Calligraphy is derived from a Greek word,” KALLOSGRAPHEIN,” where “Kallos” means Beauty and “Graphein” means to write or to draw. It was first popularised 2000 years ago.

The word “Calligraphy” was introduced in the English language in 1613.

If you have ever doodled fancy letters on the margins of your notebook, you may have a hidden talent for calligraphy. Not only is it a beautiful art form, but it can also have a lucrative way to earn some extra dough.

In other words, calligraphy makes words look like they just stepped out of a fairytale.

It’s not just about pretty handwriting, my friend. Calligraphy holds a special place in our hearts. Grab your pens, and let’s dive into the beautiful world of calligraphy. 

1. How Do You Learn To Write Calligraphy? 

You want to learn the ancient divine art of calligraphy, huh? Well, buckle up and prepare to dip your quill into a world of elegance.

So, behold, humans, we are about to dive deep into the mystical realm of calligraphy. And teach you something that pushes your limits, how to wield your pen like a true master.  

Then, let’s get one thing straight: calligraphy is not for the faint of heart (LOL). It requires patience, precision, and a steady hand, but fear not. I’m here (just kidding, you guys).

Therefore, we are here to cover everything from choosing the right tools and materials to insight into different calligraphy styles. We will explore techniques such as brush lettering and pointed pen script and even delve into the mesmerizing world of flourishing. 

But wait before you start dreaming about becoming the next Shakespeare with a fancy quill in hand. Remember that practice makes a man perfect.

So, you can’t expect to become a calligraphy prodigy overnight because it takes time and dedication to master this craft. So grab your inkwell or pen, roll up your sleeves, and embark on this epic journey together.

By the end of it all, you can impress friends with beautifully written invitations and cards. Even create stunning artwork that will make the master himself jealous (okay, maybe not jealous, but impressed). 

2. Calligraphy Types

First, there are many different calligraphy formats and categories to discover, ranging from the elegant and intricate fonts that make you feel like you’re reading a book to the more dreamy and charming ones that look like the doodles of an overly enthusiastic chicken.

Faux, brush, and copperplate calligraphy are some of the most popular styles.

There is a type for everyone, so you can’t just leave empty-handed. This is true whether you like fancy flourishes or prefer your calligraphy with a side of chicken scratch adventure. So, guys, grab your pens as soon as you can and let your emotions get better.

Just be familiar with the idea that you might encounter significant handwriting hate. 

2.1 Traditional Calligraphy 

Now, the time has come to know about traditional calligraphy (which sounds like “open sesame” from Ali Baba tales). Meanwhile, it also refers to the classic and timeless calligraphy styles practiced for centuries.

It encompasses various scripts and classes, such as copperplate, italic, and uncial. Besides, each has its own unique essence and historical landmarks. 

Moreover, traditional calligraphy often emphasizes precision, symmetry, and elegance in letterforms.

So, these require a high level of skill and practice to master, which is the only way to achieve its essence. Also, don’t forget it is commonly used in formal invitations, certificates, and other formal or ceremonial documents, which means there is a way to use the utmost potential of its beauty. And don’t worry about cursive writing because it is not required for learning calligraphy.

Hence, traditional calligraphy can be created using specially designed calligraphy pens or brushes and ink and paper just for this moment in calligraphy, so let’s jump into this ocean. Shall we? 

3. So Here Are The Most Famous Types Of Calligraphy

3.1 Faux Or Fake Calligraphy

In other words, it is also known as authentic calligraphy because it is simple in a technique that imitates the appearance of traditional calligraphy without the need for special pens or tools, which involves drawing thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes to create the illusion barrier of hand lettering.

Always remember that faux calligraphy is a fun and accessible way to achieve a calligraphy-like effect. Because, with practice and patience, you can create beautiful hand lettering without the need for pricey calligraphy equipment.

Faux calligraphy has become increasingly popular in recent years to achieve elegance. It is a versatile option where you can use any calligraphy material. 

