A couple of days ago, I received a thought-provoking email from someone. It contained a few questions: “When you first started doing calligraphy did you like how it looked? Did it take a while before you felt you were doing a good job and you liked how you did it? … I’m hoping if I practice enough I will get good at it – is there hope?!” I remember having the same questions — and you might, too. Sometimes it’s just nice to read about how someone else achieved something, so I thought you might enjoy reading about how I learned calligraphy.
Motivations
First, I will touch on why I wanted to learn calligraphy in the first place. In September of 2011, my now-husband, Hernán, and I moved from Lawrence, Kansas (where we had attended college), to Boulder, Colorado. Hernán came here to pursue his PhD in Aerospace Engineering, and I tagged along because I wanted to live in Boulder. Like moving anywhere, it was magical for the first few days, and then reality sunk in and I realized I missed my friends. So, I started writing letters to them. Writing letters made me feel closer to my friends in Kansas, and I really enjoyed decorating cards and envelopes to send to them. At that time, though, I wasn’t trying to create calligraphy. I just liked drawing on envelopes.
The first year we lived in Boulder, I worked at a software company as an office manager. When a coworker mentioned that she wrote calligraphy on wedding envelopes for extra pocket change, a lightbulb went off in my head. I liked making mail art, so why couldn’t I create calligraphy, too? And why couldn’t I make extra income from it?
I knew nothing about calligraphy, but I looked at some photos of calligraphed envelopes on the internet and resolved to figure out how to use a dip pen.
The Beginning of The Postman’s Knock
When I decided to learn calligraphy, I went out and bought a plastic Speedball pen with some nibs. I assumed that when I first used the pen, I would have a calligraphy epiphany and be able to write like a pro. That was woefully not the case! The calligraphy pen was so difficult for me to use that I gave up trying to write with it.
As far as I could tell from photos of envelopes on Google and Etsy, some parts of letters in calligraphy were fat, and others were thin. I figured out the pattern, and I offered envelopes with faux calligraphy in an Etsy shop called “The Postman’s Knock” (I didn’t have a website at that time).
For my very first commissioned envelope job, I had to figure out how to make white faux calligraphy. I went to Michael’s, purchased a few Sakura Gellyroll pens, and wrote out the envelope addresses. I couldn’t have been more proud of my creation — and by some miracle it ended up on Style Me Pretty.
The Style Me Pretty shoot gave me a confidence boost. Sure, I knew there were much better calligraphers out there than me, but I was getting little commissions to do things with faux calligraphy, which was fun. I remember charging $15.00 for the Rumi quote below — and it took me three hours to make! That price was fair, though, because my skill level was still “getting there”. I did the best I could, and was always thrilled when people requested commissions! I even designed a few tattoos.
Progress
My commissions weren’t overwhelming, but I was getting better at faux calligraphy. After a year of working at the software company, I turned in my notice; and Hernán and I planned out how I could create a business. I enjoyed a steady stream of calligraphy commissions; mainly poems and wedding place cards like the ones below, which were always created with a Pilot G2 pen.
Eventually, I thought to myself: “OK. I’ve got to figure this dip pen thing out.” In 2012, it was tough to find any calligraphy tutorials online. So, I sat down with my pen, and after a few hours of trial and error, I realized that when the tines are spread, a thick downstroke is created, and when the tines of the nib go up, a thin upstroke results. My strokes were shaky at first, but after a couple of days and countless ink blobs, my style got a little bit better. Shortly thereafter, I ordered a plastic-flanged oblique calligraphy pen.
If I knew then what I know now, I would have started out with a brass-flanged oblique holder. Nevertheless, the angle of the plastic oblique did make it easier for me to create calligraphy, and my work improved. At that point, a couple of brides approached me for help with their invitations. That put pressure on me to make sure my calligraphy was decent!
To be clear: I didn’t learn calligraphy with a structured approach. It was just a lot of trial and error! I mainly practiced by making mail art and sketchbook pages. While you can learn calligraphy on your own like I did, there’s no need to anymore. Now, the internet is a goldmine of dip pen instructions, tips, and tricks!
