Encyclopedia defines calligraphy as follows: in a broad sense, calligraphy refers to the writing rules of words and symbols.
From such a simple definition, we can see that the key to so-called calligraphy lies in a "rule". In the use of pens, we often refer to the "eight-character method". Structurally, we are familiar with Ou Yangxun's "36 Law" and Huang Ziyuan's "92 Law". And so on, all belong to the category of written law.
Therefore, if you want to learn calligraphy well, you must first understand the regular "rules" outside these styles. If you don't know anything, just write there by your own temperament. After writing, there is no regulation at all. Even if it is "good-looking", it is hard to be called real calligraphy.
2. One is practicality and the other is art. ..
Most people write with pens for practical purposes. The written words should be neat and generous, so that others can understand them, and they should play the role of recording and communication.
Calligraphy is different, and the role of artistic aesthetics is far greater than practicality.
For example, this Sichuan-style cursive "Four Ancient Poems" written by Zhang Xuzhi, in which we can feel the hearty brushwork and bring us a strong visual aesthetic feeling. In the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Huaiguan once said, "Those who know the depth of a book only look at its spirit, but not its shape." In other words, appreciating calligraphy, even if we can't understand the content, doesn't prevent us from appreciating its beauty. It's like an abstract painting, even if you don't know what it is, you can read a different taste in it.