Creating a business for yourself has enough of a learning curve when tackling the nitty-gritty business side: taxes, pricing, invoices, growth, permits…And then there’s actually taking the time to hone your skills and improve the actual work you produce! The last thing you need is hindrance by a bad tool, or missing something that is easy to get and that allows you to work faster, better, and more efficiently. Here are the top five things I’d rather not live without, as long as I can afford them!
A quality pen holder | I tend to use thicker holders, as they work better when writing for long periods of time, allowing my grip to be comfortable and relaxed, rather than tight and pointed. I also prefer oblique holders rather than straight pens. (Oblique pen holders have the little metal flange for the nib that sticks out of the side of it; straight pens don’t have a flange—you insert the nib at the opening in the base of the holder.) Oblique holders are considered more advanced, which can be true to some. I started with a straight pen and gradually moved to the oblique. In hindsight, I still think the oblique is easier! I like the beautiful pen holders by Ink Me This. (She offers so many pretty colors and looks!)
The Nikko G Nib | This nib is probably the most universally used nib for today’s pointed pen calligraphy. It’s great for beginners, too! It’s flexible but still firm, and resilient to a lot of practice before you need a new one. I get mine here. If you head to videos on my Instagram, you’ll see I use this nib a LOT.
An ink stirrer | This seems like a luxury, but if you do any work in larger quantities, I think it’s a ‘must’ and well worth the investment. All you need it to plug it in and drop in the magnet, and you have smooth, constant, mixed ink. (You don’t need to mix all inks, but most of the colors I make do require constant mixing, especially metallics.) I have this one, and it’s amazing.
Something that makes straight lines on paper | This one seems vague. It is! I leave it open because everyone has something that works best for them, and it’s trial and error to see which is the perfect fit. I used something called the Slider Writer, but unfortunately, they don’t make them anymore! Lasers work well, light pads, phantom liners, and templates!
A good white ink | See my post about my favorite white ink, Dr. PH Martin’s Bleedproof White. Not only do I get asked to use white ink a lot, but without this one, I’d be constantly mixing to make something strong enough and opaque enough that it makes an impression.
