Calligraphy naturally lends itself to mindfulness because it connects our thoughts and language to our body’s movement.

In this class, I focus on calligraphy not as a technical skill to be mastered, but as a practice to be enjoyed – one that can stir creativity and evoke a unique sort of mindful focus.

My goal in sharing these reflections and practice techniques is that you will feel inspired to explore your own calligraphy practice in new ways and ultimately find even more pleasure in writing by hand.

Part 1: My reflections on the connective power of calligraphy

In the first half of this class, I share my reflections on the unique mind-body connection that calligraphy creates, the benefits of calligraphy as a practice, and the broader benefits of writing by hand. I share the many ways that I believe writing by hand forms connections, both internal and external: connection to ourselves, to each other, to the past, and quite literally, to itself.

Part 2: A meditative calligraphy exercise

In the second half of the class, you can follow along as I show you my own practice for mindful calligraphy, which emphasizes the process of calligraphy over the finished product. Calligraphy has a unique way of calming the mind and stirring creativity. You will practice slowing down and reflecting on language in a way that fast handwriting does not allow for. Think of it like a self-guided meditation to help you connect your expression of language with your body’s movement.

➤ About Me

I’m Molly Suber Thorpe. I’ve been a professional hand lettering artist and teacher since 2009. I have a particular passion for teaching because I simply love helping other artists hone their skills, opening doors to new creative opportunities and profitable freelance careers.

As a Top Teacher here on Skillshare, I offer lots of classes about calligraphy, typography, Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and creative freelancing. Check out my other classes.

You might also be interested in…

My website
Molly’s Lettering Toolkit – my archive of free hand lettering practice sheets!
My Procreate brushes: Ultimate Calligraphy & Lettering Procreate Brush Kit
My YouTube channel of calligraphy and illustration tutorials
My lettering and calligraphy books

➤ Links to Tools I Use in Class

A downloadable version of this link list is available in the Projects & Resources section. Some of the tools listed below use affiliate links.

Calligraphy Guideline Sheet:

My calligraphy guideline sheet can be downloaded from the Projects & Resources section of this class. Please make sure you’re accessing the class from a browser rather than the app to have full access to course materials.

iPad Tools I Use in Class:

Hardware & App:

• iPad Pro, 12.9-inch, 6th Generation
• Apple Pencil, 2nd Generation
• Procreate App

Procreate brushes:

Both brushes I use in class are from my Ultimate Lettering and Calligraphy Procreate Kit:

• Pencil brush: “Molly’s Favorite Letter Sketching Pencil”
• Calligraphy brush: “Classic Pointed Pen”

Misc:

• SmudgeGuard Touchscreen Glove (mine is the 1-finger style in size S)
• Read about my iPad recommendations and essential accessories

Writing Tools I Use in Class:

Nibs:

• Nikko G Nib
• Zebra G Nib
• Zebra G Titanium Nib
• Brause EF 66 Nib

Pens & Pencils:

• Luthis “Dragonfly” Folded Pen
• Tachikawa T-25 Pen Holder
• Herbin Glass Pen
• Pentel Brush Sign Pen
• Kaweko 60’s Swing Fountain Pen
• Louise Fili Perfetto Pencils
• Mechanical Wood Pencil

Ink & Paint:

• Ziller Ink
• Moon Palace Sumi Ink
• Kuretake Gold Mica Ink
• Kuretake Vermilion Ink
• Herbin Violet Scented Ink
• Finetec Metallic Watercolors

Paper:

• Paper & Ink Arts Guideline Paper
• Rhodia x PAScribe Black Paper
• Borden & Riley Layout Paper
• Strathmore Bristol Paper
• Strathmore Artagain Black Paper
• Polar Grid Paper
• SM•LT Calligraphy Album