Blackletter Basics Workshop Supplies List
Every item on this page is a part of my creative toolbox. Nearly every one of these is a product I’ve purchased or have experience with and would recommend, so I hope you find them helpful too. This page contains some affiliate links, which means if you decide to purchase somthing using the links below, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (so a huge thank you if you use one of these links!).
Minimum Workshop Supplies
This section includes the minimum supplies that you will need for this seminar.
Pen
You can use any broad nib pen for this workshop, however, the following is the specific pen that will be used and that the provided guide sheets are sized for.
Ink
Each Pilot Parallel pen comes with two ink cartridges, one black and one red, therefore you will not need any additional ink.
Paper
The paper mentioned below is only a recommendation. You can, of course, use any paper that you prefer. Using a higher quality paper than standard printer paper is preferable because it will minimize or prevent ink bleed, making your work look better and your practice sessions more enjoyable.
Sample Guide Sheet
To help get started during the workshop I have provided the following sample guide sheet for minuscule “a” from my Complete Modern Gothic Calligraphy Toolbox available at shop.tamerghoneim.com.
Suggested Tools for Further Study/Projects
The supplies listed in this section are not required or needed for the workshop. They are provided only for your convenience, in case you would like to explore some other creative tools that I have used and recommend.
Calligraphy Pens
- Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set – My favorite calligraphy pens. Each individual pen package comes with two ink cartridges (so if you get the pen set, you will get eight cartridges total). Individual pen links below:
Ink
- Pilot Parallel Pen Assorted Ink Refill Packs (3 Pack)– this pack includes some colors that you can’t get individually.
Individual Colors Packs: - Ecoline Watercolor Inks – I use these to create color gradients by dipping pens filled with another color.
- Liquitex Acrylic Inks – not compatible with parallel pens, but great for dipping to create beautiful color gradients.
Paper
- Strathmore Calligraphy Paper
- Tomoe River Paper
- Loose Sheets (Dotted)
- Notebook – I would recommend a notebook with dots or grids
- Strathmore Bristol Board – There are 2 versions: vellum, and smooth. I like the smooth surface when writing with Pilot Parallel pens.
- Strathmore Mixed Media Paper
- Watercolor Paper:
- Nanami Seven Seas Notebooks – Made with Tomoe River paper and a favorite notebook for practicing. The Crossfield and Microdot editions have helpful marks for practicing. The Standard is filled with entirely blank pages.
- Writing Mat (near the bottom of the page if you use the link) – I recommend getting a writing mat to put under the page when practicing (I like the B5 Soft Clear ones)
Other Writing Tools
Other Helpful Tools & Supplies
- Ruler – if you’re not using grid or line paper then a ruler is a simple way to create guidelines for yourself. Any ruler will do, but I personally like these parallel line rulers because they make drawing parallel lines much easier.
- Helix Circle Ruler – my favorite tool for drawing circles
- Magnifying Glass (Clip) – incredibly helpful tool for writing or drawing small details
- Small Jars
- Dusting Brush – wipe away eraser dust (a lot easier than blowing or wiping with your hand!)
- Acrylic Spray
- Lightbox