Last post we explored the difference between calligraphy and a font. Today we are talking about what makes calligraphy different than hand lettering or faux lettering.
Now the definitions I am going to use may vary between the people you ask. These are MY understanding of them and MY definitions that I have learned through my own studies.
What is the difference between calligraphy and lettering?
Calligraphy
As a refresher, Calligraphy is the art form of writing beautiful or decorative letters with a specialized tool such as a pointed pen or brush. It is different from handwriting or cursive due to the beautiful heavy down strokes and the light up strokes. Unlike handwriting or cursive, calligraphy is created through strokes that make up the letters verses the fluid, one line of handwriting or cursive.
Lettering
Lettering, though similar to calligraphy, is the art of drawing letter forms. Unlike calligraphy, lettering you can create using any tool such as pencil, marker, brush or pen.
Like calligraphy there are many varieties of hand lettering. Think about back in grade school when you would use bubble letters for notes or posters. This is a style of lettering. Lettering can be cursive letters or printed letters that mimic fonts or handwriting.
Faux Lettering