Calligraphy D: Uppercase & Lowercase (Video Tutorial)

Brush Calligraphy Basics 

Before we start, remember the two rules that make brush calligraphy work:

• Upstrokes = light pressure (thin lines)
• Downstrokes = heavy pressure (thick lines)

Everything we’re about to do is built on that contrast.

Calligraphy D: Uppercase and Lowercase Video Tutorial

Want to Take This Further?

If you’re practicing on Procreate and want more guidance on strokes, consistency, and building polished lettering pieces, I walk through the full process step by step inside my iPad Calligraphy in Procreate course.

It’s designed to take you from practicing letters… to actually creating finished work you’re proud of.

All of the practice sheets and Procreate brushes I’m using in the free video series are included in this class.

Want Step-by-Step iPad Calligraphy Lessons?

If you want guided, start-to-finish instruction for learning calligraphy on your iPad, I teach the full process inside my iPad Calligraphy in Procreate class. You’ll learn strokes, letterforms, words, and finished pieces with real-time demos and practice projects.

There are 50 Lessons and 3 Hours of Video Content. It’s well-organized and easy to follow via my online class platform (Thinkific). All the brushes and worksheets you need to learn iPad Calligraphy are included with the class. 

• Intro Lessons (3 lessons + Class Downloads)
• Drills (1 lesson + Worksheet Set)
• Alphabet (26 lessons + Procreate Workbook)
• Words + Short Phrases (1 lesson + Worksheet Set)
• Tricky Letter Combos (1 lesson + Procreate workbook)
• Project No. 1: Calligraphy Word Art (6 Lessons)
• Project No. 2: Dancing Calligraphy Animation (2 Lessons)
• Project No. 3: Ghostwriting Animation (2 Lessons)
• Bonus Lessons (2 Lessons + Procreate Worksheet)

iPad Calligraphy in Procreate Class →

IPAD CALLIGRAPHY CLASS FAQs

• What Do I Need for this Class? You’ll need an iPad, Apple Pencil, and the Procreate App. Everything else you’ll need is included in your class downloads.
• Can I watch it anytime? Yes! The class is pre-recorded and available to watch at your convenience. You have lifetime access.
• Is it okay if I’m new to Procreate and/or Calligraphy? Yes, you are the intended audience for this class. We’ll take things step-by-step. I love project-based learning because it makes things more fun and easier to understand.

What to watch for

• A common mistake is making strokes feel too stiff. Try to keep everything fluid.
• Make sure your thick downstroke is actually thick (don’t be shy with pressure)!
• Try not to rush—smooth > fast.

Practice Tips for a Better “D”

“D” is one of those letters that really shows whether your control is clicking, because it combines a strong stem with a smooth curve. Once this one feels good, much of your lettering will look more polished overall.

• Master the stem first. That vertical downstroke sets the tone for the whole letter. Thick, steady pressure. Straight (or intentionally slightly curved). If this part is wobbly, the whole “D” will feel off.

• Think “oval + stem” for lowercase A. Lowercase “d” is essentially an oval (like “a” or “o”) plus a tall ascender stem. If your “d” looks awkward, your oval is usually the culprit.

• Keep the oval round, not narrow. A skinny oval makes your “d” look pinched. Aim for a balanced, open shape.

• Ascender = light up, heavy down. When you go up into the tall stem, Light pressure goes up, heavy pressure comes down. This contrast is what makes it look like calligraphy.

• Don’t rush the curve (uppercase especially). The curved part of an uppercase “D” should feel smooth and intentional—not stiff or shaky.
• Watch where your curve meets the stem. This connection point should feel seamless. If it looks disconnected or bumpy, slow down that transition.

• Keep proportions in check. Lowercase “d” ascender should be taller than your x-height. Uppercase “D” shouldn’t have an oversized bowl

Practice Words with “D”

These will help you practice different connections and flows:

• do
• day
• dream
• dance
• delight

Common Mistakes

• Pressing too hard on every stroke (you’ll lose contrast).
• Uneven shapes.
• Rushing through the letter instead of building it intentionally.

💡Extra Tip (This One Helps Fast)

If your “d” isn’t looking right, practice this combo repeatedly:

• oval → lift → upstroke → downstroke

That motion is the entire letter. Once it feels natural, your “d” will clean up fast.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter D

How do you write calligraphy D?

A calligraphy D is created using a combination of thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes, following the natural flow of brush lettering. Watch the video lesson for more precise instruction on this letter. 

Why is my letter uneven?

This usually comes down to inconsistent pressure or rushing your strokes. Slowing down and focusing on control will make a big difference.

Is it hard to learn calligraphy?

Some letters are trickier than others, but with step-by-step practice, they all become much easier over time.

Can I practice this in Procreate?

Yes, these same techniques apply to digital brush calligraphy, and Procreate is a great tool for practicing and refining your strokes.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Practice the next letter: Calligraphy E
• Or go back: Calligraphy C

Related Series

• The Anatomy of Letters: An A-Z Guide
• Hand Lettering the Alphabet A–Z for Beginners
• Playful Bubble Letters: A-Z (with free Practice Sheets!)
• Playful Serif Lettering Alphabet: A-Z Tutorials (with freebies!)
• Modern Penmanship Tips for Calligraphy and Lettering Lovers

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