Calligraphy is defined by Oxford Languages as “the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush.” There are many cultures that have a tradition of calligraphy, and it’s a relatively easy hobby to start. Calligraphy can be used to create decorative items that range from simple to elaborate, and it’s been shown that it’s a relaxing hobby as well.
Calligraphy is a good hobby for many reasons, including how accessible it is, as well as how relaxing it can be. Calligraphy is a visual art that requires focus and concentration, and it doesn’t require a lot of equipment to start. It’s a hobby that people of all ages can learn, and it allows people to express themselves through the structure of the art while still developing their own individual styles.
Calligraphy is easy to start because all you need is a writing implement and paper. I’ve seen people who created beautiful calligraphic writing with nothing more than a felt-tip marker and lined paper.
Some of these tools won’t produce “true” calligraphy, but learning how to create the beautiful lettering can be fun no matter which medium you start with. The skill to do it well comes from regular practice in order to develop the basic principles.
Most calligraphy artists use special pens that are designed to create specific types of strokes using ink, or brushes that are used to create a different look.
Sometimes the calligrapher will enhance the artwork by using handmade paper or by adding artwork to the piece.
Calligraphy can also be used as a form of illustration when it’s incorporated into text that’s formed into shapes, so it gives you a lot of options as far as creating different designs goes.
Finally, calligraphy is a good hobby because it forces you to slow down and pay attention to the task at hand. This can be a good break from your normal busy-day activities, and it can relax you and make you calmer!
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Meditation, which is a well-known way to cope with stress, occurs when you sit down to practice calligraphic handwriting
-Amna Alam, Owner of swaying Letters Calligraphy
Can anyone learn calligraphy?
Calligraphy involves decorative handwriting, so anyone who can write can learn how to do it. The important thing is to be willing to practice the basics and to develop a personal style. Both right and left-handed people can learn calligraphy, making it a very simple hobby to start and progress in. It will take time to become truly proficient, but nice results can be achieved with a little practice.
When I got married we were on a tight budget, so I learned how to do some (very) basic calligraphy to do the invitations, and with a little practice I was able to produce some decent-looking envelopes!
When I had kids a few years later I remembered enough to make their baby announcements look a little nicer, so the skills that you learn do come in handy.
Learning calligraphy isn’t just for special occasions, either.
My mother had beautiful handwriting, and she told me that when she was a teenager she and her best friend decided to spend hours copying the calligraphy on wedding invitations in order to improve their cursive. It stuck with her throughout her life, so it’s a hobby that can improve your day-to-day writing too.
Some people like to use calligraphic writing techniques in their journals in order to dress up the pages.
Learning how to do calligraphy can give you a way to add some flair to everyday activities like journaling, writing notes to people, and addressing letters.
I’ve even seen regular bills addressed using calligraphy, which is probably a little nicer than the utility companies get on a normal day.
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What are the benefits of calligraphy?
I asked Amna, who owns Swaying Letters custom calligraphy on Etsy, to tell me a little about the benefits of calligraphy. She sent this summary of the benefits:
3 Research-Backed Stress Relief Benefits of Learning and Practicing Calligraphy.
While the act of putting pen to paper is a meditative practice on its own, more and more people are becoming drawn to the soothing effects of the ancient art of calligraphy.
Pointed pen calligraphy in particular, which involves the use of a metal nib that’s dipped in ink, will build your patience, test your concentration, and allow you to reconnect with the alphabet in its most basic form. So if you’re looking for a new way to relieve stress and learn a new skill, give calligraphy a try.
Discover a new way to express yourself and wind down through the art of calligraphy! Here are just a few ways calligraphy can help you meditate and cope with stress:
1. Calligraphy forces you to slow down and focus on each stroke.
Practicing calligraphy involves making careful strokes that require heightened attention and concentration. Being in this meditative state can help practitioners hone in on a single activity and quiet external and internal noise. In addition, focusing on each stroke helps lower your heart rate, thus relaxing your body and providing a state of concentration.
2. Calligraphy promotes emotional regulation.
The act of calligraphic handwriting has positive effects on relaxation and emotional expressiveness, according to a 2014 study. So if you’re looking for an activity that’ll help increase your self-awareness and ability to achieve emotional calmness, practicing pointed pen calligraphy should be at the top of your list.
3. Calligraphy creates a state of calm for both the mind and body.
Relax both your mind and body when you put your pointed pen nib to paper. Meditation, which is a well-known way to cope with stress, occurs when you sit down to practice calligraphic handwriting. Studies found that when practitioners’ minds were at peace, so were their bodies. As you keep practicing calligraphy, you’ll find that your problems and stress start to become smaller in your mind as you focus more on your practice!
Final thoughts
Practicing calligraphy is the perfect way to spend meditative alone time and release some stress in the process. So get out there, try the practice out for yourself! And while you’re at it, you can discover my calligraphy and watercolor art here.
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