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Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy
Learn script calligraphy from an in-demand calligrapher and wedding invitation designer
Calligraphy is about creating something uniquely beautiful, whether to celebrate a special occasion like marriage or to use every day in the form of stationery. Author Molly Suber Thorpe, an award-winning designer and calligrapher based in Los Angeles, works closely with her international clients to give them the distinctive products they're looking for. Now you can learn from this experienced expert how to master this fresh modern lettering style. The first book to teach this bold new style breaks the calligraphy process down into simple steps so anyone can learn to create their own stunning wedding invitations, thank you cards, gift tags, and more. Starting with an overview of the supplies—from paper to ink to pens—you will learn how to form letters, words, and then phrases by following Molly’s clear step-by-step instructions, and by practicing with the provided templates. After mastering letter forms using a pointed pen and ink you can take it to the next level by learning how to use watercolor and gouache, or how to digitize your calligraphy. The twenty projects in the book provide lots of inspiration for making your own and are grouped into three sections: weddings, entertainment, and personal stationery. With loads of ideas, practice exercises, and helpful tips, soon you will be turning out gorgeous script calligraphy pieces like the ones featured in wedding magazines and popular websites like Pinterest
Calligraphy is about creating something uniquely beautiful, whether to celebrate a special occasion like marriage or to use every day in the form of stationery. Author Molly Suber Thorpe, an award-winning designer and calligrapher based in Los Angeles, works closely with her international clients to give them the distinctive products they're looking for. Now you can learn from this experienced expert how to master this fresh modern lettering style. The first book to teach this bold new style breaks the calligraphy process down into simple steps so anyone can learn to create their own stunning wedding invitations, thank you cards, gift tags, and more. Starting with an overview of the supplies—from paper to ink to pens—you will learn how to form letters, words, and then phrases by following Molly’s clear step-by-step instructions, and by practicing with the provided templates. After mastering letter forms using a pointed pen and ink you can take it to the next level by learning how to use watercolor and gouache, or how to digitize your calligraphy. The twenty projects in the book provide lots of inspiration for making your own and are grouped into three sections: weddings, entertainment, and personal stationery. With loads of ideas, practice exercises, and helpful tips, soon you will be turning out gorgeous script calligraphy pieces like the ones featured in wedding magazines and popular websites like Pinterest
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2013
64 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
About the author
Molly Suber Thorpe
12 books42 followersHi, I’m Molly. I design custom lettering for brands and individuals around the world, digital assets for artists, and bestselling books for calligraphers. I’ve helped thousands of letterers hone their skills, opening doors to new creative opportunities and careers.
Since 2009, I have worked with clients including Google Arts & Culture, Michael Kors, Martha Stewart, Lonely Planet, and Fendi. My work has been featured in such publications as The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Weddings, Los Angeles Times, and Buzzfeed.
Since 2009, I have worked with clients including Google Arts & Culture, Michael Kors, Martha Stewart, Lonely Planet, and Fendi. My work has been featured in such publications as The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Weddings, Los Angeles Times, and Buzzfeed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 18, 2015
So beautiful and inspiring, you will want to get started straight away!
The moment this book arrived and I opened the envelope I was duly impressed. First of all, what you hold in your hands is a high quality, full color, printed on heavy paper art book. The inside of the front flap reads "Calligraphy is about creating something uniquely beautiful..." And the publishers did an amazing job with the quality of creating this book.
The book is not a manual or a hot-to book, it is closer to an encyclopedia or bible of calligraphy. It begins with formulating your essential tool-kit and what you need to begin which also includes a chapter on the world of paper. Extremely useful. The next chapter is on learning to write letters, then words and then sentences, which I have not seen in any other book. Yes, the letters are quite simple to make, but how do you tie it all together? In this book you get your answer.
