Best Calligraphy Classes in NYC
Calligraphy is a visual art form. Using a paintbrush, pen, or other writing instrument, calligraphers create memorable messages on a variety of mediums. The art of calligraphy can be a cherished hobby, one that results in handmade gifts for loved ones, or it can be transformed into a profitable business, developing signs and other marketing materials as part of brand design.
Perhaps an older practice than you may think, calligraphy has been around for over 3,000 years and first appeared in English between 1590 and 1610. A revival occurred throughout Europe in the 19th century, thanks to British calligrapher Edward Johnston, who started teaching writing, illuminating, and lettering at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London in 1899.
Derived from the Greek “kallos” which means “beauty” and “graphein” which translates to “to write,” calligraphy uses artistic expression to transform individual letters, whole words, and entire phrases into bespoke masterpieces. From eye-catching personal notes to intricately-designed wedding invitations, the art of calligraphy can open so many new doors for those artisans dedicated to mastering the craft.
Whether you wish to begin a new hobby, create intentionally-made gifts for those you love, or start a potentially lucrative side hustle or business, you’ll enjoy the feeling that comes from mastering a new skill and creating something that is all your own.
Why You Should Learn Calligraphy in NYC
Often described as a meditative practice, calligraphy forces practitioners to slow down, focus, and breathe, making it an excellent way to relieve stress. And, in a city like New York, de-stressing can be hard to do. Calligraphy can also be a low-cost hobby; all you need to get started is a pen, nib, paper, and ink. With a little time and minimal supplies, calligraphers can create unique gifts to suit any loved one or occasion.
Calligraphy as a hobby offers so many outlets for forming a community and making friends. The Society of Scribes, based in New York City, is just one example of groups and forums that are ready to welcome passionate new calligraphers!
Want to turn your new hobby into a career? Calligraphers can use their skills to launch a small business that designs invitations, name cards, and signs for weddings. They can also create a side hustle selling greeting card designs. From thank-you notes to birthday cards, there is no limit to what can be created. Experts can even launch their own businesses teaching others calligraphy, offering workshops that broaden their community and encourage others to follow their passions.
In-Person Calligraphy Classes & Schools in NYC
Vibrant and bustling, New York is known as a haven for artists and the creative. So it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of calligraphy courses in NYC. Inspired by your local neighborhood, your favorite park, or the bodega you visit daily? An in-person calligraphy class is a great place to explore your self-expression and let loose your creative spirit.
Modern Calligraphy from the Brooklyn Craft Company in Brooklyn, NYC is the perfect course for beginners, guiding you through the basics of modern calligraphy with a focus on developing your own lettering style. You’ll start with practicing the alphabet, words, and phrases, and end the class with your own finished piece.
The Brooklyn Craft Company also offers Modern Calligraphy Bootcamp, a four-hour workshop with an all-in-one approach to learning about the tools for calligraphy. This class focuses solely on pointed pens (also called dip pens) calligraphy, serving as a foundational course upon which other techniques can be built. Students will learn basics like how to assemble a pen, the importance of pressure, and the eight basic strokes of lettering.
Also in New York, Jade Scarlet Art in Manhattan offers a course called Modern Calligraphy: Brush Lettering. This class will teach all the techniques needed for creating the thick and thin lines that are the foundation for creating beautiful brush lettering forms. Also great for beginners, students can practice the basic strokes of lettering, master both upper and lower case, and learn how to connect letters to form words and phrases.
Offered by Craftsman Ave, Introduction to Lettering is hosted in Brooklyn. Students will learn to draw a grid, set a baseline, determine lettering angles, and work through their own curves and ligatures. The goal is that, by the end of class, students have created a handmade piece and gained the knowledge needed to develop their own designs.
For those who have mastered calligraphy with a pen, perhaps now it’s time to try a new medium. Watercolor Brush Lettering is a course offered by CraftJam in SoHo. Students will learn how to work with a water brush and watercolor paints, how to mix shades, and how to paint the eight basic strokes. This class is beginner-friendly, so those entirely new to the art of calligraphy are welcome!
Virtual Calligraphy Classes & Schools
Do you lack the ability to attend an in-person class or simply wish to work from wherever you choose? Online calligraphy courses, whether live or on-demand, offer more flexibility for students with difficult schedules or long commutes.No need to worry about traffic and the cost of gas; students simply log into their courses from the comfort of their own homes and instantly have access to expert instructors and a virtual community of fellow artisans.
It’s important to note that online courses require students to purchase their supplies, and the responsibility of creating or finding an appropriate workspace belongs to the students as well.
Virtual Beginner’s Calligraphy (Part 1 & 2) teaches students the more freeform style of modern calligraphy. A combination of traditional calligraphy and self-expression, students will learn the techniques needed to make the thick and thin lines required with a brush, pen, or even a marker.
Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy is hosted by Design KOUS and is a four-hour course where you will practice the alphabets of casual script calligraphy. Students will gain a better understanding of the correct lines, shapes, and proportions of the letters, as well as develop better control over their calligraphy tools of choice.
Continuing Contemplative Calligraphy is a course available for those who are slightly more experienced with the art of calligraphy. Hosted via Zoom, this class meets once per week for calligraphy practice and guided meditation. The class also includes an interactive Q&A for things like design, layout, and how to develop an artistic eye
Private Group Calligraphy Classes in NYC
Do you have a business or organization that could benefit from a group calligraphy class? A great team-building exercise, private group classes offer face-to-face time with an expert instructor, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to cater a class to your group’s specific needs.
Jade Scarlet Art offers Modern Calligraphy in Flatiron. This two-hour brush lettering course requires no prior experience and will teach you all the techniques you need to know for brush lettering. This course can accommodate a group of up to 50 people and will provide all the necessary materials to get you started.
If you’re looking for something online, this Virtual Calligraphy Workshop is a two-hour course led by a professional artist and calligraphy expert. Each student will learn the eight basic strokes of modern brush lettering, tips and tricks for perfecting their lettering practice, and the fundamentals for bouncing and flourishes.
No need to worry about class supplies, either. Before your class, you’ll receive calligraphy pens and markers, stationary for practicing, and worksheets for developing your skills.
The minimum group size for this course is 10, and it’s only an additional $65 for each person thereafter. You can even choose to customize your event, for a $150 customization fee, with things like combining different games, requesting specific questions or a themed game, or adding something to an event with materials included.
With zero booking fees and confirmation sent within 24 hours, scheduling a private group calligraphy class has never been easier. You can even modify your headcount after booking and can cancel your workshop for free with a two-week notice.
Interested in learning more before you say yes? You can request a 20-minute demo of this event for $100 to ensure it’s the right fit for your organization or business, or you can reach out through the contact form on Coursehorse’s site.
CourseHorse recommends Zoom for virtual group classes, but can also accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. It’s even possible to have courses come to your office or home space, as well.
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