Lettering Daily
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Hand Lettering Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO COLOR YOUR LETTERING (QUICK & EASY)
      • HOW TO DRAW BUBBLE LETTERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A HAND LETTERING MURAL
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO CHALK LETTERING – 7 EASY STEPS
      • WHAT ARE THE LETTERING STYLES?
      • HOW TO DRAW LETTERS IN PERSPECTIVE
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • AN INTRODUCTION TO PYROGRAPHY (A.K.A WOODBURNING)
      • THE HAND LETTERING PROCESS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING LAYOUT WITH THESE 5 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
    • Calligraphy Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE FOUNDATIONAL HAND
      • HOW TO CREATE A CIRCULAR CALLIGRAM
      • HOW TO CREATE BRUSH LETTERING COMPOSITIONS WITH EASE
      • HOW TO DO BRUSH LETTERING – THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE
      • ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • COPPERPLATE CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • CALLIGRAPHY ALPHABETS – A LIST OF MAJOR HISTORICAL SCRIPTS
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A DIY CALLIGRAPHY FOLDED PEN
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CALLIGRAPHY FLOURISHING
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH DIP PEN CALLIGRAPHY
      • FRAKTUR CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS (2019)
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO DO FAUX (FAKE) CALLIGRAPHY – STEP BY STEP
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • WHAT IS BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY?
      • HOW TO DO WATER BRUSH LETTERING
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO MODERN CALLIGRAPHY – 3 POPULAR STYLES
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • BLACKLETTER CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS – 2018
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO BECOME AMBIDEXTROUS IN 6 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
      • BRUSH LETTERING WITH ALEJANDRO SOLÓRZANO
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy tips
      • HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LETTERING ARTIST
      • 5 MODERN CALLIGRAPHY TIPS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED
      • 5 EASY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING INKING
      • 5 TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BROKE CALLIGRAPHY / LETTERING ARTIST
      • 8 CALLIGRAPHY BEGINNER MISTAKES
      • 1 EASY TIP THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • 5 EASY BRUSH LETTERING TIPS
      • 6 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR INSTAGRAM LETTERING AUDIENCE
      • 6 EASY TIPS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy reviews
      • 71 OF THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY FONTS (FREE & PREMIUM)
      • CREATE EASY LETTERING LAYOUTS – GRID BUILDER REVIEW
      • 21 OF THE BEST CLASSES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 21 OF THE BEST PROCREATE BRUSHES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 10 USEFUL LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY TOOLS
      • THIS TOOL WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • WHAT ARE THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY PENS FOR BEGINNERS
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • DEVBRUSH 3.0 FOR PROCREATE – REVIEW
      • WHAT IS THE BEST PAPER FOR LETTERING?
      • LEARNING CALLIGRAPHY WITH SEB LESTER – COURSE REVIEW
      • ANOTHER TOP 5 MUST HAVE BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY
      • ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • BRUSH PEN LOGO DESIGN – COURSE REVIEW
      • 9 AWESOME BOOKS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • TOP 5 BEST BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY – 2019
  • Interviews
    • LEFT-HANDED CALLIGRAPHY – A CHAT WITH BAD CALLIGRAPHY
    • A CHAT WITH LEX WILSON
    • IVAN CASTRO
    • COLIN TIERNEY
    • TOM AD – A.K.A. DESS
    • RACHEL E MILLAR
    • KARIN NEWPORT – iPAD LETTERING
    • DAVID MILAN
    • MATTHIEU TARRIN – TARWANE
    • MICHAEL MOODIE
    • STEPHANE LOPES
    • MADE BY MIGHTY
    • JIMBO BERNAUS
  • Freebies
  • Lettering supplies
  • About
