In this post, you’ll learn to write brush pen calligraphy using gloriously cheap and versatile Crayola markers! The post includes several videos and practice suggestions to get you well on your way to becoming a “Crayola calligraphy” pro.
There are many specialized writing utensils on the market, so it’s easy to think that you have to have the latest and greatest to create beautiful lettering. Crayola calligraphy, calligraphy created with an average broad line marker, begs to differ! Today, I’m going to teach you how to write with what you may have previously considered a children’s art supply.
I have to admit that I’m late to the bandwagon on this one. Crayola calligraphy is all over Pinterest, and I have been curious to try it for a while. The timing for a sale on markers at my local grocery store couldn’t have been better … I snagged this box for $1.00.
Crayola markers have a surprising stroke capability range. Apply very little pressure on the marker, and it will make a thin stroke. Exert a bit more pressure, and you’ll end up with a beautiful thick stroke. The surprising stroke contrast rivals that of expensive, specialized brush pen markers!
You don’t have to create Crayola calligraphy with Crayola markers. Any comparable marker will work! As long as markers are labeled “broad line”, you should be able to use them.
When you write calligraphy with any markers — Crayola or otherwise — you’re looking to make thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes. Upstrokes occur when you push your pen from bottom to top to make part of a letter. Downstrokes occur when you pull your pen from top to bottom to make part of a letter. I find that it’s easiest to make upstrokes when the pen is somewhat upright, as pictured below. Make sure you don’t apply much pressure to the marker’s tip, and gently push upward.
To make a downstroke, you’ll slightly rotate the pen to the right (or to the left, if you’re left-handed). Apply firm pressure to the marker, pulling down. That should result in a nice, thick stroke.
I know that it’s difficult to grasp concepts like this solely going off of photos, so I prepared an instructional video for you! If you are unable to view Vimeo videos, you may watch it on YouTube.
If you’re interested in honing your Crayola calligraphy skills, I would recommend filling out the Not Your Average Brush Pen Drills Sheet. Don’t worry if you don’t get the hang of it right away; there’s a little bit of a learning curve! As long as you stay relaxed, breathe normally, and pick up your pen often as described in the video above, you’ll do fine.
Once you fill out the drills sheet, try learning letters! Any TPK brush pen calligraphy worksheet set will instruct you exactly when to pick up your pen when making letters and words.
After you finish filling out a brush pen worksheet, keep the Stroke Reference Sheet at hand, and use it to create real-life projects. Those projects can range from simple alphabet art (try creating it in a sketchbook!) …
… To more elaborate mail art.
Whatever projects you want to create will provide excellent practice. I promise you: the best way to get better is to create projects that excite you and challenge you creatively! The nice thing about Crayola markers (and comparable markers made by other brands), too, is that you can experiment. Try them out on all different kinds of papers, and if the tips start to fray, you can aways purchase more. At ~$0.10 each, they’re replaceable!
I’d like to leave you with the video below of some Crayola calligraphy creation. I am really excited to be able to create some lettering next time my niece and I are making art with her markers! She, however, will probably not be very happy to see that I have moved on from my typical marker illustrations of flowers and princesses. 😉
If you have any questions about how to create Crayola calligraphy, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m glad to provide feedback and tips. Thanks so much for reading TPK, and have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon
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