A Beginner's Guide to Calligraphy Inks

A Beginner's Guide to Calligraphy Inks

Everything you need to know before buying your first ink

If you are just starting your calligraphy journey, choosing the right ink can feel overwhelming. Dip ink? Fountain pen ink? Metallic? Shimmer? Don't worry — this guide breaks it all down simply so you can pick up a bottle and start writing with confidence.

The Two Main Types of Ink

1. Fountain Pen Ink This is the most beginner-friendly ink out there. It has a thin, smooth consistency that flows effortlessly through any fountain pen, flex pen, or even a dip nib. It is easy to fill, easy to clean, and comes in a beautiful range of colors. If you are starting out, this is the one to go for.

2. Calligraphy Ink (Dip Ink) Calligraphy ink is slightly thicker and is designed for dipping tools — brush pens, pointed dip nibs, and oblique holders. It gives richer, more saturated strokes and is great for artwork and formal lettering. It is not meant to be filled inside a fountain pen.

💡 Not sure which to pick? Fountain pen ink works for both filling pens AND dipping — so it is the safest choice when starting out.

What to Look for in a Good Ink

  • Smooth flow — no skipping or blotching mid-stroke
  • Vibrant color — rich saturation that shows up beautifully on paper
  • Easy to clean — safe for your nibs and tools
  • No smudging — dries cleanly without spreading on the page

All Oriandcalli inks are formulated to tick every one of these boxes.

Start Small With a Sampler

Fountain pen ink set -3 - Oriandcalli

Before committing to a full 35ml bottle, try a 10ml sampler first. It lets you test the color, flow, and feel on paper without spending too much. Our ink sets — like the Fountain Pen Ink Set and the Dreaming Ink Series — are perfect starter options, giving you 2–3 beautiful shades in one go.

A Quick Tip on PaperFountain pen ink set -3 - Oriandcalli

Even the best ink can look average on the wrong paper. For crisp, clean strokes use smooth, coated calligraphy paper. Rough or absorbent paper causes ink to bleed and feather — which is frustrating when you are still learning.

Ready to start? Browse our full ink collection at oriandcalli.com and find your perfect shade. 🖋️

Have questions? DM us on Instagram @oriandcalli or email oriandcalli@gmail.com — we're always happy to help!

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