Copperplate Calligraphy For Beginners (+FREE Worksheets)

In this tutorial, you will be learning the fundamentals of the Copperplate script from an insanely talented calligrapher and a truly hard-working and dedicated artist.

Tri Le (a.k.a @tri.shiba) is an exceptional artist that excels on so many different levels, and it’s a real honor to have him sharing some of his knowledge and experience.

Big thanks to Tri Le for taking the time out of his busy schedule and for contributing to our growing community.

Let’s have a quick overview of what you will be learning in this article/tutorial –

1. Tools and materials needed
2. Preparations – how to hold your pen & how to sit
3. Sizing and angles of the Copperplate script
4. Writing rules and basic strokes
5. FREE downloadable practice sheets
6. A few extra tips + additional resources
7. Final words

Quick note – Of course, it’s impossible to fit everything about the Copperplate script in a single article, so keep in mind that this is just a beginners guide covering the very basics.

Tools and materials needed

Before we jump right into the writing part, let’s have a quick overview of the tools that we need in order to practice the Copperplate script.

• The pen holder
• Nibs
• Ink
• And paper.

In traditional Calligraphy, the fundamental and specialized tools are –

Here are some of my personal recommendations –

Pen holder – There are two main types of pen holders.

The straight holder and the oblique pen holder.

When we work with a highly slanted script like Copperplate (we will refer to this later in the article), we should use an oblique pen holder – simply because it is much more comfortable and easier to work with.

(handcrafted pen holders can be purchased from some Penmen)

Nib recommendation –

• Hunt 22B
• Vintage Hunt 22
• Leonardt Principal
• Speedball #101
• Gillott’s #303

Keep in mind – new nibs are usually coated with a protective (transparent) layer, and you must prepare (clean) the nibs before you can use them – otherwise, the ink will just slip right off making it impossible to write with.

There are different ways of preparing your nibs, and the process is quite straight forward.

One way is to simply take some rubbing alcohol and rub it all over the nib, then you can just wash it off and dry it with a paper towel.

Ink recommendation –

• Higgins Eternal,
• Walnut Ink,
• McCaffery’s Penman Ink

Paper recommendation –

Practice paper can be ordinary art paper which is low absorbent (means it will not cause the ink to bleed) or paper of these following brands –

• Strathmore (Patchment)
• Strathmore (Watercolor – Smooth surface)
• Saunders Waterford (Watercolor – Smooth surface)
• A cheaper alternative (for practice) – HP premium 32

Check out this guide for more info. on the best calligraphy papers.

In addition to these specialized tools, we also need additional supplies including –

• A pencil
• Ruler – the rolling ruler is great for drawing guidelines and parallel lines quickly.
• And eraser

In case you cannot get a dip pen and a pointed nib, you can always start practicing copperplate calligraphy using a pencil.

Holding the pen correctly

Everyone has a different way to hold a pen due to their natural instinct.

However, in Calligraphy, holding a pen correctly is a critical factor that ensures smoothness while writing, and also prevents pain that can be caused for long periods of writing.

It also maintains rhythm and consistent writing speed.

Let’s have a look at how to hold the pen correctly –

STEP 1

Place the index finger on the tip of the pen holder so that the forefinger is placed facing down in the same direction of the nib.

STEP 2

Keep the pen holder at the third joint of the index finger (metacarpophalangeal joint)

STEP 3

Place the thumb on the left side of the pen holder so that the thumb is detached from the index finger.

The tip of the thumb is at the position of the first joint of the index finger.

STEP 4

Place the middle finger on the right side of the pen holder.

The first joint of the middle finger comes in contact with the pen holder.

The ring finger and the pinky curls inwards, place next to the middle finger.

They are the two fingers to lean against the paper surface when writing.

How to sit correctly – the importance of posture

Posture is something that is often overlooked by beginners, yet it plays an important role, and it directly affects the way you write.

Posture affects eyesight and body balance as you write, and below are some notes for posturing:

• Keep your back and neck up straight, slightly lean towards the upper part of your body
• Put both feet on the floor with your knees at a right angle (90º) to balance
  your body
• Place both arms on the table when writing, the right hand holding the pen and the left hand holding the paper
• Keep your elbows perpendicular and place them on the edge of the table (do not write on a round table)

I highly recommend you checking out this video by Paul Antonio where he covers the topic more in-depth, and you can also have a visual example of how to sit correctly.

Sizing and angles of the Copperplate script

Sizing is another crucial aspect when it comes to the Copperplate script.

There isn’t a fixed size of the letters, however, maintaining the ratio is the most essential element.

