Modern Calligraphy Books Roundup

There are many kinds of calligraphy but one of the easiest styles to start practising is what's known as modern calligraphy.

Calligraphy differs from hand lettering in that the tool should always shape the letterform, so most modern calligraphers use brush pens to start with.

To help you get started, we've compiled a list of some of the best books on modern calligraphy. Most of these are physical books, so you'll need to order a copy from your favourite bookstore. We've included links to Amazon if you prefer to order from there.

Pretty Simple Lettering: A Step-by-Step Hand Lettering and Modern Calligraphy Workbook for Beginners
by Whitney Farnsworth

Learn the art of modern calligraphy with this comprehensive workbook! Pretty Simple Lettering is the perfect book for any creative individual, whether you're new to the art or an experienced designer looking to expand your skill. Whitney demonstrates the basics of creating alphabets in many different styles and shows you how to develop those styles into uniquely your own and turn your hand lettering into beautiful pieces of art.

Hand Lettering 101: An Introduction to the Art of Creative Lettering
by Chalkfulloflove

Sarah from Chalkfulloflove has published her popular Hand Lettering and Modern Calligraphy workshop in this lettering workbook! Created especially for both beginners, Sarah shows you the basic alphabet (both lowercase and uppercase) and numbers in many different styles. This workbook includes detailed instructions for nine different hand-lettered projects so you can learn to create your own style into beautiful pieces of art. The workbook is spiral bound, lays flat, and provides plenty of practice opportunities. 

Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy
by Molly Suber Thorpe

Molly breaks the calligraphy process down into simple steps so anyone can learn to create their own wedding invitations, thank you cards, gift tags, and more. Starting with an overview of the supplies―from paper to ink to pens―she shows you how to form letters, words, and phrases by following clear step-by-step instructions and practising with the provided templates. After mastering letter forms using a pointed pen and ink, you can take it to the next level by learning to use watercolour and gouache or digitise your calligraphy.

Mastering Modern Calligraphy: Beyond the Basics: 2,700+ Pointed Pen Exemplars and Exercises for Developing Your Style
by Molly Suber Thorpe

Mastering Modern Calligraphy is a comprehensive guide to taking your pointed pen calligraphy skills to the next level and developing your very own modern style. Following on from Molly’s popular beginner's guide, Modern Calligraphy, Mastering Modern Calligraphy is the perfect companion for pointed pen and digital calligraphers alike. It is aimed at those with some calligraphy experience, presenting more than 2,700 letterforms and ligatures, targeted exercises, stroke drills, flourishes, and phrases, emphasising experimentation and fun rather than rigid uniformity.

Modern Calligraphy: Learn the beautiful art of brush lettering
by Maricar Concepcion Ramos

This book from Maricar features step-by-step projects for using a brush pen and paper to form letters, words, and embellishments. Once you’ve learned the basics of brush lettering, use the helpful tips and artwork to create your own lettered artwork. Then you can hand-letter anything you like, from address labels on envelopes to party invitations, letters to loved ones, cards, decorative artwork, maps, and so on. Maricar's book has nice clear photographs that show you how to hold the pen, which is very useful if you are a beginner.

We hope you enjoyed this wrap-up of these modern calligraphy books for beginners. If you find any that you love, tag us on Instagram and let us know.