Q&A for How to Draw an & (Ampersand)

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  • Question
    Should I start at the middle or at the bottom when drawing an ampersand?
    Katherine Rinewalt
    Calligrapher
    Katherine Rinewalt is a Calligrapher based in Orlando, Florida. Katherine owns Rosebud Calligraphy and has over 6 years of experience. Rosebud Calligraphy is a calligraphy and stationery design studio offering invitations, handwritten pieces, and signage for weddings and special events. Katherine is passionate about helping others elevate their weddings and events with her personalized touch.
    Calligrapher
    Expert Answer
    It's generally best to start at the bottom since both the entry and exit points of your drawing start at the bottom, making it the best starting place. However, the exact starting point can depend on the style of your ampersand. For some styles, starting more towards the bottom works well. If you want the heavier downstrokes to appear on the outside, you can consider starting from the middle instead. So in general, starting at the bottom is a reliable choice for most ampersands, but you can adjust based on where you want your heaviest strokes to appear.
  • Question
    Why is this method necessary?
    Community Answer
    This method uses the proper directional strokes if you are writing calligraphically. If you are not practicing calligraphy, you can really do the steps in any order you like, however, you may find the motions here to be easiest for you to produce a clear and legible "&."
  • Question
    Couldn't I draw an 8, then add lines?
    Community Answer
    You could, but it would be more complicated and not exactly correct.
  • Question
    Couldn't I just write "and"?
    Clairo
    Community Answer
    Yes, but many find it easier/quicker to do &. Also, many find it prettier. Both mean the same.
  • Question
    Is that how it's written in cursive?
    Belle K.
    Top Answerer
    The ampersand is the same when you print as it is in cursive. Symbols and numbers don't change in cursive.
  • Question
    Who came up with this symbol?
    Community Answer
    The inventor of the ampersand is widely considered to be Marcus Tullius Tiro. He invented it in 63 B.C.
  • Question
    Is this easier than writing the actual word and?
    Emery Cailin
    Top Answerer
    Once you learn and master it, yes. And it can be a helpful shorthand. This is because it takes fewer strokes to draw than the word "and."
  • Question
    What's more wonderful, the calligraphy or the standard one?
    Emery Cailin
    Top Answerer
    The calligraphy one is certainly fancier, and might be better for something like invitations or word art, while the standard is easier to draw and might be better for personal notes or writing quickly. So, in terms of usefulness, the standard one may be more wonderful, but in terms of aesthetics, the calligraphy one may be more wonderful.
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