How to Improve Your Calligraphy Writing

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Sometimes we can't write using a computer. When you want to use some embellishment and artistic lettering, calligraphy will make your writing stand out.

  Steps

1. Get a calligraphy book if you want to learn an established style or form.  For simply embellishing your usual lettering, this may not be needed, but the results will not be authentic calligraphy.
2. Buy some lined paper. The lines act as guides so the lettering will be a consistent size.  If you don't have access to lined paper, you can make your own with a hard pencil and ruler, by measuring equal distances down each side of the page, and then lightly marking a straight line between each mark.
3. Obtain a set of calligraphy pens, or at least one broad nibbed pen. Alternately, you may be able to shape the end of a crayon or use a wide point marker to create your letters, but the results may not be as good.
4. Practice making individual letters, first marking the general shape of a letter, then using the wide pen nib or other alternate writing instrument to give it its final shape with curves, and variations in line width. You will want to pay close attention to how the lines flow if you are duplicating an existing, recognised style.
5. Continue practicing individual letters in upper and lower case until you have mastered the shape of each one.  You may want to pay more attention to more commonly used letters as you begin, but eventually, you should master all of the letters of the alphabet.
6. Begin to practice forming words, then sentences with your newly learned technique.  Be aware of the spacing of letters within and between words. In some Olde English forms of calligraphy, some letters may be difficult to distinguish, so a reader will need to see the text well enough to make out words to have enough clue to understand what you have written.
7. Use your technique in daily writing when possible. You won't want to turn in a science report written in calligraphy, but you can use it in your diary, creative writing endeavors, or even in notes to your friends, outside of class, of course.
8. Compare your lettering with other people's lettering, and you may be find some styles of letters you want to copy.

  Tips

• It isn't always going to be perfect. Keep practicing, and try to notice where you need more work on developing your technique.
• Use a good quality stock (paper) for finished work, and invest in calligraphy pens if you are going to make a permanent hobby of it.

  Things You'll Need

• A book
• Lined paper
• A pen or pencil