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Hand Lettering Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO COLOR YOUR LETTERING (QUICK & EASY)
      • HOW TO DRAW BUBBLE LETTERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A HAND LETTERING MURAL
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO CHALK LETTERING – 7 EASY STEPS
      • WHAT ARE THE LETTERING STYLES?
      • HOW TO DRAW LETTERS IN PERSPECTIVE
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • AN INTRODUCTION TO PYROGRAPHY (A.K.A WOODBURNING)
      • THE HAND LETTERING PROCESS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING LAYOUT WITH THESE 5 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
    • Calligraphy Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE FOUNDATIONAL HAND
      • HOW TO CREATE A CIRCULAR CALLIGRAM
      • HOW TO CREATE BRUSH LETTERING COMPOSITIONS WITH EASE
      • HOW TO DO BRUSH LETTERING – THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE
      • ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • COPPERPLATE CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • CALLIGRAPHY ALPHABETS – A LIST OF MAJOR HISTORICAL SCRIPTS
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A DIY CALLIGRAPHY FOLDED PEN
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CALLIGRAPHY FLOURISHING
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH DIP PEN CALLIGRAPHY
      • FRAKTUR CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS (2019)
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO DO FAUX (FAKE) CALLIGRAPHY – STEP BY STEP
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • WHAT IS BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY?
      • HOW TO DO WATER BRUSH LETTERING
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO MODERN CALLIGRAPHY – 3 POPULAR STYLES
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • BLACKLETTER CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS – 2018
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO BECOME AMBIDEXTROUS IN 6 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
      • BRUSH LETTERING WITH ALEJANDRO SOLÓRZANO
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy tips
      • HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LETTERING ARTIST
      • 5 MODERN CALLIGRAPHY TIPS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED
      • 5 EASY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING INKING
      • 5 TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BROKE CALLIGRAPHY / LETTERING ARTIST
      • 8 CALLIGRAPHY BEGINNER MISTAKES
      • 1 EASY TIP THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • 5 EASY BRUSH LETTERING TIPS
      • 6 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR INSTAGRAM LETTERING AUDIENCE
      • 6 EASY TIPS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy reviews
      • 71 OF THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY FONTS (FREE & PREMIUM)
      • CREATE EASY LETTERING LAYOUTS – GRID BUILDER REVIEW
      • 21 OF THE BEST CLASSES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 21 OF THE BEST PROCREATE BRUSHES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 10 USEFUL LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY TOOLS
      • THIS TOOL WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • WHAT ARE THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY PENS FOR BEGINNERS
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • DEVBRUSH 3.0 FOR PROCREATE – REVIEW
      • WHAT IS THE BEST PAPER FOR LETTERING?
      • LEARNING CALLIGRAPHY WITH SEB LESTER – COURSE REVIEW
      • ANOTHER TOP 5 MUST HAVE BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY
      • ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • BRUSH PEN LOGO DESIGN – COURSE REVIEW
      • 9 AWESOME BOOKS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • TOP 5 BEST BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY – 2019
  • Interviews
    • LEFT-HANDED CALLIGRAPHY – A CHAT WITH BAD CALLIGRAPHY
    • A CHAT WITH LEX WILSON
    • IVAN CASTRO
    • COLIN TIERNEY
    • TOM AD – A.K.A. DESS
    • RACHEL E MILLAR
    • KARIN NEWPORT – iPAD LETTERING
    • DAVID MILAN
    • MATTHIEU TARRIN – TARWANE
    • MICHAEL MOODIE
    • STEPHANE LOPES
    • MADE BY MIGHTY
    • JIMBO BERNAUS
  • Freebies
  • Lettering supplies
  • About
  • Contact
Plugin Install : Cart Icon need WooCommerce plugin to be installed.
No Result
View All Result
Lettering Daily
No Result
View All Result

ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS

+ FREE downloadable worksheets

by Lettering Daily
in Articles, Calligraphy Tutorials
3
Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily
914
SHARES
Share on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on Reddit

This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

Italic calligraphy is one of the most famous calligraphy scripts in the history of the Latin Alphabet. 

It is a very dynamic and versatile script with many variations, and in today’s tutorial, we are going to cover the very basics to get you started.

This tutorial was created in collaboration with the very talented South Korean calligrapher known as @Slo.Leecalli. 

Slo is a professional calligrapher focused on traditional scripts, and he was kind enough to share tool recommendations, helpful tips as well as the practice sheets that you will be able to download from the Lettering Crate – the very same practice sheets he uses for the workshops he organizes.

Before we jump right into it, let’s have a quick overview of some of the things we will cover today –

  1. What is Italic calligraphy and where does it come from
  2. What tools do you need to get started with the Italic calligraphy?
  3. Basic strokes & rules for the Italic script + the different lowercase letter groups
  4.  FREE downloadable practice sheets
  5. A few extra tips 
  6. Additional resources
  7. Final words about Italic calligraphy

Pin me!

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Keep in mind that this is just a beginners introduction guide that covers the basics of the Italic script that will help you get started.

There is so much more ground to cover, and it would be impossible to cover everything in a single article – precisely why I will recommend additional resources for further studying and practice.

Without any further delays, let’s get started with this tutorial!

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily
Handwriting by Niccolò de’ Niccoli (1364–1437), which served as the origin of italic type. Source -Wikipedia.com

 1. What is Italic calligraphy and where does it come from 

The Italic script (also known as Cancelleresca) was developed in Italy (hence the name) during the Renaissance era (14-15th century).

It is said that the Florentine humanist Niccolò de’ Niccoli used a cursive form of the Humanist minuscule to transcribe books for his own use – as the Humanist minuscule took too much time to write.

In other words, a new way of writing was born partially motivated by functionality. 

The Italic hand went under several stages of development in the next couple of hundred of years, and from Italy, it spread across the continent as the new and improved way of writing.

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily
A staggering example of the work from a book by Ludovico Vicentino degli Arrighi (early 16th century) . One of the forefathers of the Cancelleresca script. Source – deianira.it
 

There was a significant decline in penmanship after the invention of the typewriter.

However, with the help of several calligraphers and their publications in the 19th century, the art of handwriting had been revived. 

Publications such as “Writing & Illumination & Lettering” (Edward Johnston, 1906), “A Handwriting Manual and “Dryad Writing Cards” (Alfred Fairban, 1932) are some of the sources that impacted the way we learn and use the Italic script today. 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

 2. Tools needed – a quick rundown of the recommended tools for Italic calligraphy

2.1 Writing tools

You can use almost any kind of writing tool to do the Italic script; however, the most common choice is the broad-edged pens.

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

If you are just getting started with Italic calligraphy or any other broad-edged script (blackletter for example) – the Pilot Parallel Pen is the best tool you can start with. 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

And here is why –

The Parallel Pen is a fountain pen that uses ink cartridges, meaning that you won’t have to worry about dipping your pen in ink every couple of strokes – allowing you to focus entirely on learning the basics of a script. 

Besides that, the parallel pen is super simple to use, and it’s ready as soon as you take it out of the box.

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily
The different parts of the Pilot Parallel Pen
 

The only down-side of the Pilot Parallel Pen is that it has a more substantial ink flow, meaning that some types of paper are not suitable for this tool because the ink will bleed all over it – don’t worry, we will mention some appropriate kinds of papers further in the article. 

Aside from the Pilot Parallel Pen, you can also go with the traditional straight holder + nib combo, and for that @Slo.lee has a few great recommendations –

  • Brause bandzug nib, 
  • Leonardt Tape nib, 
  • Mitchell Roundhand nib, 
  • Speedball C nib 
Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily
Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Slo also says –

‘’Between the two, parallel pen are more comfortable because you don’t have to use the ink separately (the ink cartridges), however, if you want to achieve a more sophisticated stroke, a dip pen is definitely a better choice.’’

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

2.2 Paper 

Calligraphy paper is a SUPER essential tool/element and understandably, often overlooked by beginners. 

Generally speaking, you should look for the low-absorbent smooth paper since ink bleeds are one of your worst enemies during practice. 

This also depends on the combination of ink and paper. 

