Calligraphy vs. Lettering vs. Typography

For my one-page article, I am writing about the differences between calligraphy, hand lettering, and typography. Most people, even experienced people, may not know much difference between calligraphy and hand lettering, though we all know typography comes from typing in a computer, or letters created digitally.

Here, I have pasted information found from a website, and through more collection of information from other resources, I will write my own article. 

Calligraphy:

Writing in calligraphy involves using a dip pen with a nib and ink to create thick and thin lines using varying degrees of pressure, all in a single stroke. Downstrokes are thick, while upstrokes are kept thin, light and airy. Calligraphy takes a certain discipline to learn, and is something one must practice consistently to create "muscle memory" of certain strokes.

Lettering:

Like calligraphy, hand lettering also requires discipline. It's a completely different form of discipline, as it is drawing letters as opposed to writing them, and are often very decorative. You also often have more control over the letters with hand lettering as opposed to calligraphy. For that reason especially, hand lettering can be a great alternative for projects that are too large for calligraphy, such as large chalkboards and other signage.

Typography:

Typography is the typeface on the screen. Typefaces and fonts are considered typography, and are created by type designers whose main focus is to create type that no matter what the layout, the letter formations are the exact same. Something that can often be confused about typography is this: type designers create typography, while graphic designers use that typography (otherwise known as font files that can be downloaded) in their design work by rearranging it. 

Main Reasons Why People Confuse Them:

1. UNFAMILIARITY - People who are unfamiliar with these terms are usually unable to differentiate between each one and will likely use them interchangeably. 

2. DIGITIZATION - Truthfully, the computer itself contributes to most of the confusion. Hand lettering and calligraphy can be scanned into the computer, polished and digitized, often turned into a font or a typographic poster. Doing this can make the lettering or calligraphy appear to be a font when it really was created by hand.

The Importance of knowing the difference:
For some, the differences between hand lettering, calligraphy and typography may not seem important, but if you are at all interested in learning how to use these mediums, or are going to hire someone who does, it's important to know how they differ from each other! You want to know what you are talking about when you interact with other hand lettering artists, calligraphers and type designers, especially if you are looking at getting into those fields. Using these terms interchangeably can make you look unprofessional, and can seriously discredit your reputation as an artist.

Citation:
The Difference Between Hand Lettering, Calligraphy and Typography ( Why It Truly Matters). (2016, March 22). Retrieved April 14, 2018, from https://letterlanedesignstudio.com/blog/2016/3/22/the-difference-between-hand-lettering-calligraphy-and-typography