Wondering how you can learn modern calligraphy? I am here to break down the steps required to learn this pretty art form and resources to help you with learning.
The steps to learning modern calligraphy
Decide on the calligraphy pen you want to use
Practise the calligraphy strokes
Practise the calligraphy alphabet
What pen is needed for modern calligraphy?
Brush pens and pointed pens are the most popular types of pens used for modern calligraphy.
Before you get started with modern calligraphy, you will need to decide whether you want to start learning with a brush pen or a pointed pen. So how do you make this decision?
Well, dependent who you learn with they may teach with one or the other.
Here are the pros and cons of both brush pens and pointed pens.
Brush pens
Pros of brush pens
✔️ Easier learning curve
✔️ No set up time
✔️ Clean
Cons of brush pens
✖️ Less eco-friendly
✖️ Less colour choices
Pointed pens
Pros of pointed pens
✔️ Viewed as elegant
✔️ More colour flexibility
✔️ More eco-friendly
Cons of pointed pens
✖️ Steeper learning curve
✖️ Set up/clean up required
✖️ Less portable
Learn more about my recommended brush pens for calligraphy beginners.
Calligraphy basic strokes
What are the calligraphy basic strokes?
The basic strokes are the movements that you make with your pen. These are the foundation of calligraphy that you need to build into your muscle memory.
Why do you need to learn the calligraphy basic strokes?
The calligraphy basic strokes are important for various reasons. I won't go too in depth here as I've already talked about it in another post.
To sum up the reasons you need to learn, it's because it encourages you to slow down and builds consistency, both of which make your calligraphy look so much better.
Calligraphy alphabet
Learning the calligraphy alphabet
It's time to put the basic strokes together and practise the calligraphy alphabet. I wouldn't recommend intermediate styles such as bounce calligraphy yet as you should get the core alphabet style down first.
Learning resources
There are types of learning resources you can utilise to help you with learning calligraphy.
Workbooks
Use worksheets to practise the basic strokes and letters. Check out my calligraphy shop for digital workbooks which can be printed as much as you need until you nail the basics.
Workshops
Join me in an upcoming calligraphy class to get extra feedback from me. I can help you make adjustments that you may not have considered to make your calligraphy easier to create. You can also watch my pre-recorded calligraphy class if you're unable to attend one of my in-person classes.
Courses
My live calligraphy courses are my most in-depth learning resource. You get all the pens you need, workbooks and personalised feedback for an entire month.
Free guide
Understand how to get started with modern calligraphy with my free guide.