Prologue - A Calligraphy Beginner's Guide to Calligraphy

Lesson 1 Before Starting Calligraphy

1.
What is calligraphy?
Art, Law, and the Way | Art in the 'Art'
2.
About the beauty of Hangul
3.
Calligraphy supplies - Four Treasures of the Study
Brush | Ink | Inkstone | Paper | Mat | Paperweight | Ink drop
4.
Warriors of the Five Elements
5.
Self-study doesn't require a teacher? No!
How to fold paper | How to sharpen ink | How to loosen a brush | How to hold a brush - Writing method | Correct posture for calligraphy
Tatao's Calligraphy Episode Which teacher should I choose…?

Lesson 2: Basic Korean Calligraphy

1.
Three Ways to Create a Strokes with a Skeleton
reverse entry | Jungbong Jungbong | samjeol, samjeol, samjeol
2.
Basic stroke practice
Dotting | Drawing sideways | Drawing downwards | Eight-sided peak
3.
Calligraphy is done with the elbow? - The Wanbeop (Wrist Method)
Arm method | Practice the 'ㄱ' method | Practice the 'ㄴ' method | Practice the 'ㄴ' method with stairs |
Practice the completion method by drawing stars | Practice the completion method with 'ㅁ' | Practice the completion method with 'ㅇ'
4.
How to Care for Calligraphy Tools
How to Care for a Brush | How to Care for an Inkstone | How to Care for Ink | How to Care for Paper
Tatao's Calligraphy Episode: Hell Training - Writing One Character 1,000 Times

Lesson 3: Practical Korean Calligraphy - Block Font

1.
Writing Korean consonants
2.
Writing Korean double consonants
3.
Writing Korean vowels
4.
Writing Korean compound vowels
5.
Basic character writing
6.
Writing final consonant letters
7.
Writing double consonants
8.
Writing sentences (family mottos, famous quotes)
Writing family mottos | Writing quotes horizontally | Writing quotes vertically
9.
Writing literary works (poetry)
Try [Gwichon] | Try [Yongbieocheonga]
Tatao's Calligraphy Episode: After-School Activities in the Calligraphy World

Lesson 4: Basic Chinese Calligraphy

1.
Six Books
Hieroglyph | Geography | Meeting | Sound | Intro | Borrow
2.
Types of fonts - Jeonyehaehaengcho (篆?楷行草)
Seal script | Clerical script | Regular script | Running script | Cursive script
3.
Practice basic strokes of the reverse, middle, and three-section scripts, which are slightly different from Hangul.
reverse entry | middle edge | three folds
4.
Two key strokes in the script - piping and piping
Pipchimno | Pine?
5.
Mastering Calligraphy with Numbers
Try writing '한 일' in the official script | Try writing '두 이二' in the official script | Try writing '석 삼三' in the official script | Try writing '록 사四' in the official script | Try writing '포다5 오五' in the official script | Try writing '육六' in the official script | Try writing '칠七' in the official script | Try writing '팔八' in the official script | Try writing '팔구九' in the official script | Try writing '열십十' in the official script
6.
Writing essential Chinese characters
Up and down, center | East, West, South, North | Front, Back, Left, Right | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter | Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon
7.
You shouldn't write like this in an example!
If the first button is buttoned incorrectly | If the space division is not even 1 | If the space division is not even 2 | If complex characters are written incorrectly | If the yin and yang are disturbed | If the shape is elongated
Tatao's Calligraphy Episode: A Brilliant Idea for Preparing for the Imseo Grand Competition

Lesson 5: Practical Chinese Character Calligraphy - Clerical Script

1.
Writing famous sayings
Be careful to be alone | Think of no evil | Virtue is not alone and will have neighbors
2.
Writing a Chinese poem
3. Find a calligraphy dictionary on your PC
4.
Practical calligraphy (writing local government, condolence envelopes, guestbooks, spring greetings, New Year's cards)
Writing a local postcard | Writing a condolence envelope | Writing a guestbook | Writing a spring greeting | Writing a New Year's card
You can tell what kind of person you are by looking at the calligraphy of Tatao.

