Calligraphy

What is calligraphy?

• Calligraphy is the art of writing with decorative lettering.

• In Calligraphy, one gives some definite meaning to decorative lettering and wording by which they create additional value for the purpose of communicating a message.

• Calligraphy is an integral part of graphic designing, fine arts, Manuscripts, sign art etc.

What do calligraphers do?

• Expert and professional calligraphers master handwriting. 

• They can give different artistic shapes to letters in different languages. 

• Calligraphers are given content by the clients to give them a gorgeous, attractive, or vibrant look. 

• Calligraphers work as graphic designers of letters. 

• Calligraphers develop certificates, draft front covers of books and magazines, sketch banners and greetings cards, and draft invitation cards. 

• There is actually no end to innovative thoughts; so, a professional calligrapher can use its artistic innovations in any creative work where letters are important and indispensable. 

Where can one study calligraphy in India?

Best institutions in India where calligraphy is taught are:

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) New Delhi,

• Achyut Palav School of Calligraphy- Mumbai; 

• Vikrant Karia Institute of Art- Mumbai

• Sri Yogeshwari Institute of Handwriting - Bangalore

• Sir J.J Institute Of Applied Art

Popular colleges teaching calligraphy in India

• Natraj Academy of Fine Art and Animation, Pune 

• YMCA, New Delhi

• Rishihood University, Sampath

• Big Art Institute, Mumbai

• Zee Institute of Creative Art, Guwahati

What is the duration of a course in Calligraphy?

• Certificate courses are between 3 months and 6 months duration.

• Bachelor of Graphic and Multimedia design is of 4 years’ duration.

What qualities are important to be a professional calligrapher?

Following are some qualities important to be a professional calligrapher:

• Artistic mindset and basic knowledge of conventional art

• Inventive, creative, and intuitive 

• Enterprising and client-oriented

What are the areas of specialization under Calligraphy?

Calligraphy being concerned with just the artistic display of text can specialize in:

• Advertising 

• Media publication 

• Graphic designs

• Magazine and journal design

Where do calligraphers work? 

Calligraphers get jobs in the following sectors:

• Advertising agencies, 

• Art schools

• Web development companies as graphic designers. 

• Television Channels

• Movie production companies 

• Publishing houses

• Calligraphers work as freelancers and find clients from different sectors on their own. 

How much a Calligraphy graduate earns in India?

• Average Salary for a Handwriting expert in India is Rs 4,31,106/yr which makes it hourly Rs 207/hr

• The average salary of a Handwriting expert at entry-level in India is Rs 3,25,097/yr

• The average salary of a Handwriting expert  at senior level is Rs 5,31,289/yr

What kinds of books and study materials are available for Calligraphy?

• NID Mock Test Series 2020-21 (As Per New B. Design Pattern)

• Designer’s Guide to Color by James Stockton

• Communication Arts, International Periodical

• Colour- A Workshop for artists and designers by David Hornung

• Calligraphy Today by Ajit Mukherjee

• All about techniques in Dry Media – Parramons Editorial Team

• Kleppner's Advertising Procedure by J.T. Russel, W.R. Lane

• Fundamentals of Advertising by John Wilmshurst, Adrian Mackay

• Freehand drawing from Flat Example by Raviraj

• Encyclopedia of Calligraphy Techniques by D.H. Wilson

• Druk Kala by Shantinath Arwade

• Anatomy and Drawing by Victor Perard, Grace Prakashan

• Perspective Drawing by Milind Mulik, Jyotsna Prakashan

• The World of Visual Communication by Rege G.M

• Commercial Art Techniques by Raviraj

• Color- A Workshop for artists and designers by David Hornung

• Encyclopedia of Calligraphy Techniques by D.H. Wilson

• Type and Color by Richard Emery

• Designers Poster by Rockport

• Pencil Shading Basic Techniques by Raviraj

• Advertising Art and Ideas by Rege G.M

Interesting Facts

Dip pens were discovered in the first half of the 19th century, it looked like a quill pen with a metal nib and handle.