General letter height structure is divided into 3 parts –

• The central body part is also known as the ‘’x-height’’ – determines the size of the minuscules (lowercase letters)
• The bottom part is for descenders
• The top portion is for ascenders.

Keep in mind – The ratio of letter height in Copperplate is 1.5x: x: 1.5x

– Below you can see an example

Partial description –

• X-height includes one-space letters such as: a, o, c, e, i, u, v,…
• Part 1 + x includes upper letters such as h, k, l,… and capital letters
• Part x + 3 includes Lower letters such as g, y, j,… and some Capital letters

To put the ratio in perspective –

Let’s imagine that you decided to size your letters at 1 inch of height.

This would mean that the sizes would be –

• Ascender – 1.5 inches
• X-height – 1 inch
• Descender – 1.5 inches

The angle for the letters

Copperplate letters are always inclined to the right, the inclination ranges from 52 to 60 degrees from the baseline.

Ok, now that we covered the very basics we can move towards the writing part.

Writing rules and basic strokes

In Copperplate, the fundamental rule is to write with the nib at the same angle as the letter.

This is precisely why the oblique holder is easier to work with.

To make your writing even smoother and more comfortable feel free to twist the page, so your nib is pointing in the direction of the slant lines – it is better to turn the paper than your wrist.

The general rule of Copperplate is to write the upstrokes thin (without pressing the pen) and the downstrokes thick (pressing the pen).

Basic strokes are crucial elements in comprehending letter notions.

All letters in the alphabet belong to specific groups.

All letters in one group are similar in term of shape and usually encompass a specific basic stroke.

Lower case letters in Copperplate Script includes 7 main basic strokes.

Mastering these 7 basic strokes permits writing almost every lowercase letter in the alphabet, except for letter r, s, x and z (these letters belong to a select group which contains particular strokes)

Besides, Copperplate lowercase letters contain beginning and ending strokes.

It is essential to learn these basic strokes as they will provide you with the foundation for further development of your skills.

FREE downloadable practice sheets

You will find the free downloadable worksheets in the Lettering Crate.

Drop your email below, and you will get instant access to the Lettering Crate.

The Lettering Crate is an exclusive member area with free worksheets and other freebies that I currently offer.

This worksheet will help you practice the seven basic calligraphy strokes.

All you need to do is download it, print it out, and start practicing!

Just remember to use non-absorbent paper.

A few extra tips

Now that we covered the basics, it’s time to wrap things up, but before that, I would like to share a few extra tips to keep in mind.

1. Clean your nibs

Calligraphy nibs require maintenance, this means that after you use them, you should wash the ink off to avoid them getting clogged. Simply wash them off with some water, and remember to dry them so they don’t rust.

2. Use guidelines

As previously mentioned, the Copperplate script follows specific rules when it comes to sizing and angles.

By using guidelines, we facilitate the use of these rules.

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A post shared by Tri Le (@tri.shiba)

3. Practice consistently

By practicing consistently, you will start building something called muscle memory which is essentially a form of procedural memory that involves consolidating a specific motor task into memory through repetition (source – Wikipedia)

In other words – the more you do it, the more you will improve.

Additional resources for further learning

If you want to learn more about the Copperplate script, I wrote an e-book that covers this topic more in-depth.

The e-book is structured in 5 main parts –

1. Preparation: Tools and materials, how to hold a pen, posture,…
2. Basic knowledge: Letter inclination, letter height, and ratio, basic strokes,…
3. The alphabet: Capitals letters, lowercase letters, and letter structures
4. Rules for connecting and kerning letters
5. Flourish: The Oval rule and how to apply it

You can check it out here.

Aside from the Copperplate script, I also wrote several other Ebooks that will help you learn other calligraphy scripts and techniques such as – blackletter, italic, business cursive, ornamental lettering, and more.

You can find them all here.

You can also check out my article on the 10 calligraphy styles for beginners.

Another book that I would like to recommend is – ”Universal Penman” by George Bickham.

 Also, be sure to check out the Iampeth.com website; they have great resources on the Copperplate script.

Final words

The Copperplate script is a very beautiful and dynamic calligraphy style that requires years of practice in order to master it. 

Consistent calligraphy practice is very important, but the way you practice and having all the elements in the right place is a crucial factor for progress. 

If you’re a complete beginner and you would like to learn more about calligraphy in general, check out the calligraphy beginner’s guide first.

Are you struggling with something in particular about calligraphy/lettering? 

Be sure to check out our official Facebook group.

It’s a place where you can share your work, get feedback, ask questions, and hang out with fellow lettering/calligraphy artists.

Thank you for stopping by and until the next time, 

Stay AWESOME!

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