Why I Continue to Do Calligraphy

I previously shared about inner vs outer expectations in my calligraphy practice.

Essentially, am I doing it for myself? Or for someone / something else?

A calligrafriend reached out and shared her own reasons for doing calligraphy.

This prompted me to create my own list of reasons, and the things that continue to bring me joy.

Why I learnt calligraphy:

• So I can write “Happy Birthday” nicely when making greeting cards.

• I learnt pointed pen Copperplate because that was the most common and easily accessible script (in terms of learning resources).

• I learn other scripts with no intention of mastering or being good at them. I learn just enough of the basics to know how to write each letter. It feels like I’m let in on a secret.

Why / when I continue to do calligraphy:

• I continue to learn other scripts / art forms to complement my go-to flourished Copperplate. How can different styles come together in a cohesive manner?

• Calligraphy has become my business, and a source of income.

• I continue to practise, improve and innovate because otherwise, how can I teach others?

• Drafting and thinking of new flourishes makes me excited. There’s always something new I can try.

• Being able to extend flourishes endlessly is gratifying.

• Calligraphy is a calming analogue activity that doesn’t require a screen.

• I can use calligraphy to create greeting cards, note cards, gift tags, and thankfully most of the recipients appreciate the hand-written gesture.

• I can decorate my planner easily using calligraphy for headers.

• When I’m waiting for my phone calls to be put through, I start doodling words and flourishes.

But most of all?

I just like the feeling of putting pen to paper, manoeuvring the nib to create swells and hairlines and swooshes and loops.

When things go well, I feel like a master using the pen to create exactly what I’m picturing in my mind.

Writing down a concrete list can be useful, instead of having these abstract reasons floating in your mind.

• It helps you to hone in and focus on what you serves you at this point in time.

  You may have learnt calligraphy for certain reasons that no longer apply or that no longer interest you. It may be time to let go of these expectations and the emotional baggage or guilt that comes with it.

• It helps to kickstart some motivation / momentum when you’re feeling lazy.

  Calligraphy practice can sometimes feel like a chore (perfectly normal). Why do I have to get up from my sofa / bed to practise? Why can’t I continue watching TV? Having a concrete list of reasons can refocus your attention on the larger picture: a long term goal, your identity and how you’re showing up in the world.

• It can be a reminder of the things you love about calligraphy.

  Sometimes love is a feeling and an emotion. But it can be specific things: an ink in your favourite colour, a flourish that is satisfying to create, a certain letter even. Keeping in mind the things you love can be a form of emotional comfort, a go-to hack to feel better, or a commitment to choose it time and again.

So you might want to try this too. Write down:

• Why did you start learning calligraphy?

• Why do you continue to learn and practise calligraphy?

• What specific things bring you joy in calligraphy?

This was first published in my email newsletter, 💌 Curious Letters, where I share tips and stories about calligraphy.

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