

Optional Handlettering Supplies for Beginners:

The supplies listed below are not required. I like to use each one of them (and I was surprised at how useful the lightbox was), but they are not required to start lettering.

  • Ruler
  • Laser Level
  • Small Marker Practice Guides (find them in my shop!)
  • Modern Calligraphy Workbooks (in my shop!)
    • Small Marker: Basic Strokes <– Start Here
    • Small Marker: Minuscules (lowercase letters)
    • Large Marker: Basic Strokes <– Start Here
    • Large Marker: Minuscules (lowercase letters)
  • Lightbox (if you don’t want to write on the practice guides)

Shop for the Supplies:

Essential Handlettering Supplies: Optional Supplies
  • 12″ Helix Circle Ruler One of my favorite circle maker tools!
    >> Link to Product Amazon
    >> Link to Product Blick.com
  • 12″ Metal Ruler with Cork Base
  • 12″ Rolling Ruler
  • 6″ Metal Ruler with Cork Base
  • 6″ Rolling Ruler
  • Laser Level – Basic
  • Light Box – A4 Multiple Light Levels
ChocolateMusings.com Shop - Find it in the shop!
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Small Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Large Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Modern Calligraphy Guide Booklet | ChocoalteMusings.com #handletteirng #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Guide - Basic Strokes for SMALL Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #lettering #brushlettering
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
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  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    Large Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    $2.50 Original price was: $2.50.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
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  • Sale Product on sale
    Small Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    Small Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    $2.50 Original price was: $2.50.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
    Add to cart
  • Alphabet Inspiration Booklet (Traveler's Notebook)
    Alphabet Inspiration Booklet (Traveler’s Notebook)
    $8.00
    Add to cart

Additional More Advanced Markers:

Tombow Dual Brush Pens are large markers—If you start with these beauties, you’re likely to get even more frustrated because they’re not as easy to control. Karin markers are similar to Tombow dual brush pens, so they’re probably not for beginners.

You can letter using paint brushes & water pens, but I would wait until you have the technique down for forming each part of each letter before starting with a paintbrush or water pen.

Shop for the Supplies:

Essential Handlettering Supplies: Large Markers/Advanced Supplies
  • Karin Brushmarker Pro Box
  • Karin BrushPro Markers Mini Box 26 Colors
  • Karin Decobrush Metallic
  • Tombow Dual Brush Markers 10 Pack Brights
  • Tombow Dual Brush Markers 10 Pack Tropical Pack
  • Tombow Dual Brush Pens (ALL OF THEM!)
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Store on Amazon

What I Prefer (to this day)

Hands down, I reach for a Tombow Fudenosuke Marker. Hard-tipped version, of course.

I love my Tombow hard-tipped fudenosuke pens.

They also last a long time. After a couple of years of heavy usage, my pens are finally dying. In general, I don’t like the ‘old marker look.’ However, sometimes, that style is fun. So I keep a few old markers around, and I label them so I know which ones are old and which are new.

If you were to peek in my marker drawer, you’d find more hard-tip Tombow Fudenosuke markers than anything else. And I always have one or two in my bag.

Which markers should you start with when beginning modern calligraphy | ChocolateMusings.com

Remember, as I said in the beginning, that practice is the most important tool. So, whichever marker you choose to start your handlettering journey, you must put in the practice to accompany it.

Ready to Start Handlettering?

Get your practice guides & practice workbooks in the shop below!

ChocolateMusings.com Shop - Find it in the shop!

  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Small Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Learn to Handletter with Large Markers - Lowercase letter practice book | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #moderncalligraphy #lowercase
    Workbook #2 Lowercase Alphabet (Miniscule) Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Modern Calligraphy Guide Booklet | ChocoalteMusings.com #handletteirng #brushlettering #moderncalligraphy
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Large Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Modern Calligraphy Handlettering Guide - Basic Strokes for SMALL Markers | ChocolateMusings.com #handlettering #lettering #brushlettering
    Workbook #1 Basic Strokes Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Small Markers
    $15.00 Original price was: $15.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Large Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    Large Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    $2.50 Original price was: $2.50.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
    Add to cart
  • Sale Product on sale
    Small Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    Small Marker Calligraphy Guide With & Without Slants
    $2.50 Original price was: $2.50.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
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3 Comments
Filed Under: Blog, Fun with Handlettering, Get Creative, Get Inspired, My Muses (My Favorites & Inspiration), Pen & Marker Reviews, Product & Book Reviews, Product Reviews, Start Handlettering Here, Tutorials & How To Tagged: beginner lettering, handlettering, lettering, supplies, tips & tricks

