I have three things to share today. Three simple little things that can make a difference while you practice calligraphy. Nope, not hard and fast rules, just some tips that can help you be more satisfied with the outcome of your writing.
Number 1: Free Your Mind
I’ve done this a lot of times – thinking about something else while writing. Hmm, what cookies should I make tomorrow? Should I read this book tonight? If you have all these things on your mind, you will definitely misspell a word. You may even skip one or two. It happened to me so many times! Don’t think about dinner. Don’t even think about the alignment of your words or if your swirls are perfect. Focus on the words you are writing and nothing else.
Number 2: Love Thy Own Handwriting
Each one of us have our own writing styles even with just using a regular ballpoint. Some write with messy strokes, some with floating baselines, some super neat and straight. No matter what your style is, embrace your own handwriting style and you’ll see how easier it will be. Yes, you can compare your calligraphy with others’ works – you’ll learn that way – but love your own style and don’t be too hard on yourself! Having your own style and loving it will make your writing more consistent because you play by your own rules and not somebody else’s.
Number 3: Practice Makes Pretty
Ah. Those drills. Those practice sheets that we fill with lines, curves and swishes. They’re monotonous, repetitive. I know we all just want to get down and write words, letters, paragraphs, even. I’m skipping the overused phrase here and get down to the third and most important tip I can think of – Practice Makes Pretty. Why? Lots of practice makes a whole lot of difference. Last December I wasn’t to get hold of my pens and did not write for a couple of weeks. I came back to Singapore from our family holiday and my writing was downright wobbly. Oh, and it took me more than 2 years of practicing till I got the style that I wanted, and it doesn’t end there. Practice is essential and learning is continuous. Remember that to be happy with your own calligraphy style, aim for pretty (which is subjective) and not perfect.
We’ll talk more about these 3 things on my workshop here in Singapore – the first one is just a few days away! If you’d like to know when the next one will be, sign up for the mailing list!
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