Brush lettering and calligraphy are two creative approaches to writing with a pen. But how do you know which one is right for you? Both are ways of expressing yourself creatively through your handwriting, but they’re also very different. For many people, the words ‘brush lettering’ or ‘calligraphy’ brings to mind images of wedding invitations, love letters, and other beautiful examples of script writing in books. However, neither of these skills will be much use unless you know what they are and can see where your interests lie. Both techniques have their own benefits and limitations, so read on to find out which one is best for you – or if you can combine them both for double the fun!
Brush Lettering
If you are interested in brush lettering, you are probably drawn to the idea of a more spontaneous, free-flowing approach to writing with a brush and ink. Brush lettering is an expressive way of writing where you’re not held back by the rules of calligraphy. Brush lettering is much more like creative writing, with a lot of the same techniques and tools – like free-flowing ink and a brush. Brush lettering is very much about being creative and expressive, whether you are writing out a poem or just doodling. The difference between brush lettering and calligraphy is that with brush lettering, you can be very expressive and creative with your brushstrokes. For example, you can do things like “zoning” your letters, where you make the lettering larger in some areas and smaller in others; create different kinds of textures; and use the ink to “swoosh” around and create more movement in your letters. All of the creativity and expression that you put into brush lettering is what makes it different from calligraphy.
Calligraphy Basics
If you are drawn to the idea of learning traditional calligraphy, you might find that it is a more technical and structured form of writing. With calligraphy, you have to follow specific rules, like the height of your letters, the amount of space between each letter, the placement of your lines, and so on. Calligraphy is perfect for people who want to try something more structured and disciplined, but it’s a good idea to try out a few different kinds of writing before you commit to one in particular. This way, you can be sure that you’re learning a method of writing that really speaks to you – and that you’ll be able to use in the future, whether that’s for work, home, or just for fun!
The benefits of learning calligraphy
- Developing a new skill – Learning calligraphy can teach you new skills, like how to make letters, how to hold a pen, and how to use different tools like an inkwell and nib. Holding a pen with such precision can be a very meditative, soothing experience – perfect for de-stressing!
- Grounding yourself – There’s something extremely grounding about doing this kind of focused, repetitive movement. It’s almost like a form of mindfulness that helps you be in the moment in a very special way.
- Learning about history – In addition to learning a new skill, you can also learn a lot about history (and even some language!) by studying the origins of writing. There are so many fascinating facts and connections that you can find out by looking into the origins of calligraphy.
The benefits of learning brush lettering
- Expressing yourself – When you write with a brush, you can let your creativity flow. You can create whatever you want, however, you want it, without any structure or rules. This is the ultimate form of self-expression, and there are no limits to what you can create.
- Improving your handwriting – Practicing brush lettering can help you to improve your handwriting in general. It can also help you to become more creative with your letters, letting you explore different types of brush strokes within your lettering.
- Great for kids – Both calligraphy and brush lettering is great for kids, especially if they are creative or artistic. It’s a fun way for them to develop their fine motor skills and explore their creativity, while also learning something new.
When you should choose brush lettering over calligraphy
- If you’re more interested in creativity – If you’re more interested in being expressive, exploring different textures, and being really creative with your brush strokes, then brush lettering is the way to go. Brush lettering is also a great way to get you into creative writing if that’s something you’ve always wanted to try.
- If have a young child – If you have a young child, brush lettering is a great entry-level skill that they can learn to do themselves. It’s a great way for them to express themselves creatively, while also developing important fine motor skills.
- If you’re interested in creative writing – If you’re interested in trying out creative writing, brush lettering is a great way to start. It’s a more structured way to explore creativity and flow – without any rules or pressure to be perfect.
When you should choose calligraphy over brush lettering
- If you’re interested in rules – If you like the idea of having set rules and structure to follow, calligraphy is a great choice for you. It’s a very structured way to write, with a lot of rules to help you write your letters perfectly.
- If you’re interested in combining visual arts and writing – If you’re interested in combining writing with another art, like painting or drawing, calligraphy is a great way to do this. There are several different styles of calligraphy, so you can combine writing with different visual arts. – If you’re interested in learning a skill that’s useful in many fields
- If you’re interested in a skill that’s very useful in many different fields, calligraphy is the way to go. It can be used in many different fields, including graphic design, art, advertising, wedding invitations, and more.
Final Words
Brush lettering and calligraphy are two different but related ways of writing with a brush. Both can be used for creative writing and art, and both offer many benefits. Brush lettering is a more expressive, creative way of writing that encourages you to let go of structure. Calligraphy is more of a structured way of writing that has many different rules. If you’re interested in brush lettering, you’re probably drawn to the idea of a more spontaneous, free-flowing approach to writing with a brush and ink. Brush lettering is an expressive way of writing where you’re not held back by the rules of calligraphy. Both are great ways to explore creativity through writing, so it can be interesting to try out both and see which one you prefer!