Blogging
As I learned more and more about calligraphy, I started to blog about it. It was fun to write about my calligraphy breakthroughs, and I noticed that readers liked reading about them. I think that a lot of people have an interest in calligraphy because it seems approachable. That’s probably because everyone already knows how to write with a regular pen, and there’s always potential to improve on something that you already know how to do!
Shortly after I started blogging about calligraphy, a reader named Rodger Mayeda — who turned out to be a talented penmaker — encouraged me to try using brass-flanged oblique pens. Despite a bit of a learning curve, the pens helped me to improve my skills significantly. I happily tackled more and more work for clients as my skills grew!
TPK Today
In 2014, Hernán suggested that I design a printable worksheet for people to learn how to write a specific calligraphy style. He was inspired by a workbook called “Coquito” that teaches kids how to write in Peru, where he grew up. I put together a crude version of a worksheet — it was only 2 pages long with unintuitive guidelines — and I uploaded it to TPK for people to download for free. I was shocked at its success, so I ended up making a more detailed version, which I sold for a nominal fee. That first worksheet inspired more worksheets (which now, thankfully, are polished and professional), video courses, and in-person workshops. I genuinely enjoy explaining things, so teaching is a good fit for me.
Last year, I decided to start selling calligraphy supplies — in addition to digital products — here on the TPK website. I was nervous about shipping logistics, but once we put a system in place, figuring out how to send things was easy. Now, I’m overjoyed to know that people hear “the postman’s knock” to receive The Postman’s Knock goodies.
Conclusion
The point of this blog post is to show you: I wasn’t always good at calligraphy. It took me a long time — too long, really — to figure out how to peacefully coexist with my dip pen! That’s why I am so proud of the TPK website. It helps motivate people to learn calligraphy with fun tutorials, provides learning resources (some free, some paid), and contains plenty of encouragement! It’s the resource I wish I would have had when I started learning calligraphy nearly a decade ago.
If you’re just beginning calligraphy, here are some great TPK blog posts to check out:
- The Beginner’s Guide to Modern Calligraphy
- All of TPK’s Free Calligraphy Worksheets: A Master List
- 22 “Real Life” Calligraphy Practice Projects
- Anything in the “Entrepreneur” category of the blog (if you’re interested in starting a calligraphy business)
Just keep creating, and you’ll notice improvement. My advice is to keep it fun: send intricate, embellished envelopes to friends; volunteer to help with someone’s wedding; and make calligraphy quote art. The more you create calligraphy, the more your skills will improve!
Warmly,
It was such a cool blog post to read. It’s really interesting to see how someone has evolved in what she/he does. And, by the way, it’s been just two years since you started with calligraphy, and you are now so huge? It’s really not a long time! I kinda envy you a little!
In my case it was the other way round! I had to learn calligraphy when I started the typography classes while studying Graphic Design, and I was pretty good really fast. I mean, as good as you can get with just a couple of months practice while you are trying to complete all the assignments for all the classes and study for exams. That year ended and I had the intention to continue practicing calligraphy, but never did. About a month ago I grabbed my pens and inks again, tried for a couple of hours, and boy do I really suck now! Got a little frustrated, but I won’t let that take me down!
I suppose you’re right — two years isn’t such a long time, is it? But, gosh, it feels like I’ve been doing it forever! I do think it would have taken less time to learn if I would have been a little smarter about what resources and tools/techniques I was using — but everything happens the way it does for a reason, right? 🙂 I do think anything pertaining to art/creativity is like riding a bike. If you haven’t done it for a while, you’re a little rusty; but after a few hours, you’re back to the skill level you had before!
Oh Lindsey…as always, I love your blog and I was so interested to read about your “adventure” into calligraphy. What a story…you are truly an inspiration and I am eternally grateful that I found you on a Google search a few months ago. I could pick your brain for days about stuff, but these blog posts help a lot!! Have a wonderful holiday!
Nancy
I always think it’s fun to read/hear about how someone came to do something/be something. Turns out it’s pretty fun to write about, too! I’m glad you read the blog; it’s really gratifying to be connected to superbly cool people like you. 🙂 I hope you have a fantastic holiday as well!! I’ll be a state (but many, many hours!) away. 🙂
Thank you for this post. This is so inspiring. I just started to learn calligraphy beginning January this year (fortunately, there were available 3 hour sessions). I am not yet happy with my calligraphy (also because I don’t get to practice much) but I have seen that I’ve been improving. Eventually, I’d like to also start making pocket change from my calligraphy (and other art work).
