What are the 7 Exotic Types of Calligraphy? 

As human consciousness evolved, we have come up with different ways of expressing our thoughts and emotions. It first started through gestures and eventually graduated to a visual medium. Calligraphy is a written communication style that has been adopted and evolved over generations. Over time, variations of this art form have been found all over the world. Calligraphy styles inspired by Greek, Roman, Italian, and Chinese styles have been extensively used in various forms throughout history. Even today, these diverse writing styles are widely used all over the globe. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most common types of calligraphy today. 

Different Types of Calligraphy 

Over the centuries, the calligraphy art form has taken inspiration from different cultures in the world and has undergone considerable changes. Different cultures have adopted the art form and have incorporated something unique. Given below are some different styles of calligraphy that are prevalent today: 

1. Pointed Pen Calligraphy 

This is a type of calligraphy that is carried out with a pen with a pointed nib. These kinds of pens are available with separate nibs in an individual nib holder. This type of calligraphy is most commonly used to execute thick strokes and thin hairlines. This can be quite fun to do and also acts as a form of therapy or relaxation. Further, this style of calligraphy is relatively easier to execute and very versatile. Beginners can even start practicing this form of calligraphy on rough papers or poor covers. Regular practice of this style can help in establishing the foundation and clearing up the basics. Some examples of Pointed Pen Calligraphy are: 

• Copperplate
• Roundhand
• Spencerian
• Engravers

2. Broad Edge Calligraphy 

Broad edge calligraphy can be executed perfectly if you use flat nib pens. The artist can create thin, intricate lines by placing the pen at a 0-degree angle while writing the letters. This method can ensure that the artist can seamlessly create straight lines as well as complex curved lines. Further, the artist can also create thick and bold lines by going down the same angle and lines repetitively. This calligraphy technique has inspired many fonts that are very popular today like Blackletter, Italic, Uncial Gothic Scripts, etc. This calligraphy can be divided into two further types, as given below: 

• Broad Edge Nib
• Pen Holder

3. Faux Calligraphy 

This is the most basic of calligraphy types and can be seamlessly executed with all kinds of writing instruments like markers, crayons, chalks, and even ballpoint pens. This style of the art form can be described as simply writing words in a cursive writing manner that imitates the styles of calligraphy. This is why this calligraphy style is often described as a fake (faux) calligraphy style. This is the most widely practiced form of calligraphy, as it is very easy to master and super fun to do. Further, the artist can add to the magic of this art form by simply sharpening and adding additional boldness to the downstroke. Some of the materials that can be used to practice the faux style are: 

• Murals
• Glass
• Wood
• Chalkboards
• Walls
• Clothing

4. Brush Pen Calligraphy 

This is the type of calligraphy art form that can be done equally easily with a calligraphy pen as well as with a flexible marker with a tapered and consistent flow of ink. This is one of the most commonly practiced types, as all that a calligraphy artist requires is just paper and pen. The artist can create beautifully intricate designs by utilising both light and bold brush strokes. For creating lines with a light stroke, just relax the pen and don’t apply any pressure while moving the pen upwards. However, if the artist wants to make thick lines, they can do so by applying a little pressure on the pen while moving downwards. 

5. Western Calligraphy 

Western calligraphy, also known as the Latin writing system, is the most commonly used form of the hand lettering art form in the United States. This type of calligraphy has found various applications in today’s society, especially for advertising and promotional activities. This art form is widely used for creating illustrative poetry, handwritten cards, and other such creative paper crafts. This type of calligraphy can be done with parchment paper, water-based ink, brush, flat ballad, and round-nibbed pen. Some types of western calligraphy are: 

• Modern Pointed Pen Type
• Traditional Pointed Pen Type
• Broad Edge Type

6. Eastern Calligraphy 

This type of calligraphy is most widely used in the eastern regions of the globe. This style finds its origins in the ancient art styles of China, Japan, and Korea. Calligraphers were highly revered individuals in these ancient cultures, and they often acquired these skills for a higher ranking. Eastern calligraphy is usually far more widely used as they have wider use in advertising and modern pop culture. Further, they are much easier to carry out as they have shorter manuscripts than Western calligraphy. 

7. Islamic Calligraphy 

This type of calligraphy can be most easily observed in ancient Arabic religious texts. This is precisely why it can be used with dip and broad nib pens. The Islamic style of calligraphy has further inspired numerous styles like Afghan, Persian, Arab, Ottoman, and Pakistani. One thing that is common between all these styles is that they are almost exclusively used for writing religious scripts on holy texts or mosques. The Islamic style was most prevalent during the Ottoman period due to the vastness of the empire, and that was a period of enhanced trade and commerce. 

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