My favorite paper to use for brush calligraphy

What is the best paper to use for brush calligraphy?

In this post, I discuss my favorite types of paper to use and include links for you to see the paper being used (“action” shots).

When using brush pens, I find it best to use paper that is smooth and non-textured. Paper that is rough or textured (such as Kraft paper) threatens the tips of your brush pen and you risk fraying them.

For practice purposes, my go-to papers include: Rhodia notepads, regular printer paper, or legal pads. Graph paper or other lined paper also works.

The key is to find smooth and non-textured paper.

For final products, I use thick cardstock. The cardstock paper is heavier, but still smooth, and it is thin and flexible enough for me to cut into the desired size using my paper cutter at home.

Rhodia notepads

Rhodia dot pads are hands down my favorite paper to use. The paper is just so smooth! It cannot be beat. You can find me using the Rhodia notepads in (literally) almost every post of mine. Also great are the Rhodia grid pads.

See the Rhodia pads “in action” in these posts:

• learn brush calligraphy post
• post from my pieces shop launch
•  practice post

PROS: They feel like writing on butter! Ok, not literally, but the point is that they are SO SMOOTH! The lines and dots help me to write straight without a light pad or slider writer. I use these notepads very often in my blog tutorials and videos, and most of my Instagram posts.

CONS: These notepads are on the expensive end. They run upwards of $6 to $9, depending on size. I don’t use Rhodia notepads for final products because the paper is flimsy and I prefer final pieces to be free of any lines or dots.

Regular printer paper

Regular printer paper can be found at any office supply store, or even stores like Target and Walmart. I use this type of paper for quick sketches, which sometimes can turn into final drafts! You can see printer paper being used in this quote, this coffee post, and this hustle post.

PROS: cheaper option than the Rhodia notepads. The lack of lines gives you freedom to create lines of different sizes and layouts, which enable you to be more creative and practice with different writing sizes.

CONS: The lack of lines forces you to draw them yourself or utilize a light pad or slide writer to write straight. Printer paper is too flimsy and not good enough quality for final pieces.

Legal pads

Legal pads are great practice because they are lined! I have a few legal pads lying around the house for an easy practice session. Check out how brush calligraphy looks on legal pads in this pangram post, this cheers post, and this alphabet post.

PROS: Very easy to use, relatively inexpensive. The line sizes are my favorite for writing with Tombow dual brush pens!

CONS: Not the most attractive looking paper, especially that awful yellow that screams “office!” Otherwise, the only other downfall is that you do not want to use this paper for final projects.

Other Notepads

I also love these notepads that I bought at a local art store. You can find these notebooks being used in this Merlot Monday post, this coffee and calligraphy post, and in this toffeenut coffee post.

Told you I loved coffee and wine! 🙂

Cardstock

Cardstock is the best paper I have found for final pieces. As the world of paper in general is so vast, it can be difficult finding the right kind of cardstock. I have seen artists prefer at least 65- to 110 lb cardstock. You can see cardstock being used in this dream post, this sunshine post, and this Mother’s Day post.

Note. Be cautious using Epsilon cardstock. I found that the color of my Tombow pens change drastically when using Epsilon versus regular cardstock.

PROS: Easy to find at craft stores and relatively inexpensive. A wide variety of colors are available.

CONS: Sometimes, it is difficult to pick one among the many options. Cardstock is not usually lined, so you need to measure and cut to desired size.

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It’s your turn! Tell me in a comment below:

What is your favorite paper to use?

What is your least favorite paper to use?

Do you have a preference for certain types of paper, depending on your current project?

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