You’d think drawing an “O” would be simple—it’s just a circle, right? But that simplicity is what makes it such a great playground for experimenting with stress, counter space, proportion, and contrast. From refined editorial elegance to bold geometric abstractions, the letter O offers endless opportunities to bend the rules while still staying instantly recognizable.
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🔤 10 Ways to Draw the Letter O – Style Descriptions
1. High-Contrast Display Serif
A classic “Didone-style” O—tight, refined, and confident. Angled axis with razor-thin hairlines creates a bold, fashionable presence. Think editorial headlines or luxury branding.
2. Ornamental Blackletter-Inspired
Not your average O. Tall and narrow, this one’s shaped by sharp interior angles and thick, curved serifs. The vertical tension and inner notch make it feel like a Gothic twist on the Roman capital.
3. Flourished Tear Drop Terminal Script
What starts as a traditional oval quickly takes off. Extended teardrop terminals loop around the letter like ribbon—elegant, calligraphic, and full of motion.
4. Single Stroke Condensed
This O doesn’t connect, and even though a regular O has a closed counter, here I made an exception and left a narrow opening. The inner swash is just a stylistic choice to give it some flair.
5. Diamond Grotesque
A typographic curveball. This O flips convention and leans into geometric abstraction. Wide at the center and pinched at the poles—modern and eye-catching.
6. Spiral-Shaped
Similar to number 4. The proportion is rather squared off and the loop falls on the top side of the letter.
7. Fraktur-Inspired
It’s a rather strange-looking form when it stands on its own. However, properly paired with other letters of the same family, it simply works.
8. Copperplate-Inspired O
Handwritten with style. Try to maintain the connecting stroke (aka the comma dot) on the top side—just above the x-height.
9. Reversed Stress Serif
Here’s an O that puts its weight where you least expect it. With heavy horizontal strokes and light verticals, it plays on the idea of reverse contrast—perfect for quirky display use.
10. Calligraphic Swash O
This one has energy. The heavy main stroke paired with a swooping entry creates drama. It looks like a letter caught mid-dance.
Explore the full Hand Lettering Style Database →
Master Every Letter A–Z With 260 Creative Styles
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✅ 260 hand-drawn letters to trace and remix
✅ 26 tracing sheets to warm up your strokes
✅ 26 word examples to practice real-world design
✅ Beginner-friendly insights that teach you how to think like a lettering artist
About the author
Hey, I’m Max Juric, and I’m deeply passionate about calligraphy and hand lettering.
I’ve spent years honing my skills in the art of lettering, working with hundreds of clients from all over the world on design projects such as logotypes, branding, custom lettering, murals, and more.
But my journey doesn’t end there. I’ve also dedicated myself to sharing my knowledge and expertise with others, creating a wealth of resources including tutorials, articles, and podcasts.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see thousands of people engaging with my content each month. Knowing that I’m helping fellow enthusiasts grow and develop their skills makes me really happy.
Welcome to Lettering Daily, your hub for all things lettering and calligraphy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your lettering journey. Stick around, and let’s explore the world of letters together!