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calligraphy

Calligraphy and Lettering

as a hobby

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.

Helpful content to get started

We curated content to familiarize you with calligraphy and lettering as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.

We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.

Refer to the listed resources for further research.

Short visual inspiration.

HISTORY of CALLIGRAPHY: From Sacred Texts to Internet Memes | Domestika English
YouTube | HISTORY of CALLIGRAPHY: From Sacred Texts to Internet Memes | Domestika English
AMAZING MODERN CALLIGRAPHY AND LETTERING WITH PEN AND MARKER WEEK #1
YouTube | AMAZING MODERN CALLIGRAPHY AND LETTERING WITH PEN AND MARKER WEEK #1
More videos

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Spotify Embed: S1 E1: Introducing The Calligraphy Podcast, What We Wish We Knew As Beginners
Spotify | S1 E1: Introducing The Calligraphy Podcast, What We Wish We Knew As Beginners
Spotify Embed: Is Calligraphy Your Hobby?
Spotify | Is Calligraphy Your Hobby?
Spotify Embed: Calligraphy Masters Show #001 - The Journey of Paul Antonio & his Copperplate Manual
Spotify | Calligraphy Masters Show #001 – The Journey of Paul Antonio & his Copperplate Manual
Spotify Embed: Calligraphy Unscripted: Trailer
Spotify | Calligraphy Unscripted: Trailer
More podcasts

Studies have shown that calligraphy and lettering can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance creativity.

Basic lingo for orientation.

Parts of the Letters

  • Majuscules: Capital letters
  • Minuscules: Lowercase letters
  • Ascender: Part of a letter that extends above the main body (h, k, b)
  • Descender: Part of a letter that extends below the baseline (y, p, g)
  • Stroke: An individual line made with the pen
  • Hairline: The thinnest stroke possible
  • Serif: Small decorative lines added to the beginning or end of strokes (not common in all styles)
  • Counter: The enclosed space within a letter (a, e, d)

Letter Proportion and Guidelines

  • Baseline: The line where the base of most letters sits
  • X-Height: The height of the body of lowercase letters (x, a, o)
  • Waistline: The halfway point of the x-height
  • Ascender Line: Line marking the top of ascenders
  • Descender Line: Line marking the bottom of descenders

Other Terms

  • 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
  • Flourish: A decorative embellishment added to letters

Term Videos

How to break the ice and make a start.

First Steps Videos

Get read-y.

Step-by-step tutorials.

How-To Videos

How To: Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners! Tutorial + Tips!
YouTube | How To: Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners! Tutorial + Tips!
How To: Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners! Easy Ways to Change Up Your Writing Style!
YouTube | How To: Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners! Easy Ways to Change Up Your Writing Style!
Hand Lettering + Calligraphy Tutorials
YouTube Playlist | Hand Lettering + Calligraphy Tutorials
More how-to videos

Essentials to have.

Product Demos

Learning Series Adorable Hand Lettering
YouTube | Learning Series Adorable Hand Lettering
Introduction to Calligraphy with Speedball's Complete Calligraphy Kit
YouTube | Introduction to Calligraphy with Speedball’s Complete Calligraphy Kit

Further reading.

Video Articles

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Go-tos for information.

Website Previews

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The practice of calligraphy can be traced back to 3000 BC in Mesopotamia.

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

Movie Trailers

Calligraphy From Paper To Brick - Episode 01 - Paris, France - Documentary 2016
YouTube | Calligraphy From Paper To Brick – Episode 01 – Paris, France – Documentary 2016
More movie trailers

Get a clue.

Is calligraphy and lettering a hobby?

Absolutely! Calligraphy and lettering are wonderful hobbies that combine creativity, relaxation, and the satisfaction of creating beautiful things.

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).

Think of calligraphy as the refined, traditional practice, while lettering offers a broader and more playful approach to creating beautiful letters.

Are calligraphy and lettering difficult to learn?

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.

What do I need to get started with calligraphy and lettering?

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.

Do I need good handwriting for calligraphy and lettering?

Not necessarily! Calligraphy is the art of creating beautiful letters, not necessarily replicating your everyday handwriting.

What are some benefits of calligraphy and lettering?

This hobby can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance creativity. It’s also a fun way to personalize cards, gifts, and home decor.

Are there online resources to learn calligraphy and lettering?

Yes! There are many websites, and online tutorials and courses offering free and paid lessons in various calligraphy styles.

Can I take calligraphy and lettering classes?

Of course. You can search for calligraphy and lettering classes near you, or join online courses.

What are some creative uses for calligraphy and lettering?

You can create personalized greeting cards, wedding invitations, address envelopes, decorate journals, or even design your own wall art.

How much time do I need to invest in calligraphy and lettering?

Even short practice sessions daily can yield good results. Consistency is more important than lengthy sessions.

FAQ Videos

Smart start.

App Trailers

LazyDog Calligraphy Practice
YouTube | LazyDog Calligraphy Practice
Learn Calligraphy Tracing & Lettering App for iPhone, iPad and Android: Flourish
YouTube | Learn Calligraphy Tracing & Lettering App for iPhone, iPad and Android: Flourish
More app trailers

Get smart.

Video Courses and Trailers

Trailer: Calligraphy and Starting with a Modern Script with Bryn Chernoff
YouTube | Trailer: Calligraphy and Starting with a Modern Script with Bryn Chernoff
Seb Lester and the Art of Calligraphy | Skillshare Shorts
YouTube | Seb Lester and the Art of Calligraphy | Skillshare Shorts

Get together.

Related Videos

In medieval Europe, monks meticulously hand-copied religious texts, developing beautiful lettering styles.

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Additional advice for beginners.

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