The Beginner's Guide to Calligraphy

History of Calligraphy

Learning calligraphy, which is the art of beautiful writing, can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows you to harness your creativity and hone your focus and mindfulness.

In addition, calligraphy is a valuable and practical skill you can turn into a profitable business or side hustle!

Like with any new skill, learning calligraphy can be challenging since you may feel unsure about where to start, what resources and tools you’ll need, or what Learning calligraphy, which is the art of beautiful writing, can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows you to harness your creativity and hone your focus and mindfulness.

In addition, calligraphy is a valuable and practical skill you can turn into a profitable business or side hustle!

Like with any new skill, learning calligraphy can be challenging since you may feel unsure about where to start, what resources and tools you’ll need, or what to expect. So, to make the process less daunting, we’ve created a comprehensive beginner’s guide just for you.

 


Traditional Vs. Modern Calligraphy

Calligraphy comes in two major styles: modern and traditional. In a nutshell, modern calligraphy is easier to learn since it uses simpler letterforms, while the traditional style has a steeper learning curve because it entails more complex and intricate strokes.

Because traditional calligraphy uses pointed pens (also called dip pens), beginners often struggle with controlling the ink flow from these pens. By contrast, modern calligraphy typically uses brush pens that are easier to control, especially if they come with a smaller brush tip.

 
Traditional Calligraphy Modern Calligraphy

Strict rules (i.e., consistent lines, spacing, and angles)

Script is more slanted

Typically associated with pointed nib pens

Elegant and sophisticated letterforms

More flexibility in style

Letters appear more upright

Often associated with brush pens and digital mediums

Fun and whimsical letterforms



Some calligraphy teachers recommend students to learn the rules of traditional calligraphy before giving the modern style a try. On the other hand, others may suggest starting with modern calligraphy because it is easier.

While both schools of thought have their own merits, this beginner’s guide focuses on modern calligraphy to make the initial learning process a little more accessible and less daunting.



Modern Calligraphy Resources and Tools


Brush Calligraphy for Beginners: Modern Calligraphy 101 Guide
This free comprehensive guide will teach you all about the basics of modern calligraphy using brush pens.

Brush Pen Drills and Warm-Up Strokes
This short video will teach you how to do warm-up exercises, so you can improve your brush lettering.

How to Do Modern Calligraphy
This tutorial will show you how easy it is to get started with modern calligraphy using just a single brush pen and a few basic techniques.

5 Best Calligraphy Tips for Beginners

This video shares five tips to make the learning process less intimidating for new students of calligraphy.



Faux Calligraphy With a Regular Pen for Beginners

If you want to learn calligraphy but only have a regular pen, this short video tutorial is perfect for you!



Calligraphy for Beginners: Basic Strokes

This video tutorial will teach you the basic strokes, including upstroke, downstroke, overturn, underturn, and much more.



Modern Calligraphy for Beginners

This introductory video will teach you tips and tricks for modern calligraphy.

Calligraphy Practice Sheets for Beginners

Use our free printable calligraphy practice sheets (PDF) that are perfect for beginners. However, these can also serve as a warm-up exercise for intermediate and advanced students.

With these practice sheets, it’s easier to establish a regular practice routine, which is crucial for developing proficiency in calligraphy.

Note: Regular printer paper is not recommended for calligraphy practice sheets because it is very thin and porous. Choose bleed-proof paper with a smooth surface, such as Rhodia Dot Pad, Canson Marker Paper, or HP Premium 32.

 

Essential Calligraphy Tools for Beginners

You don’t need to invest in fancy or expensive calligraphy pens to get started. All you need are some basic tools to help you develop the foundational skills to become proficient in the art of beautiful writing.



Calligraphy Pens

The best calligraphy pen will depend on the style you want to learn. But if you want to get a head start, brush pens with a smaller tip are an excellent choice for beginners.

 

It is easier to get a smooth ink flow with brush pens compared to pointed pens that you need to dip into the ink bottle. Another challenge with dip or pointed pens is that blobs of ink may appear if the ink consistency is too thick.

 

However, feel free to invest in pointed pens if traditional calligraphy is your preferred style. Just make sure you also buy some ink, like Sumi Ink, a brand ideal for beginners.



Calligraphy-Friendly Paper

Whether you need to print calligraphy practice sheets or want to create a finished project, it is crucial to use thick, bleed-proof paper with a smooth surface.

 

To practice calligraphy strokes and letters, these paper brands are excellent:

  • HP Smooth Choice LaserJet Paper
  • Rhodia 80 Sheet Dot Pad
  • Canson XL Series Marker Pad
  • Canson Tracing Paper Pad
  • Strathmore Tracing Paper
    •  

    Meanwhile, for finished projects, consider these paper brands:

  • Finished projects
  • Fabriano Mix Media Pad
  • Strathmore Marker Pad
  • Watercolor Paper

    • Note: If you want to draw guidelines on paper, you should also have pencils, erasers, and rulers. However, you won’t be needing these tools (at least in the initial learning stage) if you plan on using printable or ready-made calligraphy practice sheets and guidelines.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to learn calligraphy?

    Assuming you spend a few hours each week practicing calligraphy, your level of proficiency within 2-3 months will be enough for you to create simple greeting cards. But if you want to develop expert skills or master a unique style, it will take at least two years of dedicated practice to achieve this level.

    What makes modern calligraphy ideal for beginners?

    Modern calligraphy is considered ideal for beginners because it uses brush pens or markers (which are more forgiving than traditional dip pens) and allows for more flexibility in style than traditional calligraphy.

    Can I use regular pens when using practice sheets for beginners?

    Yes, you can use regular pens when using faux calligraphy practice sheets for beginners.

    Can I turn calligraphy into a profitable business or side hustle?

    Absolutely! Here are some ways to monetize your calligraphy skills:

  • Teach calligraphy to students.
  • Sell downloadable practice sheets, fonts, and other digital products.
  • Offer signage services to local businesses.
  • Sell handmade greeting cards and postcards.


    • With this guide, we hope we have inspired you to learn the art of beautiful writing. Just remember that you’re acquiring a new skill, so try to be patient with yourself and remember that it takes a lot of time and practice to become proficient in calligraphy.

    To make your progress easy to track and accelerate the learning process, don’t forget to use our FREE Calligraphy Practice Sheets.