Chapter Three is about intermediate tools and techniques and she covers watercolors, gouache, ink and watercolor washes, double thick strokes. writing in non linear layouts and light writing on dark paper. All very useful for someone who wants to step out of the box a bit and be a bit more daring with their calligraphy art. Chapter Four is on letter writing and postal art, and this was by far my personal favorite chapter as I adore the "lost" art of letter writing, especially since the advent of email. Chapter Five has a large selection of DIY (do it yourself) projects from party supplies to business tools. It gave me some wonderful ideas for personalizing my client and customer experience and I greatly appreciated the addition of this chapter.
The entire book is lovely to look at. You feel inspired to get your tools together and get started immediately and once again, I thank the publisher for taking such a subject and bringing it to life through the quality of this book. I am very grateful for this beautiful book and will gift it to many friends who love writing arts as much as I do.
[Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book though a Goodreads First Reads drawing. This review is my honest opinion and experience with this book]
The moment this book arrived and I opened the envelope I was duly impressed. First of all, what you hold in your hands is a high quality, full color, printed on heavy paper art book. The inside of the front flap reads "Calligraphy is about creating something uniquely beautiful..." And the publishers did an amazing job with the quality of creating this book.
The book is not a manual or a hot-to book, it is closer to an encyclopedia or bible of calligraphy. It begins with formulating your essential tool-kit and what you need to begin which also includes a chapter on the world of paper. Extremely useful. The next chapter is on learning to write letters, then words and then sentences, which I have not seen in any other book. Yes, the letters are quite simple to make, but how do you tie it all together? In this book you get your answer.
Chapter Three is about intermediate tools and techniques and she covers watercolors, gouache, ink and watercolor washes, double thick strokes. writing in non linear layouts and light writing on dark paper. All very useful for someone who wants to step out of the box a bit and be a bit more daring with their calligraphy art. Chapter Four is on letter writing and postal art, and this was by far my personal favorite chapter as I adore the "lost" art of letter writing, especially since the advent of email. Chapter Five has a large selection of DIY (do it yourself) projects from party supplies to business tools. It gave me some wonderful ideas for personalizing my client and customer experience and I greatly appreciated the addition of this chapter.
The entire book is lovely to look at. You feel inspired to get your tools together and get started immediately and once again, I thank the publisher for taking such a subject and bringing it to life through the quality of this book. I am very grateful for this beautiful book and will gift it to many friends who love writing arts as much as I do.
[Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book though a Goodreads First Reads drawing. This review is my honest opinion and experience with this book]
April 28, 2015
Gorgeous illustrations, and detailed step-by-step instructions make this the perfect guide to learning the art of calligraphy. I won this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
February 19, 2021
Wonderful.
December 24, 2015
This is a really fun and not fussy book on modern calligraphy. Here are the top 3 things I learned from this book: 1) Calligraphy is not the same as nice handwriting; it's more like painting or drawing a picture. 2) You can use watercolors and a dip pen to make some really interesting calligraphy effects including some great ombre techniques. 3) Your own, unique, modern style is just as "valid" for calligraphy as a standard font that is hundreds of years old!
December 26, 2014
I was drawn to this book by the visuals. I especially enjoyed the water color techniques and the practicle projects like gift tags and business cards. I did not care for the actual calligraphy style. Some of it was overdone to the point of being illegible. I believe things can be beautiful and even ornate while still being ledgible.
September 5, 2021
This book was so helpful and took my modern calligraphy to a whole new height. First, she has a wonderful way of explaining how to hold the pen to get the thick and thins that was different from all my other books and made a world of difference.
The other valuable part is this book was her explanation of how to do water color and gouache calligraphy as well as washes. I was intimidated before and now I can’t wait to get down to my studio and try some of these techniques.
She has 20 projects that demonstrate a way to mix and match the techniques for different projects and occasions. While you may not do all the projects from start to finish, I now have a whole tool set for a variety of things that I create.
Highly highly recommend this book if your struggling with your modern calligraphy and/or looking for inspiration on design and composition.
