Best Calligraphy Set For Beginners
Professional recommendations from a Cheshire-based illustrator
🎨 Introduction
As a professional illustrator based in Cheshire, I create custom illustrations for books, branding, and digital media. Over the years, I've tested and researched various digital art tools to help fellow artists make informed decisions.
This guide covers the top-rated options for affordable battery-free digital art boards. Each product has been selected based on detailed research — examining verified customer reviews, technical specifications, pressure sensitivity, screen quality, and value for money. The recommendations reflect what I'd look for when advising clients and students on digital art equipment.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
⏳ In a Rush? Our Top Picks
Based on detailed research and customer feedback, here are our award winners:
🏆 Recommended Products
1. MONT MARTE Calligraphy Pen Set - 31 pcs - Ideal for beginners - Includes: 4x ...
Overall, the MONT MARTE Calligraphy Pen Set is a fantastic choice for beginners due to its combination of quality, versatility, and affordability. It provides all the necessary tools to start learning and practicing calligraphy, making it a solid investment for anyone interested in this art form. The MONT MARTE Calligraphy Pen Set is a comprehensive and affordable package designed specifically for beginners eager to explore the art of hand lettering. This 31-piece set provides a versatile range of tools, including multiple nibs and pens, making it a perfect starter kit for novice calligraphers looking to experiment with different styles and techniques.
✅ Pros
- Comprehensive set with multiple nib options
- Vibrant ink colors that enhance lettering
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
❌ Cons
- Nibs may wear out with heavy use
- Ink cartridges could be limited for extensive projects
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The ink quality in the MONT MARTE Calligraphy Pen Set is impressive, offering smooth flow and consistent color application. The color vibrancy is particularly noteworthy, with a rich depth that enhances the elegance of any script. Durability is satisfactory for a beginner set, with the nibs maintaining their integrity after multiple uses, although they may not withstand heavy, prolonged use as well as professional-grade options.
🎨 Design & Usability
The ergonomic design of the pens ensures comfort during extended use, making them suitable for lengthy practice sessions. The range of nibs, from fine to broad, caters to various calligraphy styles and hand lettering techniques, allowing users to experiment freely. The pens are straightforward to assemble and use, with clear instructions included, which is beneficial for those new to the craft.
💰 Value for Money
At £20.95, the MONT MARTE Calligraphy Pen Set offers excellent value for money. Considering the variety of components included and the quality of the tools, this set is a cost-effective choice for beginners who want to explore calligraphy without a significant initial investment.
🎯 Verdict
Overall, the MONT MARTE Calligraphy Pen Set is a fantastic choice for beginners due to its combination of quality, versatility, and affordability. It provides all the necessary tools to start learning and practicing calligraphy, making it a solid investment for anyone interested in this art form.
2. Halobios Dual Tip Brush Pens, Art Supplies Colouring Pen Set for Kids Colouri...
The Halobios Dual Tip Brush Pens are an excellent choice for beginners and young artists, offering a combination of vibrant colors, dual functionality, and affordability. While there are some minor considerations regarding ink durability on certain papers, the overall quality and versatility make them a worthwhile investment for those starting their artistic journey. The Halobios Dual Tip Brush Pens offer an exceptional entry point for aspiring calligraphers and young artists with their affordable price and versatile functionality. With 24 vibrant colors, this set is designed to inspire creativity and enhance the artistic process, making it a standout choice for beginners exploring the world of coloring, sketching, and lettering.
✅ Pros
- Vibrant and true-to-color ink.
- Dual tips for versatile use.
- Ergonomic and lightweight design.
- Exceptional affordability.
❌ Cons
- Minor bleed-through on thinner paper.
- Ink durability varies slightly by paper type.
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The ink quality of the Halobios Dual Tip Brush Pens is commendable, providing a smooth and consistent flow that enhances the coloring experience. The colors are vibrant and true to their appearance on the pens, ensuring that artworks are both eye-catching and dynamic. However, the durability of the ink may vary slightly on different paper types, with some minor bleed-through on thinner sheets.