For example, it’s more likely that the Pilot Parallel pen will bleed through due to the heavier ink flow, while on the same paper using a dip pen and ink won’t have any problems at all. 

In the example below you can see the difference between premium print paper (HP) and high quality paper (Fabriano)

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

For practice sessions it’s alright if the ink bleeds (although i find it quite irritating).

However, if you are working on a more important project – you can’t go wrong if you invest in quality paper.

Also, using paper with a slight tooth will give you an additional grip to your nib, making it easier to control your strokes – at the same time, using paper with too much tooth can make it too hard to control. 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Another significant mention is to distinguish practice paper from paper used for final pieces. 

I mention this because the good paper is usually more expensive and you don’t want to just use it for practice. 

Here is a personal paper recommendation for both practice and final pieces –

Practice calligraphy paper (cheaper) –

  • Marker pads, bleed proof paper
  • HP Premium 32LB – Not the best for the Pilot Parallel Pen but works excellent with dip pen and ink or gouache.
  • Rhodia pads – great for both the parallel pen and dip pens

Calligraphy paper for final pieces (more expensive)

  • Watercolor paper (different kinds)
  • Khadi paper
  • Fabriano paper 
  • Clairefontaine Triomphe
  • Hahnemuhle paper
  • Strathmore calligraphy paper
Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

2.3 Other tools – inks, rulers, pencils, erasers

Before we jump to the actual writing part, I just wanted to pitch a few more recommendations that could be useful not only for the Italic script but generally for calligraphy. 

Here are a couple of recommendations for different calligraphy inks –

  • Winsor & Newton calligraphy inks
  • Sumi ink
  • Gouache – is very versatile, you can easily manipulate the viscosity by using more/less water, mix different colors, create your own tones and palettes – I personally enjoy this sort of freedom. 
Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

The ruler – my absolute personal favorite (that I keep suggesting on every chance I get) is the rolling ruler.

The rolling ruler is a ruler with a wheel on the backside that allows you to draw quick parallel lines – ideal for calligraphy guidelines.

As for the pencil, I prefer to use a mechanical pencil simply because it can create very faint and fine lines without ever have to sharp it.

Finally, my choice for an eraser is the kneaded eraser – ideal for deleting fine and gently drawn lines + it never leaves any crumbs (no mess).

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

 3. Basic strokes & rules for the Italic script + the different lowercase letter groups

When learning the Italic script, it is crucial to learn the fundamental rules that dictate how to create it.

Of course, once you have learned these basic rules, you can start tweaking them and create your own styles and variations.

In other words – to break the rules, you must first learn them. 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

3.1 Sizing –

Let’s start off with the sizing of the italic script. 

Like with many traditional scripts, the size of your letters is determined by the size of your tool.

In the case of the Italic script the rule is pretty straight forward.

The Italic script uses 5 contiguous nib widths for the central body part (x-height), ascenders and descenders – a 5:5:5 ratio. 

The capital Italic letters are a bit smaller than the ascending strokes, usually 7-8 nib widths.

Here is a visual representation –

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

3.2 Letter and pen angle –

The Italic script is written with a slight forward slant usually between 5-7 degrees.

There are also variations where the slant can go all the way to 30 degrees, but I would strongly suggest that you keep it between 5-10 degrees if you are just getting started. 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

The pen angle is kept on a 40-45 degree angle for nearly every letter of the alphabet.

There are a few letters and strokes where you have to switch up the angle to maintain the proportions, and it’s relatively easy to memorize them. 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Another noteworthy mention is that the pen angle must change depending on the slant – if you are writing with a heavier slant you must adapt the pen angle to it; otherwise, the letters start to lose their shape.

This is something to consider once you begin working with a different variation, but as mentioned earlier, if you are just getting started – just stick to the 5-10 degree angle. 

3.3 Letter proportions –

Generally, the Italic letterforms are contained in a parallelogram shape with a horizontal to vertical ratio of 2:3

– meaning that the letters are longer than they are wider.

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Of course, you won’t be measuring every single letter with a ruler to get the exact proportions right.

