Calligraphy Basics

Calligraphy is derived from the Greek word kalligraphia, which means “beautiful handwriting.” Today, the term is used to refer to both the art form of beautiful handwriting as well as the technique used to create it.

Since ancient times, calligraphy has been used in paintings, books, and historical documents. Today, this ornate handwriting remains a popular choice for applications such as party invitations, formal correspondence, and certificates.

Many people choose to hire professional calligraphers to create calligraphy. With training and practice, though, just about anyone can learn this time-honored craft. This chart provides instruction on general calligraphy techniques, including lining your paper, maneuvering your pen, and forming stokes. You'll also learn to apply these techniques in subtly different ways to create various calligraphic alphabets, also known as scripts (see Calligraphy Scripts).

To start learning calligraphy, you’ll need the following inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies:

Depending on the type of calligraphy pen you use, you may also need calligraphy ink.