The Difference Between Brush and Nib Pointed Calligraphy

Calligraphy is such a beautiful, timeless art form, but if you’re new to it, the terms “traditional” and “modern” calligraphy might leave you scratching your head. Fear not—let’s break down the basics, then dive into the exciting world of brush and nib (pointed pen) calligraphy.

Traditional vs Modern Calligraphy

Traditional calligraphy brings to mind ancient scripts like Italics or Foundational. Think old manuscripts, Bibles, or even the print you see in historical newspapers. Traditional calligraphy is written using a broad-edged nib, which is flat at the tip, a bit like a chisel. Depending on how you angle your pen, you’ll create thick or thin strokes, and the nib size will usually determine the size of your lettering. These pens come in various forms, such as cartridge, felt, or the classic dip pen, offering precise, measured results.

Modern calligraphy, on the other hand, offers more freedom. The aim is still to create beautiful thick and thin strokes, but it’s all about using pressure to achieve that variation, giving you the liberty to develop your own style. No set sizes, no rules—just pure creative fun.

Brush Lettering

The beauty of modern calligraphy is that it can be done with a brush or a nib. Let’s start with brush lettering. This technique is often done with a paintbrush or brush pens, which are available in felt or fibre varieties. Fibre brush pens replicate a paint brush, as they have bristles, felt brush pens are more like a flexible marker pen. Both are fantastic for beginners because they’re convenient and less messy than traditional ink. You can even practise while sitting comfortably on your sofa, without worrying about spills or needing a flat surface.

Brush pens usually come in sets with a range of colours, perfect for adding a bit of vibrancy to your work. If you’re looking to step things up, you can try a paintbrush with any ink or paint you like, even mixing your own colours to create unique shades. Brush lettering tends to have a looser, more flowing feel, and the letters are usually on the larger side. While you can certainly use this technique for smaller projects like place cards, it’s particularly suited to larger, more free-form pieces.

Top tip: when using paint, gradually add water to make it flow smoothly, but not so much that it waters down the colour.

Nib (Pointed Pen) Calligraphy

Now, let’s look at nib or pointed pen calligraphy, also known as dip pen calligraphy. This style uses a pointed nib, which flexes under pressure. As you press down, the nib’s tines (the two little parts of the nib’s tip) spread apart, allowing the ink to flow and create thick lines. When the pressure is released, the tines come back together, giving you those elegant thin strokes.

There are countless nibs to try, but some of my favourites are the Nikko G, Leonardt D30, and the Blue Pumpkin (Leonardt 40). These nibs don’t hold a lot of ink, so you’ll need to dip often, but you can always try Tom’s Studio’s “One Dip Wonder” to keep your pen loaded for longer. It’s a brilliant tool that saves time and keeps the ink flowing smoothly.

The beauty of nib calligraphy is the flexibility to use any ink or paint you like—and if you’re feeling creative, mix your own colours! 

Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of brush lettering or the precision of nib calligraphy, both offer their own unique beauty and charm. Why not give both a try? And if you want some hands-on guidance, I’d love to help you get started!
Explore upcoming workshops where I can teach you the art of modern calligraphy at Inviting Writing Events, in association with The Modern Calligraphy Company.