What is Modern Calligraphy?And what’s the difference between Modern & Traditional Calligraphy?

What is Modern Calligraphy?

Modern calligraphy is a technique that uses non-traditional letter forms to create beautiful works of art and design with words. Unlike traditional calligraphy, modern calligraphy doesn't have strict rules regarding spacing, letter size, and slant degree. It allows the writer/artist to create pieces that appeal to a more contemporary audience. This style is trendy now and can be found on chalkboard menus for shops, casual event invitations, contemporary logo designs, and so much more. Modern calligraphy has flourished in the past ten years and is now practiced by a diverse range of people and for a wider variety of reasons than traditional styles were used.

Modern vs. Traditional styles

So, what is Traditional Calligraphy you ask?  Well, traditional calligraphy uses vintage "foundational hand" styles to create letterforms and words. Spencerian, Engrosser's Script, and Copperplate are just a few of the foundational hands you may see on historical documents, traditional wedding invitations, note cards, etc. These scripts have precise rules regarding slant degree, words spacing, and shaping of letters. 

Of course, it all boils down to personal preference.  What style are you drawn to? 

Below are the foundational hands I mentioned earlier:

Copperplate Script

Spencerian Script

Engrosser’s Script