If you’re looking for a calligraphy style that feels both relaxed and elegant, Amy Style calligraphy is a great contender. Today’s article shares the story behind the style, what makes it so beloved by beginners, and how you can start using it in your own creative projects.
Amy Style calligraphy is the most beloved calligraphy style on The Postman’s Knock — and with good reason. Its upright letterforms make it beginner-friendly, while its subtle flourishes give it just the right amount of personality. With over 30,000 learners and a reputation for being both accessible and elegant, Amy Style has earned its place as a go-to for everything from wedding envelopes to artistic journaling. Today, you’ll learn where the style came from, why it’s such a hit with calligraphy beginners, and how to get started with it yourself.
Amy Style calligraphy features clean, vertical letterforms with rounded strokes and playful, approachable curves. It skips the traditional right-leaning slant found in many calligraphy styles, which makes it feel more relaxed and modern. That lack of slant can also make the style easier to learn. Since you’re not fighting the angle of your letters, you can focus on mastering pressure and pen control without having to rotate your paper or use an oblique pen. (In fact, Amy Style is best created with a straight pen, which is often less intimidating for beginners.)
I first developed this calligraphy style in 2013 for a Philadelphia bride named Amy. She wanted something elegant, but not stuffy — something that felt joyful, stylish, and a little bit unexpected. The original version was bouncier and loopier, which was perfect for her wedding envelopes and escort cards.
Over time, the style evolved. As my own preferences and techniques changed, Amy Style took on a neater, more polished feel. It’s still round and friendly, but with better rhythm and structure. Today, it remains a popular favorite for its balance of charm and clarity.
Amy Style calligraphy continues to be a favorite among learners for a few standout reasons. First, the vertical letterforms take the pressure off of slanting, which makes it easier to write consistently and comfortably. And because the style works beautifully with a straight pen, there’s no need to invest in an oblique pen or dramatically rotate your paper — which can be a relief for beginners.
Beyond the technical ease, the style itself achieves a sweet spot between polished and playful. It has just enough flourish to feel special for events or gifting, without veering into over-the-top territory. My favorite thing about Amy Style calligraphy is how it’s acted as a gateway into the world of calligraphy for so many people — I’ve seen learners take it on for a specific project, like wedding envelopes, and end up catching the calligraphy “bug” in the process!
There are two things that Amy Style calligraphy learners struggle with. First: the “S”s. Amy Style “S”s resemble the “S”s you find in block lettering, and they can be a bit awkward to make with a dip pen. It takes practice, patience, and the willingness to use a traditional cursive “S” if you’re just fed up with them.
Another issues that learners run into? The letter connections — or lack thereof. Some letter connections can be tough to figure out, especially if you’re writing a word like “coffee”, where the two “f”s don’t connect to each other! (For that reason, I hone in on explaining letter connections in the Amy Style Video Course.)
Amy Style learners have used their skills for some really cool things! Here are some posts that I’ve seen on Instagram:
If you’re brand new to calligraphy, I recommend starting with The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course. It covers all the basics: pen handling, pressure practice, ink flow, posture, and more. As part of the course, we use both Amy Style and Kaitlin Style worksheets to help you “cut your teeth” on basic letterforms. You’ll get exposure to uppercase and lowercase Amy Style letters, plus a few words to help you get a feel for the rhythm of the style.
Once you’re comfortable, you can dive right into the Amy Style Calligraphy Worksheet Set, which includes step-by-step letter instruction, word practice, and layout tips. If you like a bit of extra guidance, consider taking the Amy Style Video Course. The course will walk you through the worksheet set and provide extra information, like how to deal with double letters that don’t connect (“coffee”, “egg”). I’ll also teach you how to make a perfectly centered Amy Style envelope!
If you would simply like a straightforward exemplar to reference and toy around with, feel free to download the free Basic Amy Style Calligraphy Worksheet — it’s a great no-pressure way to try out the style.
Whether you’re picking up a pointed pen for the first time or returning to calligraphy after a break, Amy Style offers a warm and welcoming place to begin. Its approachable elegance has made it a favorite for good reason — and I hope it becomes a favorite of yours, too.
Warmly,
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