Pointed Pen
Tips & Tricks
WITH KESTREL MONTES
Get that dang nib and ink working for you!!
Most calligraphy workshops just show you how to make pretty letters. That's awesome! I like those classes... but what if you need to know all the other stuff that goes into dip pen calligraphy? How do you figure out why the ink won't flow or the nib won't stop catching or how far to rotate the paper or how to use powdered inks? Pointed Pen Tips & Tricks is the solution!!
Created to demystify the behind-the-scenes tricks to successfully using a dip pen!
All lessons designed and taught by a professional calligrapher with a master's degree in education.
Tons of valuable information never included in typical calligraphy workshops!
"
So thankful this course puts me on the right track with pointed pen! It’s such a time saver to skip the guesswork and go straight into creating calligraphy with confidence.
~Sharisse DeLeon @piecescalligraphy (brush pen calligraphy instructor)
Exactly What's Included
A BUNCH OF BITE SIZED MINI-LESSONS THAT ADD UP TO A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE
INTRODUCTION
Lesson 1 (0:48): From Educator to Calligrapher: My Brief History
Lesson 2 (0:53): Yay! It's Pointed Pen Time
Lesson 3 (30 page pdf): Handouts & Guidesheets
ALL ABOUT NIBS
Lesson 4 (5:02): Nib Anatomy: How Nibs are Similar & Different
Lesson 5 (4:23): Prepping Nibs: Best (& Worst) Ways to Clean Nibs
Lesson 6 (2:40): Nib Longevity & Determining When to Toss Them
Lesson 7 (1:20): Nib Storage & Climate Damage Prevention
Lesson 8 (1:34): Vintage vs Modern Nibs
ALL ABOUT HOLDERS
Lesson 9 (7:59): Assessing Your Holder Construction & Flange Alignment
Lesson 10 (6:23): Nib Insertion Alignment & Flange Adjustment to Fit Different Nibs
Lesson 11 (4:44): Holder Grip: Rotation & Angle to Paper
Lesson 12 (3:03): Left Handed Position & Holder Choice
CALLIGRAPHY PAPERS
Lesson 13 (6:11): Best Papers for Practice & Finished Pieces
Lesson 14 (2:23): Ink Bleed: Methods for Success When You Are Stuck With Crappy Paper
WORK SPACE
Lesson 15 (5:04): How and Why to Use a Blotter & Guard Sheet
Lesson 16 (3:48): Paper Position: Rotation & Staying in Your Writing Zone
Lesson 17 (6:23): My Top Recommended Optional Tools
CALLIGRAPHY STRUCTURE
Lesson 18 (9:37): Understanding the Structure of Guide Sheet Ratios
Lesson 19 (1:17): Terminology of Letter Anatomy
Lesson 20 (1:32): How & Why to Use an Exemplar
ALL ABOUT INKS
Lesson 21 (3:12): Best Practice Inks
Lesson 22 (3:30): Dipping the Nib Into Ink
Lesson 23 (1:52): Periodically Rinsing Your Nib
Lesson 24 (3:27): Mixing Gouache for Calligraphy
Lesson 25 (5:23): Mixing White Ink & My Secret Ingredient
Lesson 26 (5:02): Mixing Powdered Pigments & Using Gum Arabic
Lesson 27 (3:59): Alternatives to Dipping: Other Nib Loading Methods
TINE FAMILIARITY & PRESSURE EXERCISES
Lesson 28 (3:40): Stroke Variation Hairlines & Shades
Lesson 29 (4:29): Two Techniques for Squaring Off Tops & Bottoms
Lesson 30 (4:08): Pressure Control Practice: Wedge Exercises
Lesson 31 (3:09): Pressure Control Practice: Seed Stitch Exercises
THE BASIC STROKES
Lesson 32 (3:02): The Oval: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 33 (1:24): The Entrance/Exit Stroke: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 34 (2:26): The Underturn: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 35 (2:25): The Overturn: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 36 (3:32): The Compound Curves: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 37 (3:31): The Full Pressure Stroke: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 38 (2:25): The Ascending Loop: A Detailed Examination
Lesson 39 (2:08): The Descending Loop: A Detailed Examination
CONTINUING ON
Lesson 40 (2:31): Practicing Effectively & With Purpose
Lesson 41: Preparing for Future Classes (warning... homework involved)
Helps the beginner get started or the intermediate calligrapher fill the gaps of knowledge!
Designed to launch you into a successful journey of practicing pointed pen calligraphy with confidence!
Everyone would benefit if this were the "prerequisite course" for all other calligraphy workshops.
"
This course is absolutely packed with key information to make your calligraphy journey a successful one. Whether you are picking up a pointed pen for the first time or have been at it a while, there are valuable tips and tricks for everyone!
~Traci Thompson @tmtcalligraphy (lefty calligrapher)
FAQ
How long do I have to watch the lessons?
Will a particular calligraphy syle be taught?
Who is the ideal student for this course?
Can a lefty take this course?
What supplies do I need?
Are handouts included?
About Kestrel:
Owner of INKMETHIS, Kestrel Montes is a San Francisco Bay Area calligrapher and engraver. After 14 years in public education, Kestrel left the school world for a life of creating and teaching beautiful writing! Starting her journey self-taught, Kestrel understands the frustration that results from not knowing the behind-the-scenes tricks to successfully writing with nib and ink. Kestrel is generous with sharing the tips and techniques she has learned over the years - lifesaver tidbits that will eliminate the cursing!
@inkmethis
Everything you need to know
to avoid the frustration and focus on successful pointed pen practice!
