Best Calligraphy Classes in Los Angeles
A visual art form that uses a paintbrush, pen, or other writing instrument to create memorable messages on a variety of mediums. 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.
An ancient practice, calligraphy has been around for over 3,000 years and first appeared in English between 1590 and 1610. It then experienced a revival 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.
Coming 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 signs 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 intend 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 Los Angeles
Many practitioners describe calligraphy as a meditative practice, one that forces them to slow down, focus, and breathe, making it an excellent way to relieve stress. And, in a city full of go-getters like Los Angeles, de-stressing can be hard to do. Calligraphy can also be a low-cost hobby, making it ideal for creatives that want to be mindful of their spending. All you need to get started is a pen, nib, paper, and ink.
Calligraphy as a hobby is a great way to form a community and make friends. The Society for Calligraphy of Southern California is just one example of groups and forums that are ready to welcome passionate novice calligraphers!
Do you dream of turning your new hobby into a career? Calligraphers can leverage 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 in Los Angeles
For those located on the sunny coast, Los Angeles also tends to have several classes available. Santa Monica College hosts a course titled Japanese Calligraphy in Multi-Art Forms that teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy with traditional tools. Students will also get to explore the historical context of this beautiful art form, through the exploration of Japanese poetry, dance movements, and music. (This class is meant for those with existing knowledge in calligraphy and requires students to complete Introduction to Japanese Calligraphy first.)
Makers Mess in Silver Lake typically offers a beginner-friendly course called Modern Calligraphy. Described as “frustration-free,” this two-hour workshop explores fundamental techniques on pen pressure, lettering, and how to connect letters. Students can expect to use dip pens during this class while they learn all the basics.
Located in Pasadena, Threeologie offers a two-hour workshop called Brush Calligraphy that focuses solely on Tombow brush pens. You’ll learn the basic strokes and techniques for this specific pen type, as well as how to blend colors and fix mistakes when you can’t erase them. As a bonus, you’ll receive a kit to take home featuring five brush pens, a case for your tools, and an instructional guide.
Threeologie also offers a Lettering Crash Course three-hour workshop. Suitable for all levels, this course teaches the anatomy of typography, how to create letters, and tricks and techniques for lettering. This course also sends each student home with a lettering kit complete with eight markers, a Blackwing pencil, an eraser and ruler, and a bag for your tools.
Intro to Illustrative Hand Lettering is a beginner-level course that teaches students the anatomy of letters, how to create a concept for an illustration, how to refine the typography and transfer to a final material, and how to add the finishing touches of inking and painting to your illustration. This course does have a $12 supply fee that will be collected at the beginning of class, but all materials will then be provided for you.
Virtual Calligraphy Classes
Is the thought of sitting in LA traffic making you second guess signing up for an in-person course? Online calligraphy courses, whether live or on-demand, offer more flexibility for students with difficult schedules or long commutes. You can log into your course from the comfort of your own home (or anywhere you choose) and have instant access to expert instructors and a virtual community of fellow artisans. Generally, online courses require you to purchase your supplies, and the responsibility of creating or finding an appropriate workspace belongs to you as well.
Virtual Beginner’s Calligraphy (Part 1 & 2) helps students learn the more freeform style of modern calligraphy. A thoughtful mixture 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.
Hosted by Design KOUS, Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy is a four-hour course where you will practice the alphabets of casual script calligraphy. Students can 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 available for those who are slightly more experienced with the art of calligraphy. Held over 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 Los Angeles
Think your business or organization could benefit from a private workshop? A great team-building exercise, private group classes offer you and your participants face-to-face time with an expert instructor, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to cater the class to your group’s specific needs.
Your team can learn to make all the thick and thin lines needed to create beautiful letterforms, with no prior experience necessary! This Virtual Calligraphy Workshop is a two-hour course with instruction by a professional artist and calligraphy expert. You’ll learn the eight basic strokes of modern brush lettering, tips and tricks for perfecting your lettering practice, and the fundamentals for bouncing and flourishes.
Forget about running to your local craft store for supplies. Before your workshop, you’ll receive calligraphy pens and markers, stationary for practicing, and worksheets for developing your skills.
There’s a minimum group size of 10, and it’s only an additional $65 for each person thereafter. You can even 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.
Plus there are no booking fees and confirmation is sent within 24 hours, so scheduling a private group class has never been easier. You can even adjust your headcount after booking and can cancel your event for free with a two-week notice.
Interested in learning more before you sign up? For $100, you can request a 20-minute demo of this event to ensure it’s the right fit for your organization or business. You can also reach out through the contact form on Coursehorse’s site.
CourseHorse recommends Zoom for virtual group classes, but they can easily accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. It’s even possible to have courses come to your office or home space, as well.
