Calligraphy as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering. Calligraphy is a form of writing that has been around for a very long time. The English word calligraphy did not appear until 1613, but the art form had been in practice long before that.

The origins of calligraphy stem from Middle Eastern and Asian cultures from centuries before the English even made a word for it. In it's most basic form, calligraphy is a form of writing involving upstrokes and downstrokes that create a beautiful appearance.

Although calligraphy has existed for so long, it is still constantly developing and changing. Instagram artists and bloggers alike are taking calligraphy to the next level. Some of my personal favorite hand-letterers are Amanda Arneill and Lindsey Bugbee.

They have taken their passion for calligraphy and turned it into careers by offering hand-lettering courses and tips on what supplies are best. Other artists are selling their hand-lettered pieces or sometimes just the service of writing something for someone.

I am just a novice calligrapher. I began to be interested in this amazing art form when I was a junior in high school. My art teacher, Rochelle Duckwiler, taught us the beginning steps to calligraphy by using some of Lindsey Bugbee's tools (you can find these on her website thepostmansknock.com). I thought that it was such a beautiful and incredible thing and have been trying to improve at it ever since.

Below are some of my first pieces:

I can't even count on one hand the number of calligraphy accounts I follow on Instagram. I love to see what styles other artists are creating and how they are using their talents for both business and pleasure. There are so many benefits to knowing how to do calligraphy. To name a few: you can sell the items that you make, create pretty gifts or cards, take very pretty notes in class or at church, and impress your friends!

Calligraphy is something that takes a lot of commitment. It is sometimes a very time-consuming practice. There are many ways that you can do calligraphy. Some people are super legit and use ink wells and nibs, but other people simply use Crayola markers! The level that you decide to learn calligraphy on can range from intense flourishes and intricate font styles to simple cursive style writing.

If you are interested in learning more about calligraphy, "let me offer you some free advice" (yes, I did just quote a song from Hamilton).

1. Follow some hand-lettering accounts on Instagram. Here are just a few that I love: @amandaarneill, @mybabyolivejuice, @thepostmansknock, @allisonslettering. You can also go to the discover page and just take a look at all the wonderful calligraphy accounts out there!

2. If you are into reading blogs, look up some about calligraphy.

3. Buy some markers or pens and start writing the first thing that you think about. I can't tell you how many times I practiced writing "Happy Birthday!" when I first began.

4. Another thing that has helped my lettering come so far is recreating other artists designs. By writing someone else's piece, you can get a lot of practice in varying styles. Be sure to give them the credit if you plan on posting it though!! Their calligraphy is an original piece of art! Below is an example of a piece I recreated from Amanda Arneill.

5. Most importantly if you want to learn calligraphy, NEVER GIVE UP! If I had given up hand-lettering after I messed up, I would have never learned what a relaxing, meditative, and wonderful thing it can be!

Get out there and start lettering!!!