Wacom’s updated Wacom One range of pen displays and tablets made their debut in 2023, bringing a variety of customisation options and accessories. We absolutely adore Joli Noelle David’s energetic personality and her openness in sharing her journey as a design student at UC Davis on her YouTube channel. So, we sent her one of the new Wacom One Medium pen tablets to get her take on it and hear her thoughts.
In her previous post and video, Joli highlighted three different ways she incorporates her Wacom One pen tablet into her workflow. In the video below, she explores a beginner’s guide to digital calligraphy using the Wacom One tablet. Watch the video, or read on for a quick summary.
In this video, I show viewers the very basics of calligraphy using my Wacom One tablet!
Pressure sensitivity
Because Adobe Illustrator’s paintbrush default settings are monoline and non-pressure
sensitive, I show viewers how to make a pressure sensitive brush. I also use Yarron’s Cartoons tutorial on how to make a pressure sensitive brush in Illustrator.
The Golden Rule of Modern Calligraphy
The fundamental principle is Upstrokes = thin / Downstrokes = thick! Using this basic principle will transform the look of your handwriting and give it that iconic calligraphy look!
Exercises to Practise
I share some helpful exercises to practice this rule, such as writing ‘n’ and ‘u’ shapes and connecting them to create wavy lines. These practices will help you get used to the calligraphic strokes! I also show how to write the alphabet using these principles.
About the Creator
Joli Noelle David is a multidisciplinary designer with a passion for all things creative — from graphic design and digital illustration to content creation. She recently graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in Design and is dedicated to using her skills to help others nurture their own creativity. Joli believes in a people-centred approach to design and the power of purposeful creation.
She’s also a big foodie, dog lover, entrepreneur, small business owner, and YouTuber.
