Calligraphy V: 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 V: Uppercase and Lowercase Video Tutorial

CALLIGRAPHY Alphabet A-Z: Free VIDEO TUTORIALS

Use the links below to watch the video for each letter of the alphabet. Click the letter you want to go to the blog post. Start with A or jump to any letter you want to practice first. I recommend starting with the calligraphy drills lesson and free practice sheets. 

A – B – C – D – E – F – G – H – I – J – K – L – M – N – O – P – Q – R – S – T – U – V – W – X – Y – Z

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 the practice sheets and Procreate brushes I use 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—smoothness> speed.

Practice Tips for a Better “V”

“V” is all about clean angles and smooth pressure changes. It may only have a couple of strokes, but getting the transition at the bottom right makes a huge difference in how polished your lettering looks.

• Think “down, pivot, up”. A lowercase “v” is really one smooth motion: Thick downstroke. Rounded pivot at the bottom. Thin upstroke. Keeping that movement fluid is the key.
• Soften the bottom point. Don’t make the bottom too sharp or stiff. A slightly rounded turn helps the letter feel smoother and more natural.
• Use strong pressure on the downstroke. Your first stroke should feel: Bold. Even. Controlled. This creates the contrast that makes brush calligraphy stand out.
• Release pressure gradually on the upstroke. As you rise, lighten your hand. Keep the stroke thin and smooth. Avoid thickening the entire letter.
• Watch the width of the letter. Too narrow = cramped. Too wide = awkward. Aim for balanced spacing between the two sides.
• Keep the angle consistent. Your downstroke and upstroke should feel related—not like they belong to different letters.
• Uppercase “V” = confident structure. Think: Two strong diagonal strokes. Smooth meeting point at the bottom. Keep it elegant rather than overly sharp.

PRACTICE WORDS WITH “V”

These help with angled strokes and spacing:

• van
• very
• voice
• velvet
• victory

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 WORKS fast)

Practice rows of:

• downstroke → pivot → upstroke

Focus on making the bottom transition smooth instead of pointy. That one adjustment instantly makes “v” look more polished.

“V” is simple in structure, but it teaches a lot about control and rhythm—especially when it comes to smooth directional changes.

FAQ: Calligraphy Letter V

How do you write calligraphy V?

A calligraphy V 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 W
• Or go back: Calligraphy U

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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