Calligraphy
The art of beautiful handwriting. Learn to create elegant lettering for cards, invitations, art projects, or simply for the meditative joy of making beautiful marks on paper.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Brush pens (like Tombow Dual Brush)($10-20)
- ●Smooth paper (laser printer paper works)($5-10)
- ●Guideline sheets or ruler($0)
Optional
- ○Practice worksheets(Free printable)
How To Do It
- 1
Set up your workspace
Good lighting, comfortable seating, and paper at a slight angle.
- 2
Learn basic strokes
Practice s (thin, light pressure) and s (thick, more pressure).
- 3
Master the connections
Learn how letters connect smoothly without lifting your pen.
- 4
Practice individual letters
Work through the alphabet, focusing on consistent sizing and spacing.
- 5
Combine into words
Start with short words, paying attention to letter connections and spacing.
Tips
- →Common mistake: pressing too hard on s. s should be light and thin—lift your pen almost off the paper.
- →Warm up with basic strokes before each practice session
- →Go slowly—speed comes with muscle memory
- →Rotate your paper to find the most comfortable writing angle
Communities
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I start with brush pens or dip pens?
Start with s - they're forgiving, portable, and require no setup. Dip pens offer more control but have a steeper learning curve.
How long until my letters look good?
You'll see improvement after just a few practice sessions. Consistent daily practice (15-20 minutes) yields noticeable results within 2-3 weeks.
Why are my lines shaky?
Move from your shoulder, not your fingers. Keep a relaxed grip and draw strokes toward yourself. Speed up slightly - going too slow creates wobbles.
What if my hand gets tired or cramps?
Take breaks every 10-15 minutes. Shake out your hand and stretch your fingers. A relaxed grip prevents fatigue—if you're squeezing the pen tightly, consciously loosen up.