Calligraphy S: 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 S: 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 “S”

“S” is one of the trickiest letters in brush calligraphy because it relies almost entirely on curves, rhythm, and pressure control. But once it clicks? It adds so much personality and movement to your lettering.

• Think movement, not perfection. “S” is naturally fluid and curvy. If you try to over-control it, it often ends up stiff or awkward. Focus on smooth motion first.
• Break it into two curves. Instead of thinking of “s” as one complicated shape, think: Top curve. Bottom curve. This makes it much easier to manage.
• Keep the top curve smaller. A balanced “s” usually has a smaller upper curve and a fuller lower curve. This helps the letter feel stable and elegant.
• Watch your pressure transitions. The magic of a good “s” is in the contrast: Light entering the top curve. Heavy through the down curve. Light again as you exit. Avoid making the whole letter thick.
• Slow down through the center. The middle transition is where most wobbles happen. Pause mentally there and guide the curve intentionally.
• Avoid sharp corners. Unless you’re going for a stylized look, keep the curves soft and flowing.
• Uppercase “S” = graceful curves. Think elegant, sweeping motion, not rigid structure. Let the curves feel balanced and open.

Practice Words with “S”

These help you practice curves and flow:

• sun
• soft
• smile
• sweet
• sunshine

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 REALLY HELPS)

Practice rows of just:

• top curve → bottom curve

Don’t even worry about making a perfect “s” at first. Focus on building a smooth, continuous motion.

“S” takes patience, but it’s one of the most rewarding letters to learn because it instantly makes your lettering feel more expressive and polished.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter S

How do you write calligraphy S?

A calligraphy S 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 T
• Or go back: Calligraphy R

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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