Do you worry that calligraphy will be too hard to learn? This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning calligraphy and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you can be confident that you’ll be successful no matter how you choose to learn and apply your new skills.
What is Calligraphy?
Calligraphy is a gestural art form that transforms the written word into a visual masterpiece. The term calligraphy combines two Greek words meaning beauty and writing. Believed to have originally come from China, early emperors exercised their power by engraving edicts or pronouncements on stone in their own calligraphic script. It also has deep roots in the Arabic language since it is a fundamental element of Islamic art.
Modern calligraphy has shifted away from ancient scripts and is essentially free-hand pointed-pen cursive. Learning calligraphy has become a popular way to create bespoke pieces of art or one-of-a-kind graphic logos for businesses. The art form is about incorporating visual appeal into written language and can be a great way to nurture your creative side.
Benefits of Learning Calligraphy?
Calligraphy, like any art form, has many benefits. Looking to make new friendships through a mutual interest? Taking a calligraphy course would allow you to meet other artists near you, forming friendships based on a common passion. Plus, with organizations like The Society of Scribes & Illuminators in the UK and the Society for Calligraphy in Southern California, there are endless groups and forums just waiting for new calligraphers to join!
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Did you know calligraphy stimulates neuronal activity? Creating each stroke by hand activates the motor areas of the brain, and practicing calligraphy also simultaneously activates the language portion of the brain. It’s this particular combo that helps improve your fine motor skills and sharpen your memory. One study even found that calligraphy therapy can help enhance cognitive function in older people with mild cognitive impairment.
Practicing calligraphy can also encourage relaxation after a busy day. Art is often utilized in therapy, so it isn’t surprising that the repetitive actions and creative exploration of calligraphy can be stress relieving. Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk and one of the most influential living figures in Zen Buddhism, practices calligraphy as a form of mindfulness. If it works for the monks, the odds are that it will work for you, too!
Calligraphy doesn’t require a specific list of expensive things or a lot of supplies. All you need to get started is ink, paper, a nib, and a pen. And, while your initial costs may be small, your potential profits are anything but. Expert calligraphers can sell handmade greeting cards, framed inspirational quotes, or other customized gifts. Highly-skilled calligraphers can even take on large-scale projects or commissions like murals or logo development for other businesses.
Is Calligraphy Easy to Learn?
If you’re intimidated by how difficult calligraphy might be, don’t be! As discussed above, calligraphy doesn’t require a lot of tools or materials, which helps make it more accessible. It can take time to learn the different styles and master the strokes that make up each letter, but don’t let that deter you. You can cut down on that learning time by enrolling in an in-person class. Having access to an expert instructor who can provide real-time feedback and answer any questions will make a smoother learning process.
Modern Calligraphy for Newbies is the perfect course to calm your first-time learning jitters. Located at Post Studio Projects in Houston, Texas, this class will cover the basics like lettering, flourishing, and colored inks. You’ll also be given a beautiful calligraphy starter kit containing a personalized clipboard, pen holder, calligraphy inks, two nibs, calligraphy exemplars, cheat sheets, and a calligraphy tracing pad.
Makers Mess in Silver Lake (Los Angeles) also offers a beginner-friendly course called Modern Calligraphy. Described as “frustration-free, ” this two-hour workshop explores fundamental techniques on pen pressure, lettering, and how to connect letters. Students can expect to use dip pens during this class while they learn all the basics.
If you’re in Chicago, Contemplative Calligraphy will teach you to render beautiful letters in the Foundational and Italic hands and explore your curiosity by experimenting with new materials and ideas. This class will also focus on spacing and negative space, design elements, and the historical context for hand lettering.
What You Need to Know Before Learning Calligraphy
While there aren’t any required prerequisites for calligraphy, there are some skills that can help make your learning easier. Having a firm grasp on the fundamentals of other art forms like drawing or painting will give you an upper hand when it comes to stroke formations and techniques. Having an artistic eye will also help with design and layout.
By now you know that learning calligraphy can take some time, so having patience is key. You’re learning an entirely new art form, after all, and each style of calligraphy—from modern to copperplate to black letter (also known as gothic script)—will have its own unique rules and challenges. Practice patience and set reasonable expectations to help curb any frustrations. Part of the fun of having a new hobby is the learning process, so make sure you celebrate each small win on your way to mastery.
What You Need to Learn Calligraphy
Worried about what supplies you need to pick up from your local craft store? There are just four things anyone needs to begin learning calligraphy: paper, a pen, nibs, and ink. While the supplies are minimal, it is important that you pick the ones that will best fit your personal preferences and, eventually, your calligraphy style. (And remember, most in-person classes will provide supplies for you, but it’s still good to know the necessities.)
Pens
There are two styles of calligraphy pens (also known as nib holders: a straight pen and an oblique pen. Which pen you’ll need is entirely up to your preference. The main difference between the two is that, with straight pens, the nib attaches to the holder in a straight line and, with the oblique, the nib is inserted into a metal flange that is attached to the holder. Essentially, an oblique pen allows you to write at a specific angle while the straight pen does not.
Nibs
A nib is a metal tip that inserts into the pen. There are several different kinds, like cursive italic nibs, flex nibs, oblique nibs, and stub nibs. These pint-sized pieces are interchangeable, meaning you can swap them out depending on the style of your current project.
Paper
While using calligraphy paper isn’t a must, it is advised to practice on either quality printer paper or a paper pad. The key is that the paper be smooth; any sort of texture to the paper could interrupt flowing, effortless brushstrokes.
Ink
Quality ink, however, is very important. You’ll want ink that flows smoothly, like Sumi ink or India ink. It’s best to avoid fountain pen inks as they are very different from your standard calligraphy inks.
Key Takeaways
- Calligraphy is a creative practice that transforms the written word into works of art.
- There are many benefits to learning calligraphy, like improving your fine motor and memory functions, boosting your mental health, helping you make friends, and even making money from a new side hustle.
- Learning calligraphy can take time but don’t let that deter you from pursuing the craft.
- No need to worry about buying a ton of supplies; all you need to get started is paper, ink, a pen, and a nib.
- CourseHorse can also provide private lessons and private group classes that can be customized to fit your exact needs. Virtual Calligraphy Workshop is ideal for groups of 10 or more and can include all your supplies, at your request. You can reach out through the website to find out about options for in-person, online, and private group sessions.