The other valuable part is this book was her explanation of how to do water color and gouache calligraphy as well as washes. I was intimidated before and now I can’t wait to get down to my studio and try some of these techniques.
She has 20 projects that demonstrate a way to mix and match the techniques for different projects and occasions. While you may not do all the projects from start to finish, I now have a whole tool set for a variety of things that I create.
Highly highly recommend this book if your struggling with your modern calligraphy and/or looking for inspiration on design and composition.
May 27, 2025
This is a really fun and not fussy book on modern calligraphy. Here are the top 3 things I learned from this book: 1) Calligraphy is not the same as nice handwriting; it's more like painting or drawing a picture. 2) You can use watercolors and a dip pen to make some really interesting calligraphy effects including some great ombre techniques. 3) Your own, unique, modern style is just as "valid" for calligraphy as a standard font that is hundreds of years old!
May 18, 2023
Pages 32-45 are super helpful. They show many different ways to write each letter of the alphabet. Because the letterforms are grouped by letter (e.g. 18 capital K's and 6 lowercase k's displayed together), they're effective in inspiring the reader/learner to compare and explore the different possible ways to write a given letter and to create her own style.
January 24, 2021
Unfortunately I had already read her other book (Mastering Calligraphy) so this was a wee bit of a disappointment. Creating stamps from one’s work was made easier and the guides were a lovely addition.
May 16, 2017
Modern lettering has become really popular in invitations and signs and I wish the author had included more "modern" alphabets and practices that relate to those everyday uses.
April 13, 2019
The quality of the book (physical sense) is fantastic and there were many great examples and Super pretty. There were a lot of explanations and tips in the book
October 23, 2019
Popsugar reading challenge 2019: a book about a hobby
February 23, 2020
Organized, beautifully-illustrated calligraphy primer. Well-written, easy to read, and full of exercises and projects.
June 28, 2014
*I received this book in Goodread's First Read Program in exchange for a fair review*
I failed high school art class 'why am I telling you this' you are probably asking right about now. Well the reason why is because the only part I did not bomb was the section on classic calligraphy. I already had a great love of various scripts from my obsessive collecting of fonts and dabbling in artsy writing. So being trained in classical (and somewhat stodgy) classical calligraphy, I liked the idea of a more relaxed and modern take.
This book starts with the classic 'intro into a new craft' start, with a very detailed description of basic tools and how to use them. It was very clear and had excellent photos to demonstrate the correct way to hold a pen. After the introduction to tools we are given more detailed instructions on how to create the scripts used in the projects.
And with the projects we get details about not so basic tools, like Gouache, watercolor, and soapstone pencils. Very cool! The projects are quite nice, really inspiring and beautifully photographed and presented. I am quite pleased to have this book in my collection and believe I will come back to it when I have calligraphy projects in the future!
I failed high school art class 'why am I telling you this' you are probably asking right about now. Well the reason why is because the only part I did not bomb was the section on classic calligraphy. I already had a great love of various scripts from my obsessive collecting of fonts and dabbling in artsy writing. So being trained in classical (and somewhat stodgy) classical calligraphy, I liked the idea of a more relaxed and modern take.
This book starts with the classic 'intro into a new craft' start, with a very detailed description of basic tools and how to use them. It was very clear and had excellent photos to demonstrate the correct way to hold a pen. After the introduction to tools we are given more detailed instructions on how to create the scripts used in the projects.
And with the projects we get details about not so basic tools, like Gouache, watercolor, and soapstone pencils. Very cool! The projects are quite nice, really inspiring and beautifully photographed and presented. I am quite pleased to have this book in my collection and believe I will come back to it when I have calligraphy projects in the future!
