Classic Calligraphy for Beginners: Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Copperplate and Spencerian Scripts - 25+ Simple, Modern Projects for Pointed Nib, Pen, and Brush

by Younghae Chung

Classic Calligraphy for Beginners introduces the fundamental techniques for mastering two classic calligraphic scripts, Copperplate and Spencerian, plus easy-to-follow exercises and fun, modern projects. Guided by instructions and illustrations by noted calligraphy artist and teacher Younghae Chung , you will: Discover the timeless beauty of calligraphy with Classic Calligraphy for Beginners .

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2022

About the author

Younghae Chung is a classically trained left-handed calligrapher, teacher, and creative entrepreneur. After working in a New York City advertising agency and nonprofit organization, she decided to pursue her passion for the arts and teaching and launched Logos Calligraphy & Design. Younghae’s mission is to keep penmanship alive by sharing her joy and love of writing, creating, and offering resources to help others learn a timeless craft. She has taught thousands of students, both in-person and online, connecting with and cultivating a diverse community of students from more than 35 countries worldwide. Find out more about Younghae’s work and classes on her website LogosCalligraphy.com and on Instagram (@logos_calligraphy), Facebook (@logoscalligraphy), and YouTube (Logos Calligraphy). She is based in southern California.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Classic Calligraphy for Beginners is a great book for anyone wanting to start out in calligraphy. The book guides you through equipment, how to use your calligraphy pen, practice pages and tips too. My only problem with this book was it only focused on modern calligraphy pens not the old fashioned ones that I have. These modern ones look scary to use for me and I don't think I could hold them properly to use. But don't let that put you off, that's just my preference.
The photography in this book is fantastic and very aesthetic to the book.

[Laura Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as I am concerned, Younghae Chung has written the perfect book for beginning calligraphers. It is extremely well designed and organized and easy to use. It includes: information about tools and materials,
instructions for copperplate and spencerian script with guide sheets, and
Instructions for over 25 creative projects with beautiful pictures. I am thoroughly enjoying Classic Calligraphy for Beginners and I am sure you will, too. Highly recommend.

I received a drc from the publisher via Netgalley.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer for those who want to start calligraphy. It's full of gorgeous photos and clear instructions, plus some projects. My one issue is that it gives detailed instructions on how to use modern calligraphy pens and the ones I use are simple, old fashioned ones. That's not a real issue though. Lovely book.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how this series by Quarto Publishing Group on how to do basic things on some very amazing topics and techniques.

And I can never stop wondering how perfectly edited and published these guidebooks are within a set number of pages. The information given is basic yet quite detailed and thorough accompanied by real, colourful pictures showing all the basic steps. I mean this is such an intricate task which is so well carried out each time.

Kudos to the team. I got to learn a lot of things about calligraphy with such a short yet a comprehensive guidebook. Go for this!

Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry, for the advance review copy.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

These types of books are often times difficult for me to review because a hobby like calligraphy takes time to practice and develop, so just reading the book doesn't always do it justice until it's been practiced over time. However, being that I am a modern calligraphy enthusiast, I already have some background and practice in this area, and I feel confident in my review after simply reading.
I loved that this book gave practice pages and instruction on not only two styles but also flourishes for those styles as well as instructions utilizing multiple tools: pens, markers, and brush pens with examples. But my favorite thing that was included that maybe separates this from other calligraphy books I've read is that it gave detailed instructions are how to use these scripts in diy projects with SO MANY ideas! I loved that part. While the style of the script itself wasn't my favorite style, it is definitely a well done book and I have even started practicing these scripts--even if they are more fancy than I usually do.

[Shatiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ottimo libro di calligrafia adatto sia a principianti che a chi ha già iniziato a studiare calligrafia da un po'.
Vengono esaminate ovviamente tutte le basi: dai materiali e utensili da usare, colori e inchiostri, posizionamento del foglio, della mano e della penna (sia per destrorsi che mancini).
Vengono poi esaminate e spiegate sia la scrittura copperplate che quella spencerian. Molto importante: ci sono per entrambi i tipi di scrittura, tabelle con tutte le lettere maiuscole e minuscole e i vari passaggi per realizzarle!
Viene data anche un'infarinatura sul brush lettering e sul faux lettering.
Ci sono poi tantissimi progetti facilmente realizzabili da tutti.
Conoscevo già l'autrice di questo libro dato che la seguivo sui social e sono davvero molto contenta che sia riuscita a realizzare questo libro. Lo trovo davvero perfetto per chi voglia iniziare ad avvicinarsi a questi tipi di calligrafia.

