Calligraphy allows for endless creativity and a great technique to add flair and personality to your lettering is "bounce." Bounce calligraphy introduces a rhythmic, dynamic flow to your writing that makes it visually captivating. In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore the art of creating calligraphy with bounce. Bouncing calligraphy involves variations in the baseline to give your letters a dynamic feeling. Bounce calligraphy thrives on being imperfect, and in its simplest form, you simply stretch letters that have straight downstrokes to make them longer than they would normally be. Letters with a circular form are shrunk to become smaller than normal, like in an a, c, g, o, d, or q. This formula is the starting point, but it can hit a stumbling block when a word has lots of circular letters at one end as shirking all of them would create calligraphy that looks off balance. Here are some methods to try that will allow you to bounce, while keeping balance within your work: Calligraphy Bounce Method #1 - The Wavy Line Letters in an alphabet follow a common baseline, an imaginary horizontal line that the letters rest upon (excluding descenders that reach below). The baseline ensures uniformity and helps maintain consistency. The waistline marks the top of the letters, (excluding ascenders that reach above) and these two guidelines usually run parallel to each other. In the Wavy Line Method, rather than drawing the baseline and waistline straight, draw them with a wavy line. Making them different from each other will give the best results, but both need to be wavy. As you write, vary the height of the letters so that they reach the wavy guides. This will mean increasing the height of some letters and reducing others, with the ascenders and descenders not confined by the wavy guidelines. Feeling comfortable stretching and shrinking your letters in this way will allow you to become far more fluid in your calligraphy bouncing. The calligraphy becomes bouncy as it reaches to make contact with the guidelines. Calligraphy Bounce Method #2 - The String of Beads or The Kebab Stick! For this method, think of your calligraphy as having a string or a stick through its middle. Draw a straight guideline and make all the letters make contact with it. You can drop descenders low, and reach ascenders up high, but every letter must have the guideline running through their middle. Think of different-sized pieces of meat and veg all being held together on a skewer, or different-sized beads making up a necklace. Use a straight line that travels through the middle of your calligraphy. Draw the shapes that are like pieces of meat, or beads (depending on the metaphor you prefer) at different sizes to help you. The calligraphy bounces, but because of the central guideline, it remains balanced. Calligraphy Bounce Method #3 - A Family of Letters For the final method, decide on an oval shape and draw a few. They can be slightly bigger and smaller than each other, and bob up and down in a row. Use these ovals as the guide for where to put each letter of the word you're writing, taking care to still connect the letters with a thin stroke. This method gives you more freedom to experiment with bounce in your calligraphy and helps you see the letters as shapes that can contort and change to bring life to your lettering. Don't be Afraid! With all these methods, use them to take your calligraphy as far as you can. Don't be afraid to make ugly calligraphy while you push yourself out of your comfort zone. Doing that will allow you to see what works, and how far you can take things, to help you discover a bounce in your calligraphy that works for you. Compare Results and Make Notes As you work on this technique and try these different methods, keep notes to remind you of what you liked and what worked best for you. The examples used in this blog are courtesy of Jane Walker who attended our Calligraphy Retreat weekend. We focused on ways to create a calligraphy style of your own and these bouncing exercises were part of that. We loved her examples and hope that they've helped you to apply bounce to your calligraphy. For more info on the calligraphy retreats that we run, click here. Here is a worksheet to help you to practice bouncing your calligraphy.

