Learning modern calligraphy doesn't have to be a struggle

… but most beginners learn calligraphy wrong.

There is a lot of inspiring calligraphy videos and information on the internet. But while the abundance of free information about learning calligraphy is inspiring and presents a great learning opportunity, it is unstructured. Having a simple plan, a structure to learn calligraphy, starting with the basic concepts and gradually progressing to more complex skills as your confidence grows is much more realistic and successful way to master calligraphy.

As a complete beginner, it's tempting to learn modern calligraphy from various videos on Instagram and YouTube. As a result, you're jumping from one style to another without first covering the basics, resulting in overwhelm and disappointment.

When I first started learning calligraphy I thought that my experience as a graphic designer will give me an advantage and I didn't have to sign up for classes or workshops. I honestly believed that I could just try and copy what experienced calligraphers were doing on YouTube or Instagram!

I was so naive! The results soon showed that something was seriously lacking in my attempt to learn calligraphy. As soon as I realised that, I started to look for the right steps to help me learn calligraphy with confidence and I started seeing steady progress in my work.

What can you change to make learning calligraphy more effective and fun?

If you are spending time practicing calligraphy but not seeing improvement, then you are definitely lacking the structure you need to learn calligraphy with ease and joy. You'll likely start to think that calligraphy is too difficult or takes far too long. Without seeing improvement you'll stop enjoying your writing and you may even give up on learning calligraphy altogether.

Practicing  modern calligraphy without structure means you're jumping straight in the deep end without learning the basics first. This will lead to overwhelm and confusion.

But what if I told you that learning calligraphy doesn't have to be hard or frustrating? That it is absolutely possible to see gradual progress after each practice session and enjoy the process of learning. And all it takes is a little bit of planning.

Having a plan is like a map for your learning journey. It will remove the guesswork from what you need to practice or learn at each stage. This makes learning calligraphy simpler, clearer and so much more fun. Read on, to find out how you too can add structure to your learning and see results quicker.

There are three important phases to this process: get clear on what style of calligraphy you'd like to learn; identify the right tools you need for your chosen calligraphy style; and don't skip the basics.

Here is a list of the steps you can take to improve your calligraphy and write/create with confidence and joy.

STEP ONE: Chose one style of calligraphy you'd like to learn.

There is a huge variety of calligraphy styles but starting with just one will improve your chances to learn successfully. You can always introduce more and different styles of calligraphy in the future but you'll see much better progress if you just start with one at the beginning.

STEP TWO: Get the right tools

The calligraphy style you choose will determine what tools you'll need. Is it classic Copperplate or Spencerian? Opt for an oblique pen holder and a pointed nib. Modern calligraphy - try straight pen holder or even brushes or brush markers. For Gothic styles you'll need a wide nib. The choice of paper and inks are also important. So informing yourself and making the right decisions early in your practice will make your learning journey much smoother.

STEP THREE: Don't skip the basics

It may not sound exciting to practice basic strokes and drills when you could be writing inspirational quotes but trust me, your patience will pay off. Learning the correct pen grip and mastering the basic letter shapes is essential. It will build the right habits and train your muscle memory and your writing will soon evolve into graceful lettering that looks beautifully effortless.

STEP FOUR: Set time to practice

Having a plan of learning is a great start. But, rather than watching more calligraphy videos and researching calligraphy tips, the only way to learn is by practicing. So, clear some regular times in your week to dedicate to your new hobby. Don’t worry, it doesn't have to be long! 30 minutes two or three times a week is a great start. Practicing regularly, even if for just half an hour at a time is much more effective that doing it for a few hours but only once a month.

STEP FIVE: Surround yourself with like-minded people

Learning is much more fun when you surround yourself with like-minded people. Join a local calligraphy club or sign up for a calligraphy workshop. (For ideas where to find them, google “calligraphy clubs near me” or “calligraphy workshops near me”). You will always have someone to turn to with any questions, and you can inspire and support each other while learning.

STEP SIX: Explore new ways to practice and learn

Traceable calligraphy workbooks are a great way to practice calligraphy and build your muscle memory.

Practicing regularly is essential but it doesn't have to get repetitive and boring. Explore different ways to practice – consider buying a traceable workbook (there are plenty to choose from on Etsy) or simply swap your usual ink for a vibrant new colour. (I love reaching for a new ink colour to make my writing practice a bit different.)

STEP SEVEN: Continue to challenge yourself

Feel comfortable with the basic strokes and letters? Move on to writing words. Got the letter spacing under control? It's time to master layouts and longer texts. Or flourishing, or a whole new style. Don't stay in one place – keep being inspired and keep challenging yourself further. (Pssst! This is where all those calligraphy videos on social media fit quite nicely. They can be helpful as long as you know when to use them ;)

STEP EIGHT: Don't compare yourself to others

Pushing yourself is important for learning but don't make the mistake to compare yourself to others. Go at your own speed and remember everyone was a beginner at some point. To track your progress, date your practice sheets and keep them safe in a folder. A few weeks or months down the line simply compare your recent work with your own past sheets. As long as you kept practicing regularly (see Step Four!) you are bound to see a difference.

STEP NINE: Learn by making

Learning calligraphy is a journey, not a destination. So enjoy it now and don't wait to ‘learn’ calligraphy. Making things for your loved ones is not only a wonderful way to connect and express yourself but you will learn a lot more about different materials, new inks or techniques and layouts. So don't wait - start learning through making now!

“A great way to learn calligraphy is through making things for your loved ones – not only can you express your feelings, but you will learner much quicker about new materials, inks and techniques.”

Following these simple steps will help you learn calligraphy with more clarity and confidence, so you can see progress quicker and have fun while learning.

Learn modern calligraphy following my step-by-step plan, or sign up for one of my workshops so I can answer all your questions.