Voglio ringraziare Netgalley per avermi dato l'opportunità di leggere questo libro gratuitamente in cambio di una recensione onesta.
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Excellent calligraphy book suitable for both beginners and those who have already started studying calligraphy for a while.
Obviously all the basics are examined: from the materials and tools to be used, colors and inks, positioning of the sheet, of the hand and of the pen (for both right and left-handed users).
Both copperplate and spencerian scripts are then examined and explained. Very important: for both types of writing, there are tables with all capital and lowercase letters and the various steps to carry them out!
There is also an introduction of brush lettering and faux lettering.
There are at the end of the book many projects that can be easily implemented by everyone.
I already knew the author of this book as I followed her on social media and I am really very happy that she was able to make this book. I find it really perfect for those who want to start approaching these types of calligraphy.

I wanto to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free for an honest review.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this title and the cover, it appealed to me in a way that felt a little like a gut punch - I remembered how I used to know how to do calligraphy in the 80’s, when I was a kid and how much I loved it then. I also haven’t made time to do this or anything else that really appeals to me being so busy with all the crappy minutiae that unfortunately goes along with being a mostly responsible adult. I then huh’d because I don’t recall the last time I actually put pen to paper (I just tried and my handwriting is a huge mess). I requested an advance copy of this to read and review because I also realized that I miss doing things for the pure joy of doing them.

I was thrilled to get a copy of this and started looking through it immediately - noting the simplicity, seeing just how perfectly the calligraphy is enough here, and requires nothing else to shine. The layout is clean and highly appealing. The author goes into detail with what you’re looking for in the recommended tools and supplies, sharing her preferred brands. She goes into paper positioning and troubleshooting. There’s a lot to take in.

The projects within are beautiful, the photos are gorgeous, and I would suggest this for anyone looking to get in touch with their formerly creative self. I found this book to be very inspirational.

I highly recommend this one.



eARC kindly provided by Quarry Books / Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t done calligraphy since I was at school, but really wanted to read this. It didn’t disappoint, I’m looking forward to trying out some of these ideas.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big admirer of Chung Younghae’s work and you will know why once you’ve seen it. She’s also an experienced calligraphy teacher and so is perfectly qualified to write this book. It is well written and highly accessible.

As a slightly-beyond-beginning calligrapher, I really appreciated the exemplars provided. When you don’t practice often, you tend to forget. So this title will be very useful as a reference book on standby.

The projects featured are all simple but elegant, and will give beginners ideas on how to use their new skill.

This will make a great gift for someone who wants to pick up this gorgeous art.

4 and a half stars for me.

[Farmer Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to try, but artsy things have never been something I excel in 😆

[Mechthild · Rating 5 out of 5]

A help to begin with Calligraphy
Younghae Chung is a classically trained left-handed calligrapher, teacher, and the owner of Logos Calligraphy & Design. She presents her book "Classic Calligraphy for Beginners. Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Copperplate and Spencerian Scripts - 25+ Simple, Modern Projects for Pointed Nib, Pen, and Brush", published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. The book is divided into five parts: 1) Getting Started, 2) Copperplate Script, 3) Spencerian Script, 4) Flourishing and other Techniques, and 5) Creative Projects (with a nib, a brush, or a pen).s
Chung talks about her own journey into calligraphy and says: "As logos in Greek means “the Word” (John 1:1), my hope and vision is that calligraphy would bring the same encouragement, hope, and beauty to others as it did in my life" (p. 4) and "This journey has been unexpected but filled with joy and new opportunities. Now, I’m thrilled to share a bit of my heart with you through this book. In this book, we cover two of my favorite pointed pen scripts: Copperplate and Spencerian. These scripts are different but complement each other nicely. We begin with the foundation, from gathering the right supplies, to performing warm-up exercises, to understanding the basic strokes and learning how to form the lowercase and uppercase letters. In the latter half of the book, I share fun and creative ways to use calligraphy for various projects. The projects are grouped into three categories: nib, brush, and pen. What’s great is that calligraphy isn’t confined to the nib, and I show how you can emulate calligraphy using a variety of writing tools. I encourage you to enjoy the journey. Progress over perfection has always been my mantra, and it has helped me push through when things got difficult... May this book help deepen your appreciation and love for handwritten words" (p. 5).
Chung lists the supplies that are used for the various projects, lists resources, and includes tips throughout the book. There is an index at the end of the book and the sample guide sheets can be downloaded from her website. I highly recommend this book for beginners and advanced artists who want to learn more about calligraphy.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ClassicCalligraphyForBeginners #Netgalley

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Classic Calligraphy for Beginners is a well written tutorial guide for Spencerian and copperplate calligraphy by Younghae Chung. Due out 12th July 2022 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook currently available).

