Faux Calligraphy

… or false calligraphy or hand lettering.

The name makes it sound like cheating rather than lettering, but it’s not. It’s more like drawing letters when you don’t have the tools that do the work for you.

So … what is It?

Drawing letters or script to show the thick and thin variation within letters instead of using a paint brush, brush pen/marker, dip pen or other tool that can make the variations by exerting pressure or not on that particular tool.

Sounds complicated. It doesn’t have to be.

 

Why make faux calligraphy?

  • It doesn’t require expensive or complicated tools. Faux calligraphy is a great way to make calligraphy and beautiful, handmade letters before learning about other tools. It’s a simple and cost effective way to start learning lettering because it requires no tool learning to start. It can be as simple as using a pencil.

 

  • It helps you focus on learning variation in strokes. Faux calligraphy lets you focus on where you want to add variation to different parts of letters. You can learn the pattern without also having to learn how to use the tools.

 

  • It will develop muscle memory. Give those drawing muscles a workout. Teach them the lines you want them to learn. It also develops hand eye coordination. Practice is everything for confidence, form and straighter lines. This is true for drawing and lettering.

 

  • It silences that wordy, rambling left brain. Sometimes your left brain starts babbling about that overwhelming to-do list. Lettering or drawing helps calm the tornado of words in your head because it comes from the right side of your brain … that part of your brain that doesn’t express itself verbally.   

 

  • It forces slow, deliberate thought. It’s easier to observe and focus when we slow down and stick to one thing. This type of lettering will force you to pay attention and slow down. Who doesn’t need a break from the hustle and busyness?

 

How do I learn?

First rule (And the only rule because I don’t really like rules). There is no hurry. Learning takes time, follow your progress but don’t look for the quick fix. Trust me, you’ll be pleased with your results if you allow yourself time and practice.

 

Steps

  1. Draw a letter. Any letter, cursive or print. It doesn’t matter. Try to make it a little wider than usual. No need to make it fancy yet, unless that makes you happy.

  1. Now, stop a minute and think about how you made that letter. Think about the parts of the letter that you pulled your pencil down (or toward your body). Add a parallel line to those strokes only.

  1. Fill in the area between the parallel lines.

  1. Viola! Faux Calligraphy. Now sit back and look at how the letter has changed. From normal to

Now … all you need to do is practice. Letters. Words. Sentences.