Reasons to Learn Modern Calligraphy
Find out why learning modern calligraphy should be on your to-do list
If you love that modern calligraphy look that you keep seeing everywhere and you’d like to have a go at creating it yourself then there’s good news!
It’s absolutely possible and there are so many reasons to learn hand lettering.
Be warned though – it’s highly addictive and life will never be the same again.
Four years ago I didn’t realise that Modern Calligraphy was a ‘thing,’ nor did I realise how popular it was – and it’s still going strong.
After joining Instagram at the end of 2016 (I’ve always been a late starter) I discovered this expressive form of calligraphy purely by accident and have been hooked ever since.
Down the rabbit hole I went, experimenting with brush pens, faux-calligraphy and watercolours, eventually popping out the other side completely obsessed with the pointed pen; an elusive tool that I actually had tucked away somewhere in a drawer but didn’t know how to use. I didn’t even know there was a right or wrong way to use it. Of course, I blamed the pen…
But once I learned the basics of how to use a dip pen and create strokes followed by the alphabet, then putting together words and whimsical quotes were just a hop, skip and a jump away.
Not only is it the outcome that’s satisfying, but the process of creating calligraphy is a joy in itself, making it a great hobby for anyone to pick up.
If you’re still not convinced then read on for my reasons to learn modern calligraphy.
1. For the calm
If you’re in need of some calming me-time (and who isn’t?) then learning modern calligraphy is the way forward. It’s the perfect remedy to our busy lives that mean we’re having less and less time to ourselves.
Yes, learning anything new takes time, but sometimes don’t we need a concrete reason to permit ourselves this luxury? Well, here’s your perfect excuse. Permission granted.
Due to the nature of calligraphy you’ll have no choice but to slow right down. Think of it as a mindful meditation that’ll create an energy all of it’s own.
Do your best to tune everything else out, focus just on what’s in front of you and use a part of your brain that’s perhaps been neglected.
Join me at a calligraphy workshop in Somerset!
2. Creative Freedom
One of the things that appeals to me the most about modern calligraphy is that it’s less rule-based than it’s traditional counterpart.
As impressive as Copperplate and Spencerian calligraphy is (and it really is!), its incredibly precise nature may be seen as restrictive, especially if you’re looking for a more expressive form of hand lettering.
Starting out with modern calligraphy is a great way to build up your pen control, learn about different materials and let your creativity flow.
So weather you opt for trendy brush pens, inky dip pens or digital lettering, you can experiment with finding a style that suits you and let your personality shine through.
Learning is good for you
Learning how to do something that we couldn’t do before challenges our mental and physical capabilities and ultimately gives us a sense of achievement.
It’s not necessarily a tangible result, but that fuzzy feeling of renewed confidence and a brighter mood is no less valuable.
It’s not to say that there won’t be frustrations as there likely will be, but it’s in the resilience of overcoming those problems where the power lies.
So give in to the process, learn from your mistakes and enjoy yourself – and don’t be tempted to destroy your early attempts – they’re great for looking back and seeing how far you’ve come!
It’s affordable
Even if you only have a pencil and some scrap paper, you have enough to get started with modern calligraphy.
Lots of hobbies can result in cupboards full of forgotten and unused supplies along with a dent in your wallet, but not necessarily calligraphy (that doesn’t always mean buying the cheapest supplies though).
See my blog post here of the essentials that you need to get started with pointed pen calligraphy.
You could also make the most of free practice sheets for whatever style catches your eye – Pinterest is a great place to start.
Anyone can do it
There’s no age limit for learning modern calligraphy and it doesn’t discriminate as long as you’re able to hold a pen.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have neat handwriting either. Just start from the beginning like everyone else.
Find out about some of my favourite calligraphy nibs here and how to use them.
Make your own greeting cards and gifts
I’m not going to say that you’ll necessarily save money by going down this route – hobbies don’t always come cheap, although calligraphy definitely can be.
But, you’ll be able to treat your friends and loved ones to handmade greeting cards and original works of art that they won’t want to throw out after sitting on the mantel piece for a week.
Rather than giving a mass-produced birthday card why not hand letter a thoughtful quote or personalised sentiment instead – that’s if you can bear to give it away.
It doesn’t take up much space
Fortunately, the supplies that you need are all very small-scale so you won’t need to go clearing out the spare room or converting the garage to learn modern calligraphy.
As long as you have a table to work on then you’re ready to go. I sometimes work on my lap (please don’t judge me) but only when I’m practicing with the TV and dog for company.
You can learn anywhere
Because of not needing much space to hand-letter you can also practice anywhere. With only a pencil or a brush pen and some paper you can practice your basic strokes and it becomes a portable hobby too.
Sitting in the garden on the swing seat during the Summer is a favourite of mine, but so is being tucked away in the warm on a chilly Winter’s evening.
You’ll make friends
Whether you’re taking a local class, learning online or with a trusty book, you’ll be able to meet like-minded people who love modern calligraphy just like you do.
Social media – Instagram especially – has a HUGE calligraphy community that I wouldn’t be without.
You’ll be able to learn from each other, be inspired and cheer each other on. Feel free to join me on Instagram here.
I hope that by now you’re feeling inspired to learn modern calligraphy and put some time aside to do something creative for yourself, slow down - even if it’s just for half an hour a week - and indulge in this beautiful art form.
This blog post features in The Beginner’s Guide to Calligraphy with more tips and inspiration to get you started.
If you can think of any more reasons then you can share it by leaving a comment below.
If you found this blog post helpful then feel free to share the love by pinning this image to Pinterest.
Thank you for reading,
Charlotte x