3.1.1 The Guide

Besides, faux calligraphy involves carefully adding extra lines following the downstrokes and thinning out the upstrokes. Firstly, start simply by writing your desired word or phrase in cursive. Use any pen or marker with a rounded tip because the journey will only be fruitful when you enjoy the sailing.

So, it is essential to identify the downstrokes in each letter, which means all the lines that draw inwards or to the right in cursive writing. Then, once you locate the downstrokes, solidify them by drawing a second, relatively more remarkable line parallel to the first return stroke.

Afterward, return to each sentence and spot the upstrokes, the fundamental steps to the left or upward in cursive script. Additionally, carefully draw a line parallel to the original line but thinner inside the upstrokes.

As a result, the contrast between calligraphy’s thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes was brought to light. So repeat this procedure for each hand lettering in your word or phrase, paying attention to the consistency of the stroke thickness and thinness. 

As a result, be patient and retake your time. Once you’ve completed all the letters, it might take a few tries to get the hang of it. But you can review the word or phrase once more to eliminate crooked or imperfect lines.

In addition, you can add flourishes, tiny polka dots, or even plain art to the letters at specific locations if you want to give your faux calligraphy a little more flair.

3.2 Copperplate Calligraphy 

It is judged by its majestic, flowing sketch, with a flexible pointed pen nib. Additionally, it is regularly used for formal and decorative writing on paper records from the previous era, like credentials, weddings, and greeting cards.

Besides, the name copperplate refers to the use of copperplates in producing finely engraved penmanship manuals widely used during this period. These manuals provided detailed instructions about how to learn it.

Hence, to its name, the term “copperplate” refers to the use of copperplates in drafting highly perceived, inscribed handwriting documentations famous at the time. So, these booklets welcomed thorough guidance on how to learn it. 

3.2.1 The Guide

Moreover, it requires a delicate touch and a mastery of subtle pen movements. To create the thin, thick strokes that give the script a distinctive appearance.

Hence, the technique involves a combination of pressure and release. The pen is held at a consistent angle, lightly pressed downward to create the thick lines, and lifted to create the thin lines. 

Although the calligraphy style is known for its precise and uniform hand lettering, it is characterized by its elongated and slightly slanted lowercase letters, flourishing strokes, and decorative curves. It is highly regarded for its beauty and versatility, so in that way, it remains popular among calligraphers and lettering artists today. 

One must touch delicately to achieve the distinctive appearance of calligraphy, and mastery of pen movements is required. This creates a beautiful contrast between the thick and thin strokes, giving the script elegant characteristics and making hand lettering excellent. Furthermore, with time and practice, individuals can develop their unique style.

And create stunning pieces of written art using copperplate calligraphy. Then, the art form allows for creativity and personal expression, making it a popular type of calligraphy.

3.3 Brush Pen Calligraphy 

Certainly, Brush calligraphy is the type of calligraphy that is done using a brush pen. A brush pen is a pen that has a brush tip instead of a traditional nib or ballpoint. In other words, the brush tip allows for more variation in line width and more beautiful strokes.

Because it is more accessible and beginner-friendly than traditional calligraphy, let’s not forget when thick strokes meet thin lines in a dance of artistic expression. Therefore, it is like watching an acrobat perform on paper; it is mesmerizing and full of flair. 

As a result, the brush calligraphy allows for greater control and precision, making it easier to create intricate letterforms and artwork.

Furthermore, to do brush pen calligraphy, the brush pens are held at a gaslight angle to the paper. The pressure applied determines the thickness of the strokes with calligraphy supplies.

Also, it can be done on various surfaces such as practice sheets, essays, writing utensils, fabric, wood, and more.

