learn calligraphy alphabet

okay, i put this under freehand for indieart, but it's not really. this is a new calligraphy font i'm putting together called "bustardo". it's largely based on the batarde font (popular in 13-15th century france). there are some variations between the alphabets shown. please let me know which letters you like and dislike!

i like the third style all except the z. i liked the z from the first alphabet, but really this is a cool hand. i'd like to practice with it because it looks so fun. very inspiring

medieval calligraphy alphabet

Gothic was a popular medieval calligraphy.  It was also called Blackletter for the dark appearance of a written page.  The letters are square in shape, and are written at a 45 degree angle. 

Click on the photo for a larger image of the Gothic alphabet.  Try copying the simpler lowercase letters, then move on to the more elaborate uppercase letters.  Make sure to use a 45 degree pen angle.

Try writing your name, squeezing the letters close enough together that you could fit just one pen stroke between them.  This technique was used by monks copying manuscripts, in order to save parchment.