Just try to remember to keep your letters within this shape. 

3.4 Basic strokes

The Italic alphabet is reasonably straightforward in its construction, but don’t let that simplicity fool you because it’s precisely the simplicity of its shapes that makes it challenging to learn. 

The image below shows the basic strokes used to construct most of the lowercase alphabet.

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

3.5 Pattern drills (super helpful!)

If you are entirely new to calligraphy and generally broad-edged scripts like Italic, I would highly recommend getting started with (pattern) drills.

This will help you to get to know the tools you are working with, and it will also help you to develop rhythm (super important), consistency and precision.

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

These sort of drills are great warm-up exercises even for those who are more familiar with the scripts. 

These pattern drills were taken from the book by Sheila Waters – Foundations Of Calligraphy. 

I would recommend that every time you practice, and before you start writing words, you simply fill one of this drill sheets. 

It will help your hand muscles warm up and get you ready to practice with letters and words. 

I’ve added a FREE downloadable and printable sheet along with the others – you can download them by signing up further below. 

3.6 Lowercase letter groups

A lot of the letters in the Italic script share similar shapes, and this is precisely the reason why we divide the (minuscule) letters into different groups – makes it easier to understand their relationship, and it’s easier to practice them as well.

The Italic lowercase (minuscule) alphabet can be divided into 4 different groups –

Group one – n, m, h, b, p, r – branching letters

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Group two – i, j, l, k, f, t – straight letters 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Group three – a, d, g, q, u, y – reverse branching letters 

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Group four – o, c, e, s, v, w, x, z – oval and diagonal letters

Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

Check out also this YouTube tutorial by Joanne Fink where she demonstrates how to write the whole lowercase Italic alphabet –

 4. FREE downloadable practice sheets

Here you can download the free practice sheets as well as the pattern drill sheet (as mentioned before).

The practice sheets need a 3mm nib width while the pattern drill is made for the green Pilot Parallel Pen 3.8 mm.

The practice sheets contain both majuscules (uppercase) and minuscules (lowercase).

Drop your email below, and you will get instant access to the Lettering Crate – a resource library filled with calligraphy worksheets (for different styles and techniques) procreate brushes and more.

Lettering Crate Optimized

Stay updated with our tutorials and get instant access to the Lettering Crate –

A growing library of free lettering & calligraphy resources that includes – FREE downloadable calligraphy practice sheets, Procreate brushes, the 30-day lettering planner, printables, and more.

 5. A few extra tips for Italic calligraphy

Here are a few additional tips from @slo.lee that you should consider when practicing the Italic script.

  • DO NOT PRACTICE WHOLE ALPHABETS –
    It is not an efficient way to practice, you should write the same kind of letter groups like “n” and “h”
    It is a better way to write alphabets consistently
  • Avoid keeping the start and endpoint of strokes too round
  • Practice minuscule more than majuscule
  • Do not be scared about making mistakes when learning
Italic Calligraphy For Beginners - Lettering Daily

 6. Additional resources for learning the Italic script 

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, it is impossible to sum up everything about the Italic script in single article. 

Precisely the reason i would like to share some additional helpful resources –

  • Sheila waters – Foundations Of Calligraphy 
  • Fred Eager – The Italic way to beautiful handwriting: cursive and calligraphic
  • Margaret Shepherd – Learn calligraphy
  • Edward Johnston –Writing & Illumination & Lettering
  • Loyd Reynolds – Italic calligraphy and handwriting.
  • On YouTube, you can also find a video series on the Italic script by Loyd Reynolds – in fact, 20 full episodes! The video quality is not the best but keeps in mind it was filmed 40 years ago. Nonetheless, it’s a real gold mine for anyone who wants to learn more about Italic calligraphy. 

Final words 

In this brief tutorial, we had the opportunity to explore some of the very basics of the Italic script. 

It’s a beautiful and very dynamic style of writing with a ton of variations to offer.

The construction of the letters is quite clear and straightforward.

