Unleash your creativity and find peace in the meditative practice of calligraphy and lettering. Combining beautiful writing and drawing, this art form offers stress relief, improved focus, and the joy of creating handmade pieces. Start your journey with basic supplies and explore online tutorials or beginner-friendly workshops to find your artistic voice.
Calligraphy and Lettering
as a hobby
AKA: Handwriting • Penmanship
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Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with calligraphy and lettering as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with calligraphy and lettering.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
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Podcasts
Play an episode while exploring the page.
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Studies have shown that calligraphy and lettering can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance creativity.
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
Parts of the Letters
- Ascender: Part of a letter that extends above the main body (h, k, b)
- Counter: The enclosed space within a letter (a, e, d)
- Descender: Part of a letter that extends below the baseline (y, p, g)
- Hairline: The thinnest stroke possible
- Majuscules: Capital letters
- Minuscules: Lowercase letters
- Serif: Small decorative lines added to the beginning or end of strokes (not common in all styles)
- Stroke: An individual line made with the pen
Letter Proportion and Guidelines
- Ascender Line: Line marking the top of ascenders
- Baseline: The line where the base of most letters sits
- Descender Line: Line marking the bottom of descenders
- Waistline: The halfway point of the x-height
- X-Height: The height of the body of lowercase letters (x, a, o)
Other Terms
- Flourish: A decorative embellishment added to letters
- Lettering: The art of drawing or writing letters.
- Ligature: Two or more letters joined together
- Manuscript: A handwritten book or document
- Nib: The tip of a pen that creates the strokes
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Start with a calligraphy and lettering app.
- Purchase a calligraphy and lettering starter kit.
- Try the Strathmore instructional art pad hand lettering pad.
- Follow books, or online tutorials and courses.
First Steps Videos
Products
Essentials to have.
Calligraphy Kits
Calligraphy Learning and Practicing
Calligraphy Pens
Product Demos
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
How-To Videos
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Books
Get read-y.
Articles
Further reading.
- As schools reconsider cursive, research homes in on handwriting’s brain benefits : Shots – Health News : NPR
- Calligraphy As A Hobby: Unwind & Create | What is calligraphy
- Calligraphy Health Benefits: More Than Just Art | What is calligraphy
- The Ancient Art of Calligraphy Is Having a Revival – The New York Times
- We know there are many benefits to writing by hand – in a digital world we risk losing them | Nova Weetman | The Guardian
- Why Is Calligraphy So Good for Your Brain? | Domestika
Video Articles
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Websites
Go-tos for information.
Website Previews
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
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The practice of calligraphy can be traced back to 3000 BC in Mesopotamia.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: Is calligraphy and lettering a hobby?
A: Absolutely! Calligraphy and lettering are wonderful hobbies that combine creativity, relaxation, and the satisfaction of creating beautiful things.
Q: What is the difference between calligraphy and lettering?
- Calligraphy: The art of beautiful writing using specific tools and techniques. It emphasizes consistent strokes and follows established scripts (e.g., Gothic, Italic).
- Lettering: The art of drawing letters in any style. It allows for more freedom and experimentation with tools and styles (e.g., block lettering, brush lettering).
A: Think of calligraphy as the refined, traditional practice, while lettering offers a broader and more playful approach to creating beautiful letters.
Q: Are calligraphy and lettering difficult to learn?
A: The basic techniques can be learned with practice. There are many beautiful styles with varying difficulty levels. Start with a simple script and gradually progress as you gain confidence.
Q: What do I need to get started with calligraphy and lettering?
A: The basic supplies include a calligraphy pen or marker, high-quality paper, and a guide sheet for your chosen script. Before moving to pen and paper, you can also try a calligraphy app.
Q: Do I need good handwriting for calligraphy and lettering?
A: Not necessarily! Calligraphy is the art of creating beautiful letters, not necessarily replicating your everyday handwriting.
Q: What are some benefits of calligraphy and lettering?
A: This hobby can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance creativity. It’s also a fun way to personalize cards, gifts, and home decor.
Q: What pens are best for calligraphy and lettering?
A: The best pens depend on your style and skill level. Beginners often start with felt-tip calligraphy pens (e.g., Tombow or Faber-Castell) or brush pens for smooth, flowing strokes. For more advanced work, try dip pens with interchangeable nibs or fountain pens with italic nibs. Pilot Parallel Pens are also great for crisp, bold lines. Experiment with different options to find what suits you best!
Q: Are there online resources to learn calligraphy and lettering?
Q: Can I take calligraphy and lettering classes?
Q: What are some creative uses for calligraphy and lettering?
A: You can create personalized greeting cards, wedding invitations, address envelopes, decorate journals, or even design your own wall art.
Q: How much time do I need to invest in calligraphy and lettering?
A: Even short practice sessions daily can yield good results. Consistency is more important than lengthy sessions.
FAQ Videos
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Apps
Smart start.
App Trailers
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Courses
Get smart.
Video courses and trailers
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Community & Near You
Get together.
Related Videos
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Video Tips
In medieval Europe, monks meticulously hand-copied religious texts, developing beautiful lettering styles.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | |
| Fields | Arts, Crafts, History and Culture, Home and Interior Design, Language and Communication, Literature, Personal Development, Spirituality |
| Locations | Anywhere, Classroom, Community Center, Home, Park, Social Club, Studio |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Attention to Detail, Concentration, Creativity, Cultural Awareness, Fine Motor Skills, General Knowledge, Hand-eye Coordination, Innovation, Language Skills, Memory, Mindfulness, Patience, Perseverance, Research |
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