Epilogue - For those who want to move on to the next step
Sasinbi (史晨碑) | Yegibi (禮器碑) | Jangcheonbi (張遷碑) | Jojeonbi (曹全碑) | Eulyeongbi (乙瑛碑)
Stone Gate Song | Bongyongsan Songbi | Gwanggaeto the Great Stele

Appendix 1.
Basic calligraphy terms
Appendix 2.
Practice basic Korean letters with Tatao script
Appendix 3.
Practice the Sashinbi Imseo with the Tatao Chebon

Anyone can easily learn calligraphy on their own!
A practical calligraphy class that teaches you the basics step by step.

The elegance of a hobby! A worthwhile pastime that fills the margins of life!
Let your mind wander and escape the suffocating daily life by playing with a brush!

Calligraphy is a noble hobby that can last a lifetime.
If you play with a brush on white rice paper, you can easily escape the frustrations of everyday life.
Furthermore, through calligraphy, we can immerse ourselves in the simple joy of the creator.
You can also freely wander through the forest of humanities, the valley of poetry, and the waterfall of golden letters.


But how do I start calligraphy?
Don't worry.

Because you can teach yourself calligraphy with Mr. Tatao's First Steps in Calligraphy book.


It's okay if you're busy and can't make time.
You can pick up a brush whenever you have time, whether it's the weekend or late at night.
There is no cost burden either.
You can study in depth without the pressure of monthly tuition fees.
You don't even have to worry about choosing.
You don't need to choose an academy or teacher; just follow the steps in order.

This book is an introductory book to Korean and Chinese character calligraphy.
Before you start calligraphy, we will start with the basics, from the calligraphy supplies you need to know in advance, to how to fold paper, how to sharpen ink, how to loosen the brush, how to hold the brush, and the correct posture when doing calligraphy.
Then, Teacher Tatao will kindly explain the basic strokes and techniques of the letters, like a 1:1 private lesson, and allow you to practice step by step.


After learning the basics of both Korean and Chinese characters, you can practice individual calligraphy and practical calligraphy in the practical section.
You will learn how to write family mottos, famous sayings, and poems in Korean script, and practice famous sayings, articles, and Chinese poems in Chinese character cursive script. You will also learn calligraphy that can be used in real life through envelopes for weddings and condolence messages, guestbooks, spring greetings, and New Year's cards.
And with the appendix of the Tatao font, you can practice Korean and Chinese calligraphy without any shortcomings.


Calligraphy may seem like an elegant hobby from the outside, but inside it is filled with much more magnificent and wonderful treasures.
Are you ready to cultivate your inner self and enjoy the richness of culture? Open the door to this book and step inside! A worthy pastime awaits you, beautifully filling your blank spaces.

Structure and features of this book

We start from the very basics so that even beginners can follow along!

If you are a complete beginner in calligraphy, you should carefully understand and learn everything you need to know before starting calligraphy, from calligraphy supplies to how to fold paper, how to sharpen ink, how to loosen the brush, how to hold the brush, and the correct posture when doing calligraphy.

Systematically practice the basic strokes and writing techniques of Hangul to properly lay the foundation for calligraphy!

The reason why learning the basic strokes and techniques in calligraphy is important is because if you build up your writing skills without properly laying the foundation, it will be difficult to get back on the right path.
Learn and master the secrets of calligraphy, the most fundamental and crucial step in calligraphy: effectively mastering the process of planting bones within strokes to infuse strength and vitality into your calligraphy.

Practice Korean fonts with Tatao font and guidelines!

Stroke to stroke, consonant to vowel, and even letter to letter are not fixed but are like living organisms that move organically.
By writing Korean consonants, vowels, and basic letters, and then practicing family precepts, famous quotes, and literary works in Korean, you will learn these principles easily and naturally.

Understand the brushwork and character shapes of Chinese calligraphy and learn basic Chinese characters!

Anyone who practices calligraphy must enter the world of Chinese character calligraphy, not just Korean calligraphy.
As the first step, we learn the Yeoseo font, which is the most popular font among Koreans.
After practicing the basic strokes of Chinese characters and the core strokes of regular script and mastering the regular script writing method with numbers, try writing essential Chinese characters.

Upgrade your skills with creative calligraphy and practical calligraphy on a solid foundation!

Begin your journey into calligraphy by writing famous quotes, furniture, and Chinese poetry in Chinese character script.
By writing each letter with sincerity and learning, you will build up your inner strength and improve your calligraphy skills to the fullest by writing envelopes for weddings and condolences, guestbooks, spring greetings, New Year's cards, etc. that can be used in daily life.