However, it takes a lot of time and practice to develop the skill of writing consistent letterforms. 

Consistent practice is essential, but please remember that the way you practice plays a vital role in the development of your skills.

That pretty much goes for every lettering/calligraphy style. 

Is there something you don’t understand?  

Maybe you have a specific question in mind, or perhaps you want to get some constructive feedback on your artwork?

Feel free to drop a comment below, or even better –

Join our official Facebook group!

Our group is a place where you can –

  • Share your work
  • Get constructive feedback
  • Network with fellow lettering & calligraphy artists
  • Ask specific questions about lettering & calligraphy
  • Much more!

 

Thank you for joining for another tutorial, and until the next time –

Stay AWESOME!!

Pin228Share457Share
Previous Post

HOW TO COLOR YOUR LETTERING (QUICK & EASY)

Next Post

HOW TO DO BRUSH LETTERING - THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE

Lettering Daily

Lettering Daily is an online community that provides educational and inspirational content for hand lettering and calligraphy beginners. ​Our mission is to help artists and enthusiasts from all around the world to learn and improve their hand lettering and calligraphy skills.

Next Post
The ULTIMATE brush lettering guide for beginners - Lettering Daily

HOW TO DO BRUSH LETTERING - THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE

Brush lettering composition for beginners -Lettering Daily

HOW TO CREATE BRUSH LETTERING COMPOSITIONS WITH EASE

Comments 3

  1. Margaret Johnson says:
    1 week ago

    This is just my email address in order that you can send me the worksheets.

    Reply
    • Lettering Daily says:
      2 days ago

      Hello Margaret, i cannot take your email. You have to place it in the designated area (the sign-up form) and then confirm your subscription. If you need help with that, i’ll be happy to oblige 🙂

      Reply
  2. Rani says:
    3 months ago

    Also support

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay connected!

  • 303.6k Followers
  • 51.9k Followers
  • 3.7k Fans
  • 2.4k Followers

Join the community!

Lettering Crate Optimized

Stay updated with our tutorials and get instant access to the Lettering Crate -

A growing library of free lettering & calligraphy resources that includes FREE downloadable –
 • Calligraphy practice sheets

 • Procreate brushes
 • The 30-day lettering planner
 • Printables, and more.

Who are we?

Lettering Daily

Lettering Daily is an online community that provides educational and inspirational content on hand lettering and calligraphy.
​
Our mission is to help artists and enthusiasts from all around the world to learn and improve their hand lettering and calligraphy skills. We want to create a community where people can learn, grow, share and network together!

  • Calligraphy Tutorials
  • Hand Lettering Tutorials
  • Enter the Lettering Crate
  • Tips
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookie Policy

