The Best Books To Teach You Calligraphy

Letter and Modern Calligraphy: A Beginner’s Guide

To the Letter

Start learning calligraphy with this easy-to-follow guide.

Best for Beginners

Find on Amazon

If you’re just starting on your brush calligraphy journey, this book is an ideal resource. The step-by-step guide includes information about font styles and terminology to give you the foundation you need. It then jumps into five different lettering styles with both upper and lowercase letters, giving you the detailed instructions you need to get it just right. Plus, the book even includes 15 different lettering projects to help you get the extra practice you need.

Pros:

• The instructions are easy to follow, even for a beginner
• You can put your own twist on the different styles thanks to the included tips and tricks
• Practice pages are included to help you master every letter

Cons:

• There aren’t many additional pages to practice your lettering, so you may need supplemental paper
• Gives instructions for calligraphy with brush pens, not traditional calligraphy pens

Ultimate Guide to Modern Calligraphy & Hand Lettering for Beginners

The Write Stuff

Get the straightforward instructions you need to master modern lettering.

Best Modern Calligraphy

Find on Amazon

Learn each of the basic calligraphy strokes, the entire brush alphabet, and how to effortlessly connect all of your letters with this comprehensive guide. Once you know the ropes, you can practice words and lettering projects in the back of the book to put your skills to the test. You’ll even get templates for serif and sans serif alphabets and monoline styles so you can round out your expertise.

Pros:

• The book is 8.5″ x 11,” giving you plenty of space on each page to practice
• From the very beginning, the book walks you through everything from how to hold your pen to how to create different letters
• Includes access to downloadable practice pages, so you’re not limited by the pages in the book

Cons:

• The paper is thin, and certain pens may bleed through
• Instead of traditional calligraphy, this book focuses only on the brush style

Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy: A Step-by-Step Manual

Put Pen to Paper

Learn the classic copperplate calligraphy style with this thorough manual.

Best Classic Calligraphy

Find on Amazon

When people think of calligraphy, the copperplate style is often what comes to mind. Instead of admiring it from afar, pick up this manual and learn the ins and outs of the art form for yourself. This manual has a step-by-step guide for beginners that will teach you everything from how to pick the right paper to how to digitize your work, along with all the details you need to learn calligraphy itself.

Pros:

• The manual includes step-by-step directions for how to create letterforms
• Includes information on the history of copperplate and a list of supplies you need to get started
• In addition to teaching you what you should do, the book details common mistakes to help you avoid them

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with any of the supplies you’ll need, like nibs, ink, or a pen holder
• You’ll need to make your own practice grids, as they’re not included

Calligraphy Kit: A Complete Kit for Beginners

All in One

With a pen, nibs, ink, and paper, this book has everything you need to get started.

Best Set

Find on Amazon

More than just an instructional booklet, this set gives you all of the supplies you need to use it right out of the box. With a 32-page instructional book, a calligraphy pen, pen nibs, ink cartridges, a felt-tip pen, and paper, you’ll have everything the pros have. Just follow the basics in the book like styles, angles, and hand positions to start on your calligraphy journey in style.

Pros:

• Teaches you the basics along with advanced techniques for different calligraphic alphabets
• Along with the instruction manual, you also get all of the supplies you need to get started
• The instructions are easy to follow, even for those with no previous calligraphy experience

Cons:

• It takes a while for the ink to flow out of the pen, so you need to have patience
• Doesn’t include traceable letters, which can make it harder to learn the correct form

Mastering Modern Calligraphy: Beyond the Basics

Build Your Skill

This book helps you expand your skill set so you can become a calligraphy expert.

Best Intermediate

Find on Amazon

If you’ve already got the basics down and are looking to build upon your skills, this is the book for you. Perfect for pointed pens, brush pens, or digital calligraphy, this book has nearly 3,000 letters, ligatures, drills, and more to help you hone your craft. It’s designed to push you out of your comfort zone, making it an ideal way to take your calligraphy to the next level.

Pros:

• Five modern calligraphy alphabets to choose from
• Ring-bound to ensure that the pages lay flat, making it easier to practice
• Includes a comprehensive supply list so you can use the same tools as the pros

Cons:

• Too challenging for beginners but right on target for folks who have a handle on the basics
• Supplies not included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is calligraphy art?

Calligraphy is considered an art form made using letters. This beautiful style of writing takes extensive skill and practice, similar to other types of art like drawing or painting.

What are the different styles of calligraphy?

There are many different variations of calligraphy, including modern calligraphy, brush lettering, and copperplate calligraphy. While each of these styles is similar, they use different tools and have different techniques.

Does calligraphy ink expire?

Some inks may dry out over time and become unusable. Be sure to keep the lid tightly on your ink to preserve the moisture.