What is Modern Calligraphy?
Any non-traditional, loose, or organic style of calligraphy is labeled modern calligraphy. Modern calligraphy is thought to include brush lettering, italics, and cursive writing, which explains its recent rise in popularity.
Where can you find it?
Modern digital calligraphy is perfect for adding a special touch to your designs and artwork. You can use it on invitations, gift cards, and other items where you want to add a unique and stylish look. It’s also great for embellishing your blog posts and social media content.
Characteristical attributes
It has many features that make it stand out from traditional calligraphy. Artists can create an interesting and unique look for their designs without worrying about the traditional rules of an ancient craft.
Modern calligraphy is typical for its benevolent letter shapes, dance-like rhythm, and wide range of brushes that create high contrast between thin and thick strokes.
You can create stunning effects with different of brushes and strokes—from elegant scripts to bold and expressive lettering. The key is to experiment and find the look that works for you.
How to make modern calligraphy with LTTR/INK
If you are new to LTTR/INK you can find a step by step instructions on how to use it—from installation to drawing basics here.
As mentioned earlier this calligraphy style typically uses a brush that creates high contrast. LTTR/INK is the perfect tool to get this look quickly and easily. So let’s do it!
1. Set the vector points of the letter skeleton at the areas of the stroke that you want to have total control of. These are the places where the LTTR/INK ellipses are generated which allow you to adjust the stroke parameters. It doesn’t necessarily need to be at the extremes.
2. For this calligraphy style, you need at least two stroke styles (thin and thick), however, in certain curvy areas, it’s very beneficial to use a third one—something in the middle.
3. PRO TIP: Sometimes you may not be satisfied with the results of how your chosen stroke styles interact and you’ll get lumpy results. The good news is, you don’t have to adjust the skeleton or try to figure out new stroke parameters. A simple change of the angle of the ellipse can do the magic.
That’s why the most efficient way to adjust the shape of the letters is to prepare a set of stroke styles with the same parameters but with different angles. We highly recommend setting four different styles of a thin stroke and then simply switching between them and finding the combination that works for your design. But you can also experiment with the set of four thick styles. It’s completely up to you.
Also, don’t forget to name your stroke styles properly so your design process won’t get messy.
4. If you initially invest some time and set your stroke styles properly, you’ll be able to adjust your design quickly and effortlessly just with a transformation tool, without messing up the stroke.
5. You can also apply the same stroke styles for different types of skeletons to keep your design consistent.
6. Are you satisfied with your design? Great! The last step you need to do is to expand the stroke.
You’ll get a vector outline that is easily editable the traditional way so you can adjust all the little curve imperfections (even though they are perfectly acceptable for this calligraphy style as they bring a unique touch to the result).Beware the vector points are automatically generated at the places where former ellipses touched the shape edges.
Feeling inspired? Download the latest version of LTTR/INK Adobe Illustrator plugin here and start drawing immediately. So let it be written, so let it be done!