Combine the aesthetics of calligraphy with simple drawings using the pressure and release technique. Practicing calligraphy is essential, but thinking of what to write can often draw a blank! How about incorporating seasonal doodles into your calligraphy practice? This can add a delightful touch to your work and will still build up your pen control and muscle memory (the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement.) In this blog, I will show you how we went about creating the seasonal doodles template that was sent to our newsletter subscribers this October. It's a fun and such a simple way to keep inspired. Seasonal doodles that capture the essence of each season, from the delicate blossoms of spring to the cozy mittens of winter can become part of you way getting to grips with calligraphy. Incorporating these seasonal elements into your calligraphy practice might seem odd as they aren't letters, but keep reading! Modern calligraphy relies on the thick and thin strokes of the pen giving different thicknesses of line. If you are using a pointed nib, brush pen or paint brush, this is achieved but pressing down more firmly when you are drawing a stroke that is coming downwards (towards your body) and lighter for those strokes that go upwards. Being able to do this change of pressure without thinking about it allows you to concentrate on designing your calligraphy, so practice needs to build this automatic response. Tip #1 - Apply pressure and release as you create your doodles Pencil some doodles out first, then as you work over them with your calligraphy pen or brush, press down to make a thicker downstroke, and go lightly when you move the pen up the page. This is how calligraphy is done and so even if what you're creating is a pattern or picture, by making them in this way you continue to build up your muscle memory. Tip #2 - Keep it Simple for Practice Drills Keep your drawings simple, your focus is on controlling the pressure of the pen or brush, so don't make it difficult by creating very detailed designs. Embrace the seasons, let your creativity flow, and watch your calligraphy projects bloom like the flowers in spring, shine like the summer sun, rustle like autumn leaves, and glisten like winter snowflakes. Tip #3 - Collect Inspiration Pinterest, Instagram, and nature walks can be excellent sources of inspiration. Begin a sketch book of seasonal doodles, practice different styles, shapes, and sizes until you find a style you enjoy doing. Integrate calligraphy to create seasonally themed greeting cards, invitations, or even wall art. Tip #4 - Experiment with Colours Use seasonally appropriate colours to enhance the overall theme. Coloured inks, metallic paints, or gouache can be used with a nib or paint brush. If you're using brush pens, pick a few shades that work together and blend them in your work. Tip #5 - Trace your Ideas So that you can re-use a doodle that you really like, trace it by using a light-pad. They come in different sizes and are such a useful tool as they shine light up through the paper, allowing you to see what is under the sheet you're working on to use it as a guide. Digital tools can help you practice calligraphy, so if you have an IPad Pro, an Apple Pencil and Procreate App you can trace drawings by applying layers. Download the Autumn Template for your own Calligraphy Practice This doodle design is one of the monthly templates that we send the our subscribers. If you weren't subscribed then you can click here to download your own copy and do share what you create on social (credit us please!). Click here to Download the Template If you would like more ideas and motivation, then please do subscribe to our monthly newsletter at the bottom of the page. Happy Doodling! Maisie

We know how frustrating it can be to spend all your time on your calligraphy, and then when you want to share your work, the colours look wrong, or the image is blurry and distorted. In this post we will outline simple steps that you can take to help your calligraphy look its best in your photographs. No special apps are required beyond the default photo adjustments available on Android and iOS. 1 Find a good source of light. Placing your piece in natural daylight will make the biggest difference to almost every aspect of the photography process, including the colour accuracy. Take the piece outside to photograph it, avoiding the glare of direct sunlight and any reflections from branches, or you and the phone leaning over it. If you can’t go outside, place your work next to an open door, or window to act as your light source. Turn off any lights in the room, and stand directly over or in-front of your piece to take the shot. Photographing your piece lit by household bulbs indoors will prevent the camera capturing all the different colours in your piece. 2 Avoid Shadows & Reflections. The aim is to light the entire piece evenly. Shoot directly in-front or above the piece and check for any shadows being cast. If there are shadows, move around so that they aren't falling onto the work. Don't be tempted to use flash, strong light can reflect, which will result in a glare in the photo. 