Calligraphy & Typography

7 years ago, I started my calligraphy journey. After few months, I came across the word 'Typography' and my curiosity to know about it increased. Actually I was more curious to know how it is related to calligraphy or how much difference these two terms actually have. I think most of us have the same question. So I started with this blog.

Both typography and calligraphy are based on nicely designed letters. These both terms in English comes with Greek roots as follows:

Calligraphy : Kallos(beautiful) & graphe(writing)

Typography : typos(impression) & graphia(writing)

There is slight differences between typography and calligraphy. To understand , you should know the definitions of each term; you should know what they are used for and how they are created.

Calligraphy is a style of writing, and typography is the technique of using predesigned letters in graphic design.

In simple way to put it is that, Typography is computer generated and is based on preset typefaces, whereas calligraphy involves manual handwriting. 

In pre digital era, different techniques likes woodblock printing, metal font molds were used for typography. Calligraphy involves use of inks and calligraphy tools to create expressions on paper.

As calligraphy is a gestural art, it incorporates more variation in form than typographic writing which is made mechanically and often within narrow technical constraints.

Typographers have to consider an endless array of different letter combinations and design the type accordingly to ensure that no matter the layout, the individual alphabet characters will meld together beautifully when stung together to create words or phases.

Graphic designers usually work with typography simply because they have to involve fonts and typefaces to transmit a message.

Calligraphers rarely illustrate the whole alphabet from A to Z. They illustrate messages or put together words with the individual letters, eventually editing the final result digitally. 

One difference which I observed is if 2 person having access to same typeface, font or mold can create similar impressions. On other hand, 2 people having same tools and techniques can't create exactly same expressions on paper. calligraphy is more on an individual piece of art.

But all letters and characters - handwritten or typographic in form - have been designed by someone, and are a means of artistic expression.

Reference
https://www.designyup.com/
Wikipedia
https://www.bl.uk/history-of-writing

- Rupali Thombare