You’ve been wanting to try Calligraphy for some time now, but it’s all so overwhelming. With all the different pens, inks, markers, papers, you’re throwing your hands up in the air saying “Heck, where do I even begin?”
I hear you, and I get it. I’ve been there too!
What if I told you that learning calligraphy doesn’t have to be complicated? I’m gonna break things down to help you figure out which type of calligraphy/lettering is best for you. That way you’ll know exactly how to move forward so that you can establish a practice of your own…one that will bring you hours of enjoyment and satisfaction.
So, you want to know where to begin? Read on and find out!
Below I outline 3 of the most popular ways to create Calligraphy/Lettering; which include Faux Calligraphy, Brush Pen Calligraphy, & Pointed Pen Calligraphy. I will describe some of the advantages of each, & point you to resources, so that you can make an informed decision.
Faux Calligraphy
You see it everywhere…on Wedding signage, mugs, pumpkins, & even jackets. That beautiful lettering that we call Calligraphy. You know what? Most of it is not Calligraphy at all, it’s actually Faux Calligraphy.
Now before you turn up your nose & say you’re not interested, I think you should hear me out. Faux Calligraphy is a way of creating lettering so that it mimics the look of Calligraphy.
Some advantages to Faux Calligraphy? Faux Calligraphy offers one of the most accessible entry points to learning “Calligraphy”, it can be learned relatively quickly, it is inexpensive, no special tools are required to learn it, you can do it practically anywhere, and you can translate your Faux skills on just about any surface.
Oh the Places You’ll Faux!
For more in-depth information about Faux Calligraphy, check out my Blog Post 3 GREAT REASONS TO TRY FAUX CALLIGRAPHY.
Brush Pen Calligraphy
Ahh, the brush pen…A fantastic tool in which to create beautiful Calligraphy. Brush pens have flexible tips (much like that of a paint brush) that make it easy to create the thin upstrokes & heavy down strokes characteristic of Modern Calligraphy.
The advantage to creating Brush pen calligraphy is that the ink is relatively quick-drying, there are a large variety of different sizes and colours of brush tip pens, and practicing brush tip calligraphy can be done just about anywhere. Going on a weekend away? Just pop your favourite brush pen & writing pad into your bag & you’re golden.
Pointed Pen Calligraphy (also known as Dip Pen Calligraphy)
The mesmerizing videos you see all over Instagram & Pinterest…the ones with the sometimes strange/archaic looking writing utensil? That’s Pointed Pen Calligraphy.
This way of practicing calligraphy may take a little longer to learn than Faux & Brush, but it is definitely a very satisfying & enjoyable pastime.
Once you get the hang of it, advantages include having an overwhelming sense of calm when practicing it. I find it to be so therapeutic and relaxing that I use it almost daily as part of my mindfulness practice.
Another advantage to practicing this type of Calligraphy is that it is very elegant looking. Creating a custom quote or addressing an envelope using pointed pen calligraphy will surely bring a smile to the recipient’s face.
Pointed Pen Calligraphy is definitely a gift for the senses. Did I forget to mention the satisfying scratchy sound the nib makes as it glides across the paper? Check it out in the video below.
Voilà! A quick run down of the 3 Most Popular Ways to Create Calligraphy. Now that you have a little more knowledge of what each entails, what are you waiting for? Pick one already!
Wait!
Did you really think I’d leave you hanging like that?
If Faux Calligraphy sounds like your shtick, great news! I have a Free Guide here for you. Download My Free Faux Calligraphy Quick Start Guide. You’ll LOVE it, I promise. Wanna go a little further with Faux? Check out a few more resources HERE.
If Brush Pen Calligraphy is where you’d like to start, you must check out Becca Courtice at The Happy Ever Crafter.
And finally, if Pointed Pen Calligraphy is more your speed, please check out my mentor Lindsey Bugbee at The Postman’s Knock. You won’t be disappointed.
There you have it! Ways to ensure that you begin the practice that is right for you. I enjoy practicing all of the above types of Calligraphy. Although I’m continually learning & improving, my favourite way to practice is with Pointed Pen, then Faux & then finally Brush Pen.