Calligraphy Tutorials

learning to become a calligrapher

In this section you will find exercises and practise shapes to get you started, calligraphic letters with instructions on how to write the letters, planning and layout tips and ideas for decoration.

Follow the link for some great animations showing how to write with the calligraphy pen.

A good exercise to get the feel of the shapes made by a calligraphy nib is to strap 2 pencils together with a rubber band.

Hold the pencils side by side so that the two points represent the outer corners of the pen nib (left).

By moving them sideways, at an angle of roughly 30° to the writing line, you will draw a fine line and pulling it downwards draws parallel lines - the thick stroke of a pen nib. This may take a little practise.