{"id":4517,"date":"2020-05-29T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2020-05-29T07:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/?p=4517"},"modified":"2020-05-20T09:50:57","modified_gmt":"2020-05-20T08:50:57","slug":"a-guide-to-writing-with-a-fountain-pen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/pens\/fountain-pens\/a-guide-to-writing-with-a-fountain-pen\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to writing with a fountain pen"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"fountain<\/p>\n

Writing with a fountain pen<\/a> takes a certain level of experimentation and practice \u2014 your success is also very much dependent on factors such as your pen, your paper, and your technique.<\/p>\n

So, writing with a fountain pen is a somewhat subjective experience. That being said, if you are struggling to write with a fountain pen in a way that is comfortable or smooth, then we have gathered together some tips in this article that may help.<\/p>\n

Choose quality writing tools<\/h2>\n

When it comes to successful writing with a fountain pen, it\u2019s essential to be using high-quality equipment. This doesn’t have to mean expensive \u2014 you can spend very little and buy a reliable cartridge pen with good ink flow and a quality nib.<\/p>\n

For example, the Lamy Safari<\/a> or Lamy AL-Star<\/a> are great options for beginners and those who are more experienced, as they are such a pleasure to write with.<\/p>\n

\"Lamy<\/a>

The Lamy Safari fountain pen, available in a wide range of colours<\/p><\/div>\n

Choose some fountain pen-friendly paper also. The best paper for use with fountain pens tends to be high quality \u2014 not too thin, not too absorbent, and semi-coated, ideally.<\/p>\n

You want to avoid paper that causes feathering. Lined paper can be useful for practising with your fountain pen, also.<\/p>\n

Pen considerations<\/h2>\n

There are a few additional factors you need to consider when it comes to which fountain pen to use.<\/p>\n

Firstly, it\u2019s essential to consider the size of your hand and choose an ergonomic pen; cramping and fatigue will occur if the pen is the wrong size for you.<\/p>\n

Secondly, give some thought to the size of your handwriting before choosing a nib width; as a general rule, broad nibs suit larger handwriting styles and fine nibs suit smaller script, but you may need to experiment to find the best nib for you.<\/p>\n

Another note on nibs: round nibs create consistent lines regardless of direction whereas italic nibs do not.<\/p>\n

Thirdly, this may seem unexpected, but it pays to think about the speed of your writing. How fast or slow you write can determine which fountain pen would work best.<\/p>\n

Of course, this may vary from project to project \u2014 you are bound to write slower when carrying out a calligraphy project than when penning a letter to a friend.<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019ll be writing quickly, opt for a lighter pen with a broader nib for a fuss-free writing experience.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ll be writing slowly, you can use a heavier pen but make sure you take regular breaks to avoid cramping or hand pain.<\/p>\n

Likewise, with a light pen, resist the urge to grip it harder than required.<\/p>\n

Technique considerations<\/h2>\n

\"fountain<\/p>\n

Find the \u2018sweet spot\u2019 with your fountain pen, which is the position in which your pen can smoothly and successfully write on the paper.<\/p>\n

To find the sweet spot you need to:<\/p>\n