Unless you’ve been hiding under a big, fat rock, you know that calligraphy is back in a big way. Our friends at The Social Type in Little Rock know exactly what we mean and let us sit in on a lettering class they hosted taught by the lovely Shannan Inman of Paperglaze Calligraphy.
We’re not quite experts yet, but here are five of the most important lessons we learned that night.
1. Be willing to learn.
Yes, you might have pretty handwriting, and yes, you might have a natural propensity for this sort of thing. However, calligraphy is a skill that is handed down. Whether you attend a Paperglaze Workshop or pick up a copy of Modern Calligraphy, you have to learn from those before you. Do it in whatever way works best for you, but look for guidance somewhere.
2. Don't be too critical.
This is especially hard when you start to see some progress in your own work, but maybe not as much as you were hoping for. Like anything else, calligraphy takes time. It has to be honed. So be patient, but be persistent. You will get better.
3. Start analyzing letters you see.
More of a decree than a lesson, this is a habit you will need to pick up. Some of it will come naturally as you spend more time concentrating on the intricacies of the craft. You can probably point out Comic Sans and Helvetica, but try looking at letters like the art forms that they are and you’ll be amazed at what you see.
4. Find your style.
There are a zillion different personalities your calligraphy can take on. From copperplate to parisian and everything in between, there’s no telling where your strengths will lie. Find the style that comes most naturally to you and perfect it. Never stop challenging yourself to learn new designs, but don’t fall apart if one isn’t exactly your forte.
5. There’s freedom in the flourish.
Now that you know your style, ditch it. Just kidding. What you need to remember is that even the same style will vary between artists, so put your personal touch on it. When you’re able to make a style your own, that’s something you can be proud of.
Photos courtesy of Grant Harrison Photography
