Calligraphy, Lettering & Typography explained
Calligraphy, Lettering & Typography. Are these just interchangeable words? You know, like “I say ‘potayto’ and you say ‘pothato”? Are they just synonyms? The short answer is ‘no’ - and it is important to understand their differences when commissioning a professional to do work for you.
One of the biggest misconceptions held by people who are unfamiliar with design work is thinking that Calligraphy, Lettering, and Typography are all in the same category and have the same meaning. In the world of letter-creation, however, these three are broken down into a few different categories of artists that are fundamentally different: calligraphers, letterers and type designers. Simply put, calligraphers and letterers both create custom letters - each within a different method - while type designers construct a system of letters (known as typefaces).
So let’s get to the main differences:
Calligraphy
The Oxford dictionary defines calligraphy as “decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering”, which is why many people perceive it and confuse it with lettering. Nonetheless, calligraphy is more like art, there is no erasing, nor correction of the letters. It embraces the spontaneity of executing letterforms according to a model or freehand. The artist develops the skill through constant practice and repetition using muscle memory to execute a set ‘style’ of letters.
“Kalli- is a Greek root meaning “beautiful,” and “beautiful” in the case of calligraphy means artistic, stylized, and elegant.” – Merriam Webster
Lettering
If we were to be malicious, we would describe lettering as having a bit of a split personality. This form of writing also uses drawn letters as the previous category, while creating a design or layout that is intended as a stand alone composition. However, while calligraphy is born out of a single pass of the pen/tool to write, lettering artists use as many stokes as necessary. They normally sketch, erase, correct and add until they are happy with the connection and relationship between letters and overall composition of the single artwork piece.
Typography
As aforementioned, when we describe typography, we are referring to system of letters created by a type designer. Type designers create systems of characters and make letters that work in endless combinations no matter the composition. Look at the words you're reading right now: they consist of the exact same letter formations, yet look seamless together. That's from the hard work of a type designer. Designing type is a very time-intensive process. Many typefaces were in the works for years before being released commercially.
In sum, despite common belief, there are actually quite a lot of differences between calligraphy, lettering, and typography, all of which contribute to the inherent - and often surprising - richness of typographical design!
Did you find this helpful? Are there any other questions regarding typography that you’d like us to tackle? Please leave all your comments below. We can’t wait to read them!
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Happy Musings!!
