Calligraphy P: 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 P: Uppercase and Lowercase Video Tutorial

VIDEO

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 “P”

“P” is a great letter for practicing contrast and proportion because it combines a strong vertical stem with a rounded bowl. It’s simple in structure, but getting the balance right makes a huge difference.

• Start with a confident downstroke. Your vertical stem is the foundation:
• Heavy, even pressure. Smooth from top to bottom. Slightly curved only if intentional. A shaky stem makes the whole letter feel unstable.
• Keep the bowl smaller than you think. The rounded part of the “p” should feel balanced. not oversized. If the bowl gets too large, the letter starts looking cartoonish.
• Think “oval attached to a stem.” Especially for lowercase “p,” imagine: One clean stem, one smooth oval connected to it. This keeps the structure simple and controlled.
• Watch your descender length (lowercase). The stem dips below the baseline: Long enough to feel elegant. Not so long that it overwhelms the word. Keep it consistent with letters like “g” and “y.”
• Use light pressure when entering the bowl. As you move into the curve, light on the upstroke. Then go heavier on the down curve and lighter again as you exit.
• Keep the bowl connection smooth. Where the curve meets the stem should feel seamless—not pinched or disconnected.
• Uppercase “P” = structure first. Think: Strong vertical stem. Rounded upper bowl only. Keep the top balanced and not too wide.

Practice Words with “P”

These help with bowls, descenders, and flow:

• pen
• play
• paper
• peace
• perfect

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 this motion repeatedly:

• stem → oval → release

Once the oval connection feels natural, your “p” will instantly look smoother and more polished.

“P” is one of those letters that teaches restraint. Clean structure almost always looks better than over-styling it.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter P

How do you write calligraphy P?

A calligraphy P 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 Q
• Or go back: Calligraphy O

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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