The Language of Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an ancient art form that has been used for centuries to create decorative handwriting. It is a popular hobby today, enjoyed by people across the world. But if you're just getting started with calligraphy, you may be overwhelmed by the terminology that is used in websites, books and videos on the subject. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some of the most common calligraphy terminology, so you can start to feel more confident as you dive into this beautiful art form.

Introduction to Calligraphy Terminology

Nib: the part of the calligraphy pen that comes into contact with the paper. Nibs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from different materials, such as metal or plastic.

 Oblique: A slanted pen holder used for pointed nibs.

Ascender: the part of a letter that extends above the x-height, such as the top of a lowercase "b" or "d".

Descender: A descender is the part of a letter that extends below the baseline, such as the bottom of a lowercase "g" or "y".

X-height: the height of the lowercase letters in a typeface. It is usually measured from the baseline to the top of the lowercase letters that do not have ascenders.

Cap-height: the height of the capital letters from the baseline.

Baseline: the imaginary line upon which the majority of the letters sit.

Majuscules: uppercase or capital letters.

Miniscule: lowercase letters.

Versals: large, decorative capital letters often used at the beginning of a text.

Stroke: a single movement of the pen to create part of a letter.

Downstroke: A stroke made by pulling the pen downward, usually thicker.

Upstroke: A stroke made by moving the pen upward, usually thinner.

Flourish: a decorative line or curl added to a letter or word to give it an extra decorative touch.

Copperplate: a type of calligraphy that is known for its elegant, flowing lines and precise letterforms, characterised by thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes. It is often used for formal invitations and certificates.

Italic: a type of lettering characterised by its slanted, cursive-like style. It is often used for more informal writing and can be easier for beginners to learn.

Gothic: a style that is characterised by its angular, block-like letterforms. It is often used for more formal documents, such as wedding invitations or diplomas.

Typeface: a set of design features that characterise a particular lettering style. These are commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as Fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, etc are typefaces not fonts. A font actually refers to the variations of a typeface, for example its size, whether it is italic, or bold.

Serif: the small lines that extend from the edges of letters/characters. These decorative flourishes are often used to add a sense of elegance and formality to text. Typefaces with serifs are called "serif typefaces," while those without are called "sans-serif typefaces”.

Sans Serif: typefaces without the serif lines/flourishes at the end of a stroke. They tend to have a more clean, minimalist and informal style that serifs.

By familiarising yourself with these basic calligraphy terms, you'll be well on your way to understanding this beautiful and rewarding art form. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things – with practice and patience, you'll soon be creating your own stunning calligraphy creations.