Do you have to draw red first to learn calligraphy?

There's no need! The purpose of tracing red is to let practitioners master the font as soon as possible and play a "fast" role. But actually Kung Fu is not at home, and I can't write well without Hong Miao.

You can also "copy" with transparent paper first, which is basically the same as tracing red; You can also write directly, and the writing style is as similar as possible to the original post. Don't make do with running errands. In that case, it would be a waste of time.

Practicing calligraphy is a repeated and long-term effort, which requires perseverance, plus thinking about your own shortcomings while practicing, so as to learn something. If you don't know, you can also ask the master.

Recommend one: China PEN Forum is a good place for experts to gather. You can ask them for advice. Note that many pen calligraphers are also brush calligraphers.

Baidu input: "China Pen Club Forum" six words, you can find their website.