This is an example of the Copperplate script. Traditional calligraphic scripts (such as the ones mentioned above) are governed by specific, structured, individual strokes that form different letters. How does modern calligraphy differ from traditional calligraphy? However, it can provide you with more creative freedom. Modern calligraphy relies on certain principles of traditional calligraphy.
Once you’ve CONFIRMED your subscription (IT’S Totally FREE!) you’ll be sent an email with the link and password to the subscriber library.Modern calligraphy is any calligraphy style that does not follow the fundamental rules of traditional calligraphy scripts such as Copperplate, Spencerian, Italic, Blackletter, etc. Sign up below with your name and email address.
To download your free practice sheets, you’ll need to subscribe to the freebie library. Practice is the only way to improve at a new skill! So I’ve created a free printable worksheet for you to download and print or use on your iPad to start practicing. Now that you know the basic strokes of brush calligraphy, it’s time to get practicing. It seems pretty straightforward, and it is, but for me the trouble comes with meeting back at the starting point. OvalĪn oval is also a basic brush calligraphy stroke, and for me is still one of the more difficult to get right. It starts with a downstroke that loops around with an upstroke finishing at the x-height (or at the baseline with a lower case letter). The descending loop is the same loop that helps create a “j”.
It starts with an upstroke at the x-height that loops up and over, with a thick downstroke to the baseline. Read Also: Simple Lettering Terminology Ascending LoopĪn ascending loop is the same loop that helps create the loop and trunk of a “b” or “h”, among others. In practice this is done with one stroke, to help build muscle memory for transitions from thin to thick to thin again. Compound CurveĪ compound curve combines both an overturn and an underturn. The same holds true for getting a clean transition from an underturn as with overturns, but the transition from thick to thin should start at the beginning of the curve.
The underturn stroke is similar to an overturn, but starts with a downstroke curving to transition into an upstroke. The thickness of the downstroke should not start at the top of the curve, but rather at the end of the curve. The trick to getting clean overturns is to go very slowly in transitioning from thin to thick. This is achieved with a curve in the transition. Overturns are another type of brush lettering stroke which involves moving the pen in an upstroke and transitioning to a downstroke.
Downstrokes use more pressure on the pen, creating thicker lines. Every stroke of the letter that the pen naturally moves in a downward direction is a downstroke. The opposite of an upstroke is the downstroke. Straightforward right? In traditional and brush calligraphy, upstrokes use less pressure on the pen creating a thin, clear upstroke. UpstrokeĪn upstroke is the stroke of each letter that the pen is naturally moving in an upward direction. Practicing each stroke is essential to learning brush calligraphy, so join me as I walk you through each one. There are 8 basic strokes of brush calligraphy. So if you are just starting out, and want to start right, brush up on those basic brush strokes first (see what I did there )? ) and grab the free worksheets at the bottom of this post. But if I were to go back, and really learn and practice these basic brush strokes, I think I would have been better off. I just dove right in and started writing letters. When I started to teach myself brush calligraphy, I had no idea there were basic strokes that I should focus on learning first. If someone where to ask you today what the 8 basic strokes of brush calligraphy were, could you answer? No? Well that’s why I’m writing this post, just for you. Learn the 8 basic brush strokes of calligraphy and brush lettering and download your free practice sheets.