🎨 Design & Usability
Designed with dual tips, these pens offer both a brush tip for broad strokes and a fine tip for detailed work, catering to a wide range of artistic needs. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, even during extended use, while the lightweight construction adds to the ease of handling. This dual functionality makes them particularly user-friendly, especially for beginners developing their technique.
💰 Value for Money
Priced at just £5.13 for a set of 24 pens, the Halobios Dual Tip Brush Pens offer outstanding value for money. Each pen costs approximately £0.21, making them an economical choice for those looking to explore various art forms without a significant financial commitment. Given the variety and quality offered, this set is a cost-effective solution for burgeoning artists.
🎯 Verdict
The Halobios Dual Tip Brush Pens are an excellent choice for beginners and young artists, offering a combination of vibrant colors, dual functionality, and affordability. While there are some minor considerations regarding ink durability on certain papers, the overall quality and versatility make them a worthwhile investment for those starting their artistic journey.
3. Calligraphy Pens Calligraphy set for Beginners Brush Pens - APOGO 6 Pack Cali...
For beginners looking to explore calligraphy, the APOGO Calligraphy Pens set offers a fantastic blend of quality, versatility, and affordability. This set is perfect for those wanting to practice and improve their skills without a significant initial expenditure. The APOGO Calligraphy Pens set is a compelling choice for beginners eager to delve into the art of calligraphy without breaking the bank. This 6-pack set offers a comprehensive introduction to brush lettering, making it an ideal starter kit for aspiring calligraphers and bullet journal enthusiasts alike.
✅ Pros
- Affordable price point
- Vibrant and consistent ink quality
- Variety of tip options for diverse styles
- Comfortable design for extended use
❌ Cons
- Ink may bleed through thinner paper
- Limited color options available
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The ink quality of the APOGO Calligraphy Pens is commendable, providing a smooth and consistent flow that enhances the overall writing experience. The black ink is notably vibrant, ensuring that each stroke stands out with clarity and precision. These pens are also durable, with the ink holding up well under various conditions, making them suitable for both casual practice and more committed projects.
🎨 Design & Usability
Ergonomically designed, these calligraphy pens are comfortable to hold and maneuver, even during extended writing sessions. The set includes a variety of tip options, which are essential for creating different line weights and styles. This versatility greatly aids beginners in exploring various calligraphy techniques. The pens glide effortlessly across a range of paper types, enhancing ease of use for newcomers.
💰 Value for Money
Priced at £5.99 for a 6-pack, each pen comes to an economical £1.00, which represents excellent value for money. Considering the quality of ink and the range of tip options, this set is an affordable investment for those just starting out in calligraphy.
🎯 Verdict
For beginners looking to explore calligraphy, the APOGO Calligraphy Pens set offers a fantastic blend of quality, versatility, and affordability. This set is perfect for those wanting to practice and improve their skills without a significant initial expenditure.
4. Reastar Calligraphy Pens, 6 PCS Calligraphy Set for Beginners, Refill Brush P...
Overall, the Reastar Calligraphy Pens are a solid choice for beginners due to their affordability, reliable performance, and versatile design. They offer a good starting point for those interested in exploring the art of calligraphy and lettering. The Reastar Calligraphy Pens offer a versatile and affordable entry point for those new to the art of calligraphy. With a set of six pens featuring four distinct tip sizes, this set is designed to accommodate various writing styles and artistic needs, making it a valuable tool for beginners.
✅ Pros
- Affordable price point
- Smooth ink flow with good color vibrancy
- Variety of tip sizes for different styles
❌ Cons
- Ink may run out quickly with heavy use
- Limited to black ink only
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The ink quality of the Reastar Calligraphy Pens is commendable, providing smooth and consistent flow without any noticeable blotting or feathering. The color vibrancy is satisfactory, offering rich, deep blacks that enhance the visual impact of your calligraphy and illustrations. Durability-wise, the pens hold up well, with the tips maintaining their shape even after extensive use.
