There’s much more to writing than what meets the eye. For starters, one’s handwriting can reveal a lot about their personality, mannerism, and even traits. It can also help us gauge one’s emotions, whether they’re angry or happy. To the trained eye, each minute stroke of a pencil conveys a lot more information than simply what’s written down on the piece of paper. Thus, writing is much more than a medium by which we communicate with each other; it’s an entire language in itself. 

Calligraphy is the study of the various writing styles and provides insights into the subtle variations and what they’re indicative of. Indulging in this activity also serves as a great way to make the most of your time, especially when you’re cooped up at home and have nothing to do. Calligraphy also serves as a great introductory activity into the niche of arts and crafts that you can take up without any prior experience. Additionally, the fact that you’ll get to learn new writing styles and have various calligraphy fonts in your ensemble is the icing on the top. Doesn’t calligraphy writing sound like the ideal hobby to bask in? 

In this article, we’ve put together a calligraphy guide for beginners. The best part? You don’t need any paraphernalia to practice calligraphy for beginners. All you need is a pencil, some paper, and your creativity. Having said that, read our calligraphy for beginners guide to gain insights into how you can sway calligraphy with a pencil. 

Calligraphy Guide For Beginners 

If you’re starting into the niche of calligraphy, you need to be aware of all the nuances involved in calligraphy writing with a pencil. We’ve detailed the various points you must keep in mind before taking up calligraphy writing with a pencil in the upcoming sections. 

Some key factors involved in calligraphy include the type of pencil you use and how you grip it, along with how you can vary the pressure applications of the pencil tip to achieve variations based on stroke intensity. Additionally, you’ll learn some critical insights into calligraphy writing with a pencil. And how you can use specific hacks to become more efficient at the activity. 

Learn Calligraphy With Pencil 

In calligraphy writing, your pencil is your most important asset. That’s why you must make sure to equip yourself with one that enables you to ace calligraphy fonts smoothly. Here’s how you should go about choosing your pencil. 

Choosing A Pencil

You can dive into pencil calligraphy using a variety of pencil grades. But if you’re looking for the best results, equip yourself with a pencil that meets your requirements. For example, pencils graded as HB, B or even 2B are highly user-friendly as their graphite core is very soft. These pencils thus leave a light impression on the paper and can be easily rubbed off. This is especially useful when you’re practising calligraphy using pencil calligraphy sheets. So if you’re not sure which pencil-type meets your requirements, then these pencil grades are the ones to go to.  

Regardless of which pencil grade you decide to use, refrain from using a mechanical pencil going forward. Because they aren’t suitable for modern calligraphy with a pencil. 

Holding The Pencil

Once you’ve selected the type of pencil you’ll use for your calligraphy writing, the next step is to learn how you hold the pencil. Make sure to position your grip in a way that ensures that your pencil nib is vertical to the paper. And not at an angle, basically what we’re all accustomed to. This grip provides you with greater control of your pencil. And finally allows you to create calligraphy fonts masterfully.

Consider the caveat that this grip may seem uncomfortable at the start. But be assured, the more you practice your calligraphy using this grip, the more accustomed you’ll get to it. Within no time, you’ll develop proficient calligraphy skills that’ll come to you as if it were your typical writing style.  

Achieving Stroke Variation

To achieve different stroke variations, you’ll have to apply varying pressure on your pencil nib. You’ll be able to execute these stroke variations seamlessly if you master the correct gripping style. 

Apply more pressure during your downstrokes which will help you achieve a nice, clean thick stroke. In contrast, by reducing the pressure on your upstroke and horizontal stroke, you can achieve a thin and elegant stroke. These variations can help you bring contrast to your calligraphy writing fonts and elevate the quality of your work. 

Also read 'What Is Calligraphy? History and Types'

Efficiency Hacks 

If you’re just starting with calligraphy writing, using guidelines is a technique that you can use to become more efficient at calligraphy. These visual guidelines will help you create calligraphy fonts that are proportionate, consistent, and visually aesthetic. Once you’ve gained experience in calligraphy, you can indulge in the activity without using these visual pointers. 

However, the only disadvantage in using such visual guidelines is that you cannot rub off your work. If you do, these guidelines will be erased and may create a hindrance for your calligraphy writing. 

Given all things, creating guidelines will ease your calligraphy writing experience and help you gain confidence in the activity.

Final Words

Calligraphy is an impressively hands-on and immersive activity that you can take up without purchasing much equipment. Given how caught up we’re with everyday lives, calligraphy courses and calligraphy tutorials are a great way to get your mind off your work and thus reduce your stress. Done right, calligraphy acts as a therapeutic activity and a great stress-buster.  

We at Artisans simply provide you with a knowledge base and all the resources you may need to indulge in the arts and crafts, particularly leathercrafting. Visit our online resource base to find articles on similar engaging DIY ideas for beginners, and subscribe to our newsletter to never miss out on future updates.