Calligraphy Diploma Course

Course details

The Calligraphy Diploma Course begins by stepping into the past - looking at the roots of calligraphy and its purpose across the globe. This introduction includes a definition of calligraphy, specifically in terms of how it is used in the West, and the differences between both modern and classical calligraphy. You're also supplied with a glossary of terms that you will come across during the rest of the course and throughout your career as a calligrapher.

Pens, ink and paper are the staples of any calligrapher's toolkit but understanding why writers and artists use particular pens or prefer certain nibs is important. You will learn about the different types of tools calligraphers use, the ink used in different kinds of pens, and how to clean your nibs after they have been used.

With the foundations laid, You will move on to how to get started. Beginning with the basics, You will learn what you need to make your first strokes, the best way to hold the pen and why it is necessary to grip it in such a manner, tips for left-handed calligraphers, and solutions to the typical problems that new calligraphers face.

From these beginnings, the Calligraphy Diploma Course introduces you to modern calligraphy. This is a type of writing/art that is based on traditional calligraphy and is a good introduction to getting a feel for the letters and forms that you will focus on as you move on to more classic styles.

Foundational hand is an important style to have as part of your calligraphy repertoire. You will learn the basics of the construction of the letters in this style - moving from the easiest lettering to the most complex.

Based on the classical Latin alphabet, You will learn how to produce traditional Roman capital letterforms and how to group different letters together. The origins of this script are outlined, along with why it is considered to be so important and the reason you need it as part of your calligraphy skillset.

Building on your capabilities, the Calligraphy Diploma Course highlights the main characteristics of Italic script and then guides you in implementing those characteristics letter by letter. You will also learn where Italic calligraphy originated and how its influence remains with us in contemporary writing.

You will learn a little about where Gothic script came from and why it came into being. From there, You will get a feel for the kinds of strokes that are needed to produce this lettering effectively by taking a 'shape by shape', rather than 'letter by letter', approach.

Finishing with a flourish, the Calligraphy Diploma Course guides you through the basics of creating embellishments to plain script, with the use of flourishes. You will follow practical guidelines on the types of pen and nibs to use, as well as some ideas of where and how to add flourishes to your work.

It doesn't end there, however. In addition to explaining the art, history, and practical application of calligraphy, this course also explains how to take your new skill from being an engaging hobby to a lucrative side or sole business.

You will learn the essentials for setting up your own business from a practical and legal standpoint, as well as figuring out the questions you need to ask yourself before you embark on this venture. You will discover how to go about finding clients and the best way to present your work to them.

By the end of this course you will:

• Be skilled in four of the most important classical calligraphy scripts - Foundational Hand, Roman Script (Capitals), Italic Script, and Gothic Script
• Have learned the background to each script and how they originated
• Have the foundational skills for modern calligraphy and brush hand
• Understand the tools needed for beautiful calligraphic writing
• Be capable of confidently creating the thick and thin strokes of the letter
• Know the common problems that beset new calligraphers and have solutions to overcome them
• Be able to create gorgeous flourishes to enhance your writing and work
• Know what is needed to set up in business as a calligraphy artist

Modules

• Module 1: What is Calligraphy?
• Module 2: Tools and Materials
• Module 3: Getting Started
• Module 4: Modern Calligraphy
• Module 5: Foundational Hand
• Module 6: Roman Script
• Module 7: Italic Script
• Module 8: Gothic Script
• Module 9: Flourishes
• Module 10: Turning Your Calligraphy Skills into a Business
Updated on 06 April, 2021