3 Photograph before Framing. If you are shooting a framed picture, the glass will reflect you and anything else in front of it. Having the layer of glass there will also obscure details of your artwork, so it is much better to do your photography before framing. If that's no possible, hold the phone far enough away to avoid being seen in the reflection, and check that nothing else has been caught in the glass. Include more of the surroundings around the piece by shooting from further away, then trim away the outer edges the photo in the edit tool. If you want to show the piece in a frame, hung in situ, take the glass out for the photo and replace it once you've got the shot. Turn your screen brightness all the way up, that way you won’t be compensating for a dim display when you make your edits later. Below shows a framed piece being shot from above, and then cropped in the edit. 4. Avoid Skewing the Perspective. It's easy to skew the photo and distort the perspective of a piece of work, especially when you are busy trying to avoid shadows! Having the perspective wrong can mean your piece looks contorted and not at all how it is in reality. The key is making sure the angle of your piece and the angle of your phone are the same. If you’ve laid your piece on the floor and you’re shooting down onto it, there’s built-in help on your iPhone to make sure you’re aligned. Go into your Settings, then Camera and turn Grid function on. These steps are for an iPhone, (but most smartphones will have a similar function). With this function on, when you look down at the image, two crosses appear in the centre of your phone display. Move the phone until just one yellow cross shows – you’re now level so take the shot. As long as you have managed to take the shot from above, or from directly in front of the piece, you can edit the position later. Make sure your paper edges line up with the edges of your phone screen as much as possible. Edit the photo by using the crop tool, the phone allows you to turn, and alter the perspective, as well as cut away unwanted edges. 5. Crop. When you’re promoting your work, you want to put out a professional looking image, even if you’re sharing it with friends. Using the ‘crop tool’ to crop and frame your picture to avoid the distraction of the background. To remove the background, go to the edit tool, line the edge of your crop with the sides of your piece. My feet, and the box that the piece is leaning on all need to be removed so that the calligraphy can be the only focus. 6 Create a Situation! Sometimes, include some background in your final shot can help, showing a sense of scale, or works in progress. Be mindful of what’s showing, and that is doesn't distract the eye. How about the inks or the pens you used to create the piece? When doing this, keep the surface wall or floor behind neutral. This can also help when a straight-on shot doesn't 'show-off' the texture of the paper, the shimmer of the ink, or other nuances in your work. For this, take care not to obscure your work, but bring the other objects close to the piece, so that the amount of area around the work is kept to a minimum. A detail shot can give a better feeling of a piece and can be taken from the side, so shadows are easier to avoid. Still keep in mind that the light needs to be natural if at all possible, and as even across the work as you can get it. Choose the part you want to focus on, and tap the phones screen at that point. It will then know to get that section sharp, allowing things further away to fade, giving a nice sense of depth of field. I hope that helps you to take fantastic photographs of all your calligraphy, and we look forward to seeing it on social media very soon. Best wishes Kirsten

MEET THE TEAM Working closely with luxury brands to develop new calligraphy concepts, our team of highly trained artists enhances the campaigns of luxury labels by delighting their customers. From in-store events to event stationery, and calligraphic engraving, we pride ourselves in being the 'go-to' company for the most iconic brands in the world. We deliver quality and consistency across the U.K. and internationally, resulting in outstanding ROI for all our clients. Jill Hembling Company Director Jill has a vast and varied business management background. She has used this knowledge to build and grow The Modern Calligraphy Company brand into its incredible success today. Her energy, drive, and enthusiasm ensure that every job is met with the highest level of skill, efficiency, and professionalism. Cath James Corporate Event Coordinator ​ With her communication skills as a key asset, Cath is able to communicate with clients, vendors effectively, and our in-house design team to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that every event runs smoothly. From logistics to budgeting and marketing, she’s adept at creating timelines and schedules, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Kristi Rasevicius Online & London Tutor ​ Kristi discovered her passion for calligraphy around six years ago when she joined a local calligraphy club. Beginning with traditional calligraphy, she later transitioned to modern calligraphy and lettering, revealing in the diversity of scripts and styles and the creative freedom they offer. Kristi finds great satisfaction in teaching others as calligraphy holds a significant place in her life, cherished for its calming and meditative qualities. The simple act of watching the ink flow brings her immense joy. Katie Jones West Midlands Tutor Katie became completely captivated by calligraphy after finishing her first online class in 2020. She adores the serene and contemplative nature of calligraphy and relishes the opportunity to customize nearly anything using her newfound skills. Kirsten Burke Creative Director Master calligrapher and creative powerhouse, Kirsten inspires beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. Gaining a degree in Graphic Design, Kirsten went on to apprenticed with prominent figures in calligraphy, leveraging her grasp of classical scripts to ignite enthusiasm for contemporary styles in others. She has written a series of books that teach modern calligraphy and has exhibited in art galleries. Emily Goodwin Logistics ​ Emily works tirelessly to ensure every workshop attendee receives their kit. She organises the corporate workshops as well as the many classes we run online for beginner calligraphers. Holly Weeks Online & London Tutor ​ Holly is a professional calligrapher based in London offering live calligraphy and engraving services for luxury brands and corporate clients. She