Beginner’s Calligraphy

Calligraphy Troubleshooting: Nib Pressure + Shaking Hand

June 16, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 65 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Nibs· Printable Goodies· Video

My last blog post, How to Practice Calligraphy, was inspired by a reader’s question. Similarly, today’s blog post will address a combination of questions and comments from three different readers regarding calligraphy troubleshooting. All of these questions relate to shakiness when writing or nib pressure, which are issues that happen all the time, but aren’t talked about a whole lot. I have expounded on what I know about ameliorating both problems in the post below, but if you have further input {or questions!}, feel free to comment.
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Ideas for Unique Modern Calligraphy

June 2, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 23 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Inspiration· Tutorials

In some ways, it’s more difficult to create modern calligraphy than traditional calligraphy. In traditional calligraphy, you have very specific exemplars and rules. In modern calligraphy, however, there are no concrete rules. The whole point is to create something new and innovative that pleases you as the calligrapher. At times, that freedom can be overwhelming — the possibilities are unlimited. That’s why I’ve compiled some ideas to help you in your next modern calligraphy project, whether it’s a little thing {a written quote, perhaps} or a 300-envelope wedding calligraphy undertaking!
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5 Calligraphy Variation Techniques + A Surprise Worksheet

April 15, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 31 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Inspiration· Worksheets

Here’s the thing you’ve got to love about modern calligraphy: you can implement any change — any calligraphy variation — and you’ll still be correct. While there is, more or less, “right” and “wrong” in traditional calligraphy styles like Spencerian and Copperplate, modern calligraphy embraces change.
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More Calligraphy Tips and Musings {Includes Videos + Giveaway}

February 28, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 88 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy

I know I write about calligraphy tips all the time, but a recent conversation with Rodger Mayeda {of Rodger’s Pen Box} inspired me to share even more information with you … with a couple of videos to boot! I really hope you like them because I painted my nails for them — and, trust me, that’s something that doesn’t happen often {they’ll be horribly chipped within the next six hours; I’d bet money on it}. As if my painted nails aren’t exciting enough, there’s another artisan calligraphy pen giveaway afoot! You can enter at the bottom of this blog post.
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The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy Part II

January 26, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 64 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Nibs· Oblique Pen Holders

After I wrote The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy, I received some questions via email and comments that led me to believe a follow-up post would be helpful. Let me begin by saying that if you’re completely new to calligraphy, I wouldn’t invest in a dip pen just yet. Instead, you might consider building up muscle memory with a regular pen and a faux calligraphy technique. Not only will your hands become accustomed to forming letters without hesitation/trepidation, but you will also gain an understanding of upstrokes and downstrokes.
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