This is a growing list of calligraphy terms I regularly use when I’m sharing information. I listed this first on the Learn page so that you would have some understanding as you start to go through the articles. As always, I am open to answering questions and clarifying other calligraphy terms you may come across elsewhere!
rule up | draw guidelines on a page |
baseline | line the letters rest on |
x-height | height of the lower case letters |
ascending line | strokes that extend above the x-height |
descending line | stroke that extends below the x-height |
minuscules | lower case letters |
majuscules | upper case letters |
upstroke | a stroke written from the baseline upward |
downstroke | a stroke written toward the baseline |
nib | small metal instrument for writing calligraphy |
tines | the writing edge of a calligraphy nib is divided into sections. These sections are called tines. Ink flows between the sections from the nib to the page. |
pen angle | the angle to the baseline to hold the writing edge of a broad pen |
guidelines | lines on a page that regulate letter size and slant |