Calligraphy U: 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 U: 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 “U”

“U” is a great letter for practicing smooth curves and consistent pressure transitions. It may seem simple, but getting those rounded turns clean and balanced makes a huge difference in how polished your lettering feels.

• Think “down, curve, up”. A lowercase “u” is really just a smooth motion: Thick downstroke, Rounded bottom curve, Light upstroke. Keeping that transition fluid is the key.
• Round the bottom gently. Don’t make the curve too sharp or pointy. A soft, open curve gives the letter a smoother, more natural feel.
• Use light pressure on the upstroke. As you come back up, release pressure gradually and keep the stroke thin and controlled. This contrast creates that classic brush calligraphy look.
• Match your downstrokes. If your “u” has two vertical strokes, they should feel consistent: Similar thickness. Same slant. Same height
• Avoid making it too narrow. A cramped “u” can look stiff or rushed. Give the curves enough room to breathe.
• Keep the exit stroke flowing. The final upstroke should transition naturally into the next letter. Think smooth and light, not abrupt.
• Uppercase “U” = elegant curves. Start with: Strong downstroke. Wide, rounded base. Controlled upward finish. Keep the curves graceful rather than overly rigid.

PRACTICE WORDS WITH “U”

These help with curves and smooth connections:

• up
• use
• under
• unique
• umbrella

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:

• downstroke → curve → upstroke

Over and over.

That simple drill improves not just “u,” but also letters like:

• v
• w
• y

“U” is one of those quiet foundation letters—the smoother it gets, the smoother your whole alphabet starts to feel.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter U

How do you write calligraphy U?

A calligraphy U is created by combining thin upstrokes with 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 V
• Or go back: Calligraphy T

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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