In Greek, calligraphy means "beautiful writing" and spans thousands of years and countless cultures.There are a number of styles, including Western, Eastern Asian, and Southern Asian.All calligraphy uses the same principals.All you have to do is follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: At a 30 to 60 degree angle, hold your pen.
A calligraphy pen is used differently than a regular pen.The pen's tip should point away from you, to the left, as you write.
Step 2: As you write, don't twist the nib.
The writing tool used to do calligraphy has a tip.The orientation of the nib should not be affected by the letters you are writing.The tip of the nib should always point in the same direction.
Step 3: The nib should be moved sideways across the paper.
If the nib is pointing in a certain direction, it should move backwards or sideways.Pushing it away from your hand causes a mess.
Step 4: Light pressure is used to apply.
It can make for messy letters if you use too much pressure.Use a light, consistent pressure to apply the pen to the paper, as pressing too hard can damage the nib.If you lean on your hand or forearm, it creates stilted lettering.
Step 5: Take your lines parallel.
The horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines should be parallel to the corresponding lines in other letters.It will make your writing look professional.Try to make the vertical line parallel to the horizontal line in the letter b.
Step 6: The alphabet can be traced many times.
You can cover a sample calligraphy alphabet with tracing paper.Try to duplicate the strokes of the alphabet letters until you can write on your own.
Step 7: Use the correct stroke order.
Each letter or symbol will be made up of several different sections in a single movement, called strokes.Make downward and upward strokes consistent by practicing them.If you want to learn which strokes come first based on the letter, you should refer to a calligraphy guide.When writing the letter "t" in Western calligraphy, horizontal lines precede vertical lines, while in Asian calligraphy strokes begin at the top of the character and move downward to the bottom.Start with the largest strokes of the letter and progress to the smallest strokes and dots.
Step 8: Try using the grid method.
To make a grid, fill a piece of paper with 1 inch squares.Use pencil to make the grid, then fill in each row with repeated versions of whichever letter you wish to practice until your strokes are even and clean looking.
Step 9: If you want to perfect your spacing, use templates.
You can use calligraphy templates to keep your spacing consistent.Your letters and words are kept straight across the page.You can use the internet to find free templates or a calligraphy guide to practice with.
Step 10: Practice with your hands.
Practice writing notes, messages, or journal entries in calligraphy once you get the hang of it.You can use calligraphy to get used to connecting different letters.
Step 11: Smooth, acid-free, archival paper is the choice.
Smooth paper will keep your writing utensil out of the way.If you want your image to age well, look for paper that is acid-free andarchival.It is important to look for paper that has been treated to keep ink from bleeding.The paper can absorb ink if it is greasy or waxy.
Step 12: A writing utensil is required.
There are certain writing instruments that are better than others.It depends on what type of calligraphy you are doing and what writing utensil feels best to you.A dip pen is a pen which you dip in ink.They are made from wood, plastic, or bone and have a pointed end.The ink is put in the well of the pen.They are used in Islamic calligraphy.Similar to dip pens, fountain pens draw their ink from a container within the pen.It will save you the trouble of constantly needing to dip your pen if you use this ink.Western calligraphy uses fountain pens.Brushes come in a variety of sizes and are usually the same shape.The pressure and direction of the writer's strokes are used to form the line variations.Asian calligraphy uses brushes.
Step 13: You can choose the best ink for your style.
Depending on what you are writing with, you can choose between many different types of ink.Black is the most common color used in all styles of calligraphy.Pot ink is used for calligraphy.Your writing utensil will be dipped into this ink when it is premixed in a jar.India ink is used in calligraphy.Western calligraphy uses a special kind of dye-based ink which is used for fountain pens.It is important to use only fountain pen ink in these types of pens as other ink types will ruin the pen.If you fill the pen yourself, you'll get fountain pen ink in either pre-loaded barrels or pots.An ink stone is a stick of ink which must be ground and mixed with water in order to form the ink you will write with.They are an excellent option for calligraphers because they allow you to get many different tones from the same ink.These are used in Asian calligraphy.
Step 14: Use rulers for consistency.
To ensure that your writing is straight, you may want rulers or T-guides to create guidelines for you.Maybe you want to write across a curved or circular line and need a reference.Experts use rulers and other guide instruments to make their writing consistent and beautiful.
Step 15: Put the paper in place with weights or tape.
Hold the paper in place with painter's tape or weights.This will prevent you from messing up your letters.You can draw with clips or a drawing board.