🎨 Design & Usability
Ergonomically, these pens are comfortable to hold, allowing for extended writing sessions without discomfort. The set includes four different tip sizes, ranging from fine to broad, which adds flexibility and precision to your work. This variety makes the pens easy to use for both detailed designs and bold lettering.
💰 Value for Money
Priced at just £5.99 for six pens, the Reastar Calligraphy Set provides excellent value for money. The combination of quality and affordability makes it an ideal choice for beginners who want to explore calligraphy without a significant financial commitment.
🎯 Verdict
Overall, the Reastar Calligraphy Pens are a solid choice for beginners due to their affordability, reliable performance, and versatile design. They offer a good starting point for those interested in exploring the art of calligraphy and lettering.
5. Calligraphy Pens - 6pcs Calligraphy Set for Beginners Refillable Black Brush ...
Overall, the Partyreal Calligraphy Pens set is an excellent starter kit for beginners looking to delve into calligraphy and hand lettering. Its combination of quality, usability, and affordability makes it a standout choice in the beginner category. The Partyreal Calligraphy Pens set is a thoughtfully curated collection aimed at beginners eager to explore the art of calligraphy and hand lettering. With six refillable pens in four different sizes, this set offers versatility and convenience at an affordable price, making it an attractive choice for newcomers to the craft.
✅ Pros
- Rich, consistent ink flow
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Includes multiple tip sizes for versatility
- Refillable, promoting sustainability
❌ Cons
- Smaller ink reservoir requires more frequent refills
- Limited to black ink, which may not suit all projects
👁️ Quick Review Summary
⚡ Performance
The ink quality of the Partyreal Calligraphy Pens is commendable, offering a rich, black hue that stands out on most paper types. The ink flows smoothly, providing consistent lines with minimal feathering, which is essential for clean calligraphy work. In terms of durability, the pens maintain their integrity well over extended use, although frequent users may notice a need to refill more often due to the smaller ink reservoir.
🎨 Design & Usability
Designed with the user in mind, these pens boast an ergonomic grip that reduces hand fatigue during extended writing sessions. The set includes four different tip sizes, allowing for a range of styles from bold, expressive strokes to delicate, intricate lines. The ease of refilling the ink makes these pens a sustainable option for beginners who are still experimenting with their preferred styles.
💰 Value for Money
Priced at £6.99 for the set, the Partyreal Calligraphy Pens offer excellent value for money, especially considering the refillable feature and the variety of tip sizes included. This affordability does not compromise quality, making it an accessible and practical choice for those starting their calligraphy journey.
🎯 Verdict
Overall, the Partyreal Calligraphy Pens set is an excellent starter kit for beginners looking to delve into calligraphy and hand lettering. Its combination of quality, usability, and affordability makes it a standout choice in the beginner category.
📖 Buying Guide
When choosing calligraphy set for beginners, consider these key factors:
-
•
Ink Quality: Look for markers with vibrant, consistent ink flow that doesn't bleed through paper.
-
•
Tip Options: Consider whether you need fine tips for detail work, brush tips for blending, or chisel tips for broad strokes.
-
•
Colour Range: Ensure the set includes the colours you need for your projects. Larger sets offer more versatility.
-
•
Price vs Quality: Budget markers work for beginners, but professional illustrators benefit from investing in high-quality brands.
About the Reviewer
Every Big Red Illustration review is written by illustrator and agent Jamie Conner, drawing on over 30 years of combined professional experience in traditional art, digital tools, and the wider creative industry.
Here's what he has to say…
I'm Jamie Conner, a UK-based illustrator and illustrator agent with a background in character-focused and expressive artwork. My training began at Newcastle-under-Lyme College and continued at Nottingham Trent University, where I developed a strong foundation in illustration.
I now split my time between creating my own work and representing artists, supporting them with commissions, opportunities, and navigating the wider creative industry. I also review digital and traditional art products, offering clear, practical insights to help artists choose tools that suit their workflow.
Whether I'm illustrating, advising artists, or reviewing products, my work is driven by a genuine commitment to the craft of illustration and to the wider creative community.