Pen, Ink, & Paper in Harmony

A majority of my calligraphy work has allowed me to select a paper of my choice, which can create a bit of "laziness" when it comes to selecting the best materials under varying circumstances.

This past week I was commissioned to write a number of words on a photo matte.  A variety of lettering styles were requested by the client, and basic black ink with gold highlights.

I sat down to practice and picked up my trusty Brause nibs—the nibs I learned with 26 years ago and generally my "go-to" choice.  These worked great on my practice paper and for the initial paste-up layout I provided the client.

However, when it came to writing on the actual matte surface, the Brause were way too stiff, not making complete contact with the matte for clean strokes.  I went from feeling very comfortable with the process to, "Yuck!  This stinks!"

practice on the off-cuts

A-ha...that's why calligraphers should always have a variety of nibs in their tool kit...whether they be broad edge, pointed pen, or brush pens.  Pen, ink, and surface/paper must be in harmony with one another to give a good result!

 
The solution was my more flexible Mitchell nibs, and using them without a reservoir.  The flexibility allowed beautiful contact between nib and paper/matte surface, resulting in clean strokes that were a dream to create!

gold highlights added with Fine-Tec watercolor

The framer we worked with was wonderful in providing me with the off-cuts from the matte, allowing me to practice and find this harmony with my tools.





 

the finished matte

 It's easy to become complacent with our favorite things.  But expanding your knowledge and experience with a variety of nibs, inks/gouache, and papers will make the creative experience more enjoyable. 

Calligraphy for Christmas Poetry

I have a wonderful returning customer who selects a Christmas poem each year to share with those she sends cards to.  For the past three years, she has commissioned me to create 100 inserts of her selection, written in calligraphy.
 

Italic Lettering

Because the pieces are scanned and printed, I write the  lettering larger than the finished size in black on plain bright white paper, such as Canson Pro-Marker Layout.  I scan the lettering, make any corrections needed using Photoshop, then reduce and set up the final for print using Adobe InDesign.  The finished pieces are 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", allowing me to set up four on a page for print with crop marks.

Title lettering: Uncial

  





Starting with parent sheets (26"x40") of
Arches Text Wove paper, I tear it down to 8 1/2"x11" sheets for print, then tear these to the finished size after print using my crop marks.  Tearing allows for more natural looking "deckle" edges.


  

Main text lettering: Batarde

 


The embellishment is different each year for the individual poems, but I have consistently used FineTec gold watercolors and Winsor Newton watercolors, and either a Winsor Newton 000 or Princeton liner brush to apply the color.  

Title lettering: sloped Uncial

 

 

Merry Christmas everyone, 

and many blessings to you as we enter the New Year.  

May 2016 be full of inspiration!

What Is Your Elevator Speech?

Turning my favorite quotes into greetings of encouragement

When I started my calligraphy business three years ago, I attended small business workshops, determined to be successful from the start. As any self-employed individual will likely say, it has been a continuous learning experience in wearing many different hats—promoter, advertiser, saleswoman, accountant, computer tech (my least favorite!), etc. Somewhere down the line, the hat of my business intent is put on and calligraphy calls out for attention saying, “Hey! I’ve been waiting for you to show up!”

The Burning Question

 

One thing that stuck with me from those business workshops is the question, “What is your elevator speech?”  If only given the amount of time it takes for an elevator ride to introduce myself and explain my work to a stranger, how do I accomplish that most effectively and eloquently? 

After numerous times telling people that I am a calligrapher and watching their eyes glaze over in incomprehension, I decided to tell the next person, “I am a lettering artist.”  The kind gentleman replied, “Oh!  You’re a calligrapher!”  The first person of many who knew what calligraphy is!  

display sample for my Foundational calligraphy class

My ‘favorite’ response from people is, “Oh, I did that once,” or, “That’s pretty writing, right?”  As I have learned and try to impart to my students, the art of calligraphy is so much more than learning to make pretty letters! 
   

 An "A-Ha!" Moment

 

In trying to devise my own elevator speech, I remembered a conversation I had with my aunt’s sister, Brigitte.  When I told her I’m a calligrapher, she responded with enthusiasm and said, “What’s your favorite part about what you do?”  Wow!  That simple question allowed me to briefly say how much I love the deep, rich history of calligraphy and sharing that with my students.  I also told her I enjoy doing calligraphy for weddings, knowing that I can add a special and beautiful touch to the details of a memorable day.

wedding envelope calligraphy

Brigitte also reminded me of the importance of really listening to someone when they talk about their life or occupation.  I make more of an effort now to ask questions, because after all, it’s human nature to want to share our passion—whether it’s a job, family, or special interest.

lettering art sample for classes

So, what is my elevator speech?  “I am an artist and teacher of calligraphy and its ancient history—an art that gives beauty and visual interest to the written word.”  For now, that’s enough to say—it will change over time and that’s okay.  Thanks Brigitte, for giving me a new insight.

Now it's your turn...what is YOUR elevator speech?