chinese calligraphy: asian writing designs
Chinese calligraphy is a system of aesthetic handwriting expressed through the combination of brush movements in strokes. It takes time, perseverance and practice for skill mastery. Calligraphy is Chinese writing in masterful styles. Calligraphy writing shows elegance and dexterousness. It is beautiful Oriental text with hidden meanings. People are beginning to explore this popular urban tattoo trend. The best writing tattoos come from calligraphy.
Calligraphy tattoos have become a fashionable cult these days. They can be seen everywhere. Trendy crowds use Chinese characters or fancy Asian words for body decoration. Calligraphy is a language art, a treasure in China. This explains why the 2008 Beijing Olympics featured a spectacular display of Chinese writing in its opening ceremony. Although mostly unintelligible to westerners, calligraphy is deemed by the Chinese as 'the supreme art'. It is more able to express lofty thoughts than painting. The artistry of Chinese calligraphy makes it ideal for tattoo designs.
calligraphy writing tattoos: personality and styles
Looking for the best writing tattoos? You should try calligraphy. Chinese calligraphy has different styles. Each style is unique and can speak enormously about you. Calligraphy styles are sensuous expressions of the true self. They can be the symbolic representation of your emotion, passion, cherished memory or reflection of a lifetime. Chinese calligraphy falls into five different styles (scripts). Choose the one that suits your personality.
Below are the pictures of different calligrapgy styles. Each style with the printing fonts at the right side. Please compare the calligraphy and the font, and you will see the layout and even number of strokes are not the same for the same character. Only the Regular style is as readable as the fonts. The strokes of 5 styles of calligraphy are composed and written out in an artistic way. Fonts are used for printing layout.
1) seal script calligraphy tattoo - mysterious, cute
Seal script is the most ancient writing in China. This calligraphy style possesses a mysterious appeal. It looks more like pictograms than words. The symbols may resemble animals in mythology. Seal script is decorative and cute. It goes with oriental designs like geisha, samurai or fantasy theme. Try a lower back tattoo in Seal script calligraphy. Other ideas include necklace tattoos, garter, arm band. Seal script is not fully readable. However, its charming appearance makes it a popular tattoo style.
Personality: Do you like adventures or exploring the unknown? Do you fancy symbolism or mystery? If yes, Seal script tattoos are perfect for you.
Mysterious styles tattoo
2) clercial script calligraphy tattoo - elegant, sophisticated
Clerical script is easily recognized by its splendour. This calligraphy style is marked by elegant curves. Clerical script has an understated glamour that you won't forget. It is great for names or short phrases tattoo. Most of the words are readable. Clerical script goes well with feminine or male tattoos.
Personality: Do you love elegance and sophistication, or classic designs? If yes, Clerical script tattoo would be ideal.
Elegant script tattoos fantasy
3) regular script calligraphy tattoo - original, simple
Regular script is the easiest to read of all calligraphy styles. The characters are even and unadorned. They look neat and natural. Although regular script does not have a distinct flair, its beauty lies in its simplicity. You can use regular script for any designs like portrait tattoo, sayings and proverbs. Meaningful words like eternity, strength, friendship or loyalty are also good ideas.
Personality: Suit people who prefer the basics and originality. If you love a simple or natural design, Regular script calligraphy tattoo is your choice.
Script tattoo fantasy
4) running script calligraphy tattoo - liberal, free
Running script looks similar to cursive script. This calligraphy style shares the dynamics of cursive script. Yet, it is easier to read and presents a liberal look. Stylish, spunky and charming. The writing is truly dynamic and flows in a liberal manner.
Personality: If you like audacity but does not exceed the limit, running script tattoo will suit you.
Beautiful text tattoo fantasy
5a) cursive script calligraphy tattoo - vivacious, daring
Cursive script (Grass style writing) is noted for its abstract beauty. It is vivacious, daring and dynamic. At times, it shows a frantic look. Cursive script is the least identifiable. The strokes of a character are joined and simplified. The grass style is great for tattoo quotes, love phrase, and tribal designs.
Many Chinese may not be able to read the cursive script, because the strokes of characters have been simplified for the flow of brush movements.
Depending on your preference, characters in Cursive script can have links or without links between them. It means that each character can be separate from another character (no link). Alternately, a character can be connected to the succeeding ones (with links). The links are produced by natural brush movements. They enhance the aesthetic look of the writing.
5b) crazy cursive script calligraphy tattoo - passionate, untamed
Cursive script was developed to Crazy Cursive script for its passionate expression. The strokes are even more simplified than Cursive script, so that most characters are not readable. At times, it shows a frantic look. Crazy cursive script is the least identifiable. The strokes are joined / linked and simplified much more than Cursive style.
Depending on your preference, Crazy Cursive script can have links and without links. a character can be connected to the succeeding ones (with links).
If You Choose Cursive script (Grass Style) or Crazy Cursive script:
Your writing tattoo will not be completely readable. Cursive script looks very different from Regular script. If you like Cursive style and want your text to be readable a bit (less abstract), choose Cursive script mixed with Running script.
Personality: Suit people who are independent, daring and free thinkers. If you are full of gusto and care less about convention, Cursive script or Crazy Cursive calligraphy tattoo will speak your personality.
Cursive tattoo fantasy
Tattoo Design Tip: Flying White
What is Flying White?
Calligraphy tattoo design is special. Since it is done by a calligraphy artist, it has a natural beauty that computer generated tattoo font lacks. Calligraphy tattoo has what is called "Flying White", the magical brushing movement created by the artist.
Flying White is ideal for skin art because it charming. It shows vitality and personality. Look carefully at the pictures, Flying White means you have fuzzy edges, uneven strokes, irregular dots or jagged turns in your tattoo designs. In all, the words are not clear-cut. This is because they are not re-touched or modified in any way to give a polished cosmetic look. Instead, it is pure and original.
Flying White conveys spontaneity and unbridled individuality. It looks especially beautiful with big Chinese characters. This is why many clients asked for Flying White.
DO NOT Choose Flying White If:
- You like clean writing, smooth strokes, and round ends.
- You want small Chinese writing. (Flying white does not look good in small Chinese characters)
Extra Fee
If you choose the Flying White style in the beginning, but later change your mind for a polished smooth style, an extra fee applies.