has been practicing modern calligraphy since 2016 and has extensive experience teaching beginner and advanced workshops, creating private commissions, and working closely with couples to design unique wedding stationery. Rosie Parkes Northern Ireland Tutor ​ With a wealth of experience in designing and delivering training within the charity sector, Rosie finds joy in imparting new skills to others, and calligraphy is no exception. Since delving into pointed nib calligraphy in 2021, completing numerous courses, and practicing diligently every day, Rosie is fully prepared to lead you through our workshops and unveil your creative potential. Maisie Minett Workshop Coordinator Maisie conducts calligraphy workshops for corporate clients and supports our team of workshop tutors across the UK. She ensures exceptional instruction, filled with passion, expertise, and clear guidance, no matter where you are located. Whether you're delving into watercolour lettering, copperplate wedding calligraphy, or anything in between, Maisie ensures a top-notch learning experience! Alex Outlaw Essex Area Tutor ​ Alex has a particular passion for creating word pictures with her calligraphy and runs a business designing and making personalised keepsakes and cards for special occasions that are fully bespoke and a true one-off. With a background in teaching and performing arts, Alex is as comfortable in front of a class as she is creating beautiful keepsakes at our live events. Emma Cox Online & Oxford Tutor Emma in a left-handed calligrapher and she stumbled upon the therapeutic benefits of calligraphy during a period of burnout. Since then, she has been immersed in crafting wedding stationery and teaching for us online and in the Oxford area. Amy Verse East Sussex Tutor ​ Amy embarked on her calligraphy journey by attending a workshop with The Modern Calligraphy Co. which ignited a creative obsession. Transitioning her hobby into her profession, she has come full circle. As an inspiring and enthusiastic tutor, Amy delights in imparting her expertise and adoration for lettering to others. Nadine Handley Studio Manager Nadine plays a pivotal role in keeping our workshops current by coordinating venues and tutors. This ensures that we can provide inspiring calligraphy classes both online and in various regions across Great Britain. Vicy Daws Online & East Midlands Tutor Having fallen in love with calligraphy after handwriting all her own wedding stationery, Vicky went on to develop her skills and now leads regular workshops for us. ​ Vicky has an eclectic style and loves to switch up styles, whether it's highly polished or whimsical. Kiasah Sanusi Online & Dorset Tutor ​ Coming from a background in watercolour artistry, Kiasah discovered calligraphy through Instagram and hasn't turned back since. Her studio is nestled in Lyme Regis, situated on the picturesque Jurassic coast of Dorset. Balancing her business designing wedding stationery with the care of her three children keeps her happily occupied. In 1997, Jill Hembling & Kirsten Burke set up their business- built on their love of modern calligraphy. Fast forward 25 years, and they’ve sold more than 10 million greeting cards, created large-scale public artworks, written five books and run 1000’s of calligraphy events for leading brands including Jo Malone, BMW and Molton Brown with their team of more than 40 calligraphers (and counting) from all over the country. "I hope we’ve helped inspire others to pick up a pen or a brush and to fall in love with calligraphy. "In a fast pace world, this ancient skill, reinvented for today’s generation, has never been more popular and I feel proud and lucky to be part of this exciting and thriving industry." Kirsten Burke

CASE STUDIES Our central team based in Chichester manages the business's core operations, handling bookings, scheduling, customer inquiries, marketing, and running workshops for individuals and businesses interested in learning calligraphy. The design team creates educational materials, lesson plans, and resources for teaching calligraphy to fit the needs of every client. Meanwhile, the nationwide team of calligraphers we have under our umbrella allows the business to offer calligraphy services both in terms of education and commercial projects on a broader scale across the UK. Celebrity-Studded Party at The National Gallery An extravaganza at The National Gallery exemplified the power of art to unite, inspire, and transform. Celebrities mingled with guests and explored the gallery's treasures alongside art aficionados. Go to Click-of-a-Button Workshops for WeWork Our unique approach to delivering calligraphy workshops creates a harmonious blend of local expertise and centralised coordination for WeWork's community around the U.K. Go to Ink & Innovation with TikTok By sending skilled calligraphers onsite, this program aims to promote creativity, team-building, and a unique form of engagement among TikTok employees. Go to

LIMITLESS CREATIVITY Express your personality and style with calligraphy. Whether your aim is to enhance brand recognition and memorability, or learn this timeless artform for yourself, everything you need is here. Services Classes Elevate Your Brand Custom Calligraphy for Business. Calligraphy adds a unique and handcrafted touch, enhancing brand recognition and memorability. Go to Train With Us Calligraphy imparts an air of elegance, sophistication, and authenticity so learn how to deliver the best experience to clients. Go to Learn Calligraphy Dive into the therapeutic world of beautiful strokes and elegant lettering, and let the movement of the pen bring you inner peace and enhance your focus. Go to JOIN OUR TEAM Are you a talented calligrapher that would love to join our team? If so, we are excited to hear from you! Please click the link below to let us know your experience in the calligraphy field. JOIN THE TEAM