My New Obsession — Modern Calligraphy and Lettering

I’ve been an artist my whole life, although I generally don’t refer to myself as one. (I’m trying to get comfortable with that term.) Both of my parents are professional artists, my mom an oil and acrylic painter, and my father a professional photographer. I’ve always loved art, using my hands, being creative, making crafts, etc but have always kept it as a hobby. My favorite medium is watercolor painting. I’ve been painting my own Holiday cards with watercolor paints for years. I often gift my artwork to friends and family, and even painted my brother and sister-in-laws wedding invitation. All of this just to say, I now have a new interest in a new type of art. Something new to obsess over, and learn, and practice, and enjoy. I’ve been noticing modern calligraphy and lettering all over the place: restaurant signs, inspirational instagram posts, etc. So what do I do when I become obsessed with something? I learn how to do it myself! (i.e. kombucha, jackfruit recipes, protein energy balls, etc.)

I’ve watched MANY youtube videos. I first bought a flat head calligraphy marker. Then a paint brush marker. And then realized I should just use my watercolors and brushes, and loved the color options using paints. Lastly, a friend of mine, Sam, teaches a modern calligraphy course here in NYC, with a traditional pen (with nibs) and ink. So I went to her workshop, and further became obsessed. It was very helpful to have an actual professional critique not only my writing, but also my bad posture, (posture has a lot to do with calligraphy!) Who knows where this will go, but there is something about calligraphy and lettering that I find so soothing. It truly is a type of meditation, similar to painting, where you are using a different side of your brain, unable to think about the dumb drama in your day, and simply commit to the brush/pen in your hand, and what is coming out on paper. I like to set up my workspace with a clean desk, a nice candle, and some calming music to help get into that flow state. I don’t write this post to brag about my calligraphy, but more as encouragement to try something new. Find something fun, creative, and healthy to obsess about, and practice. Practice it all the time, and watch yourself learn, grow, get better, expand, and love.