2015-09-23

Doodlebugs of the world: gather 'round! Though you may feel alone while scribbling in notebook margins during lectures, there are, in fact, others like you. Others who covet the perfect pen like it's the perfect romance. Others who can't hold a writing utensil without compulsively scribbling.

As with so many other hobbies made inclusive and participatory by social media platforms, writing words out by hand is a craft that's found its home on Instagram, where graffiti gurus and modern calligraphy artists post their work.

So if you've got a Moleskine with a firm spine -- or, if you just want a break from reading and skimming blocks of typewritten text, dull and without variation -- look below. We've wrangled up our favorite accounts devoted to handwriting. Many put their skills to use by designing wedding invitations and company logos, but many others simply take pleasure in the hobby.

1. Jessie.

___Day 212. Siam street ! Shoppanggg.

A photo posted by Jessie. (@jessierjl) on
Aug 1, 2015 at 1:44am PDT

A soft, thick calligraphy that rolls like waves. Bonus: account-holder Jessie photographs her sketches in the spots that inspired them.

2. Paula Lee

Working on something a little bolder and whimsical-er than usual for the fine ladies over at @messykitchenbakingco. All that drawing is making me hungry...

A photo posted by paula lee (@paulaleecalligraphy) on
Jul 8, 2015 at 10:17am PDT

Though she's skilled at classic calligraphy, Paula Lee's signature scribblings have more of a raw, offhand look to them.

3. Chronicle Books

We're always excited to see our books inspire others to pursue new creative ventures. Thanks for the beautiful photo, @livinglongingly, and good luck practicing your own hand lettering! #ChronicleCrush

A photo posted by Chronicle Books (@chroniclebooks) on
Sep 8, 2015 at 12:25pm PDT

Okay, okay, Chronicle isn't solely a lettering-based account (the publisher features its children's books and art books as well), but it offers up an array of journals and inspiration for how to fill them.

4. Alexis Deaton

"I don't want to earn my living; I want to live" Oscar Wilde #quote #quoteoftheday #calligraphyquote #oscarwilde #oscarwildequotes #literaryquotes #calligraphy #calligrapher #moderncalligraphy #flourishforum #nccalligrapher #charlottecalligrapher #weddingcalligrapher #vsco #vscocam #mygoldbook #noda #nodaclt #justlive #liveauthentic

A photo posted by @alexis_deaton on
Sep 16, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

Alexis Deaton, like many lettering accounts, chronicles her wedding invitation design forays, but she also uses her modern calligraphy to write out quotes she enjoys.

5. Love + Thank + You

A lot of love and hard work is going into this calligraphy set. Beautiful handmade waxed canvas case from @kittlemade. Natural uncoated cedar inkwell/ink holder by @iamsungik. 캘리그래피 배우고 싶으신 분은 열락주세요. @thepartyday 에서 합니다. #lovethankyou #handmade #nashville #calligraphy #moderncalligraphy #calligraphyworkshop #canvas #cedar #inkwell #instagood #캘리그래피 #캘리그라피 #원데이클래스 #캘리그라피강좌 #캘리그라피수업 #서울 #영어 #손글씨 #nofilter #kittlemade

A photo posted by Lovethankyou (@silbiaro) on
Aug 7, 2015 at 11:40am PDT

Another contemporary take on classic script -- dressed up by sprigs and flora.

6. Chalkboy

JAZZY SPORT RECORD MARKET at PADDLERS COFFEE ダサジャケ買いしたレコード、めっちゃ良い!尺八と琴の和物ジャズバンドでバッハを演奏するという暴挙ながら雨の日に持ってこいのメディテーションミュージック!Let's go diging! #chalkboy #handwritten #graphic #jazzysport #jazzysportshimokitazawa #paddlerscoffee

A photo posted by CHALKBOY (@chalkboy.me) on
Sep 1, 2015 at 5:49am PDT

A divergence from more traditionally beautiful scrawl, this account showcases precious sans serif lettering, featured on storefronts and logos.

7. The Stamp Foundry

This new #returnaddress #customstamp design is up on our #etsy shop!

A photo posted by The Stamp Foundry (@thestampfoundry) on
Sep 21, 2015 at 9:48am PDT

The Stamp Foundry designs -- you guessed it -- stamps. But they first sketch out their custom images, some rustic, some clean and contemporary.

8. Pez & Pencil

The highest ever hand lettering in England & Wales? Yesterday I reached the summit of Mount Snowdon in 3 hours and 5 minutes, before commencing the long and arduous scramble back down to base. Thank you, Mother Nature, for being my hostess for the day. #mountain #snowdon #type #typography #typografi #lettering #handtype #handdrawn #handdrawntype #handlettering #art #branding #craft #creative #calligraphy #calligritype #design #doodle #drawing #goodtype #graffiti #graphicdesign #illustration #logo #letters #streetart #sketchbook #sketch #thedailytype #nature

A photo posted by Pez & Pencil (@pezandpencil) on
Apr 17, 2015 at 6:02am PDT

This account harkens back to the Old West, with thick, slabby letters.

9. Jeremy Tow

You talking to me ?

A photo posted by Jeremy Tow (@jeremytow_lcsc) on
Oct 16, 2014 at 8:54am PDT

Jeremy Tow's graffiti-inspired lettering is a refreshing addition to delicate, straightforwardly pretty script.

10. Action Jaccson

"Trust your Dopeness" #letters #sketching #doodling #fonts #types #lettering #handlettering #typematters #words #draws #handmadefont #strengthinletters #inspirations #thedesigntip #typelove #typegang #bw #creates #drawing #artwork #calligritype #visuals #typography #typographie #customtype #doodles #50words #artsy #graphicdesigner #dope

A photo posted by @action_jaccson on
Aug 31, 2015 at 10:34pm PDT

A versatile account that mimics the fonts of popular logos, and invents worthy new designs, too.

11. Christina Chahyadi

"Tall venti in a grande cup." ☕️ - Holding out a cup full of pleasurable ecstasy of delight. What a perfect companion to a desolated soul sited in a noxious night. - #vsco #vscocam #crisandco #graphicdesign #quote #art #design #wip #verse #lettering #belmen #watercolor #typography #script #handtype #calligritype #typedesign #thedesigntip #illustration #kaligrafina #morningdrawing #thedailytype #whiteaddict #starbucks #coffee #typographyserved

A photo posted by christina chahyadi (@crissyvr) on
Nov 13, 2014 at 4:36am PST

If you love girly curls, the ornate doodles of Christina Chahyadi will wow you.

12. Victoria Rothwell

...lots of calligraphy this week, these are for a darling Parisian engagement party #calligraphy #pointedpen

A photo posted by Victoria Rothwell (@designhouseofmoira) on
Jul 9, 2015 at 11:50am PDT

Victoria Rothwell does wedding invitations, but she's also a great one to follow if you enjoy refreshing watercolors or all things metallic.

13. Chris Wright

// re-working one of my first designs for a new t-shirt

A photo posted by Chris Wright (@handletteringco) on
Jul 21, 2015 at 8:28pm PDT

With thick scrawl that winds like wrought iron, Chris Wright's gorgeous handwriting is both bold and playful.

14. Melane

"But the monsters turned out to be just trees" - Taylor Swift

A photo posted by Melane (@xmelane) on
Sep 4, 2015 at 8:37am PDT

Another modern calligraphy account that'll attract anyone who relishes a daily dose of inspiration (Taylor Swift-inspired or not).

15. Anna Rowe

Finally found out the name of my purple plant. Coleus. Original artwork by myself. #cute #type #sketch #alienabduction #customlettering #customtype #custom #handdonetype #handlettered #illustration #artwork #doodle #september #planter #handdone #handdrawn #coleusplant #purpleplant #coleus #plant #houseplant #goodtype #handletteredabcs #typespire #artoftype #brushpen

A photo posted by Anna Rowe (@ssquarre) on
Sep 12, 2015 at 12:54pm PDT

Anna Rowe's handwriting is chunky, childlike and sometimes a little silly -- perfect for brightening grey days.

16. Fitz

What's up?

A photo posted by Fitz (@fitz.art) on
Aug 20, 2015 at 7:49am PDT

This isn't necessarily a handwriting-centric account, but the artist's fun, cartoonish doodles often feature bubbly letters and offhand remarks -- a good one to follow if inspirational quotes make you cringe a little.

17. ivylao

When you find that thing you're good at. And this is it - Teeny Tiny Letters! #socute #tooniesizedcalligraphy #tombowbrushpen

A photo posted by @ivylao on
Sep 16, 2015 at 6:19pm PDT

Like regular calligraphy, only tinier!

18. Zak Southgate

Bumping to Ice Cube as I work on my portfolio. Was meant to post way earlier but I got distracted haha. 284/365. #handlettering #handdrawn #lettering #typography #goodtype #thedailytype #calligritype #design #typedaily #typespire #thedesigntip #typeshowcase #slowroastedco #drawn #365type #inspiration #ligaturecollective #tdkpeepshow

A photo posted by Zak Southgate (@zaksouthgate) on
Sep 9, 2015 at 6:24am PDT

Delicate, funny, and often intricate.

19. Old English Company

New 'brilliant ideas' notebooks are here!

A photo posted by Old English Company (@oldenglishcompany) on
Dec 18, 2014 at 6:17am PST

Old English Company prints cutesy, hand-written mantras on notepads, coasters -- and just about everything else.

20. Janne

Current situation: Non-stop drawing & writting // In my opinion, it's the little things in design & creation that adds on the value of products produced. From hand drawn designs, individually picking and experimenting with various mediums and materials, to packaging each and every product using the human hand - all of these with a human touch, all from the heart. #wearemakers

A photo posted by Janne (@mintordinary) on
Aug 22, 2015 at 7:34am PDT

An offhand scrawl that's a cool blend of calligraphy and graffiti.

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