Practice thoroughly by looking at the Tatao script divided into Korean and Chinese characters and writing it down!

There is no better training in calligraphy than writing a lot.
This is why it is important to practice copying well-written scripts.
As an appendix, a copy written by Mr. Tatao himself is included.
This book, which consists of 140 Korean characters and 176 Chinese characters, allows you to practice calligraphy without any shortcomings.

Recommended Comments

bell*
I really like how you explain everything in an easy-to-understand way!! I recently started copying the Heart Sutra, and I wanted to write it beautifully in Chinese characters, so I came across this.

Yu**
I went to a calligraphy academy in middle school, but I quit and now that I'm in college, I've finally started practicing drawing with my old inkstone and brush! I'm currently watching YouTube videos, and I'm so glad you posted this.
I really enjoyed the explanations because they also helped me understand the philosophy behind calligraphy.

룯*
I can't imagine how much hardship you must have gone through to learn how to write this so naturally.
I am so, so envious of how you greet each moment you put your brush to a blank sheet of paper with such wonderful excitement, not fear.

river**
It's more novel because each stroke is given meaning.
Each word of the explanation is calm yet powerful.
Today, I see life in calligraphy.

Wa***
Among calligraphy and lettering YouTubers, I believe that Tatao is the only one whose channel has grown to this level based on a foundation of Chinese characters and traditional calligraphy.

Dre**
Symbols, metaphors, and meanings that I haven't seen in a long time.
The world of the senses.

hand**
Through the teacher's video, I felt that the principles of nature and humanity, such as heaven, earth, and man, are alive in each and every Chinese character, and it was also a time for me to reflect on my own handwriting.

*barley**
Deep and mysterious explanations and handwriting - I've only heard about calligraphy and seen it from the side, but now I feel like I should start.

more*
Thank you.
As I listen to your words, I think about the correct attitude that should be expressed in each and every word.
Thank you again for this valuable opportunity.

On***
I'm just getting started with calligraphy, and it's really catchy, easy to understand, and fun.

article**
It's funny.
I was sad because I didn't know until now, but I'm glad I know now.

Min Se-ra**
Wow! It's like I'm secretly peeking into the secrets of martial arts, just like you said during the Youngja Palbeop lecture.

Woo***
I used to think that calligraphy was a boring thing that only old people did, or something just for writing pretty letters.
But after watching the teacher's video, my thoughts changed 180 degrees.
I never dreamed that there was such a profound world.
I hope it becomes a great hobby that I can do for the rest of my life.

An****
I am grateful to the teacher for making it possible for me to study well in the United States.
It is very informative and helpful.

Ya***
I suddenly remember King Sejong's heart for the people in the Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon, which I hope will help you all become familiar with and benefit from it.
I understand your feelings, teacher.
And I am so grateful that you teach such martial arts to everyone.

red**
I learned a lot from this practical and rare video.

K*
I can't tell you how grateful I am that I can take classes like this without having to go to an academy.
It's easy to understand because you explain everything in an easy-to-understand way in every lecture.
Thank you always.

Marang****
Thank you for explaining the basics of calligraphy.

T&****
I was worried because my brush kept lying down, but this was a great help^^ Thank you~

this**
I learned something here today that I didn't know even after a year on YouTube and a year at a welfare center doing calligraphy... Thank you so much.

song****
The calligraphy I learned for 4 or 5 years was all nonsense... Why did the teachers teach such important things in the first place?
Wouldn't you give it to me??

GA***
The calm voice that teaches you the basics in detail makes me want to pick up a brush.
From now on, I will begin to serve you as a teacher in my heart!

Kiki***
Ah, that's what it felt like.
This is what Jungbong feels like.

Choi***
It seems like each and every letter is filled with breath.

Balba****
I was wondering if the word 'scholar' was useful anymore, but you have completely changed my mind.
I put it down.
How can I be so happy? Haha. I wish I could be a scholar who can paint with me all day and all night long!

Choi**
Thank you for your clear explanation of the general common sense of optimism.

JIN***
It was very helpful.
I tried following along, and the handwriting already looks different! Thank you.
Tatao-nim^^