Using a Brush Pen for Modern Calligraphy {#LoveYourLettering}

You all have been working so hard getting familiar with brush pens. It really is exercise to practice the applying and releasing of pressure to get the variations in the line weights. I’m so glad you’re sticking with it!

Today we look at the modern calligraphy style.

In previous weeks we used little doodles and small variations in the letters to add whimsy to our creative lettering. Now, to achieve a modern calligraphy look we’ll throw caution to the wind (not really), and allow the letters to cross the lines!

Here’s what I mean, in other lettering styles we carefully observed forming our letters between the cap and base lines, now you’re going to let the letters dance around those lines.

It’s a bit tricky at first, because it’s so much easier to just stay on the lines. But I promise, learning to let go of that rule a bit will go a long way to growing your confidence in creative lettering.

Watch this video demonstrating the difference between classic and modern brush lettering:

Give it a try. It might be easier to start with words. Just mix it up and play.

Then you can try your hand at the alphabet and deciding which you’d like to rise and fall.

A companion guide is now available for this section of LoveYOUR Lettering click on the image:

**You can find all of the previous assignments on the series index page here (or by clicking on the image above). A list of basic lettering supplies can be found in this post.**