Calligrapher Notes on iPhone: Ink Mixing Records, Nib Assessment & Script Study Notes

Calligraphy is precision letterform work with materials that behave variably. The same ink on the same paper with the same nib performs differently at different humidity levels, with different pen angle, at different writing speeds. A gum arabic concentration that produces perfect hairlines in one ink may cause feathering in another on a different paper. The professional calligrapher who produces consistent, beautiful work across commissions, teaching, and personal practice documents what works — and what doesn't.

What to Capture in Nemos

Ink and Paint Records For each ink or paint mixture: - Base ink or pigment and source - Water ratio and additives (gum arabic, gum sandarac, ox gall) - Consistency at use: too thick, too thin, right - Performance: flow, hairlines, swells, coverage - Paper it was tested on - Any shelf life observations (separation, molding, thickening over time)

Ink records are especially important for calligraphers who mix their own gum-pigment paints for illumination or colored work.

Nib and Tool Assessment For each nib or tool: - Nib type and manufacturer - Script it suits: pointed pen, broad edge, brush - Writing angle and pressure range - Optimal ink viscosity for this nib - Any preparation done: spreading, filing, polishing - Longevity observations

Tool notes build a reference for matching nib to script and ink to nib — the combination that produces the desired line quality.

Paper Assessment - Paper name, weight, and surface type (hot press, cold press, vellum, skin) - Ink behavior on this paper: spreading, absorption, beading - Best nibs and inks for this paper - Surface preparation needed (pumice powder, sandarac)

Paper notes prevent the frustration of discovering incompatibility mid-commission.

Script Study Observations When studying a historical script or new letterform system: - Script name and historical period - Key structural features: pen angle, letter height, characteristic forms - Reference exemplars consulted - Practice observations: what's difficult, what clicked, what to drill - Instructor feedback if studying with a teacher

Script study notes are the training log that tracks calligraphic development over years.

Commission Specification Records For each commission: - Client and brief: text, purpose, dimensions, format - Script and style selected - Materials: paper, ink, nib, layout approach - Draft approval notes - Delivery timeline

Commission notes prevent specification drift on long projects and create a record for pricing future similar work.

Teaching Curriculum Notes For teaching sessions: - Skill level of group - Exercise sequence used - What worked, what was confusing - Adjustments for next session

FAQ

Can I use Nemos offline in a writing studio? Yes. Full offline.

How do I organize notes across many scripts and commissions? Tags by script type and project status keep the library navigable. Search finds any ink formula, paper name, or commission descriptor instantly.

Is Nemos useful for documenting historical letterform research? Yes — capture manuscript references, measurements, and structural observations alongside your practice notes.

Can I attach photos of practice sheets or reference exemplars? Yes. Attach reference images and practice sheet photos to the relevant script study note.

Related Reading

• /blog/paper-marbler-notes-iphone — paper preparation and surface documentation
• /blog/etcher-notes-iphone — printmaking material and process documentation
• /blog/illustrator-notes-iphone — creative process and material documentation
• /blog/graphic-designer-notes-iphone — client brief and design development notes

Sources

• Calligraphy materials references: Edward Johnston Writing & Illuminating & Lettering (Dover) and IAMPETH technical resources
• Historical script study: Codices Latini Antiquiores and Society for Italic Handwriting study guides

Download Nemos free on the App Store.