Tips And Tricks To Making A Neat Scroll

I make them too.

One distinguishing trait between a beginning scribe and an experienced one is their clean page. Experienced scribes have tricks they use to keep their scroll neat and clean as they work. Here I offer some to you in case you haven't figured them out yourself. 

• Wash your hands before you begin working and omit hand lotion.
• Don’t have food or drinks near your workspace. Besides reducing spills this prevents rinsing your brush in your beverage cup.
• Wear magnet-free thin therapeutic-type fingerless gloves. 
• Use a permanent ink that isn't absorbed into the surface.
• Use a clean cover paper over areas you aren't working AND be sure that the surface is dry before covering it.
• Locate your water and paint so you don't cross your page with a wet brush. Right side if you're right-handed, left side if you're left-handed.
• Use a scraper and white vinyl eraser when you're done to remove and neaten every spot, smudge and unwanted mark.

Experienced scribes turn these tricks into habits. It's a constant effort. And as long as you're a scribe you'll struggle against the fates and Titivillus to create a perfect page. These habits make all the difference.

Related Prior Post:

Tips To Avoiding Calligraphy Mistakes  

The Not So Humble White Vinyl Eraser 

Using a Scratch Nib for Corrections