Hand Lettering vs. Calligraphy: What’s the Difference?

Calligraphy and hand lettering are two valuable skills that just about anyone can pick up. But what’s the difference between hand lettering and calligraphy? After all, they are both forms of writing, forms of art, and forms of expression.

You may be surprised to learn that there are quite a few tangible differences between calligraphy and hand lettering. The main difference, however, is this: calligraphy is a form of hand lettering using a specific style of script, while hand lettering is the art of drawing with letters.

Understanding Calligraphy

Calligraphy has been around for centuries. Used all around the world and transformed into a variety of different styles, calligraphers used this beautiful lettering to create art, transcribe religious texts, and write poetry. Arabic, Chinese, and Indian styles are all examples of different types of calligraphy. The Western world later adopted calligraphy using the Latin alphabet.

Calligraphers practice their craft using oblique, straight dip, or parallel pens with a variety of nib attachments. They also used ink (commonly India ink) and brushes. Calligraphers use different pens or brushes depending on the desired style.

Some of today’s most popular styles of calligraphy include:

Traditional Roman, Gothic, Uncial, and Italic styles
Modern, experimental calligraphy
Brush lettering (new Western and ancient Chinese and Japanese styles)

Understanding Hand Lettering

While hand lettering is similar to calligraphy, one of the biggest differences between hand lettering and calligraphy and the factor that sets it apart is its usage. People use hand lettering to illustrate rather than to write. For example, artists use hand lettering to draw beautiful words and letters rather than drawing out characters or scenery.

Hand lettering is also a freer process than calligraphy, as artists can draw numbers and letters in any way they see fit. There are no particular rules to follow. Instead, artists focus on the composition, readability, and balance of the numbers or letters they are drawing.

Artists practice hand lettering using diverse mediums, from watercolor to oil paint to chalk. Chalk lettering is one of the most up-and-coming ways to practice hand lettering, especially in the business world. Chalk letters allow wedding planners and restaurant owners alike to create beautiful signage that just can’t be found anywhere else.

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Casey Cartwright

Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.