3.3.1 They Are Suitable For-

• Hand lettered sign
• Cards
• Invitation
• Artwork

3.3.2 Alright, We Need the Gear for Learning Calligraphy

• Brush pens
• Dip pens (Traditional dip pens)
• Pilot parallel pen
• Practice sheet
• Marker pens (Crayola marker)
• Fountain pen
• Regular pen
• Tracing paper
• Calligraphy brushes

Besides, there are tools other than these, such as pen holders, nib holders, broad nibs, blotting paper, calligraphy sets, and rulers, which create guidelines for starting calligraphy from rough sketches.

4. Different Types Of Strokes

First, begin by practicing basic calligraphy strokes, such as basic strokes, upstrokes, downstrokes, and curves with uppercase letters. Focus on maintaining consistent pressure and creating smooth lines. Repeat these strokes until you feel comfortable and confident. 

In calligraphy, thin and thick strokes refer to the variation in line width created by applying different amounts of pressure to the pen or brush in practice sheets. Thin strokes are made using light pressure.

This results in a narrower line, while thick strokes are created by applying more pressure, resulting in a broader line. Besides basic strokes in calligraphy, the foundational building blocks for creating letterforms are upstrokes, downstrokes, and curves. Here is a breakdown of each stroke to form letters.

4.1 Upstrokes

Here, the upstroke lines move upwards from the baseline. They are typically thin and created with light pressure. Hence, start at the baseline with basic shapes and gradually lift the pen or brush as you move upwards, maintaining a consistent angle, parallel lines, duplicate lines, and width. 

4.2 Downstrokes

Downstroke lines that move from the baseline downwards are typically thicker, so practicing calligraphy skills is necessary.

5. Calligraphy Era

Although handwriting is the ancient art of scribbling words on paper with a pen, it is like a writing tool, a personal signature that says, hey, world, this is my unique chicken scratch.

But let’s be honest: our thumbs do most of the talking in this digital age. Hence, handwriting has become somewhat of a lost art.

Those days are gone when we always meticulously practiced cursive letters or proudly displayed our fancy penmanship. It is about typing at lightning speed and relying on autocorrect to fix our embarrassing typos.

5.1 Digital Or Offline

But fear not, handwriting still has its moments to shine. From love letters that tug at heartstrings to doodles that bring joy during boring meetings (don’t worry, your secret is safe with me). There is something nostalgic and personal about putting pen on top of paper.

Let’s not forget those beautifully crafted calligraphy pieces that make us question if someone wrote them by hand or summoned an ancient writing deity. How do they make every stroke look like a work of art? It is like some wizard pen magic going on. 

So, while keyboards and touchscreens dominate our daily lives, let’s not forget the joy and charm of handwritten notes.

Whether leaving silly doodles for your loved ones or singing essential documents with a flourish (I suggest practicing your signature in front of a mirror for maximum effect), embrace the quirks and imperfections that make your handwriting uniquely yours.

And who knows? Maybe one day, we will see a resurgence in the appreciation for writing as people realize there is more to life than just arial font. Until then, keep scribbling away and remember even if your handwriting looks like an abstract masterpiece gone wrong, it is still pretty special. 

6. Exercise For Hand 

Exercising the hands is necessary for calligraphy hand, just as exercising the muscles is necessary to maintain a good composer. Even so, a wide selection of exercises can improve writing style, muscle memory, and hand strength.

Therefore, this exercise can significantly help in enhancing finger flexibility, including grip, control, and momentum. 

6.1 Finger Taps

First, shake it not with your body but with your fingers, going from pinky to thumb as you tap on a flat surface. Therefore, repeat this motion until you feel your muscles relax. 

6.2 Hand Grips

You must be careful with your hands when holding a pen or pencil while writing or using a keyboard. Try squeezing a bouncy ball or use a hand grip device to revitalize your fingers and hands.

6.3 Finger Stretches

Stretch hands, such as the lungs, can expand for oxygen because extending your fingers as far as possible leads to curling them into a tight fist. And there you have it; all it takes is a few repetitions of this exercise to help loosen up your hand’s tightness. 

