Calligraphy (Zen Brush 2 app on iPad) has transformed my visual artistic life. Now I have another mode of artistic self expression and creation. I can BOTH make photos AND make calligraphs from my mind.

I encourage all photographers and visual artists to experiment with calligraphy — a whole brave new world awaits you!

1. Focus on dynamism, form, and composition

What I love about calligraphy — there are no rules. No good or bad. Essentially when you’re making calligraphs, you’re imputing your soul and energy into the images you create.

For example, when I’m feeling stressed or angry, the calligraphs I make have a different mood, vibe, and tempo. When I’m exuberant, joyful, and hyper happy, the images look and feel different.

Furthermore I love the extreme minimalism of calligraphy — just the black ink on white, with the occasional red. But perhaps this “creative constraint”of only sticking with black and white is better for our creativity and soul expression.

2. The best self entertainment

For the most part, I’m anti passive entertainment. I’m all about active entertainment — in which you’re entertaining yourself with the art works you make!

3. So easy, a child can do it.

I’ve shown my iPad and iPhone with the Zen Brush 2 app to many children (and adults)— and they love it!

For example a masterpiece by my 4 year old niece Amelia (she independently discovered how to use the different brushes, thicknesses, and colors to produce this, with no instruction from me):

4. Exercising your visual muscles

Your visual muscles are like your real muscles:

Use it or lose it.

You can’t always go out and make new photos, but you can certainly make calligraphs anywhere you are! At home, in the office, or while commuting.

5. How to get inspired to make calligraphs

Muscular activity is the goal. Lift some weights, swing some kettlebells, or do some chin-ups or pushups. Once you get the hormonal rush of physical weight lifting, I think this energy can transfer into getting motivated to make calligraphs!

6. Don’t censor yourself.

Make calligraphs in a spirit of play and visual experimentation. No right or wrong way to do it!