Finding a Flow as a New Pointed Pen Calligrapher: The Waltz of the Great Blue Pumpkin Nib

If you're a new calligrapher who has started your journey with the Nikko G nib (or one like it) as I did and are finding it a tad more challenging than expected, you're not alone. Or, if you've recently started exploring the tools you'll need to begin your journey with pointed pen, let me share an exciting alternative that could transform your practice!

When I embarked on my adventure into the world of pointed pen calligraphy, I dutifully bought a pack of Nikko G nibs which were highly recommended as the calligraphy nib for beginners by countless calligraphy blogs. And for good reason! The Nikko G is a beautiful tool that many new calligraphers find effective. Its precision and medium flex also make it a favourite among manga and comic illustrators, delivering fine lines with potential to create intricate, stunning detail.

The Blue Pumpkin Calligraphy Nib For Pointed Pen

However, my personal experience with the Nikko G as a beginner calligrapher was mixed. As I practiced my drills, I struggled to control the nib due to its extremely sharp point catching the paper, which often left me frustrated. Its medium flex is also often touted as a feature offering added control, but I found it to be a little too rigid. Less flex meant that more pressure had to be applied to achieve those beautiful downstroke swells, and applying more pressure increased the likelihood of catching on the paper. No matter how much I practiced, I kept experiencing skipping and snagging regardless of the type of paper I used. It left me feeling both distracted and a bit disheartened. So my dilemma was this: which nib (out of the plethora available) could be the best alternative to the Nikko G for beginners.

I continued to study calligraphy videos online, the nibs being used in posts, and reading blogs, until I eventually stumbled upon a video showcasing a nib creating beautiful, flowing strokes—those controlled swells and precise lines I wanted to achieve. And thanks to its highly recognizable design and deep blue hue, it wasn't difficult to determine which nib it was: the Brause Steno, affectionately known among calligraphers as the Blue Pumpkin. 

The moment I tried it, I fell in love. Unlike the Nikko G, I found the Blue Pumpkin skipped less and ran more effortlessly across various textured papers thanks to its slightly rounded point—goodbye, crime scene ink splatters! Well, maybe not altogether, but much less often. Its unique shape and reservoir also ensures generous ink flow and distribution, which means fewer re-dips and a more enjoyable practice experience altogether.

The Blue Pumpkin is also an excellent choice if you’re looking to invest in and focus on learning with just one nib type at the beginning of your calligraphy journey. While most nibs are relatively inexpensive, beginners tend to go through them quickly with constant practice. And although the Nikko G does have a tendency to last slightly longer due to its flex (which makes it more durable), I found the added ease of the Blue Pumpkin well worth it as it lasts comparatively as long nonetheless. All that said, by all means, if you have the opportunity to try both, I encourage you to do so! Each nib brings its own charm and strengths to your art toolkit.

Over time, I've learned to appreciate the precision of the famed Nikko G nib, and it has become a valued staple in my collection. However, my calligrapher's heart will always belong to the great Blue Pumpkin.