Left-handed calligrapher?

what is the difference?

If you write with your left hand you will need a left-handed calligraphy pen (if you are using a cartridge pen) or left-handed nibs (if you are using a pen holder and steel dip nibs).

The broad edge of a calligraphy pen nib is cut at a slight oblique angle. Left-handed nibs are cut on the opposite angle to right-handed nibs so that they write smoothly on the page when held in the left hand. If you hold a right-handed nib in the left hand the corner of the nib will dig into the paper.

How you hold the pen also affects the lettering, depending on whether you write with your hand above the lettering or beneath it. I'm no expert on this but you will usually find an instruction leaflet accompanying pen sets and there are some very good books on the subject. Most suppliers of calligraphy equipment will also stock left-handed pens and pen nibs.

Anything Left-Handed.co.uk stock left-handed calligraphy books and pens and you can browse a list of left-handed calligraphy products from Amazon.co.uk.

You might also like to try Left-handed Calligraphy by Vance Studley for more in-depth information on writing calligraphy with the left hand.

Good Luck and Happy Lettering!