How to learn calligraphy

by guest contributor Zebra Pen brand ambassador, Andrew

“I love practising alphabets to develop my own style and also copying other calligraphers’ ways of creating some letters too. Everyone has a unique but beautiful style.”

Andrew, Zebra Pen UK brand ambassador

Learn calligraphy in 3 simple stages

Hi, I’m Andrew. Want to learn calligraphy with me? I’m a freelance calligrapher (and speciality coffee barista!) and I joined Zebra Pen UK as a brand ambassador last autumn. Ever since I was small, I’ve always been captivated by the art of beautiful cursive handwriting and typography in all its forms – in fact I still remember being given a small box of different calligraphy pens for a 10th birthday present. Sadly, as I got older, life got in the way, and I didn’t keep up with my calligraphy until 2022, when I finally mustered enough courage to get myself a calligraphy kit from an amazing calligrapher. I’ve never looked back.

People often compare the art of cursive handwriting with calligraphy – to me that’s a bit of a mistake. Yes, they are similar, (because they’re both word-based) yet they are so different from each other. Calligraphy creates art with words. Cursive – even the most exquisite italic style – doesn’t have that painterly look.

To a newcomer, calligraphy looks hard – but with practice and patience, you can crack it. Just remember – you don’t need good handwriting to create elegant, beautiful calligraphy. Your handwriting style and your calligraphic style are two very different things.

Ready to learn calligraphy? Here’s how to get started.

What you’ll need: 

• Mildliner Brushes
  I started with a nib pen but then I found – and fell in love with – brush pens. Brush lettering is so smooth and easy with Mildliner Brush pens ­– I normally use shades of browns for my calligraphy, but I love the whole Mildliner palette. 

• A dot grid or lined notepad
  Rhodia is my go-to paper for practising my steps or drills. The paper is super smooth, the dots are a brilliant guide and the stiff cover folds back so you can practise anywhere, even if you’re not near a flat surface. 

• Tracing paper 

• Patience, positivity, calm and coffee – lots of coffee!

The ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ of calligraphy

You can break any calligraphic letter down into two strokes – the thin up-stroke and the thicker downstroke. You learn to craft each stroke to perfection and then combine them to form letters, and eventually words.

These up-strokes and down-strokes are the “do-re-mi” of calligraphy. Once you have them under your belt, you can link them together to form letters (step 3). Practising on a dot grid helps you get the slant of the strokes consistent.

Step 1: Making the up-stroke – also called the thin-stroke

This is basically a very light up-stroke. When you make this stroke with your brush pen, you apply lighter pressure – don’t be tempted to press too hard at this stage.

Step 2: Mastering the downstroke – also called the thick-stroke or hard-stroke

Now you can apply a bit more pressure to your downward stroke and let your brush glide onto the paper. Very satisfying!

Do two lines of the up-stroke first, then two lines of the downstroke. When you’re beginning to learn calligraphy, try to find half an hour a day to practise – that’s what you need to build confidence and improve. Calligraphy takes time, and it should never be done in a hurry.

Step 3: Putting the two strokes together

This is where it starts to come together, as you link your up-stroke (step 1) and downstroke (step 2). Everything builds from these basic strokes. Once you’ve got those in your repertoire so that they feel fluid and consistent, you’re ready to try some letters.

Here are some variations to help you practise.

When you feel ready, create an alphabet. Don’t worry about wobbles, the more you practise the more you build muscle memory and confidence. Spacing can be tricky when you’re starting. Try to space out the letters carefully. Using a lined or dotted notepad really helps.

Ready for A B C

Here’s my version of the alphabet both in upper and lower cases for your reference. Feel free to trace them using tracing paper to practise and when you feel confident enough, you can form your own alphabet.

Now you know the drills

Calligraphers call these exercises ‘drills’ – they’re similar to musical scales or dancers’ warm-ups. And no matter how experienced someone is at writing calligraphy, every calligrapher does their drills. It’s very soothing.

And breathe! 

Practise breathing in when you do your first stroke and breathing out when you finish the second stroke. This help calm your mind and develop a natural rhythm.

The calming effect of calligraphy 

I turned to calligraphy during a very unstable period of my life – and it helped me immensely which I am so thankful for. The act of calligraphy makes us slow down, concentrate and immerse ourselves in the moment. And the end result is something beautiful.

Calligraphy is completely part of my life, and wellbeing. Most days, I love sitting down with my cup of coffee or tea after work and diving straight into calligraphy. It’s like a personal ritual. I’ll do practice drills or even write out feel-good positive quotes.

Making big, bold, happy quotes for Zebra’s social media is a favourite of mine!

Sometimes I use my favourite Mildliner Brushes but other times I’ll use a more traditional nib pen and ink. Nib pen calligraphy launched exciting personal adventures for me – I now take commissions for wedding place cards and invitations, chalk board or window calligraphy for cafes, and a lot of freelance media content for different brands too.

Doing something you are passionate about, bringing pleasure to others, and earning a little too – I love it!

Andrew’s top tips

 

✍️ Little and often! If you practise these strokes with your brush pens daily even for a few minutes, you’ll build muscle memory. And it’s a wonderful way to decompress after a stressful day!

 

✍️ Be kind to yourself. Remember, you don’t need gorgeous handwriting to create gorgeous calligraphy. Everyone has shaky lines and wobbles when they first start out. Hold your pen loosely, focus on your breathing and let your pen take over.

 

✍️ “Slow and steady wins the race.” Calligraphy takes time and patience, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you make your first perfect alphabet. Don’t be hard on yourself. Enjoy the feel of the pen painting the strokes, go with the flow – and savour the process of learning the art.

I wish you all the very best and I can’t wait to see what shades of Mildliner Brush pens you choose and your calligraphy creations. Reach out to me at any time for tips and pointers @andrewhrahsel and remember to tag Zebra Pen when you use their pens. Enjoy!