Calligraphy M: 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 M: 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 “M”

“M” is where rhythm really matters. It combines strong downstrokes + repeating arches, so it’s one of the best letters for building consistency, spacing, and overall flow.

• Build it one stroke at a time. Don’t think of “m” as one big letter. Think: First stem, First arch, Second arch. Breaking it apart makes it much easier to control.
• Keep your downstrokes consistent. Each vertical stroke should feel the same: Thick pressure. Similar height. Same slant. If one stem looks different, the whole letter feels uneven.
• Round your arches, not pointy. Sharp arches make your “m” look stiff. Think soft humps with smooth transitions.
• Use light pressure on the upstrokes. As you move up into each arch, Light pressure goes up, heavy pressure comes down. This contrast is what gives the letter life.
• Watch your spacing between humps. Too close = cramped. Too wide = awkward. Aim for evenly spaced arches that feel balanced.
• Don’t rush the second half. A lot of people start strong and then lose control on the second arch. Give the second half as much attention as the first.
• Uppercase “M” = structure first. Think: Left stem. Up to the center peak. Down to baseline, up and down to the right stem. Keep the center balanced so it doesn’t collapse or spread too wide.

Practice Words with “M”

These help you practice repeated arches and rhythm:

• me
• more
• make
• magic
• moment

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)

Practice rows of just: upstroke → downstroke → arch

Basically mini “n” shapes. Once those feel smooth, your “m” becomes way easier because it’s just two arches working together.

“M” is one of the best letters for training consistency—master it, and many other letters start improving automatically.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter M

How do you write calligraphy M?

A calligraphy M 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 N
• Or go back: Calligraphy L

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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