How to learn the art of calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting. It is an art form that is a little different from the others. That’s because there are “rules” on how to create letter shapes, known as “hands” or calligraphy styles. In computer language, these styles are called “fonts.”

To create a particular letter shape, you need to study it by really looking at the letters closely. It is very important to find examples of these lettering styles created by master calligraphers. Since most people can write, you could be wrong if you learn from someone who really knows little about historical handwriting skills. It would be like trying to become a professional photographer for someone who has only used their phone to take pictures! Learning from a master scribe will teach you excellent skills that will create consistently excellent lettering and designs.

One of the important characteristics of calligraphy that you will learn is that the letters have thick and thin parts, which are created by the angle at which you hold your pen with a square tip. That’s the part of the pen that comes in various sizes, which is dipped in ink or paint. You do this with the angle at which you consistently hold the pen when writing your letters. In copperplate calligraphy, the thick and thin parts of the letters are created by putting pressure on the tip of the pencil when writing.

Consistency is the most important feature: learning height, width, slant, serifs, ramifications and other parts of the letters, and then being able to write them that way at all times! That’s where study, observation, and practice come in. You need to get used to the pen: holding it at the proper angle of the pen, how hard you are pressing (don’t press hard or the ink won’t flow!) And even the amount of ink you put on the tip. And once you learn how to form letters, then you need to learn about what kind of ink or paint, paper, how to regulate the paper, proper spacing … over and over again.

Don’t be discouraged. It takes time. It’s the same way any professional knows his tools: a carpenter who uses a saw, a plastic surgeon who puts points, a great tennis player who uses his racket. It takes MANY hours and eventually years to become a consistent teacher.

The final part of the learning is the ART of calligraphy. It takes some talent to create beautiful letters and documents. Visit the websites of calligraphy guilds like The Society of Scribes in New York. See the work of top calligraphers including John Stevens Designs, Eleanor Winters, Joanne Fink, and others. There are impressive works of art! Not everyone can be a great scribe, no matter how many hours they practice. You need skill AND TALENT.

But if you just want to have a good handwriting or improve your penmanship, give it a try! You can contact me to review your letter forms with online lessons, critique your work, and make suggestions on how to improve your letters and learn the art of calligraphy.