Learn the art of calligraphy with expert tips from London-based calligrapher, Chanda Patel.

While it does require patience, practice, and dedication, the joy and satisfaction that come from creating stunning calligraphy are absolutely worth it. If you're just starting out, don't be discouraged - with these three tips, you can begin your journey towards mastering this art form and discovering your unique style. Let your imagination soar as you experiment and practice, and watch as your skills grow and your calligraphy becomes more and more beautiful.
1. Invest in good supplies
The quality of your supplies can make a huge difference in your calligraphy. However they don't have to be expensive. I recommend starting off with a Nikko G nib, sumi ink, and rhodia paper to ensure that you're able to create smooth, crisp lines with minimal ink feathering. Don't forget to also get a straight holder and a oblique holder to experiment and see what suits you best.
2. Start with basic strokes
Before you jump into writing letters and words, it's important to master the basic strokes. These include the upstroke, downstroke, oval, overturn, underturn ascending and descending loop. Practice these strokes over and over again until you feel comfortable with them. Once you have these basics down, you can move on to forming letters and words. The basic strokes are a great warm up so don't underestimate its power.
3. Practice consistently
Like any skill, calligraphy requires practice to improve. Set aside a specific time each day or each week to practice, and make it a priority. You can find worksheets online to help guide your practice or create your own by tracing letters or words that you admire.

Remember, calligraphy takes time to master, so don't get discouraged if you don't see progress right away. Keep practicing and experimenting, and soon you'll be creating beautiful calligraphy that you're proud of.
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