What is Calligraphy? A Beginner’s Guide to the Art of Beautiful Writing

By Jane Morton Driscoll | Updated: 15th October 2024 | Reading time: 5 minutes

Introduction

Have you ever wondered, what is calligraphy? You might have seen elegant scripts on wedding invitations or graceful strokes in art pieces, but you’re not exactly sure what this craft is all about. Simply put, calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing, where each letter is carefully designed to create an aesthetically pleasing composition.

But there’s much more to it than just pretty handwriting. In this post, we’ll dive into the world of calligraphy, explore different calligraphic styles, and give you tips on how to do calligraphy —even if you're a complete beginner.

Understanding Calligraphy: A Brief Overview

Calligraphy comes from the Greek words “kallos,” meaning beauty, and “graphe,” meaning writing. So, calligraphy literally means "beautiful writing." But unlike regular handwriting, calligraphy is about crafting each letter with artistic precision. It’s an age-old practice that spans cultures, from ancient Chinese brush strokes to elegant Arabic scripts and classic Western calligraphy. Over time, it has evolved into both a traditional art form and a modern creative outlet.

Whether used in art, formal documents, or personal projects, calligraphy transforms simple letters into stunning visual art.

The Different Calligraphic Styles

Calligraphy isn’t a one-size-fits-all craft—there are various calligraphic styles, each with its own history and rules. Some of the most popular styles include:

Western Calligraphy: Often associated with Roman, Gothic, and Italic scripts. These styles follow strict rules about letter shapes and spacing, making them intricate and elegant.

Eastern Calligraphy: This includes Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, which is typically done with brushes and ink. These styles emphasize brushstrokes and fluid movements, creating bold yet delicate characters.

Islamic Calligraphy: Known for its stunning geometric patterns and flowing Arabic scripts, Islamic calligraphy is often seen in religious texts and architecture.

Modern Calligraphy: In contrast to traditional styles, modern calligraphy is more relaxed and allows for greater personal expression. It’s less concerned with strict rules and more focused on creativity and flow. This makes it perfect for beginners looking for a fun, accessible way to try calligraphy.

Modern Calligraphy is the style I am trained in.

Why Calligraphy is so Popular Today

Calligraphy isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s experiencing a major resurgence. But why is calligraphy so popular in modern times? Let’s take a look:

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Many people find the act of creating calligraphic letters to be meditative. It allows you to slow down, focus on each stroke, and become fully present in the moment, much like a form of art therapy. There is a lot of science behind purposeful activities like calligraphy having a calming effect on our nervous systems.

Creative Expression: Calligraphy lets you add a personal touch to everything you create. From handwritten quotes to personalised cards, it’s a fun way to showcase your unique style and make your projects stand out.

Accessibility: One of the reasons calligraphy has become so widespread is how easy it is to get started. Whether you’re using traditional tools like dip pens and brushes, or you’re simply starting with a pencil, anyone can give it a try. You don't need good handwriting to be good at calligraphy, in fact mine is terrible!

Calligraphy engraving on Dior fragrance by The Oxford Calligrapher

How Do You Do Calligraphy? A Simple Guide for Beginners

Now that we’ve covered what calligraphy is and the various calligraphic styles, you might be asking, how do you do calligraphy? The good news is that you don’t need expensive tools or years of experience to start.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for beginners:

Start with the Basics

If you’re just getting started, trypencil calligraphy. All you need is a regular pencil and some paper. This technique lets you practice the strokes and shapes of letters without worrying about ink or special pens.

Practice Basic Strokes

Calligraphy is all about controlling your pen or pencil to create thick and thin lines. Begin by practicing simple strokes—upstrokes (light and thin) and downstrokes (heavy and thick). These strokes form the foundation of your letters.

Learn Letter Formation

Once you’re comfortable with basic strokes, move on to forming individual letters. In most styles of calligraphy, letters are made up of different strokes that come together in a flowing, elegant way.

Use Guides and Worksheets

There are free calligraphy worksheets available right here, designed to help you practice forming letters and words. These sheets are perfect for beginners who want to build their skills step by step. You can download them and start learning calligraphy today!

Start Simple

When you’re ready to experiment, try creating simple words or phrases. Modern calligraphy allows you to bend the rules, so feel free to play around with different styles and letterforms.

Why You Should Try Modern Calligraphy

If you’re intrigued by the idea of learning calligraphy, modern calligraphy is a great place to start. Unlike traditional styles, it’s less rigid and more forgiving. You can experiment with different shapes, flourishes, and techniques, making it a fun way to express your creativity.

Plus, modern calligraphy doesn’t require fancy tools. You can use everyday items, like pencils or markers, to get started. This accessibility is one of the reasons modern calligraphy has become so popular among beginners.

Want to Give It a Try? Start with Pencil Calligraphy!

Are you ready to dip your toes into the world of calligraphy? A great way to start is with pencil calligraphy. It’s perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at beautiful lettering without investing in special tools.

To help you get started, we’ve created a free Pencil Calligraphy Guide that walks you through the basics. Download it today and start your calligraphy journey with just a pencil and paper!