In this all-in-one 8-week class, learners will have the opportunity to learn the basics of modern calligraphy in classes that are fun, engaging and informative! Each class learners will be provided printable worksheets to use in and out of class to practice and master their calligraphy.  This class is available on a FLEX schedule here as well: https://outschool.com/classes/the-ultimate-guide-to-lettering-and-modern-calligraphy-iK7CyeOn#us9QW4thuv

Our learning schedule will be as follows: 

Week 1: Foundations of Modern Calligraphy
I often say that we must learn to walk before we can run! In our first week together, learners will learn by video all about proper posture, using guidelines, strokes, common mistakes, and proper utensils/supplies. The worksheets for this week will include practicing strokes and a blank guideline sheet (which will be used every week).  

Week 2: Faux Calligraphy
In this class, we will learn the faux calligraphy (also known as fake calligraphy) technique. Traditional calligraphy requires many tools such as ink, proper paper, and specific nibs. With faux calligraphy, you can achieve gorgeous typography with only a pen and paper. We achieve this by duplicating the downstroke, giving the iconic "calligraphy" look to our lettering.

Week 3: Brush Lettering
This week, we will learn the brush lettering technique. With brush lettering, heavy pressure is applied on the downward stroke and light pressure is applied with every upward stroke. Students will learn brush pens in detail, with special attention to elements such as nib flexibility, size, and ink flow. The proper technique to using these utensils will be explained and learners will use the provided worksheets to practice.

Week 4: Entrance and Exit Strokes, and Connecting Letters
One of the greatest challenges calligraphers tend to struggle with is connecting letters! In this class, learners will practice common letter connections. Learners will also practice connecting letters using conventional exit and entrance strokes. 

Week 5: Adding Flourishes
This week, learners will practice adding flourishes to words. Calligraphers often give their writing a bit more "pizzaz" with unconventional exit and entrance strokes, swirls, loops, and embellishments. Students will learn step by step how to create an embellished work of art well. Worksheets will be provided for students to practice common flourishes. 

Week 6: Bounce Lettering
Bounce lettering is a style of lettering where calligraphers break the rules of writing in a straight line! In this technique, variation is given to the position of the letters, giving them the appearance of bouncing. Learners will learn how to make each letter of a word "reach" and "dip" to achieve this stylistic approach to lettering. 

Week 7: Creating Your Own Alphabet
Calligraphers often will create their own alphabet to reflect their own personal aesthetic and style. Modern calligraphy is defined by the freedom to break rules! The belief that there is only one correct way of calligraphy writing is outdated. This week, learners will be exposed to many different lettering styles, as well as practice writing every letter A-Z stroke by stroke. Learners will then begin to create their own alphabet using other calligraphers' artwork as inspiration. Referring to their own alphabet will reinforce their own unique personality in their artwork.

Week 8: Pointed Pen Calligraphy
In our final class together, students will briefly review the age-old technique of pointed pen calligraphy. Pointed pen calligraphy is the art of writing with the use of a nib holder, pointed pen nib, and ink. The nib is the part of the pen that you dip in the ink and use to draw your letters. Common utensils for this technique will be taught, as well as how to properly use these utensils.

*** Please note, this class does not go in-depth on pointed pen calligraphy (pen and ink). Although, the technique and recommended utensils will be taught. Greater emphasis will be given to using brush lettering and faux calligraphy techniques.