Ideas for Unique Modern Calligraphy

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!

Write on a Wave

Most calligraphy is written on a straight baseline. You can switch it up by writing your words on a wavy path! To do so, freehand some waves about 1 1/4″ apart, like so:

Since it’s modern calligraphy, you don’t need to worry about guidelines as far as how tall your letters are; feel free to just go for it!

The result is unique and striking, something that draws your eye in! I have used Flourish Formal calligraphy here with white ink, but you should feel free to use any calligraphy style you want to. Remember, too, that all Learn for a Latté worksheets are flexible. You can fastidiously implement the letterforms and connection styles, or you can use them as a loosey-goosey general guideline.

Get Messy

You know how the “look” right now is intentional messy, just in general? We have “messy buns”, Boho fashion {which is lovably messy}, and of course timeless abstract art. Messy is harder than it looks because our instinct is to try to be neat with a pen and paper; immaculate penmanship is, after all, encouraged from kindergarten all the way through college! Try to forget all that and embrace your messy side. Pick any calligraphy style {again, a TPK style, your own style, or a mixture of the two} and don’t think about the style too much. Use rapid hand movements, don’t mind any ink blots or spatters, and do what you feel!

The result will be messy chic calligraphy that is surprisingly appealing.

Add an Unexpected Element

Instead of filling in the downstrokes of faux/”cheating” calligraphy, substitute a pattern or color. Begin by writing your word in pencil using any style {I have chosen Kaitlin Style calligraphy}:

Then outline only the downstrokes in pen.

Add in the upstrokes/midstrokes, taking care not to obstruct/cross the downstrokes

Then fill in the downstrokes with the patter/color/design of your choice!

I chose to use a stripe pattern for this example, but I recently received a package from a reader that had awesome ombré downstrokes filled in with colored pencil. I was so impressed that I cut out the address portion and kept it!

Write in Print … and Add Some Flourish

We’re used to seeing neat, no-fuss print. That’s why the effect is so delightful when you step out of that mold! You can start by writing some simple print {I used the watercolor calligraphy technique for an ombré effect}.

Once you’ve written the print, connect flourishes to the tails of random letters.

You can also add some non-connected flourishes here and there; and then you’re finished! If you like the print/flourish look, check out the Calligraphy Flourishing for Beginners blog post for instructions on how to create flourishes on print words like the “DENVER” piece below.

Make a Hybrid Print/Calligraphy Style

You can modify any calligraphy style in a fun and surprising way by peppering in some print letters with the same slant as the cursive letters. You’ll write a couple of letters in calligraphy/cursive, then one in print.

There’s no real formula to this; just go with what your hand wants to do. I like mixing up Janet Style calligraphy with print because print is so surprising tucked in between the prim, flourishy letters! It makes you take the fancy script just a bit less seriously, which is refreshing.

Do Your Own Thing

The moral of this blog post is “Do your own thing, even, and especially, if it it’s unconventional.” People enjoy both being creative and enjoying the result of someone else’s creativity. The examples of modern calligraphy variations in this post are merely suggestions; if you’ve got another idea, go for it! Similarly, you can modify these ideas as you see fit to mesh with your personal style. If you have any other fun ideas or suggestions, please share them in the comments! If you have a photo of something that inspires you {or something you made}, I’d love to see it, whether that’s via a link in the comments {perhaps you have a Pinterest board with some cool calligraphy inspiration?} or a post on Facebook or Instagram. You can never have too much calligraphy eye candy!

My heartfelt thanks to you for reading!

Warmly,