6.4 Hand and Wrist Rotations

To increase capacity and reduce soreness, rotate your wrists in clockwise and counterclockwise orientations. Try this exercise to avoid hand fatigue during uninterrupted writing sessions.

And if you want to take an interest in an outdoor sport, swimming is one of the best treatments for increasing flexibility in your hands and shoulders. 

6.5 Fine Motor Activities 

Likewise, play the piano, thread beads, or complete puzzles—activities that call for deft hand movements- so these exercises support the development of writing-related fine motor skills.

Therefore, always remember to start with gentle strength training and gradually increase the intensity to avoid putting undue strain on your hands.

Again, if you have a hand injury or experience any pain or discomfort while performing these postures, it’s also crucial to use caution.

7. Calligraphy Is Not Just The Art Of Fancy Writing

Of course, guys, this isn’t just any ordinary handwriting skill but a medium to discover your Ikigai. And let me tell you if you can write in calligraphy well, you might even become a certified genius.

Now, I know what you are thinking, such as how can having pretty handwriting equal being a genius status?

Well, my friend, let me break it down: calligraphy requires precision, patience, and an eye for detail. So, it is like performing brain surgery on paper with nothing but ink and a fancy pen.

Even so, consider how amazing it is that someone with a brilliant mind can produce the complex loops and swirls that make up lovely calligraphy. Therefore, it requires more than muscle memory and a soulful artistic vision. 

But wait, there is more because calligraphy is not just about aesthetics but also discipline and focus. Apart from this, you have to be able to concentrate for long periods without getting sidetracked by things such as Netflix or cute cat videos (trust me, I have tried).

Hence, it is like meditation for your hand muscles. 

So next time someone compliments your calligraphy or comments on your handwriting, don’t be modest and embrace your inner genius. After all, not everyone can make their shopping list look good enough to frame.  

7.1 Importance of Calligraphy

• First, calligraphy gives any writing a touch of class and beauty. Calligraphy awakens the idea from regular to extraordinary, whether it is an exciting opportunity, a personal message, or a brief note to your roommate constantly telling them to do the dishes (lol). 
• Additionally, calligraphy ties us to historical legacy and recalls when relics and inscriptions were purposefully tailored. In other words, calligraphers were the rock stars of their era! By continuing to practice this age-old art form. We love and respect those who came before us and safeguard their legacy.
• Furthermore, calligraphy is constructive. Sincerely, have you ever given it a shot? Dipping a pen into the ink and watching the texts circulate onto the page has a phenomenally calming effect. This is also known as writing for mediation. 

Next time someone asks why calligraphy is essential, let them know it is not just about adorable letters. In addition, it is about bringing beauty into our lives, connecting with our pasts, and finding inner peace, such as a bridge that connects the past, present, and future.

Hence, inner beauty that you create on paper with your hand. 

8. How Do You Earn Money By Calligraphy? 

First, let’s talk about the pros of calligraphy, besides making a good impression on your teachers or friends.

With your fancy handwriting skills for calligraphy, there are many more than the eye meets, and practicing calligraphy reduces stress levels. And who needs meditation when you can lose yourself in the graceful strokes of each letter?

So, it is out of the question that you need mountains to practice your meditation, right?

Now, onto the exciting part of how to earn some bucks with calligraphy. There are endless possibilities here, so you can offer personalized wedding invitations that make every couple swoon with envy or perhaps produce stunning wall art that people can’t resist hanging in their homes.

But with the help of social media platforms like Instagram and Etsy, you can showcase and sell your calligraphic creations to worldwide prospective customers.

So, from the custom quotes on mugs to beautifully addressed envelopes for special occasions, there is no limit to what you can offer. 

Whether you are looking for a creative outlet or an extra income source, calligraphy has your back (or should we say hand). And get those pens ready and start turning your elegant handwriting into cash. So, always remember one stroke at a time. 