I love following your blog! I get what you mean that the more you blogged, the more you found other people that inspire you and those who are interested in your work – same thing happened to me.
I’m glad you were inspired by the post! With just a little bit of time, you’ll develop a style you love — and I’m sure be able to make some pocket change from it! You go, girl!
Loved your revealing your history, your creativity just could not be stopped. And we all get to reap your journey. 20 years ago my husband and I went to England on a very inexpensive week. When I returned I said’ my friends have no idea how WONDERFUL SHOPPING is ‘. He said ‘you can put trips together’. And I did, 20 trips of ladies to England, 24 to France. I made money on what I loved doing. I guess that is the American dream.
You go, Jan! You’re a wonderful, creative “can-do” type, which I really admire about you! I have been using the book you sent extensively, by the way, and I have your flower painting hanging right behind my desk. 🙂
Love that you posted this! It’s interesting to see where you started and your development!. You’re are so generous with your knowledge & experience, it’s encouraging for us (me!) who’s just starting to learn!
I think I’m just verbose and love having a soapbox! 😉 But, in all seriousness, I do think it’s interesting to read/hear others’ stories. It’s easy to forget that everyone has to start somewhere, you know? I’m really glad that you liked the post — thank you!
Thank you so much for a look into your calligraphy journey. To assure you that you have done someone a service in their own calligraphy journey I’d like to say that finding your blog marked my start and is still my very favorite resource. And for that I’m oh-so-grateful. You are appreciated, Lindsey!
I’m so, so glad that this blog has been useful to you. Thanks for being such a positive presence on it!! 🙂
What an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing your calligraphy journey. I used your Margaret envelope as inspiration for addressing my Christmas cards this year. It was fun (but I gotta say, the end result was not nearly as pretty as yours!)
I am certain that that’s not true — and I’m sure your happy recipients of the envelope would also beg to differ! I am really glad that you got mileage out of the tutorial, and that it helped you with your Christmas envelopes. Wow, which reminds me … I haven’t send out any Christmas cards yet. Suddenly it’s clear what I need to focus on today! 😉 And thank you for thanks! It was a fun blog post to write; it definitely required a lot of concentration trying to remember the hows and whys. 🙂
Thanks for this blog and sharing your talent. You are such an inspiration. You have the best site for learning calligraphy!
It was totally my pleasure writing it! I have to admit that I was hesitant to put up photos of my old work at first — but then I thought it would be helpful to see how much a person can improve with just a little bit of time. I’m really, really glad that the site helps you to learn. If you have any questions, please let me know. Questions help me to write helpful blogs posts! Thanks very much for reading. 🙂
I’m in a software job too that I don’t want to be in! Haha, and I’ve always pursued arts, and now I find myself seriously moving towards calligraphy and flourishing. I’ve just started (and mostly like working in the digital world of art), but your post has inspired me 🙂 Right now, I’m not going anywhere fast, but hopefully one day!
Thanks for your post.
I remember feeling that way, too, like … “eh, I don’t really want to be here, I like art and design but don’t know what to do with it; even if I did do something with it, would I like that?” Obviously, everyone has their own unique situation including logistics and financial stuff; but eventually the stars aligned for me, and I’m confident that they will for you, too! I just kept going with my art and design, and eventually it developed into a career/pastime that I really love. For now, keep on working on what you like, and you’ll be surprised at where it takes you. Of that I’m sure!
I can’t emphasize how happy that I found your blog. But as well as this post that is extremely inspirational. You’ve gained another follower! I hope to acquire such a beautiful talent with much practice and this post has motivated me. Thank you Lindsey!!
I’m so glad that this post was inspirational! When I write blog posts, I always try to think about what I would have liked to read when I was trying to figure out how to create calligraphy. I don’t think a lot of artists are comfortable sharing some of their lesser works {I definitely was hesitant}; but I do think it’s important to show that with some time and knowledge you can achieve anything! Just keep going, and you will get to where you want to be with your skill much sooner than you think. 🙂