Halloween Pointed Pen Video

[Erica McPhee]

I hope I am doing this right! Thought I would test out posting a video in the forum! I think I have to post a link ... here goes nothing!

[FrenchBlue Joy]

Lovely!  Speedy! 

What kind of nib is that?  Hiro?

[Erica McPhee]

LOL! Yes - I work VERY fast! I had to slow down for this video which was awkward with a camera perched over my shoulder and made for not so great letter forms and a rudimentary flourish. I'm always surprised when I see calligraphers going so slow. If I slow down my letters get shaky. But everyone finds what works best for them.

Yes - it's the Hiro 41. I love that nib for relaxed, contemporary stuff because it produces slightly more rounded end caps and thicker thicks than the Nikkos.

[lisaridgely]

Wow, so fast...and slowed down for you, even!! Amazing!

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks Lisa!  You should see me if I drink coffee! 

[Jane Farr]

Gorgeous! I'd love to be able to work that fast and still have it be beautiful - or even legible!

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks Jane!  I thought everyone worked this fast until I started seeing videos online of other calligraphers. Then I thought maybe I should slow down! But if I do, I lose the shape of my letters and get shaky hairlines.

[Roseann]

Hi Erica,
Your ink flows so nicely.  And it also seems that you can write for awhile before you have to re-dip.  What kind of ink did you use?  And did you do anything to the ink or nib to get it to flow so well? 

Love,
Roseann

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks Roseann,

This is walnut ink. I use it almost exclusively unless I'm working in color or if I want a real solid black. I love the way it flows on the paper and I love the shade it creates. I buy a huge bottle of Tom Norton Designs Walnut Drawing Ink. I don't do anything to the nib other than when I first use a new nib. I put a little saliva onto a papertowel and use it to wipe down the nib several times. I used to use a lighter to put the nib through quickly (to get the film off) but I found the newer nibs to be sensitive to it and I was burning some nibs!

[Roseann]

So interesting!  I am learning so much in your forum. 
Thank you so much!

Love,
Roseann

[Erica McPhee]

I'm so glad! The pleasure is all mine!

[Emily]

You are FAST!    I'm still trying to find the rhythm that works best for me... would love to get to the point where I can do some quick flourishes! 

[Linda Y.]

Just seeing this now and truly astounding!! You are the Denis Brown of pointed pen!

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks ladies! Linda - I am totally flattered! 

Just seeing this now and truly astounding!! You are the Denis Brown of pointed pen!