Want to learn about calligraphy and you don’t know where to start? 

This educational site is the result of 15 years of practicing calligraphy—writing as much as studying it—and answering questions that many of my students have previously asked.

Sign up to receive a free PDF file with a set of blank guidelines and all the materials I recommend in my calligraphy courses.

Maria Montes full colour portrait over a blue background, smiling and wearing a red lipstick.
Neuland calligraphy design with the message 'New calligraphy workshops'.

Write here, write now. Master calligraphy thorough practice and learn by doing.

Bright teal colour.

Vitas Anderson

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

Maria is a very gifted calligrapher and a great instructor with a quirky sense of humour. I really enjoyed her calligraphy courses.

Mah Skh

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

I just finished Maria’s introduction to Copperplate course, (self paced). Her teaching is terrific and I learned a lot. I already signed up for Class 2! Thanks Maria!

Gerard Pijoan

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

Enjoyed a lot the course! Maria is a very passionate and talented professional. She teaches in a very personal and generous way, I feel this is perfect course to get the basics. Thanks Maria!

Write Your Way to Calligraphy Mastery

Looking to up-skill your calligraphy game? Gift yourself education.

Portrait image of Maria Montes and a student of her at a desk reviewing some calligraphy writing.

NEW! Calligraphy Course Melbourne

May - August 2026

In-Person & Online Access
Image of Copperplate calligraphy announcing my course called "Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy, level 1".

Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy

Level 1

About This Course
Image of Copperplate calligraphy announcing my level two course called "Pump up your Copperplate calligraphy".

Pump Up Your Copperplate

Level 2

About This Course

Copperplate Variations

Level 3

About This Course

Intro to Foundational Hand

Level 1

About This Course

Intro to Script Brush Pen Calligraphy

Level 1

About This Course

Intro to Italic Calligraphy

Level 1

About This Course

Intro to Neuland Calligraphy

Level 1

About This Course

Private One-to-One Coaching

All Levels

1:1 Tutorials

NEW! Calligraphy Course Melbourne

May - August 2026

In-Person & Online Access

Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy

Level 1

About This Course

Never Stop Learning

I am a extremely curious, self-motivated and self-disciplined. I’ve been in the graphic and type industry for over twenty years, and after all this time, I have more questions than answers. Nevertheless, my motto is: share, support and contribute and I practice it by publishing resources on creativity, calligraphy, lettering and type design. Enjoy!

New 4-Month Calligraphy Course in Melbourne!

By Maria Montes • February 11, 2026
I have veeeery exciting news to share with you: In May this year I’m hosting a 4-month calligraphy course in Naarm/Melbourne! May 2 - August 22, 2026 16 x Saturdays, from 10am - 2.30pm  In-person & online access available
Wanissa Somsuphangsri

Professional Calligrapher Spotlight: Wanissa Somsuphangsri

By Maria Montes • February 2, 2026
Calligraphy interview showcasing Wanissa Somsuphangsri. Learn more about professional calligraphers who make a living out of their practice.
For a world where we all are socially equal, humanly different totally free.

From Analogue to Digital Design: Bridging the Gap Between Blackletter Calligraphy and Vector Art

By Maria Montes • December 16, 2025
We often think of calligraphy and digital design as two separate worlds. On one side, you have the messy, tactile joy of ink on paper. On the other, the clean, infinite precision of vectors. But my favourite way to work is right in the middle—bridging the gap between the two.
Cursive handwriting

New Course: Improve Your Cursive Handwriting!

By Maria Montes • December 1, 2025
Announcing my new self-paced, pre-recorded calligraphy course for all ages called "Improve your cursive handwriting". Exclusive 10% discount code!

Navarra, Spain Launches New Edition of Itinerarios de Caligrafía / Kaligrafia Ibilbideak (ICKI) to Celebrate Calligraphy in the Digital Age

By Ana Oliveira Lizarribar • November 24, 2025
Navarra, Spain launches new edition of Itinerarios de Caligrafía / Kaligrafia Ibilbideak (ICKI) to celebrate handwriting in the digital age. The event will run from January to August 2026.
Copperplate calligraphy week-long course

How to Prepare a Week‑Long Copperplate Calligraphy Course

By Maria Montes • November 18, 2025
After a couple of years traveling for residential calligraphy courses, I have developed a process to ensure I made the most of my time and learning experience.

Ashley Schafer

Black icon of a five-point star over a white background.
Black icon of a five-point star over a white background.
Black icon of a five-point star over a white background.
Black icon of a five-point star over a white background.
Black icon of a five-point star over a white background.

I stumbled upon Maria’s online calligraphy videos, and I'm thrilled with the quality and thoroughness of these courses. I’ve been working on learning copperplate for about a year and a half now, but have learned new skills/concepts from each of Maria’s videos so far. I will definitely come back to these resources again and again. Thanks for helping me bring my calligraphy to the next level!

Newsletter

For the last ten years, I have been writing a bi-monthly email newsletter announcing calligraphy courses, community events, type related matter and other topics which often include creative mental health and fostering women in the type and design industry.