My Muses #2: Favorite Lettering Supplies

April 5, 2018 3 Comments

Favorite Lettering Supplies – For Beginners & Beyond

The journey of lettering has evolved for me, and I have new ambitions related to my handlettering adventure.  I thought this week I would share with you my very favorite lettering supplies. This list continuously evolves. I occasionally deduct or add another favorite in the mix based on mood. In general, I have several standard supplies that I love, but that’s not saying that I won’t change it in the future.

Lettering became a HUGE part of my life (and finding my way back into the realm of creativity) last April. My husband and I saw this fantastic canvas on display at a relative’s house for Christmas. My mother-in-law saw the same painting and commented how she would love something like that. Since then I was obsessed with learning how to letter so I could put my spin on what I saw and create a canvas for my husband’s mother.

My Muses - Inspiration comes in all shapes and packaging material - a collection of favorite things - beginning lettering supplies

Favorite Handlettering Pens/Markers

If you are starting out and have never picked up a brush pen, I can guarantee you will be frustrated. There were times when I was first beginning that I swept off my entire desktop and declared that I was not cut out to letter. I left everything on the floor for three days one time, staring disgustedly at the mess every time I saw it. Part of the problem is I tried to start with the large brushes and thought I could just take off and do it. In hindsight, I wish I would have known what to start with – so here are my suggestions for different levels of lettering artists. FYI: Contains affiliate links.

Beginner – For a True Greenie (and my favorite STILL)

Start with Tombow Fudenosuke HARD Tipped markers. If you order on Amazon you’ll probably get a set of both soft and hard tip markers.

How to tell them apart:

Hard tip – dark blue marker body (the cap is black). The marker says WS-BH 150 – the H is Hard.

Soft tip – all black marker (the body of the marker matches the cap). The marker says WS-BS 150 – the S is SOFT.

I learned that little tidbit from Marie Browning (@MarieBCreates) when I visited Tombow Headquarters one day for a meet and greet. Tombow USA is headquartered near Atlanta – I literally drive by it on my way to work. They had a fun opportunity to visit the headquarters and craft last October and I won a spot to go.

Tombow Fudenosuke - how to tell them apart two clues - my favorite lettering supplies: Pens & Paper

Once Your Feet Are Wet in Lettering

Let’s be real – there’s no ‘dipping your little toe’ in lettering – you’re up to your neck by now. Once you’ve gotten a feel for lettering and are anxious to try new markers, maybe get a bit of color in your life. Pentel Sign Brush Pens are an excellent way to go.

No idea why I waited so long to get these pens. I’d describe them as a cross between the Tombow Fudenosuke hard and soft-tipped markers. They are pretty dreamy and having a variety of colors is just more fun.

Small Brush Pens

  • Tombow Fudenosuke Black – Soft/Hard Tip
  • Tombow Fudenosuke Multi-Color Hard Tip Pack
  • Pentel Sign Brush Pen
  • Zebra Small Brush Pen
  • Sharpie Brush Pens

When You’re in so Deep and There’s No Coming Back

Tombow Dual Brush Markers are not for the lettering faint of heart. They will take some practice. But they blend and write so nice once you have the technique down. If you’re not sure what to start with – get the Bright pack & the Primary pack to start with. Lots of great blending options with these packs.

If you are really ambitious…there’s always the full 96 pack. I have the 96 pack, but I’m not allowed to open it yet. If you become a regular reader of the blog, you’ll find out why soon.

