Giving an attractive, designed look to the modern alphabet, calligraphy is used for hand-written inscriptions as well as being an art form itself. Calligraphy differs from other forms of typography as it is often created uniquely for its purpose, not mass produced and reprinted or set.

The main tool of the calligrapher is the calligraphic pen. Traditionally the pen will be similar to ink pens, as the calligrapher would need to redip the nib in ink between writing. However, as the pen evolved, the calligraphy pen would follow as calligraphy cartridge pens have become readily available. There is yet to be a four colour ballpoint calligraphy pen available in most stationers but who knows what the future holds.

The key to great calligraphy writing is often found in the nib of the pen. Whether the pen has a flat or round nibbed end, the calligrapher will need to adapt their writing style to get the most out of the pen. The skill involved uses angled lines to create evocative and exciting letters for a personalised typeface.

Calligraphy is often used on wedding stationery and for invitations for similarly, formal occasions. Calligraphy is often seen as a skilled, luxurious and elegant typographical style to provide a final flourish to a piece of art or design.

As the twentieth century seems a distant historical memory, calligraphy somehow continues to thrive. What makes the magic of calligraphy so timeless and unique? Well, it's a lot like horse-riding. You can grab a pen and mess around with it, or you can be a professional and take it extremely seriously.

Much like throwing a frisbee at a dog, he will catch it and bring it back. Fun and serious combined in perfect harmony as you have fun throwing the frisbee while the calligraphy sits in your office awaiting its serious intention. Dogs can't operate calligraphy pens or the modern equivalent, the computer.

With the improved performance of computer programmes and design packages, the calligraphy pen looks a possible contender to become obsolete. However, as long as calligraphers continue to learn and apply this skilled trade, there will always be the art of calligraphy to enjoy and admire.

The calligraphy pen is mightier than the sword. Adore the calligraphy pen or feel the force of its nib. A calligraphy pen should be in every house in the world, it has so many more uses than just writing swirly letters. Grab your beautiful calligraphy pen and let the wonder flow from your imagination.