Copperplate Calligraphy Lowercase Basic Stroke – Entry/Exit

Hi guys! Today we shall begin learning the basic strokes that consist in our lowercase letters.

In Copperplate Calligraphy, there is a total of 8 basic strokes (Entry/exit, Full-pressure, Oval, Underturn, Overturn, Compound curve, Descending loop, Ascending loop) that you would need to familiarize yourself with as these are all the strokes that will build our alphabets.

Today’s focus will be on Entry/Exit stroke.

[Hold on…] Have you downloaded your guide sheets? If not, here’s the link to it.

About the Entry/Exit stroke

1. The Entry/Exit stroke (or sometimes called ‘the lead-in’ stroke) is a delicate thin line (without any pressure) that starts from the baseline and curve upwards to the header line.

2. Each lowercase letter will start with an entry stroke and ends with the exit stroke.

3. An exit stroke is used to connect letters together to form words.

Things to take note when practising

1. This stroke is not a straight line that starts from the baseline to the header line, it should have a slight curve to it.

2. For some letters, this stroke will be extended up till the header line while some letters will end about two-thirds between the baseline and header line.

3. This stroke should be the finest line your nib/pen is able to make.

Take your time when practising, mindful practice is much more effective and productive than a rushed practice session. The entry/exit stroke is simple, to begin with, and as we progress, having a strong basic foundation will help you later with your letters.

Happy writing,