If you spend any time in the world of design, you’ve probably heard the terms hand lettering, typography, and calligraphy used almost interchangeably. But while they all deal with letterforms and the art of communication through text, they are not the same thing!! Understanding the difference can elevate both your creative appreciation + your design skills. Since a lot of my work lives in the space between lettering and design, I wanted to answer this question clearly for anyone who’s curious and maybe looking to try it themselves!!
So, what is hand lettering?
Hand lettering is the art of drawing letters, not writing them!! That may sound like a small difference, but it’s the heart of the entire craft.
When I sit down to create a hand-lettered piece, I’m designing each letter as its own illustration. Every curve, flourish, spacing choice, and decorative element is so intentional. Lettering isn’t about speed but about visual expression. In a way, every project becomes a tiny piece of artwork!!
Unlike typefaces, which follow strict systems + must work across every word and sentence, lettering is designed for one composition at a time. This freedom is part of what makes lettering so fun and personal!! I can stretch letters, stylize them, give them texture, add shadows, break rules, and create something visually surprising that still communicates clearly!!
This is why hand lettering shows up so often in branding, posters, packaging, signage, and conceptual design work. It gives a piece personality and uniqueness that can’t be replicated through pre-existing fonts!!
How is typography different?
Typography is the art of using letterforms — not drawing them from scratch. When a designer works with typography, they’re selecting fonts, adjusting spacing, pairing typefaces, controlling hierarchy, and shaping the visual tone of text in a layout.
Typography is everywhere!! It’s in books + magazines, web layouts, posters + ads, video graphics, app interfaces, branding systems, & more!!
Typography is foundational for graphic designers because type is one of our main tools. While I love lettering for its expressive freedom, typography is equally important because it helps communicate clearly and professionally across many different contexts.
Typography is structured, systematic, and functional!! Lettering is expressive, artistic, and customizable!! Many designers, including me, work in all three worlds depending on the project!!
Where does calligraphy fit into this?
Calligraphy is often confused with lettering, but it’s actually closer to writing!! It’s the art of using specific tools like pointed pens, broad-edge nibs, or brushes to create beautiful strokes in real time.
Calligraphy is fluid, rhythmic, and technique driven. Lettering can imitate calligraphy, but it’s done through drawing instead of traditional strokes.
Why does this matter?
Beyond sounding smart at your next design conversation, knowing the distinction can help you choose the right approach for a project, accurately communicate with clients, price and scope your work correctly, develop a clear creative identity, and maybe even refine your design portfolio!!
For example, if a client needs a logo with a custom wordmark, that’s a lettering project, not typography!! If you’re designing a magazine spread, that’s typography driven. If you’re creating invitations with flourished pen strokes, that’s calligraphy!!
Understanding these categories helps you position your skills and showcase your strengths effectively, which is especially important when you build a portfolio (like mine!!) that spans both lettering and design.
How I use lettering and typography in my work
On this site, you’ll find hand-lettered pieces with expressive, stylized word art, graphic design projects that rely heavily on strong typography, conceptual advertising pieces where lettering helps tell a story, signage-style work inspired by traditional craftsmanship, and experimental compositions combining both disciplines!!
Much of my creative process blends the personal, hands-on nature of lettering with the structure and clarity of typography. They work together beautifully, and understanding the difference makes the work stronger!!
Final thoughts
So, what is hand lettering and how is it different from typography? In the simplest terms: Typography is the design of systems. Lettering is the design of one unique artwork.
Both are powerful, both are important, and both have shaped the way I create!! Whether you’re a designer, a hobbyist, or just someone who loves beautiful words, my hope is that this breakdown helps you appreciate the differences and maybe inspires you to try a new technique!!