When you start any artistic endeavor, chances are you’re going to look to the greats for inspiration. Trying on someone else’s style for size will help you learn what your distinctive style is.
So here’s how to master the art of being a copycat when it comes to calligraphy.
- Identify your muse. There are so many talented calligraphers and hand letterers out there, so you won’t have to look far to find people who inspire you. A few of my favorites are Jessica Hische, Molly Jacques, Becca Clason, and Maybelle, to nam a few.
- Gather your supplies. Purchase a book, or download an alphabet to work off of. You’ll also need layout bond paper, pencil and eraser.
- Trace it out. With layout bond paper you can trace over the original art or alphabet. This will help you to assimilate the style through repetition.
- Try their style, your way. Once you are familiar with an artist’s style, the real test is to see how you can integrate it your way. Using their style as a template, try a few sketches in their style and see how yours measures up.
A word of caution. While we borrow style elements from other artists (Austin Kleon’s book Steal Like An Artist delves into this at length), this doesn’t mean copying someone else’s work and taking credit for it as our own. Be careful only to publish your original work.
Check out Kleon’s TED talk, Steal Like An Arist: