8 calligraphy fonts every designer should own

Lettering artists have been using a nib and ink to transform letters into beautiful calligraphy for centuries. A writing style that has florished over thousands of years, creatives use calligraphy fonts in much the same way as retro fonts, to add charm, elegance and a sense of nostalgia to their work. Here are 10 of the most beautiful calligraphy fonts around today.

01. Freeland

Add a modern, bold, and lively vibe to your designs with Freeland font

With a rich, inky texture, Freeland calligraphy font was created by type designer Laura Condouris. Featuring plenty of ligatures and stylistic alternates for a realistic, hand-lettered look, give your designs an edgy vibe with Freeland.

02. Poem Script

Poem Script received a Certificate of Excellence at the Type Directors Club NY 2011

Type designer Ale Paul is behind our first calligraphy font entry, Poem Script. Available over on MyFonts, the design is described as: ‘a mixed collection of interpretations conjuring a late nineteenth century American pen script style’. Poem Script received a Certificate of Excellence at the Type Directors Club NY 2011 and was selected at the Bienal Tipos Latinos 2012.

03. Aphrodite Slim

Aphrodite Slim is suited to all manner of digital and print projects

Created by designers Maximiliano Sproviero and Sabrina Mariela Lopez, Aphrodite Slim is part of calligraphy font family Aphrodite Pro. With over 1,000 glyphs and super-stylish curves and flourishes, Aphrodite Slim is suited to all manner of digital and print projects.

04. Lucida Calligraphy

Lucida Calligraphy is a favourite among designers

Calligraphy font Lucida Calligraphy is a favourite among designers. Available from type foundry Monotype, Lucida Calligraphy is suitable for books, reports, posters, advertistements and much, much more.

05. Master of Break

A popular choice of calligraphy font, Master of Break has downloaded over two millions times

A free calligraphy font, Master of Break was created by designer Clement Nicolle. A stylish design, Master of Break is hugely popular, having been downloaded over two millions times to date.

06. Hiatus

This beautiful calligraphy font was penned by designer Stephen W. Rapp. A lettering artist for over two decades, Rapp pulled out all the stops when creating warm and elegant typeface Hiatus.

07. Lamar Pen

Lamar Pen reflects the personality of the man whose handwriting inspired it, Mirabeau B. Lamar

An elegant, antique calligraphy font, Lamar Pen reflects the personality of the man whose handwriting inspired it, Mirabeau B. Lamar – a celebrated Texan of the 1830s and 40s.

08. Dom Loves Mary

Designer Debi Sementelli created Dom Loves Mary as a way to honour her in-laws

Dom Loves Mary is named in memory of Dominic and Mary Sementelli, a couple who were totally opposite but ‘made for each other’. The font was created by Debi Sementelli as a way of honouring the pair. A beautiful calligraphy font, Dom Loves Mary is great for stationery, posters and much more.