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

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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.

Katherine Rinewalt

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.

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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 "&."

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Question

Couldn't I draw an 8, then add lines?

Community Answer

You could, but it would be more complicated and not exactly correct.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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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