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In this tutorial, you will be learning the fundamentals of the Copperplate script from an
insanely talented calligrapher, and a truly hard working and dedicated artist.
Tri Le (a.k.a @tri.shiba) is an exceptional artist that excels on so many different levels,
and it’s a real honor to have him sharing some of his knowledge and experience.
Big thanks to Tri Le for taking the time out of his busy schedule and for contributing to our
growing community.
Let’s have a quick overview of what you will be learning in this article/tutorial –
Tools and materials needed
Preparations – how to hold your pen & how to sit
Sizing and angles of the Copperplate script
Writing rules and basic strokes
FREE downloadable practice sheets
A few extra tips + additional resources
Final words
Quick note – Of course, it’s impossible to fit everything about the Copperplate script in
a single article, so keep in mind that this is just a beginners guide covering the very basics.
Nib recommendation –
Hunt 22B
Vintage Hunt 22
Leonardt Principal
Speedball #101
Gillott’s #303
Keep in mind – new nibs are usually coated with a protective (transparent) layer, and
you must prepare (clean) the nibs before you can use them – otherwise, the ink will just slip
right off making it impossible to write with.
There are different ways of preparing your nibs, and the process is quite straight forward.
One way is to simply take some rubbing alcohol and rub it all over the nib, then you can just
wash it off and dry it with a paper towel.
Ink recommendation –
Higgins Eternal,
Walnut Ink,
McCaffery’s Penman Ink
Paper recommendation –
Practice paper can be ordinary art paper which is low absorbent (means it will not cause the
ink to bleed) or paper of these following brands –
Strathmore (Patchment)
Strathmore (Watercolor – Smooth surface)
Saunders Waterford (Watercolor – Smooth surface)
A cheaper alternative (for practice) – HP premium 32
STEP 1
Place the index finger on the tip of the pen holder so that the forefinger is placed facing
down in the same direction of the nib.
STEP 2
Keep the pen holder at the third joint of the index finger (metacarpophalangeal joint)
STEP 3
Place the thumb on the left side of the pen holder so that the thumb is detached from
the index finger.
The tip of the thumb is at the position of the first joint of the index finger.
STEP 4
Place the middle finger on the right side of the pen holder.
The first joint of the middle finger comes in contact with the pen holder.
The ring finger and the pinky curls inwards, place next to the middle finger.
They are the two fingers to lean against the paper surface when writing.
Partial description –
X-height includes one-space letters such as: a, o, c, e, i, u, v,…
Part 1 + x includes upper letters such as h, k, l,… and capital letters
Part x + 3 includes Lower letters such as g, y, j,… and some Capital
letters
strokes.
It is essential to learn these basic strokes as they will provide you with the
foundation for further development of your skills.
FREE downloadable practice sheets
Here you can get the free downloadable practice sheets for the 7 basic
calligraphy strokes.
All you need to do is download them, print them, and start practicing.
Remember to use non-absorbent paper!
2. Use guidelines
As previously mentioned, the Copperplate script
follows specific rules when it comes to sizing and angles.
3. Practice consistently
By practicing consistently, you will start building
something called muscle memory which is essentially a
form of procedural memory that involves consolidating a
specific motor task into memory through repetition
(source – Wikipedia)
In other words – the more you do it, the more you will
improve.