Above is a diagram I have created to help define a path to learn calligraphy for anyone; regardless of current skill level. Each style (represented by the dots) has one of the 5 colours (🟧🟦🟪🟩🟥) which represent a calligraphy tool type (listed at the top). The calligraphy styles are ordered from left to right as least difficult to most difficult to learn. All can be learned with determination and practice, but you can start with an easier script and work your way to the right if you so choose. I also have a YouTube Video explaining this chart if that’s more your speed:
I hope that this diagram can demonstrate what styles are out there, what tools you need for them, and if you’ve learned some calligraphy styles, where you can develop next.
Table of Contents
Learn Calligraphy Links
The clickable map works great, but if you would rather scroll you can still access all links below:
Lettering and Handwriting – (🟧Orange🟧)
A great place to start if you are looking for easy to learn scripts you can learn and use on a daily basis. You don’t need any fancy tools, just a pencil or a pen to get started.
In-Depth Calligraphy Practice Sheets:
Learn Handwriting (Proper, Formal & Cursive)
Learn Serif Lettering and Faux Calligraphy
Learn 3D Hand Lettering
Blogposts:
Handwriting Blogpost
Hand Lettering Blogpost
Pointed Pen Calligraphy – (🟦Blue🟦)
A more refined and classic skill with a high skill ceiling, the ancient art of quill pens and fountain pens are now at your fingertips to learn.
In-Depth Calligraphy Practice Sheets:
Learn Modern Calligraphy
Learn Spencerian Calligraphy
Learn Copperplate Calligraphy
Learn Pointed Pen Uncial Calligraphy
Learn Pointed Pen Bundle
Blogposts:
Modern Calligraphy Blogpost
Spencerian Blogpost
Copperplate Blogpost
Pointed Pen Uncial Blogpost (In Progress)
Brush Calligraphy – (🟪Purple🟪)
Writes the same styles as the pointed pen but brush calligraphy has a thicker stroke and cheaper and more forgiving tools.
In-Depth Calligraphy Practice Sheets:
Learn Modern Brush Calligraphy
Learn Casual Brush Calligraphy
Learn Copperplate Brush Calligraphy
Learn Fuego Brush Calligraphy
Blogposts:
Ruling Pen Calligraphy – (🟩Green🟩)
A rough and hardcore script that is characterized by its straight edges and splashy style.
In-Depth Calligraphy Practice Sheets:
Blogposts:
Ruling Pen Calligraphy Blogpost
Blackletter Calligraphy – (🟥Red🟥)
My personal favourite, this bold set of scripts is easy to start learning but difficult to master.
In-Depth Calligraphy Practice Sheets:
Learn Simple Gothic (Full Blogpost with practice sheets)
Learn Uncial Calligraphy
Learn Neuland Calligraphy
Learn Rotunda Calligraphy
Learn Italics Calligraphy
Learn Batarde Calligraphy
Learn Textura Calligraphy
Learn Fraktur Calligraphy
Learn Blackletter Calligraphy Bundle (8 Classic)
Learn Calligraffiti Bundle (3 Modern)
Learn Silk Calligraphy
Blogposts:
Blackletter Calligraphy Blogpost
Calligraffiti Blogpost
Other Useful Links
- My Recommended Calligraphy Tools
- A Simple Guide to Calligraphy Tools and their Scripts (aka “fonts”)
- Best Paper for Calligraphy
Question for you: What would be helpful to add to this list?
That chart would give a person clear steps of progress and goals to anticipate accomplishing!!
Must have been weeks before it coming together! Wow!
Yes I know I love it so much too.
hi
Hallo
Hello,
I have purchased a calligraphy pen and ink off a well known site. There is a feathered pen with a nib already fitted and 5 other nibs numbered 1 to 5.
I have received a number of emails from yourself which I enjoy but there is nothing regarding which size nib to use for which style.
(Or I have not seen it)
Could you help me please regarding which nib, which style, or is there a better way to chose which nib for which style.
Thanks
Alan
Without knowing the brand and model, it is really hard for me to deduce what you should be using. (if you could reply and clarify that would be great). However, I will do my best to answer anyways. If you are using pointed pen nibs, you can use any nib for any Pointed Pen Style (BLUE above). The only difference is the flexibility (which determines difficulty of use and letter size), and size of ink reservoir (how long to write).
If you are using a broad edge nib (RED above) you can use all styles, but the size of your strokes will be bigger or smaller depending on the nib length.
Hope this helps, or you can reply and let me know what nibs you have. email richard@calligrascape.com with nib pictures and I can help you out too.
Thanks,
Richard