© 2017 by Lettering Daily. The copyrights of all works are held by the individual artists. “Lettering Daily is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Hand Lettering Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO COLOR YOUR LETTERING (QUICK & EASY)
      • HOW TO DRAW BUBBLE LETTERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A HAND LETTERING MURAL
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO CHALK LETTERING – 7 EASY STEPS
      • WHAT ARE THE LETTERING STYLES?
      • HOW TO DRAW LETTERS IN PERSPECTIVE
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • AN INTRODUCTION TO PYROGRAPHY (A.K.A WOODBURNING)
      • THE HAND LETTERING PROCESS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING LAYOUT WITH THESE 5 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
    • Calligraphy Tutorials
      • iPAD LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS – HOW TO USE PROCREATE
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE FOUNDATIONAL HAND
      • HOW TO CREATE A CIRCULAR CALLIGRAM
      • HOW TO CREATE BRUSH LETTERING COMPOSITIONS WITH EASE
      • HOW TO DO BRUSH LETTERING – THE ULTIMATE BEGINNERS GUIDE
      • ITALIC CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • COPPERPLATE CALLIGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS
      • HOW TO CREATE WATERCOLOR FLOWERS – 3 DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
      • CALLIGRAPHY ALPHABETS – A LIST OF MAJOR HISTORICAL SCRIPTS
      • HOW TO CREATE A PROCREATE BRUSH FOR LETTERING
      • HOW TO CREATE A DIY CALLIGRAPHY FOLDED PEN
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CALLIGRAPHY FLOURISHING
      • HOW TO GET STARTED WITH DIP PEN CALLIGRAPHY
      • FRAKTUR CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS (2019)
      • 5 WAYS YOU CAN ADD A GRADIENT EFFECT TO YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO DO FAUX (FAKE) CALLIGRAPHY – STEP BY STEP
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • WHAT IS BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY?
      • HOW TO DO WATER BRUSH LETTERING
      • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND LETTERING AND CALLIGRAPHY
      • HOW TO DO MODERN CALLIGRAPHY – 3 POPULAR STYLES
      • HOW TO ADD SHADOWS TO YOUR LETTERING (5 AWESOME WAYS)
      • BLACKLETTER CALLIGRAPHY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS – 2018
      • COLOR FUNDAMENTALS, AND HOW TO USE THEM IN YOUR LETTERING
      • HOW TO BECOME AMBIDEXTROUS IN 6 EASY STEPS
      • 5 AMAZING HAND LETTERING EFFECTS THAT ANYONE CAN DO
      • LEARN SIGN PAINTING, A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
      • BRUSH LETTERING WITH ALEJANDRO SOLÓRZANO
      • HOW TO MAKE AWESOME CALLIGRAPHY FONTS IN 5 EASY STEPS
      • HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LETTERING ARTWORK – STEP-BY-STEP
      • HOW TO VECTORIZE YOUR HAND LETTERING
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy tips
      • HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF AS A LETTERING ARTIST
      • 5 MODERN CALLIGRAPHY TIPS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED
      • 5 EASY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HAND LETTERING INKING
      • 5 TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BROKE CALLIGRAPHY / LETTERING ARTIST
      • 8 CALLIGRAPHY BEGINNER MISTAKES
      • 1 EASY TIP THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • 5 EASY BRUSH LETTERING TIPS
      • 6 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR INSTAGRAM LETTERING AUDIENCE
      • 6 EASY TIPS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
    • Hand lettering and calligraphy reviews
      • 71 OF THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY FONTS (FREE & PREMIUM)
      • CREATE EASY LETTERING LAYOUTS – GRID BUILDER REVIEW
      • 21 OF THE BEST CLASSES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 21 OF THE BEST PROCREATE BRUSHES FOR LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY
      • 10 USEFUL LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY TOOLS
      • THIS TOOL WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR LETTERING COMPOSITION
      • WHAT ARE THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY PENS FOR BEGINNERS
      • TOMBOW DUAL BRUSH PEN REVIEW + BLENDING TUTORIAL
      • DEVBRUSH 3.0 FOR PROCREATE – REVIEW
      • WHAT IS THE BEST PAPER FOR LETTERING?
      • LEARNING CALLIGRAPHY WITH SEB LESTER – COURSE REVIEW
      • ANOTHER TOP 5 MUST HAVE BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY
      • ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • BRUSH PEN LOGO DESIGN – COURSE REVIEW
      • 9 AWESOME BOOKS FOR HAND LETTERING BEGINNERS
      • TOP 5 BEST BRUSH PENS FOR BRUSH CALLIGRAPHY – 2019
  • Interviews
    • LEFT-HANDED CALLIGRAPHY – A CHAT WITH BAD CALLIGRAPHY
    • A CHAT WITH LEX WILSON
    • IVAN CASTRO
    • COLIN TIERNEY
    • TOM AD – A.K.A. DESS
    • RACHEL E MILLAR
    • KARIN NEWPORT – iPAD LETTERING
    • DAVID MILAN
    • MATTHIEU TARRIN – TARWANE
    • MICHAEL MOODIE
    • STEPHANE LOPES
    • MADE BY MIGHTY
    • JIMBO BERNAUS
  • Freebies
  • Lettering supplies
  • About
  • Contact