Writing is a universal language that is constantly evolving to fit new technology and new ways of thinking. Calligraphy is a unique form of lettering that has been around for centuries and was originally designed for use on religious and cultural signs or items relating to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Despite the fact that it has been around for such a long time, traditional methods of learning calligraphy are slowly being phased out as computers have made writing letters and running searches much easier. Even still, learning how to write calligraphy is a great way to improve your general writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of language and letterforms.
Step 1: Take A Few Lessons
Taking a few online calligraphy lessons from an experienced tutor is the best way to go about learning the craft. If you are looking to spend a few months honing your craft and want the most out of the experience, consider taking more than one class with a private tutor. The extra investment will be more than worth it in the end.
These days, it is quite common to come across a tutoring session on YouTube or a podcast, and you can use those to your advantage. Not only will you be able to follow along with the instructor and get some one-on-one help when you need it, but you can also learn from the best. With the advent of the internet and YouTube, finding an instructor isn’t as difficult as it used to be. It would be best to look for a tutor who has extensive experience in teaching calligraphy and can guide you through the entire process of learning the craft.
Step 2: Find The Perfect Script
When you have mastered the basics of writing, it’s time to move on to something more complex. The first thing you need to do is find the perfect script for your needs. It’s a good idea to look for a classic style of calligraphy that suits your taste and will be easy for you to emulate. If you enjoy the look of Chinese brush calligraphy or the unique look of a Frutiger Font, then choose one of those scripts as your foundation. It’s also worth looking into italicized or handwritten scripts since those have become popular in recent years and can add a personal touch to your letters.
Once you have found the perfect script, it’s time to take a look at the font. A Font is an important part of any writing project. You can use several different fonts in your letters, however, it is good practice to use the same font throughout a project. Once you have found the perfect script and Font, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 3: Create A Backbone
A Backbone is a collection of lines that connects letters and words while giving them some measure of structure and form. Beginnings can be traced back to the 18th century and were used mainly in posters at that time. As the art form evolved, so did the usage of the backbone. These days, writers use backbones not only to connect letters and words, but to give a sense of order and cohesiveness to the piece as a whole. The best backbones will always work in harmony with the overall design and style of your piece. They are not there to take the place of a designer or to dictate form to you.
Step 4: Start Adding Letters
Now that you have a good foundation of letters and a strong sense of identity and meaning behind each one, it’s time to start adding them to your script. When adding letters to your script, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, you need to make sure that the letters you add fit with what you have already done. You do not want to end up with a jumbled mess. Also, pay close attention to how the letters are connected to each other. If you have used a backbone, you can use it as a guide to add the rest of the letters. Try and keep a consistent space between each letter. When adding new letters, start with the simplest one and build up from there. Once you have reached the end of your script, take a few minutes to review it and make sure everything fits seamlessly.
Step 5: Proofread And Edit
Once you are done adding your letters, it’s time for some serious proofreading and editing. Take your script and go through it carefully looking for errors. Once you have removed all the errors, it’s time to edit the script until it is perfect. If you made some spelling errors or used words that are not commonly found in everyday English, it’s time to go back and fix them. When editing and proofreading your script, make sure to look for every possible error. Even though you did your best, mistakes still happen. By taking the time to proofread and edit your script, you can ensure that it is error-free and perfect in every way.
Learning to write calligraphy can be a rewarding experience and a great way to improve your general writing skills. Also, by using a proper font and script, you can add a personal touch to your letters that will make them stand out. Not only will you be able to write letters that are beautiful, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself.