These are the materials we'll use in this course. I've linked to the websites where I buy my materials in the Netherlands, if you live elsewhere you can get almost everything through Amazon.

Nib:

The Nikko G nib is a perfect nib for beginners as it's flexible but still sturdy. Get it through Splendith, Penstore or Amazon.

Nib holders:

If you're left handed you will probably like a straight nib holder best, I use this one. For righties I recommend an oblique holder. This simple plastic one is perfect to get started. You can also find the straight or oblique holder through Amazon.

Ink:

Sumi ink is very black and has a perfect, smooth consistency. I get it through Splendith or Penstore. Non-Dutchies can find it on Amazon.

Jars:

I like to pour ink from a bigger bottle in a small jar, because getting larger quantities of ink will work out cheaper in the long run. The jars I get offline from art store Van der Linde (they don't sell them online), but Splendith also has these amazing little 'dinky dips'. And again, what can't you find on Amazon!? ;)

Paper:

This HP laserprint paper is very smooth and the ink doesn't bleed into the paper. It's relatively affordable to practise on, instead of buying expensive practice pads. I get it through a webshop called Office Deals, but you can also get it on Amazon.

To clean the nib when I first start using it, I use simple glass cleaner like Glassex. And I always have a potato at hand for when my ink stops flowing smoothly. You just put the nib in a potato for a few seconds and this will improve the ink flow. Another thing that is good to have near is some kitchen roll! Make sure to use high quality lint-free kitchen paper so the lint doesn't get in your nib. I use a brand called Nalys and I just buy it at the supermarket.

Some other tools that I didn't mention in the video but we will use later on, are gouache (I will link to some of my favourite gouache paints when we get to that chapter), a pencil, an eraser and some thick card stock to make our own postcard.

If you have any questions about the materials, I have created a dedicated space in our community to discuss all things materials. You can post your questions there and share tips and tricks about materials.

P.S.: some of the links in this chapter are affiliate links, meaning I will get a small percentage of each sale through these links. This doesn't change anything to the price for you. Thank you so much for using them and supporting my small business!