9. Calligraphy Enlightens The Heroes! 

Here’s the real deal, guys. Calligraphy is an excellent opportunity to make handwriting appear sophisticated and magnificent. So, let’s now discuss famous people who love this highly developed craft.

9.1 Apple

The first is Apple, which isn’t just an ordinary apple because behind the Apple brand is Steve Jobs, a well-known name in his own right. Yes, the Apple company’s co-founder.

In his Standford commencement speech, he famously declared that his love of calligraphy had a tremendous influence on the lovely typography displayed in today’s Apple products.

Who would have thought that scribbling fancy letters results in cutting-edge technology? 

9.2 Queen Elizabeth II

Moreover, there is another surprising lover of calligraphy, none other than Queen Elizabeth II herself. As a result, the current monarch of the United Kingdom enjoys this age-old discipline.

So, it is true that she enjoys honing her handwriting in her spare time, giving her handwritten notes a bit more class. If the queen does this, you can imagine how much it is worth. It feels like ordinary people like you and me can also do and grasp the secret behind this magic handwriting form. 

So the next question is why calligraphy has been emphasized so much in early education for Asians like Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans because this handwriting form benefits brain development.

Remember, Asian races are more dominant than other races. And you can easily find information on Google that most of the higher-ups in the countries belong to Asians. And I’m only trying to demonstrate the positive traits that give your personality a rainbow’s worth of colors. 

Hence, even famous personalities can’t resist the charms of calligraphy, whether influencing technology or simply engaging in expression.

These individuals show us that there’s something truly captivating about creating beautiful letters on a page rather than playing online games (Don’t let your emotions get the best of you, just kidding). Don’t you think, pal? 

10. Find Your Calligraphy Style 

It is true that acquiring abilities and producing consistent results in calligraphy practice calls for persistence and time. Fortunately, there are plenty of online and offline resources that you can use to get started with calligraphy and advance your skills in no time, you bet. 

Therefore, discovering your signature calligraphy is crucial because it allows you to shine like a star on a starry night and help those who need it find their way in life. That’s why it is meaningful for everyone who succeeds in doing so.

See, I told you! Calligraphy is a habit that makes it more precious than any material obsession because it builds the temper and character that later turns into a successful being. As a result, everything depends on you, including your willpower, mental state, inner world, and thoughts. 

10.1 Yup! It is Ikigai 

Besides, calligraphy exercise requires patience and persistence to develop these acquired skills, which only come from consistent results.

So, do you know how incredibly blessed you are to have been born in the age of modern technology? There are many digital and traditional resources that you can use to start your journey of learning calligraphy, which strengthens not only skill but personality. 

You are surprised by your potential, and when you do, you have already overcome your obstacles so that you can practice this meditation anywhere, with or without tools.

Hence, finding your style is never easy but has a crucial impact because it means that you should adore or create something original that suits your temperament and flows like water, which can calm the reader’s emotions. 

Numerous resources are available for learning, such as tutorials, books, classes, practice sheets, and communities of fellow calligraphers that can provide guidance and inspiration. Also, many calligraphers share their work and techniques on social media platforms.

For example, on Instagram and YouTube, making it accessible and inspiring for beginners like you and me. 

11. Takeaway 

In the end, what matters is finding the purpose of your life. Some were found early, and some were found later, which means calligraphy is a secret technique. It is simple yet mighty if you achieve the meaning behind it. Well, it is a catalyst of life that accelerates the processes leading to the real purpose of one’s existence. 

Additionally, if you want to make money, go ahead without hesitation. If not, that’s okay too. In a chaotic world where calligraphy is the only thing that can bring peace to a noisy world, it helps you deal with your emotions and lowers your stress. Because of this, you only need to trust me, and everything will work out.

It is not magic but hard work, so if you do it, consistent practice.  So,  all the best for your calligraphy journey. You can do it, so keep going.  I hope this article covered everything on how to learn to write calligraphy.

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Namrata