Calligraphy and hand lettering are good options for a new hobby. Both of these result in visually appealing letters. Still, if you are wondering: “should I learn calligraphy or hand lettering”, you may want to consider their differences and similarities before you make a decision.
When you are unsure whether to pursue calligraphy and hand lettering as hobbies, consider their similarities and differences. The similarities include learning the basics and practising as much as possible. Both are fun and can be learned by anyone. As for differences, calligraphy and hand lettering use different methods and processes to create letters. Calligraphy requires more specialised tools than hand lettering. The types of projects they are used for are different in terms of length and size. Calligraphy has stricter rules than hand lettering that are more free-hand.
Let’s first look at what calligraphy and hand lettering are before we look at the similarities and differences between them.
What is calligraphy?
Calligraphy is a visual form of art focusing on penmanship. It covers different writing styles and has been used for poetry and religious texts throughout history. Calligraphy has been used by many cultures, including Arab, Indian and Chinese cultures.
Calligraphy is beautiful handwriting with the use of a pen and ink. In calligraphy, you use strokes to form letters and words. The strokes vary between thick and thin lines caused by different pressure degrees. Letters are usually created in a single motion.
In calligraphy, the letters created tend to be the same size and style, determined by the size of the nib of the calligraphy pen.
Calligraphy can be considered a type of hand lettering.
What is hand lettering?
Hand lettering is also a visual form of art where the artist draws letters using multiple strokes. Hand lettering allows for better control when creating letters, as it is done in a free-hand style. Each letter is drawn individually, which makes hand lettering more creative than calligraphy.
Hand lettering does not have as many strict rules as calligraphy, but some typography principles, such as balance, letter structure and composition, also apply in hand lettering. Some hand lettering styles are combinations of styles and letter heights. Unlike calligraphy, hand lettering is not always cursive. When doing a hand lettering project, you may start with a pencil sketch before outlining it with different pens and markers. Hand lettering projects can be a combination of letters and illustrations or art.
Each project will have a unique lettering style, influenced by the artist. The style should match the project’s objectives.
Hand lettering is not a form of calligraphy.
Let’s consider the differences and similarities that could influence your decision to learn calligraphy or calligraphy first.
Similarities between hand lettering and calligraphy
There are some similarities between hand lettering and calligraphy. These include that they are both fun but require tons of practice. There are no special skills requirements for learning calligraphy or hand lettering, making it easy for anyone to learn. As with most new things, it is best to learn the basics before trying more complex or advanced techniques.
Both are fun!
Both calligraphy and hand lettering are fun to do. You can use both to create beautiful projects. Since they are both creative activities, they are also great for relaxing!
Practice makes perfect
Both hand lettering and calligraphy are considered specialised skills. You will need to practice until you know how to produce elegant calligraphy or a masterful set of letters. You will need lots of practice to become competent at hand lettering and calligraphy.
Start with the basics
Although you can easily copy other people’s calligraphy or hand lettering styles, you must learn the basics to produce your own style. Before you try complete letters and words, perfect your strokes. Both hand lettering and calligraphy use similar-looking strokes, with downstrokes being thick and upstrokes being thin. The general principles for hand lettering and calligraphy are the same regarding letter anatomy, font families and line weight.
Anyone can learn calligraphy and hand lettering
You don’t need good handwriting to learn calligraphy or hand lettering. Both can be learned with some discipline and lots of practice! Hand lettering is easier than calligraphy as it is more creative with fewer rules.
Let’s move on to the differences between them.
Differences between hand lettering and calligraphy
There are several differences between calligraphy and hand letters, including the fact that they use different methods and processes for creating letters. The tools and supplies differ between calligraphy and hand lettering. Calligraphy and hand lettering are often used for different types of projects and have different rules when creating letters.
They use different methods and processes
Calligraphy and hand lettering differ in the method and process used to create letters. Calligraphy is beautiful writing consisting of thick and thin strokes, but hand lettering is the drawing of letters.
Tools and supplies
You don’t need special pens, pencils or paper to start with hand lettering – you can use any pen or pencil available. Not needing specialised tools is great if you are new to hand lettering, as you can try it without buying supplies. If you love it, you can purchase additional tools to try more advanced techniques.
Hand lettering projects can easily be mixed media projects using coloured pencils, acrylics, watercolours and gouaches. Many artists use brushes, gel pens, brushes and sharpies in hand lettering. Hand lettering can be very creative, and you can use as many or as few of these items as you have available.
You will need some specific tools with calligraphy, such as brush pens, nibs and quality paper. Cheaper options for these items are available if you want to try calligraphy, but don’t want to spend a lot of money until you are sure you will love it.
The size of projects
With hand lettering, you can do shorter but bigger projects of any size, such as large blackboards, logos or signs. Calligraphy is used more often for longer tasks, such as writing letters.
Type of practice
With calligraphy, the rote practice of different styles and hands is critical. Calligraphy relies on exercise and muscle memory when practising.
With hand lettering, different styles should be tried with each practice. Using a pencil and eraser to draw letters first makes correcting mistakes with hand lettering easier. Hand lettering artists use rulers to make sure their lines are straight. They also use rules to create linear grids and perspectives.
Rules
Hand lettering has fewer rules than calligraphy, as shapes can be made in any style. With hand lettering stylisation, composition, balance, and readability are essential.
With calligraphy, the overall composition of a piece is essential, but the main focus of any project is not the composition. Spacing and flourishes are focus areas in calligraphy.
The answer to “should I learn calligraphy or hand lettering”
If you are still wondering: should I learn calligraphy or hand lettering, consider these differences and similarities to help you decide. You can quickly learn both calligraphy and hand lettering. If you are interested in both, it may be helpful to first to learn calligraphy as this will help you understand how letters are constructed in terms of thin and thick lines. The skills you use for calligraphy can easily be applied to hand lettering. Doing both calligraphy and hand lettering may also enhance your creativity and help you develop your own unique style.
