There are many people (myself included) who started with italic. Italic looks easy and you probably see more of it than any other broad edge style. However, after I started to teach and after I conferred with several other teachers, I (we) do not recommend italic as the best choice for a first broad edge hand. Sheila Waters, who has been teaching for decades and is a master of italics, agrees that the angles and details of italics are too complicated for a *first* hand. Her recommendation is foundational and I agree, even though it is the least interesting style. Most people are not excited to learn foundational. But, if you want a good *foundation* -- it's the one. It was designed to go with the Roman caps -- and Romans are a nice starting point -- but they are very challenging. Look at John Stevens' IG for inspiration.
https://www.instagram.com/calligraphile/?hl=enUncial is a very good choice because you do not have to learn both upper and lower case. You also keep the nib at a fairly flat angle, so that is helpful. Gothic can also be a good choice because it has so few curves and an abundance of vertical strokes. If you choose gothic, practice on graph paper.
One of my favorites for a first style is Neuland because it requires all thick strokes and no thins - and it's a good way for the student to build the intuitive motions that will be helpful down the road.
If you already have experience with scripts, then French Roundhand is a really good choice. There is a lot of crossover between styles. With this style, you would get some good experience with all the curved strokes.
Most people insist that you have to pick a style and stick with it. I actually think that it is fine to try all of them and find the one that draws you in. I always say - save italic for later. But, once in a while, I would have a student in a beginning class who would try everything and not do very well and then they would try italic and it turned out to be the one that came to them in a very natural way. So -- have fun trying everything.
Most italics have some slant, but once in a while you see an exemplar that is perfectly upright. That is my favorite for beginners. I also recommend short ascenders and descenders in the beginning. Just work on all the details that are happening in the x-height territory. Once again, upright italics on graph paper can be a good beginner style.
Enjoy the journey.
