How to Create Calligraphy the Cheater's Way

Calligraphy is a beautiful form of writing but without natural artistic ability, it's difficult to master. You don't have to be an artist to create the meticulous lettering. You don't even need fancy pens or India ink. If you have the ability to trace, you can write calligraphy.

The typical tools of the trade are different sized calligraphy pens and India ink. The pens have nubs that have different widths depending if you want to make a fine line or heavy one. India ink is a permanent ink that doesn't fade and doesn't come out of fabrics.

Before purchasing these items, just buy a fine point marker and a thick marker. Sharpie is a great brand for their ink since it is strong and doesn't fade. Even if you only have Crayola markers, you can still create calligraphy. If you're serious about learning calligraphy, there are some special marker pens labeled "Calligraphy Pens" that have the ink inside so you're not making a mess while you practice.

You will need a book that has different letterings. Check your library before purchasing a book. If you want to have a great book for your own personal library, then buy "The Calligrapher's Bible: 100 Complete Alphabets and how to draw them" by David Harris. There are enough lettering guides in this book to keep you busy for a while.

Gothic lettering is a classic and popular form of calligraphy. It's the type that you'll find many people choose when they select a lettering style for tattoos. Baroque is a beautiful Italic font that is has a cursive flourish. There are so many styles of letterings and alphabets that you will definitely have as much fun looking at all the varieties as drawing them.

One you find the lettering you like, photocopy it and enlarge it if you need to. Otherwise get ready to trace. Photocopying and enlarging is useful if you don't want to ruin the original. When you use any ink on thin paper, it will bleed through and can ruin the paper beneath. Even if you're just using a pencil to trace, you can press pencil lines into the paper. Use a pencil to outline the shape of the letter. Once you're finished, go over the outline with a fine point marker, then fill in the rest with the thick marker.

Now that you know how to cheat at calligraphy, you can create wonderful displays of lettering. Adorn your handmade stationary, greeting cards, scrap booking, or crafts with your creativity. Give gifts to your friends of their names in a nice manuscript and wow them with your new found talent.