Calligraphy Course Overview
This 12-week calligraphy course introduces students to the art of beautiful writing, focusing on traditional and modern techniques. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, this course will guide you through foundational skills and help you develop your unique style. Through hands-on practice and personalized feedback, students will master essential tools, strokes, and letterforms, and create stunning calligraphy pieces. By the end of the course, you will be able to produce visually captivating hand-lettered art for personal projects, invitations, or professional purposes.
Course Outline
Week 1-2: Introduction to Calligraphy Tools & Basic Strokes
- Overview of Calligraphy Styles: Traditional vs. modern calligraphy.
- Tools & Materials: Pens, nibs, inks, brushes, and paper.
- Basic Strokes: Practice core strokes essential for all letterforms.
- Project: Create a simple piece using basic strokes.
Week 3-4: Lowercase Letterforms
- Foundation of Lowercase Letters: Practice lowercase alphabet.
- Consistency & Control: Learn techniques for uniformity and smoothness.
- Connecting Letters: Introduction to flow and spacing between letters.
- Project: Write words with lowercase letters to practice connections.
Week 5-6: Uppercase Letterforms
- Uppercase Techniques: Practice uppercase alphabet, focusing on structure and style.
- Combining Uppercase with Lowercase: Create seamless connections.
- Project: Write short phrases to practice upper and lowercase integration.
Week 7-8: Exploring Different Styles
- Traditional Calligraphy Styles: Gothic, Italic, and Copperplate basics.
- Modern Calligraphy Styles: Flourishes, swashes, and playful variations.
- Experimentation: Encourage students to explore different styles and find a preference.
- Project: Create a piece in a chosen style.
Week 9-10: Advanced Techniques & Layout Design
- Flourishing Techniques: Add flair with flourishes, swirls, and embellishments.
- Layout Composition: Design balanced and attractive layouts.
- Project Planning: Begin designing a final project with composition and style in mind.
Week 11: Project Development
- Creating a Final Piece: Apply learned techniques to complete a polished calligraphy piece.
- One-on-One Feedback: Receive personalized guidance on final project.
- Practice: Refine strokes, adjust spacing, and complete final drafts.
Week 12: Final Presentation & Showcase
- Project Completion: Finalize and display a completed piece.
- Presentation: Each student presents their project and discusses their creative journey.
- Feedback & Future Steps: Tips for continuing practice, building a portfolio, and professional calligraphy options.
Outcome: Students will leave the course with a foundational understanding of calligraphy, a completed calligraphy project, and the skills needed to create visually compelling hand-lettered art for personal or professional use.