I love calligraphy books. There is something very relaxing and meditative about sitting quietly and finding a thoughtful zone and seeing a piece come together on the paper. Even (maybe even especially?) the practice that goes before getting comfortable with a new technique is a meditative process and valuable for the quiet time and sense of mastery it provides.

This is a well and logically formatted book which is beginner friendly and not intimidating at all, but which will also provide challenges and learning opportunities for more advanced beginner and intermediate calligraphers. The book is accessible. The introduction covers tools and supplies and is followed by the two main tutorial chapters covering copperplate and Spencerian script. The chapters are built up in practice lessons from introduction and overview through basic strokes, lower and uppercase letters, connections, and negative spaces/spacing.

The final half of the book contains specific tutorials for projects using nib, brush, and pen work. The projects are appealing and beautiful. The book includes a number of reproducible/copyable guide sheets with a link to her website for more practice sheets, a short links and resource guide, and an abbreviated index.

Five stars. This would make a good choice for public or school library acquisitions, makers' space studio library, and for the artist's home reference shelf.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Calligraphy for Beginners by Younghae Chung is a delightful book for those wishing to start calligraphy.

The book is divided into 5 main sections:
- Introduction & Getting Started
- Copperplate Script
- Spencerian Script
- Flourishing & Other Techniques
- Creative Projects

The Introduction is a meet the author section and her reasons for picking calligraphy. It then moves on to the recommended tools and materials required, such as paper, nib, penholder, ink, and more. There are then instructions on the nib and how to have the paper positioned.

The Copperplate Script chapter begins with the ratios and X-Height variations and warm-up exercises. It then continues to give examples of the upper and lowercase letters, alongside how to connect letters and digraphs. The Spencerian Script chapter is similar, though there are no examples of how to connect the letters or digraphs.

Flourishing and Other Techniques gives suggestions on how to add extra loops to the calligraphy plus using brush lettering for softer lines or larger writing. It also explains faux calligraphy using non-flexible tools such as a fine liner pen.

There are 26 projects to try, from writing food labels, to creating a noel wreath design to marble coasters. Each example comes with written instructions plus step-by-step colour photography to match those steps.

At the back of the book are guide sheets for both scripts plus one for brush lettering. There are resources at the rear, though these are American based.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Calligraphy for Beginners is breathtaking and very well written. I absolutely love the tutorials and the pictures are amazing. If you have ever dabbled in calligraphy I highly recommend this book. I have never tried calligraphy but my Aunt loved using it and her cards and notes were incredibly delicate and beautiful. I have always loved the art of Calligraphy and couldn’t resist getting this book. I have always felt my handwriting was too bad to accomplish it. Now I feel inspired to give it a try. Hands down a beautiful book.

[Dharshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for providing eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautiful book that guides the reader with Step-by-Step Techniques for Copperplate and Spencerian Scripts. There are 5 chapters in total: 1. Getting Started, 2. Copperplate Script, 3. Spencerian Script, 4. Flourishing and other Techniques, and 5. Creative Projects. Through these 5 chapters the author provides basics, the details of necessary supplies, some warm-up exercises, the right techniques and a variety of creative projects to try. This is a very good place to start for a beginner.

[Pauline Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book! I have always loved the written word and calligraphy is beautiful. The author gives you tips and options of the materials and equipment that is best to use and for what type of print you would use them for.
There are step by step guides for how to create the scripts used in the book, including exercises for practicing the positioning of the letters and making a guide sheet.
There are also step by step instructions on how to make a variety of items that you could use your calligraphy skills on.
Overall a great book that I would definitely recommend.

[XiuHui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for calligraphy diy project ideas! I love that two scripts are covered in this book but thought they should be more in depth. I have some background in copperplate calligraphy so I was able to understand and visualise how it would go. However, if I had no background, it may be hard to learn from the short write up in the book.

[Carol Keogh (Goodfellow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to receive an advance copy of Classic Calligraphy for Beginners, it is a truly beautiful book. The author describes the personal love for the art and the detailing is excellent. I am actively using the book, learning so much about materials, projects and the sheer beauty of this writing art. I am very grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for this book. All opinions are my own.

[Joni Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pride myself on proper penmanship, but calligraphy always scared me a little bit. When I saw this book I knew I had to give it a shot. I’m so glad I did. While I do have a long way to go, I’m trying. Thanks to this book.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough and helpful!

I would like more workbook pages, but this is an informational and helpful guide. And the examples, resource links, and helpful tips and tricks were a great addition.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I have always been fascinated with calligraphy. This book is pretty interesting. Can't wait to start practicing.

[Samantha Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what the title says! A wonderful and descriptive book on how to do all your own calligraphy!