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Calligraphy is one of those ancient arts whose magic endures. Blurring the line between writing and painting, this practice has its roots in civilisation itself, but does not have the same significance in the West as it does in the East.
The English word is derived from the ancient Greek for “beautiful writing”. But the equivalent Japanese term means “way of writing”, evoking Buddhist philosophy more than it does a pure aesthetic idea. Asian civilisations made no distinction between writing and drawing, evidenced by the fact that brushwork is the basis of traditional training in Asian painting.
Today, the art of calligraphy continues to be revisited, the pen having lost none of its power, despite the Internet. We’ve trawled Instagram for ten of the best accounts to follow: first-class inspiration.
1) Nakajima Hiroyuki – @nakajimashoart
This traditional Japanese calligrapher chose to eschew a classical career path to become a fully fledged contemporary artist. He draws on centuries of imagination to create a new form of expression, at times abstract, at others traditional. Internationally renowned, Hiroyuki has put on major solo exhibitions in Europe and the United States. His account reveals a unique way of making art: standing and scrambling all over his giant canvases, Hiroyuki puts on a show for mesmerised audiences. It’s a new approach to calligraphy, one that oozes energy.
2) Karla Lim – @writtenwordcalligraphy
Karla Lim’s account has a rare elegance. Each post is meticulously composed and really gives a sense of the quality of her paper and inks. Contrasting textures, rose-gold lettering, coordinated envelopes and invitations… No detail is overlooked. A real crowd favourite, shared by her 80k plus followers. Check out her superb website too, where you can buy her stationery sets, wax seals, calligraphy practice pads and more.
3) Seb Lester – @seblester
With over a million followers, Seb Lester is an Instagram star. A graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins, he has worked for the New York Times, Apple, Nike and even Nasa. Lester likes to mess around by hand-drawing the logos of famous brands on his Instagram account. His posts are essentially work-in-progress videos using both a tablet and a traditional pen. Perfect for admiring, understanding and perhaps even trying your hand at this art. Good to know: he offers online courses on the Skillshare platform.
4) Fine Art Calligraphy – @novemberletters
It was while creating her own wedding invitations that this young Hong Kong native fell in love with calligraphy. Her world is soft-toned and feminine, and elegance is its watchword. She works with various materials, including gemstones.
5) Erica – @ep_lettering
Erica’s account is minimalist and focuses on the essentials: words, usually in black ink on white paper. This allows the quality of her penmanship – precise and unadorned – to shine through. Based in Toronto, she also offers lettering workshops (you’ll find the link in her profile).
6) Jillian & Jordan – @loveleighloops
Loveleighloops is the Instagram account of twins Jillian and Jordan who run a modern calligraphy business that operates online and in the United States. Their website provides free tutorial PDFs on the basics: getting started, capital letters, brush calligraphy and more. A great idea for a rainy Sunday!
7) Julien Breton – @julien_breton_aka_kaalam
This French artist uses calligraphy in his own idiosyncratic way: he paints with light in thin air. Called “light-graph”, this technique uses movement, light and space to create works of art that are captured on film. With this original art form, he creates a semantic bridge between Western and Islamic culture using the alphabet. A mixture of Latin and Arabic characters, his work is a luminous choreography that knows no boundaries. You can find his seemingly unreal creations on his Instagram account and website.
8) John Stevens – @calligraphile
John Stevens is an internationally renowned calligraphy artist. He began his career in New York and has completed commissions for major clients including Yale and Columbia universities, the New York Public Library and Lucasfilm. His account focuses on the essentials: lettering in an eclectic range of styles that are all equally pleasing to the eye. Stevens also now runs workshops in which he shares his passion for calligraphy.
9) Nina Benito Tran – @anintran
Originally from Los Angeles, Nina started learning calligraphy in 2014 to help create a friend’s wedding invitations. Along the way, she discovered copperplate, an extremely elegant script style. She now has over 50k fans on Instagram and teaches at the Ink Academy and the Society for Calligraphy (a leading international calligraphy school).
10) Michaela McBride – @mmcbridecalligraphy
Michaela is a New Zealander who doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality. Her account is delicate, feminine and is an excellent portfolio of her work. With no detail overlooked, she uses carefully selected materials on which to showcase her modern and sophisticated penwork. Her website also has a shop selling wedding invitations kits, seals and other stationery.
The Evolution of Calligraphy in the Digital Age
The digital age has profoundly influenced the art of calligraphy, fostering a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. This transformation has broadened the horizons for calligraphers, allowing for unprecedented creativity and accessibility. Let’s delve into the multifaceted evolution of calligraphy in this era:
Digital Tools and Software
Modern calligraphers have a wealth of digital tools at their disposal, revolutionizing how they approach their art. Software like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDRAW provide platforms for creating intricate designs with remarkable precision. These programs offer features such as custom brushes, pressure sensitivity, and vector graphics, which mimic the nuances of hand-drawn calligraphy. This digital toolbox enables artists to experiment with styles and techniques that would be challenging to achieve with traditional pen and ink.
Online Platforms and Social Media
The advent of social media has transformed calligraphy from a solitary practice to a vibrant, global community. Instagram, in particular, has become a hub for calligraphers to share their work, engage with audiences, and gain inspiration. Hashtags like #calligraphy and #moderncalligraphy allow users to discover and follow talented artists from around the world. Calligraphers utilize these platforms not only to showcase their creations but also to conduct live tutorials, offer tips, and even sell custom pieces. This accessibility has democratized the art form, allowing anyone with an interest to learn and participate.
E-learning and Virtual Workshops
Education in calligraphy has expanded beyond traditional classroom settings. Online courses, webinars, and virtual workshops offer comprehensive training from renowned experts, accessible to students anywhere in the world. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and even YouTube host a plethora of tutorials catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. These resources provide step-by-step instructions, downloadable practice sheets, and interactive feedback, making high-quality calligraphy education more attainable than ever.
Hybrid Techniques
The fusion of digital and traditional methods has given rise to hybrid calligraphy, where artists blend hand-drawn elements with digital enhancements. For instance, an artist might start with a traditional ink sketch and then use software to refine the design, add colors, or create repeat patterns. This approach combines the tactile satisfaction of manual work with the precision and versatility of digital tools. The result is a dynamic art form that maintains the organic beauty of calligraphy while embracing the possibilities offered by technology.
Preservation and Innovation
Digital archives and online portfolios have become crucial for preserving the work of contemporary calligraphers. Websites and social media profiles serve as living galleries, documenting the evolution of an artist’s style and technique over time. Additionally, digital platforms facilitate collaboration between artists, leading to innovative projects that push the boundaries of calligraphy. For example, collaborative online exhibitions and digital zines showcase the diverse applications of calligraphy in modern design, advertising, and multimedia art.
Commercial Opportunities
The digital age has also expanded commercial opportunities for calligraphers. Beyond traditional commissions for wedding invitations and certificates, calligraphers are now sought after for branding, logo design, and social media content creation. E-commerce platforms like Etsy allow artists to sell custom work and calligraphy supplies directly to consumers. Furthermore, digital calligraphy is increasingly integrated into web design, app interfaces, and virtual reality experiences, highlighting the versatility and enduring relevance of the art form.
In conclusion, the evolution of calligraphy in the digital age represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Digital tools and platforms have not only preserved the essence of calligraphy but have also expanded its reach and adaptability, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to thrive in a contemporary context. Whether through digital creation, online education, or global community engagement, calligraphy remains a dynamic and evolving practice, enriched by the possibilities of the digital world.