Calligraphy & Lettering

Handmade Letters

Unlike fonts and typefaces — static systems where each character has a limited number of representations — calligraphy and lettering are dynamic: each instance of a letter or character is uniquely made to create the overall composition. Using a typeface is like building something out of Lego: all the pieces are designed to fit together, but it’s not possible to change their individual shapes. Meanwhile, hand lettering is more like working with clay: you have to build something up from raw materials, but the end result is more customizable. Either way, you end up with a beautiful structure.

But what is the difference between calligraphy and lettering? To put it simply, calligraphy is written, and lettering is constructed by carving, stitching, painting, drawing, or any other method of hand-making.

With calligraphy, each stroke is produced by a single gesture. Usually made with specialized tools, such as a brush or pointed pen, the weight distribution of the forms is given by some property of the tool (e.g., the size or flexibility of a nib, the stiffness of a brush) and the writer’s technique (e.g., pen angle, writing speed, pressure). With lettering, the forms are built up from marks made by many gestures to create a cohesive design. The tools used can be reflected in the design, but they don’t constrain it because of the difference in technique. 

These illustrations from lettering artist and instructor Michael Harvey can help us visualize the difference. On the left, a calligrapher’s hand demonstrates how more pressure splits the tines of a pointed nib to create a heavier line, thus the weight variation of the writing comes from the tool itself. On the right a lettering artist’s hand sketches the stem of a letter in pencil. Because it is drawn, the artist is free to add weight wherever they please.

Now that we’re all on the same page, let this guide to Letterform Archive’s collection inspire you to take up the pen, brush, chisel, or tool of your choosing and make some letters by hand!

Glossary

Calligraphy: Handwritten letters. Each stroke is made primarily by a single gesture, usually with a pen or brush.

Lettering: Constructed or drawn letters.

Character: The basic unit of written language. Can be a letter, a number, a punctuation mark, or other symbol.

Typeface: the design of a set of characters to represent text in a systematic, reproducible way for print or digital display.

Stroke: a mark made by a writing tool on a surface to form a component of a letter or character.

Weight: The thickness of a stroke. The geometry of a line (or shape) is usually described using the terminology of weight, e.g., “light” or “heavy.”

Header image: Yusuf and Zulaikha manuscript, ca. 1880s.

Master Type Design

Hand lettering often inspires typefaces. Type West is a postgraduate certificate program in type design available in-person in San Francisco or online to students worldwide.

Learn from the Experts

Our lectures, salons, and workshops provide deep dives into topics like lettering and calligraphy hosted by skilled practitioners and researchers. Reserve your spot online or catch up with recordings of past events.

Join the Community

The easiest way to learn more about calligraphy and lettering is to become a Letterform Archive member. Join our worldwide community, attend exclusive meetups, and get member discounts.