Welcome back to my virtual workshop on handlettering and calligraphy, Lettering 101! We got a little behind in the M+W headquarters, but don’t fret.
Last week you worked on the miniscules in the first half of the alphabet. I’m sure you are starting to see where the drills in the first week come in handy when creating actual letters. This week we’re working on the last half of the alphabet.
When you’re making the letterforms in this week’s lesson, make sure you keep the pressure of your writing utensil in mind. A graceful letterform has beautiful, full-pressure “swells”, but also has subtle hairlines. This is especially helpful to keep in mind when making those ovals! The pressure is released just before the baseline. I’ve seen a lot of letterers see a big difference in their work once they master where to apply the pressure.
RESOURCES
As I became more interested in calligraphy, I found out about an amazing organization committed to the preservation of the art. It is called The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH for short). Anyone can join no matter their skill level, their dues are incredibly reasonable, and they host a week-long conference each year in a different city! I’m definitely hoping to make it next year!
If you don’t care to join an entire association of calligraphers, they still offer a host of resources for free!! Here is a great set of guidelines specifically made for Copperplate calligraphy, which is supposed to be written at an angle of 55 degrees. You can also find a great technical breakdown of getting started in Copperplate here.
THIS WEEK
We’ll finish up our miniscule alphabet in a hurry this week so we can get started on our majuscules (uppercase) soon! I know you’re going to LOVE that
Alright! Let’s start some MINISCULES!!!
Lettering 101 // Week 3 Packet
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