Calligraphy O: 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 O: 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 “O”

“O” is one of the most foundational letters in brush calligraphy because it teaches ovals, pressure transitions, and smooth motion. Once your “o” improves, letters like a, c, d, g, q, and e usually improve right along with it.

• Think oval, not circle. In calligraphy, “o” is usually slightly slanted and oval-shaped rather than perfectly round. A perfect circle can feel stiff.
• Start light, press through the curve, release again. A polished “o” relies on smooth pressure changes: Light pressure on the upstroke. Heavier pressure on the down curve. Light again as you close the shape
• Keep the shape balanced. Avoid: Too narrow = pinched. Too wide = flat. Aim for a smooth, open oval.
• Don’t force the closing point. Where the oval meets back up should feel natural. If you jam it closed, the letter can look awkward or bumpy.
• Slow down the curves. Most messy “o” shapes come from rushing. Smooth motion matters more than speed.
• Keep the thickness on the sides. The heavier pressure should usually live through the side curves—not at the very top or bottom.
• Uppercase “O” = graceful and spacious. Use the same principles, just slightly taller and more dramatic. Keep it elegant, not stiff.

Practice Words with “O”

These help you practice ovals in different positions:

• on
• open
• over
• olive
• orange

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 (HUGE FOR PROGRESS)

Practice rows of just connected ovals. Like this motion: oval → oval → oval

It may feel repetitive, but this is one of the fastest ways to improve your entire alphabet.“O” is a workhorse letter.

Once it feels smooth, so many other letters start looking better almost immediately.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter O

How do you write calligraphy O?

A calligraphy O 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 P
• Or go back: Calligraphy N

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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