Calligraphy Is NOT Just Pretty Handwriting

Many people are impressed and blown away by calligraphy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “You wrote this?” Yes. Yes, I did. But, calligraphy is not just pretty handwriting.

From the outside, it might look like I’m simply writing names or addresses, but there’s so much more happening behind the scenes. Let me break it down for you.

Testing Surfaces

Different surfaces require different tools and techniques. Writing on paper is completely different from writing on glass, leather, 100% Australian wool, or wood. Each surface demands the right tools.

This is a glossy place card that made it difficult to remove sketching without compromising its appearance. So, now, when dealing with this surface, I just sketch on a separate sheet of paper.

I have to decide: nib and ink? Paint pen? Chalk marker? Engraver? Wood burner?

Considerations include:

• Can mistakes be corrected without damage?

• Will cleaning alter the surface’s texture or color?

• Is this a client-supplied single item?

• Should the calligraphy remain on the item permanently, or will the client need the option to reuse the item afterward?

This stage ensures the final product is both beautiful and functional.

It’s not just handwriting—it’s problem-solving.

Design

Calligraphy starts with design. It’s not just about how the words look. It is taking measurements, determining word layout, font options, sizing, and spacing.

I ask questions like:

Should this text be script, block, or a mix of both?

Which words should stand out? Does anything need to be bolded or underlined?

Will everything be left-aligned, centered, or right-aligned?

How can I balance beauty and legibility?

Then there’s the occasion itself—will this piece be framed, paired with other décor, or stand on its own? If it’s going in a frame, I have to plan margins so no words get cut off. Even the ink color has to work with the overall design. Every detail matters.

Drafting and Sketching

Guidelines I drew for an original poetic piece, “Where is True Love?” It was a gift for R & B singer Mario.

Once the design is settled, it’s time to sketch. This stage keeps everything neat, accurate, and properly spaced. Personally, I love using the Make Art Stay-tion—it makes lining everything up so much easier, especially when it’s time to draw guidelines.

Sketching also catches issues early:

Do flourishes and strokes overlap in ways that hurt readability?

Is everything spelled correctly (especially names)?

Are all I’s dotted and T’s crossed?

For envelopes, are all addresses accurate? One wrong number and it could be return to sender!

Speaking of envelopes, sometimes I need to abbreviate or expand words (like “Ave.” vs. “Avenue”) to keep the spacing and centering clean.

Drafts always get sent to clients for approval before I move forward. And depending on the project, there may be multiple drafts before we lock in the final version.

Inking

Now comes the moment of truth—inking. One slip? One smudge? Whole vibe is ruined. This part requires precision, patience, and a steady hand. Once ink hits the surface, it’s permanent. That’s why precision and patience are everything.

Cleaning & Polishing

All guidelines must be carefully removed once inking is complete and dry. And if it’s a frame or mirror, throw in polishing. This final step ensures that the piece looks flawless and professional, enhancing the overall presentation, making your calligraphy or engraving truly stand out.

Careful Packaging & Delivery

A gift-wrapped, engraved wine bottle for a wedding officiant ready to be dropped off.

But wait! There’s more!

Even after the ink is dry and the piece is polished, the job isn’t over. The piece needs to be neatly packaged and arrive in perfect condition. That means packaging to prevent bending or crushing. Whether I’m meeting up with a client or shipping the item, I make sure to use bubble wrap. If the item needs to be shipped, I use a clear “fragile” labeling when needed. Clients also get a tracking number so they know exactly when to expect their order.

The Extras

And, to think, I didn’t even mention the extra stuff such as wax seals and micro-glaze. Or, getting all the information from the client. Or, sourcing items for a project. Or, mixing ink? Maybe I’ll save those for a future blog. 🤔

Final Thoughts

So yes…calligraphy is beautiful, but it’s far more than pretty handwriting. It’s design, surface testing, sketching, inking, cleaning, polishing, packaging, and delivering with care. Calligraphy is not just pretty handwriting — it’s a high-focus art that requires precision, skill, and careful attention!

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