Large Brush Tip Markers

  • Tombow Dual Brush Pens – Full Set | Bright Set | Secondary Set | Pastel Set | Grayscale Set (there are more sets available as well)
  • Karin Mega Box Markers | Karin Mini Box | Karin Metallic Brush Pens
  • Artline Stix
  • Ecoline Brush Pens

Watercolor Lettering

Water pens are amazing. They have a water-well inside the pen and you squeeze it for more or less water. I use them with watercolor paints AND with markers. Scribble some markers (Tombow or Crayola Supertips or any other kind you have) onto Ziploc bag or another smooth surface, and use the pigment with your water pens or paint brushes. (I’ve claimed a regular, smooth, kitchen plate!)

If you want to start with watercolor paints, I picked up the artist’s loft pan sets at Michael’s one day. The pearlescent watercolor set is gorgeous with that extra shimmer.

Favorite Paper – Brush Lettering

When using brush pens, keep in mind that these babies fray if used on anything but smooth paper. Frayed brush marker tips make for frustrated artists (by the way, did you know that the moment you touch a brush pen or other art supply – you become an artist?!). A splayed tip on a marker makes it nearly impossible to achieve that coveted ultra-thin up-stroke.

Taking good care of your brushes also means using some excellent paper with a smooth finish. The best paper is marker paper. SO smooth and silky. But my favorite paper in bulk is HP 32lb paper. The first ream is 250 sheets, which lasts me about a month and a half depending on my ambitions for the month or how many practice sheets I use. The second is 500 sheets – double the fun. What did I get? I ordered a half case. 1500 Sheets of paper shipped right to my door. It was on sale and will last me about 2 years at the rate I am going.

Paper

  • 32 Lb Printer Paper (I like the HP brand)
  • Tracing paper
  • Rhodia Paper A5 Dot Pad | Rhodia Blank Notebook | Rhodia Size Varieties
  • Marker Paper Varieties | 6×8 Pad Size
  • Bristol Smooth Paper (the best Tombow Marker blending paper I’ve tried so far!)

Favorite Paper – Watercolor Lettering

Watercolor lettering is like regular watercolor painting. So naturally, the best option is watercolor paper. Anything less than 140 lb paper will buckle.

I would NOT recommend using your brush pens on this paper – not unless you have a weird desire to buy the same marker over and over again because the tip is completely destroyed. 

I like the Canson watercolor paper on a regular basis. My watercolor lettering techniques don’t fully saturate the pages unlike painting a full-watercolor scene. In which case, there is nothing like using cotton paper. Many people who start their watercolor journey scoff at the idea of spending so much on paper. But trust me, when you get to the point and try it, you’ll understand.

I like different sizes of paper – big, small, some as big as your head (please tell me you know the reference and you sang along!)

Some of my favorite watercolor paper.

Hot Press vs. Cold Press

There is some discussion if Hot Press or Cold Press paper is better. To be honest, it is a personal preference. Hot-press paper is more smooth. Cold-press paper has more ‘tooth’ to it (there is more texture) and is rougher. My recommendation is to try them both in small samples and see what you like.

There are lots of supplies out there and many of them require time to develop the skills needed to get used to them. I hope I provided some inspiration for you and your lettering journey. Let me know what you think!

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Question:

What are your favorite lettering supplies?

plan your life so you live beautifully

3 Comments
Filed Under: Blog, Fun with Handlettering, Get Creative, Get Inspired, My Muses (My Favorites & Inspiration), Pen & Marker Reviews, Product Reviews Tagged: beginner lettering, beginning lettering supplies, favorite art supplies, favorite things, favorites, lettering beginner, lettering supplies, my favorite things, my muses, sources of inspiration and creativity

About Me


Hi! I'm Tricia, the creative behind ChocolateMusings.com, I know how it feels to lose your inner muse. After years of darkness (which I call the dark ages of my life), I found my inner muse hiding in the forgotten corners of my soul, I vowed never to lose sight of her again.

Bullet journaling helped reignite the passion for art and living life again while organizing my days. I also discovered modern calligraphy and watercolor. Since then, my use of the bullet journal system has evlolved and I call it 'creative planning'. Here on the blog, I show you how to use your planner to ignite your inner muse and explore creativity and art while staying beautifully organized and living a joyful life.

I invite you to grab some good chocolate and dive into my musings. Let’s ignite your inner muse.

Read more on the about me page. You can also find my policies and disclosures here.

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