4 Calligraphy Mistakes I Made as a Beginner (And How You Can Avoid Them!)
Are you dreaming of creating beautiful, flowing calligraphy letters but unsure where to start, or perhaps you've already begun and something just isn't clicking? I've been there. When I first started learning calligraphy, I made four pretty big mistakes that held me back, and today I'm sharing them so you don't have to go through the same thing!
I've been doing calligraphy for over eight years and teaching for over six, and in that time I've taught over 3,000 people both online and in person. But trust me, I was not always good at calligraphy. I was sat exactly where you are now, trying to figure out how on earth to get started.
Milly, calligraphy tutor and founder of Blink Lettering
If you’d prefer to follow along visually, you can watch the video here:
👉 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlNWVqohlm8
Mistake #1: Buying the Wrong Pens
The very first thing I did when I started learning calligraphy was go out and buy quite a few pens and honestly, I bought the wrong ones. I had a calligraphy kit with a cool-looking nib, but it turned out to be a flat-tipped nib, which meant I couldn't create the style of calligraphy I'd seen online. I also picked up a couple of brush pens and quickly realised that the big brush pens I'd chosen were just too hard to control.
Close-up of pens being discussed (flat nib vs brush pens)
There's a bit of an opposite problem these days. Back when I started, it was hard to even find calligraphy tools in the UK and a lot of the people I followed online were based in America, so being told to "go to Hobby Lobby" wasn't exactly helpful! Now the issue is almost the other way: there are SO many pens out there that it's completely overwhelming and you just don't know where to start.
How to avoid this mistake: Keep it simple. If you have limited access to calligraphy tools, you can genuinely just start with a pencil (I have a whole YouTube video on this!). If you're ready to invest in a couple of calligraphy pens, I'd recommend sticking to the Pentel Brush Sign Pen. They have a small nib which is much easier to control, they come pre-filled with ink so there's no messy dipping, and they're durable enough to use on different types of paper without fraying.
Pentel Brush Sign Pen being held/used
Mistake #2: Jumping Straight Into Writing Words
When I first started, I found a bunch of calligraphers on Instagram and YouTube and I was completely hooked watching them create beautiful words. So naturally, I just... did the same. I sat down with my pen and tried to write beautiful words straight away. In reality? They were far from beautiful.
After a few months of feeling frustrated that my letters weren't looking anything like the talented calligraphers I was following, I started to actually research how to learn, rather than just watching pretty videos obsessively. That's when I discovered calligraphy drills and honestly, it was a game changer. Once I understood what they were and started practising them consistently, my letters became so much more consistent, and my confidence grew so much faster.
Milly demonstrating calligraphy drills on paper
How to avoid this mistake: If you've already started trying to write letters and words - stop, put your pen down, and take a step back to learn all about calligraphy drills first. I have a whole video explaining what they are.
Mistake #3: Comparing Myself to Others
This one is a biggie. I discovered calligraphy through Instagram and YouTube, and I was obsessively watching these incredible calligraphers and feeling so frustrated with myself that I wasn't as good as them.
But here's the thing, everyone's journey is different. Not just in how long they've been doing calligraphy, but in how much time they have to actually practise. Some of the people I was comparing myself to were students with hours to practise every day. Others had been doing it for years and years - you just forget that in the moment. And if I'm honest, all the time I spent scrolling on Instagram was time I could have been practising and actually improving!
How to avoid this mistake: Limit how much time you spend scrolling without actually doing anything. Instead of just double-tapping a video you love, try to really analyse it - what is it about those letter forms that you like? If you've been practising your drills and you're feeling confident, why not try creating something similar yourself? (And if you do share work inspired by another calligrapher online, always tag them as your inspiration - it's just good practice!)
I'd also really encourage you to surround yourself with other people who are learning calligraphy too. Whether that's an in-person workshop, an online community, or just inviting a friend round to sit and do it together. There's nothing better than being cheered on by fellow calligrapher friends. Calligraphy might be a solo hobby, but it doesn't have to feel lonely!
Mistake #4: Not Learning From a Calligraphy Tutor Sooner
I've always proudly said I'm a self-taught calligrapher, and to a certain extent that's true. I never went to a workshop or took a course when I first started out. After a few years I did start going to workshops and taking some courses, and I really started to see the value in it. I just really wish I'd done it sooner.
The thing I've found most valuable since becoming a calligraphy tutor myself is the power of direct feedback. The internet is incredible and there are so many free resources out there - YouTube videos, Instagram, free downloadable worksheets but the reality is, if you're making mistakes and you don't even realise it, you can start picking up bad habits. It's a bit like going to the gym and learning to lift weights from watching videos, but never having anyone check your form.
Milly demonstrating giving feedback or writing
How to avoid this mistake: I completely understand that learning from a calligraphy tutor isn't always possible whether that's due to cost, time, or location. If you're able to invest a little money, an in-person workshop can be so, so valuable. I teach workshops across Dorset, Hampshire and Berkshire but wherever you are in the world, there are calligraphy tutors available, both online and in person!
And please don't feel embarrassed about receiving feedback every single one of us started in the same place: not having a clue! As a calligraphy teacher, the thing that brings me the most joy is seeing that moment when something just clicks for someone, and I can see their eyes light up. That's why I'm here. 😊
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this tutorial, I’d love to see what you create!
You can find me here:
Website: https://www.blinklettering.co.uk
Instagram: https://instagram.com/blinklettering
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