January 14, 2016
I am in love with this book! I took calligraphy classes in college and did some fun projects back then (like my wedding announcement), but when my first child was born, I put it all away. I've pulled it out briefly here and there, but the timing just wasn't right. Six kids and 20 years later and I'm itching to start up again. I love this modern calligraphy trend and was so excited to find this book in which Ms. Thorpe generously tells you everything you need to know. I find myself trying it out on any little scrap of paper I can find. Nothing is safe! My organization bins are now all labeled in modern calligraphy. I've tried out my kids' names a dozen different ways. I can't wait to design my own return address stamp, which is explained step-by-step in the book along with several other sensible projects.
If modern calligraphy appeals to you, this book (and a few relatively inexpensive supplies) is all you need to get started. :)
If modern calligraphy appeals to you, this book (and a few relatively inexpensive supplies) is all you need to get started. :)
April 7, 2015
Wonderful project inspiration. Beautiful photographs. I thought the address etiquette guide as well as the envelope/paper sizing list (in the appendix) were very practical to include. She even went into detail about other mediums to use in place of ink (watercolor, gouache, even coffee!). She does go through the basics, but it still looks harder than she makes it sound! I'm a beginner, so I have much practice ahead of me!
April 18, 2016
I used this book as a guide for both the placecards and invitation envelopes at my wedding, and everything came out GORGEOUS. I was a complete novice to start, and went from never having held a calligraphy pen to very professional-looking placecards in the span of like 4 months. (I practiced 3 times a week though!)
Unfortunately I don't have many reasons to do calligraphy on the horizon, but I'm hanging on to this book in case I do.
Unfortunately I don't have many reasons to do calligraphy on the horizon, but I'm hanging on to this book in case I do.
December 8, 2014
I have read a lot of calligraphy books throughout the years. This book really does offer something new to the genre. After years of learning how to perfectly letter each traditional alphabet, this book lets you free up your writing and try your hand at a more modern script type, and more modern projects.
December 1, 2015
Great book to start your modern calligraphy journey! This book has a variety of ways to write every letter beautifully! It's easy to follow! This has information for left-handed people who wants to practice calligraphy. It also has different projects that you can do to put your calligraphy into work!
March 29, 2016
I absolutely love this book. I admit I was a bit leary since I had bought a few recommended calligraphy and hand lettering books based on reviews and been totally disappointed. This book is simply amazing. It was everything I was looking for. I am sure I will be referring to it at least a couple of times a week.
August 4, 2014
A lot of information to get you started. I will give it a try and practice - I hope to become good at calligraphy. This was a good book to get me started. I won it and am really glad that I did. Thank you!
January 12, 2015
Wonderful guide to starting calligraphy--from the tools you need (hint: not those awful squared pens) to guide alphabets. I highly recommend to any beginner, or someone looking for a fresh take on this age-old art.
February 9, 2015
#GoodreadsGiveaway #FirstReads
Concise, fun and easy to understand book on calligraphy. I was excited to duscover it included much, much more than just how to draw beautiful letters. Now that I've learned so much I am ready to try some of the projects.
Concise, fun and easy to understand book on calligraphy. I was excited to duscover it included much, much more than just how to draw beautiful letters. Now that I've learned so much I am ready to try some of the projects.
January 27, 2015
This is a great book for learning how to do calligraphy. There are many different font styles to choose from and it helps with penmanship. This shows you the basics as well as some other more complicated styles of writing.
January 3, 2017
I liked getting project ideas from the book—though for a beginner I'd more highly recommend starting with Lindsey Bugbee's blog "The Postman's Knock" for step-by-step photos and videos about modern calligraphy + her workbooks/courses.
April 29, 2014
Molly’s book will probably make traditional calligraphers cringe, but her style and approach to the craft are refreshing.
February 18, 2015
Good explanations, nice variety of interesting projects to try (that extend beyond only calligraphy). I often use this for reference and inspiration.
August 28, 2015
some nices ideas
July 19, 2017
Good ideas.
March 6, 2016
A wonderful resource & inspiration to get started on your calligraphy journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews