In January 2017, I wrote another article that was also titled “How to Learn Calligraphy in Two Months”. The response was interesting: beginners were encouraged, but a small handful of seasoned calligraphers were outraged — I remember one fellow on Facebook got angry and vowed to stop following TPK. “You can’t learn calligraphy in two months, and furthermore, not just anyone can learn it!” he scoffed before his exit.
I’ve always found that exclusive attitude perturbing. Calligraphy is a relaxing and beautiful art form that should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn it! And, you know what? I truly think that you can build a solid calligraphy foundation in two months. It just takes a bit of self-discipline and the will to stifle any negativity that you feel about your work. In short: if my Facebook guy lives in your head (“You can’t learn this!”), shut him off — because you are capable and you can learn! This blog post will give you a timeline to guide you through it.
1. Enroll in the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course
Listen, the last thing I want to do is make you think that if you don’t buy the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course ($25), you won’t learn calligraphy. If you put in the time to research, you can find all sorts of tidbits of information for learning calligraphy online for free! However, the course saves you time in that it guides you through learning in a clear, organized way. It will also help you to steer clear of frustrations that calligraphy beginners generally experience!
2. Compile a Three Ring Binder for Your Practice Materials
The Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course includes a worksheet, so put that in your binder first. After you finish the course, you can use the binder for additional worksheets, free calligraphy printables, and general practice. Keep the binder materials in chronological order! It’s gratifying to flip through it to see your progress.
3. Get the Proper Supplies
In the case of calligraphy, success comes easier when you have the right tools. If you DIY a starter kit, your cost will be $25-35. Purchase a preassembled calligraphy kit, and the cost will be a bit higher.
4. Pace Yourself to Finish the Online Course in a Month
Dedicate at least five hours per week to filling out the course worksheet and watching the videos. I’d try to disperse the five hours over a span of 2-3 days so you can keep your practice consistent!
5. Take a Week-Long Break to Test Out (and Enjoy!) Your Skills
After you finish the course, take a week to test out your new skills on a real-life application: envelope calligraphy! Choose two special recipients to send mail to (you can always check out the More Love Letters letter requests), and calligraph envelopes for them! Try to create both of your envelopes within a week.
6. Learn a Specific Calligraphy Style
In the Beginner’s Modern Calligraphy Online Course, you learn the principles of calligraphy in general. The focus isn’t really on making a particular style. That’s why, at this point, I would recommend dedicating three weeks to learning a specific calligraphy style. If you like one of the worksheet styles in the Learn Calligraphy collection, then pick that one! I have five different modern calligraphy styles available that you can learn. If you’re drawn to traditional scripts, check out Eleanor Winters’ Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy or Joe Vitolo’s free eBook Script in the Copperplate Style.
7. Continue to Use Your Skills
The work that you put in for the last two months will all be for naught if you don’t use what you learned. So, try to make a goal to create one calligraphy-related project every week or two. It doesn’t have to be a big project, just something to keep your lettering fresh! Here are some suggestions:
- Calligraphy Ampersand Art Tutorial
- Abstract Watercolor Bubbles Creative Envelope (from the Three Creative Envelope Design Mini-Tutorials post)
- Calligraphy Quote Art
- Artistic Watercolor Birthday Card Tutorial
- Lace Envelope Art
- Watercolor Calligraphy
If you follow the steps in this article, you will be comfortable using a dip pen within two months. Remember, though, that you will never stop improving as long as you are creating projects with your dip pen! I first picked up a dip pen seven years ago, and I still find myself getting better at the art. Every single calligraphy-related project that you make is a building block, so keep creating! I know you’ll be impressed at what you can achieve with some time and patience.
Warmly,
I’m just learning how to actually slow down and make my pens work how their supposed to rather than think I’m doing ok by rushing through it. I look forward to going through your blog more every day. Thank you!
Hello Lindsey,
I appreciate the fact that having a baby and caring for the little one has not stopped you from pursuing your passion. I have been wanting to try calligraphy for a long time, and searched for a good resource – one that gives you enough information and a lot of motivation, one that doesn’t sell things. I found your site! Since then, I am enjoying my slow, but steady journey through this amazing world of Calligraphy.
Thanks a ton for all your efforts.
I’m new to calligraphy and I am super excited to start! I purchased a book kit from my local Barnes and noble, but sadly did not find its contents helpful or useful at all. I just downloaded some of your worksheet and I can’t wait to get started! My friend is getting married next year and I’m hoping I might be good enough by then to do something for her :).
I appreciate this guide so much! I’m just starting to learn calligraphy and this has some great information in it!!
Love this!
Two months! That’s encouraging. I’m just getting up the nerve to move from brush pens to nibs!
Can a Left-gander learn calligraphy?
Hi there! Yes, there are many lefties who excel at calligraphy. You may be interested in the articles 5 Tips for Creating Left-Handed Calligraphy and A Word on Left-Handed Calligraphy!
Hello Lindsey,
I am sorry to bother you. Some where you mentioned using a laser level….for the life of me I cannot seem to find the info. Could you please tell me which make and model of the laser that you use please. I went into our local hardware store an they do do not seem to have one that would project a line on a flat surface across a table top.
Finally i have an area that i can use for doing my calligraphy at long last…my husband kindly put together a few kallax cubes added a base with castors an a top an it is totally portable and it is awesome, so i am now in the process of finally putting together files with your printables and courses. I cant wait to see it all come together.
No rush as I know you are super busy with your new bubs, I hope you are managing well as being a new mum is very tough an time consuming..
Kind regards
Susie
Hi Susie!
I actually don’t use a laser level. 🙂 I mostly use a light box! If I’m working with darker envelopes, I usually use a rolling ruler and a white pencil. I think I’ve mentioned laser levels before in passing, but I’ve never used one! I don’t like that they can’t project more than one line at a time.
Warmly,
Lindsey