Creating A Gothic Alphabet

Historically, the ‘Gothic' alphabet refers to a series of scripts used to write texts in Europe between the 12th and 15th centuries, roughly speaking. These scripts varied in quality, shape and style but they also shared definite characteristics which we still look for in Gothic alphabets today.

Eastern Asian calligraphy

First of all, the word ‘Calligraphy’ in Greek means beauty and writing and to express signs in the most beautiful way. Calligraphy in Asia is incredibility famous, people there not only use it as a art style but also as a way of communication like writing letters.

The art of calligraphy is widely practiced and revered in the East Asian civilizations that use or used Chinese characters. These include China, Japan, Korea, and to a lesser extent, Vietnam. In addition to being an art form in its own right, calligraphy has also influenced ink and wash painting, which is accomplished using similar tools and techniques. The East Asian tradition of calligraphy originated and developed from China, specifically the ink and brush writing of Chinese characters.

learn calligraphy alphabet

okay, i put this under freehand for indieart, but it's not really. this is a new calligraphy font i'm putting together called "bustardo". it's largely based on the batarde font (popular in 13-15th century france). there are some variations between the alphabets shown. please let me know which letters you like and dislike!

i like the third style all except the z. i liked the z from the first alphabet, but really this is a cool hand. i'd like to practice with it because it looks so fun. very inspiring

Gothic Calligraphy

The word ‘Gothic’ derives from the name of the historical Gothic period when such alphabets were most used – basically, the Middle Ages from around 1200-1500.

‘Gothic’ also suggests Germanic origins, and it is indeed a very Germanic script. Gothic fonts were used in printed books in Germany right up to the twentieth century! (You can still see the traditional Gothic lettering on chemists’ and pharmacies’ signs in Germany; they say