Have you ever wondered what is considered hand lettering and what is considered calligraphy and graffiti ? Or what is classified as typography? I've often seen these terms used interchangeably, whichcan definitely cause some confusion for those who don't have any experience with them
Have you ever wondered what is considered hand lettering and what is considered calligraphy and graffiti ? Or what is classified as typography? I've often seen these terms used interchangeably, whichcan definitely cause some confusion for those who don't have any experience with them. While other hand lettering artists, type designers and calligraphers and graffiti may have different definitionsfor these, I'm going to share my own definitions, and also provide some visual examples to help you remember their differences!
We'll start with my favorite! Writing in calligraphy involves using a dip pen with a nib and ink to create thick and thin lines using varying degrees of pressure, all in a single stroke. Downstrokesare thick, while upstrokes are kept thin, light and airy.
Calligraphy takes a certain discipline to learn, and is something one must practice consistently to create of certain strokes.
I lovingly refer to hand lettering as "faux calligraphy," as it uses the sames principles of thick downstrokes and light upstrokes, but is written with a pen of some kind rather than a nib and ink. Ioften use sharpies, brush pens, and gel pens to create hand lettering.
Like calligraphy graffiti , hand lettering also requires discipline. It's a completely different form of discipline, as it is drawing letters as opposed to writing them, and are often verydecorative. You also often have more control over the letters with hand lettering as opposed to calligraphy. For that reason especially, hand lettering can be a great alternative for projects thatare too large for calligraphy, such as large chalkboards and other signage.
Finally, typography is what you are looking at right now - the typeface on the screen. Typefaces and fonts are considered typography, and are created by type designers whose main focus is to createtype that no matter what the layout, the letter formations are the exact same. Notice how every "t" in this paragraph looks the exact same as another "t"? And how seamlessly the letters and wordsflow together? That's typography.
For some, the differences between hand lettering, calligraphy and typography may not seem important, but if you are at all interested in learning how to use these mediums, or are going to hiresomeone who does, it's important to know how they differ from each other! You want to know what you are talking about when you interact with other hand lettering artists, calligraphers and typedesigners, especially if you are looking at getting into those fields. Using these terms interchangeably can make you look unprofessional, and can seriously discredit your reputation as anartist.
I hope this post was helpful, and that you now have a better understanding of the differences between hand lettering, calligraphy and typography.
We'll start with my favorite! Writing in calligraphy involves using a dip pen with a nib and ink to create thick and thin lines using varying degrees of pressure, all in a single stroke. Downstrokesare thick, while upstrokes are kept thin, light and airy.
Calligraphy takes a certain discipline to learn, and is something one must practice consistently to create of certain strokes.
I lovingly refer to hand lettering as "faux calligraphy," as it uses the sames principles of thick downstrokes and light upstrokes, but is written with a pen of some kind rather than a nib and ink. Ioften use sharpies, brush pens, and gel pens to create hand lettering.
Like calligraphy graffiti , hand lettering also requires discipline. It's a completely different form of discipline, as it is drawing letters as opposed to writing them, and are often verydecorative. You also often have more control over the letters with hand lettering as opposed to calligraphy. For that reason especially, hand lettering can be a great alternative for projects thatare too large for calligraphy, such as large chalkboards and other signage.
Finally, typography is what you are looking at right now - the typeface on the screen. Typefaces and fonts are considered typography, and are created by type designers whose main focus is to createtype that no matter what the layout, the letter formations are the exact same. Notice how every "t" in this paragraph looks the exact same as another "t"? And how seamlessly the letters and wordsflow together? That's typography.
For some, the differences between hand lettering, calligraphy and typography may not seem important, but if you are at all interested in learning how to use these mediums, or are going to hiresomeone who does, it's important to know how they differ from each other! You want to know what you are talking about when you interact with other hand lettering artists, calligraphers and typedesigners, especially if you are looking at getting into those fields. Using these terms interchangeably can make you look unprofessional, and can seriously discredit your reputation as anartist.
I hope this post was helpful, and that you now have a better understanding of the differences between hand lettering, calligraphy and typography.
