HowJoyful - A creative blog for lettering and calligraphy lovers

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Your online resource for all things:

Where do I start?

Start by reading my full guide to Brush Calligraphy by clicking the button below, there I cover everything you should know before starting, from definitions to posture, how to hold a pen, and how letters are constructed.

Read the brush calligraphy guide

Fresh Calligraphy + Lettering blog post!

Check the latest post about lettering and Calligraphy, I cover everything to get you started! From paper to brushes and calligraphy styles. Also, about handwriting cursive and other handwriting tips.

Calligraphy history: Where does calligraphy come from?

Calligraphy alphabets examples: What are lettering styles?

Calligraphy pens: The best brush pens to start with Calligraphy

Procreate Brushes: The best brushes for iPad Lettering + Calligraphy

Calligraphy & Lettering Practice: Tips to set up for success!

Alphabet letters worksheets – Uppercase letters & lowercase letters

Lettering Cursive: Intro to American Cursive & Script alphabets

Calligraphy paper: The best paper for beginner practice & final projects

More Calligraphy + Lettering

Not sure about what the difference between lettering and calligraphy is?
► I wrote this post explaining it all.

The Latest crafts & tutorials post

What is a Cricut machine & everything you should know before getting one

Cricut materials comparison

How to make stickers with your Cricut – Print then Cut feature

How to use basic Cricut tools for beginners

How to use Cricut iron on vinyl – Tips to get started

Crafting for a Cause: Cricut Backpacks for Foster Care

Cricut Joy: Card making 101 – Spreading Joy to nursing homes

What is Cricut Joy & what can I do with it?

Doodles & Drawing post

If you are getting started with a bullet journal or just want to add doodles and illustrations to your artwork, these posts will cover all the basics you should know!

Easy things to draw: 100+ Cool ideas to doodle on your bullet journal

Lovely Affirmations and Flowers Coloring Book

Embrace Positivity: How coloring Affirmations can transform your day

Drawing ideas: Doodles and sketches to add to your journal

Notebooks for designers: The best paper planners and sketchbooks

Drawings of roses: How to draw a rose – Step by step tutorial (3 ways)

Flower Drawing: Draw and paint an easy flower step by step (Kate Kyehyun Park feature)

Lettering coloring pages: 6 beautiful FREE pages to relax and color!

Drawing leaves: How to draw step by step – Doodle a leaf

Joyful Brush Calligraphy Starter Bundle

40+ handcrafted brushes to supercharge your use of the Procreate App on your iPad. I am sharing all my favorite brushes, the same ones I made to use with all my digital projects.

$17.99 REG $119.6~~~~

BUY THE BUNDLE

BUY SINGLE BRUSHES

Frequently asked questions about Calligraphy & Lettering

Are Calligraphy & Lettering the same thing?

No, they are not the same. Why? Because of the way letters are constructed.
LETTERING: Drawing letters, using the necessary number of revisions, modifications, and usually born out of several thumb sketch ideas.
CALLIGRAPHY: Writing letters, whether, in one stroke or the deconstruction of several strokes, there is no erasing or re-adjusting.
If you would like to dig a little deeper, I've explained the differences between lettering and calligraphy in this post.

Where can I find Calligraphy & Lettering classes?

I wrote a post where I share 25 of my favorite classes in this post. And I also shared all my favorite Skillshare classes here.

What tools do I need to get started?

The thing I love the most about lettering and brush calligraphy is the low barrier to entry, to start practicing lettering all you need is a pencil, pen, and an eraser.
For brush calligraphy, all you need is a brush pen that allows pressure sensitivity and paper.
Of course, from there you can go as wild as you want! I have a full list of materials that I love on this page.

Do you have free resources?

Absolutely!!
I created the Letter Vault to share all my Free resources in one single place.
All you have to do to get access is to subscribe to the HowJoyful Newsletter.

Kenny and Joy wedding

Who runs this blog?

My name is Joy Kelley, I am the mom of 3 little boys. A lettering artist/designer originally from Santiago, Chile but currently residing in the mountains of Southern California, USA.

I love to share my experiences as a lettering artist, business owner, and blogger. Let’s be friends!

More about Joy