Calligraphy style is a visual art that is related to writing. It is an age-old tradition with a rich heritage and cultural importance. The practice of calligraphy is the art of writing harmoniously, skillfully and expressively. Nowadays, this art form is getting popular in modern society, all thanks to the perseverance of historical entities.
If you want to learn how to write in calligraphy then you are at the right place below. We are going to discuss this topic in detail. The information given below can be an ultimate guide for calligraphy for beginners. So, without any delay let's start!
History of calligraphy
An extremely rich heritage is linked to English calligraphy writing that one who is interested in this art form should not miss. So, let us discuss it.
Imperial Capitals
Imperial capitals are also known as Capital Monumentalis and are used in stone-cut forms on different monuments. These historical places are mostly situated in Rome. The oldest evidence of the Imperial letters was found in the first century BC. it is considered one of the most complex because different strikes are required to create alphabets with a brush in this art form.
Rustic Capitals
The rustic capital art form was used from the first to the fifth century. It was elegant as compared to Imperial Capitals. Rustic capitals were used in manuscript writing till the fifth century.
Square Capitals
Square capitals are also known as Capitalis Quadrata. It is fourth-century writing and is believed that it originated from Roman Imperial Capitals. According to historians and researchers, the square capital art form is inspired by contemporary wood carvings.
Insular Majuscule
This calligraphy style got its name from the islands of Britain and Ireland. The letters of writing style were created using slow and carefully curated alphabets. It is believed that the two most beautiful books ever written in the history of the world during the Medieval times were written in Insular Majuscule. These books were the Lindisfarne and the Books of Kells.
Caroline Minuscule
This handwritten art form was developed in the eighth century. It was used popularly till the eleventh century before evolving into Early Gothic and Rotunda.
Foundational Hand
The foundational hand is a popular art form that was developed by Edward Johnson. It belongs to the 20th century as per historians and researchers.
Texture Quadrata
Texture quadrata was developed in the 13th century by the Early Gothics. It was designed to blend visuals with writing. To date, it is famous among the people of modern society.
Some important terms
If you are searching for how to learn calligraphy then there are some important terms that one should know before learning this art form.
Calligraphy
It is the art of writing numbers and letters. One can use tools such as a regular brush, flat pen, dip pen, etc. to write this beautiful art form.
Lettering
It is known as the art of drawing letters. In lettering one can use as many strokes as necessary to create numbers, alphabets and letters.
Typography
Typography is an art form in which pre-designed letters are created. Designers create and arrange different types of letters in this process.
Typeface
The typeface is considered a family of fonts with a variety of weights and styles such as thin, italic and bold, etc.
Font
It is a specific style of a typeface such as Helvetica Bold, Helvetica italic, etc.
Alphabet
An alphabet is a set of letters in which a similar style is used for all the characters to create a font.
Scribes
The individuals who are in charge of transcribing, creating a variety of books copies, and skilled calligraphy styles are known as scribes. These people were professionally trained and most of the time linked to various religious practices.
Types of Calligraphy
Calligraphy styles have evolved. The various types of calligraphy are:
Pointed pen
It is calligraphy which is created using a pointed pen. This style is mostly used in achieving thick strokes and hairlines. Pointed pen calligraphy is versatile and dynamic. One should practice the pointed pen calligraphy style to achieve masters of this art form. Some examples of pointed pen calligraphy are:
● Copperplate
● Engravers
● Spencerian
● Roundhand
Broad edge
One should use flat-tip nibs to create board edge calligraphy style. The pen is usually kept at 0 degrees angle to generate a thin line stroke. Different calligraphy styles such as Uncial, Italic, Blackletter, Gothic scripts, etc are included in the broad edge form. The two types of broad edge styles are:
● Broad edge nib
● Pen holder
Faux
Faux calligraphy uses different tools like a ballpoint pen, marker or chalks for writing. It is a simple and fun type of writing that one can practice. You can use materials as mentioned below to start writing in faux style.
● Murals
● Glass
● Clothing
● Chalkboards
● Surfaces of walls
● Wood
Brush pen
To write in brush pen style one should use a calligraphic marker or a pen having a flexible tip with tapered endings. In addition, to have perfect writing there should be a steady ink flow. It is an expensive form of writing in which only pen and paper are required.
Western
Western calligraphy originated in the 10th century and is most popular in different parts like the western side of the globe. The various types of western calligraphy styles are:
● Brush pen
● Faux
● Broad edge
● Traditional pointed pen
● Modern pointed pen
This art form was majorly used in the Roman empire. The main materials required to write western calligraphy are:
● Parchment
● Round nipped pen
● High-quality paper
● Water-based ink
● A flat ballad
● Brush
How to write calligraphy?
The following materials will help you to learn how to write calligraphy. They are as follows:
Pen
The pen is available with a holder and a nib. Many calligraphy styles require different types of pens. For modern and brush-related styles brush pens are necessary. Most people use calligraphy markers to write and are considered ideal for scrapbooks and card writing. Pens are writing tools that can be used in everyday writing as they can give thick and thin strokes as per the writing style.
Ink
Ink is one of the essential components that can help you in writing fluently. Your choice of ink should be dependent on the type of calligraphic style. Some of the most preferred inks that people use are:
● India Ink, which is made from carbon black, gum and water is the ideal choice to write.
● Sumi is a Japanese ink composed of soot and is blended with animal glue and other ingredients.
● Chinese stick ink is mainly used to write Chinese calligraphy.
Colour
To enhance the artistic beauty of the calligraphy style many artists use colours. They can give an elegant look to your work. Different types of calligraphy paints and colors are available that one can use for beautification purposes.
Paper
Paper is a must to practice the calligraphy style. You can start writing in a notebook or sketchbook. Different types of papers are available in the market that you can use to write. Some of the paper types are given below.
● Calligraphy pads marked with precise lines
● High end
● Smooth office paper
● Tracing paper
● Layout paper
● Bleed proof
● Cartridge paper
● Watercolour paper
Other materials required for calligraphy writing are:
● Pencil
● Eraser
● Ruler
Dos and Don'ts of Calligraphy
There are various dos and don'ts of calligraphy styles that one should follow:
Dos
● Do try faux-style calligraphy.
● Try different styles to improve yourself.
● Do understand the types of pens.
● Do think about the type of environment you are working in for better results.
● Do share your progress.
Don'ts
● Don’t rely on a single type of style forever.
● Don’t forget to clean the surface before writing.
● Don’t forget the extra supplies.
● Don’t be afraid of the feedback that you may receive.
Which calligraphy style is best for beginners?
Roundhand calligraphy is considered the best option for beginners. It is considered easy and constructed using regular lines and circles. So, if you are trying to learn calligraphy as a beginner then roundhand can be the ideal option for you. So, stop waiting and start learning now!
Conclusion
Calligraphy is a historical tradition that introduced people to the world of beautification in writing. If you are trying to learn this art form then consider yourself lucky as it is a gift from our ancestors. So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the history of the world and learn calligraphy styles now.
FAQs
Which calligraphy font is best for beginners?
Being a beginner you can try fonts such as Motion picture, Arizona, Blenda, Deftones, Playball, etc.
Which calligraphy style is the best?
Modern pointed pen calligraphy is considered best for both beginners and experts.
What are the three main types of calligraphy?
The three main types of calligraphy styles are:
● Arabic
● Eastern
● Western