Letter Better
I first took up calligraphy and lettering to reconnect with words. It did more than that. It taught me to be brave, to focus, to let go when need be. More than the practice of lettering, I wanted it to help people from the inside. That’s how the Letter Better inspiration sessions began, and in time for the new year.
The first session was partially inspired by Patti Dubrowlski’s Tedx talk on visualizing your future. The first part involved the power of words, how to change one’s use of language to turn one’s hopes, dreams, and wishes into something that can be done. The second part helped participants visualize this with the use of lettering basics. Depending on the group, it can be more than that. For one group, it was about reconnecting with their creativity and cementing their goals. For another group, it strengthened their sense of community and sharing.
I am always in awe of how much art and crafts, from the very time a skill is applied, reveals. Wouldn’t you want to find out?
If you would like to hold a Letter Better inspiration session for you, your friends, and/or your organization in the Philippines, contact me at myachi at gmail dot com. Rates and packages can be customized to your needs.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Tips for beginning calligraphers, from a beginner calligrapher.
I swore that I would not buy new pens and inks until my calligraphy got better. I also figured I’d be kinder to myself and start with Roman lettering and calligraphic print instead of jumping into Copperplate. I used ye olde ‘Writing & Illuminating & Lettering’ to start. You can download the book for free at archive.org.
When I write in Latin, I have that scene from ‘Life of Brian’ running through my head.
Some things I figured, while destroying trees (with use of paper) in the name of pretty:
-It helps to start with just the symbols and some flourishing before moving on to the alphabet. It teaches pen control, and builds the strokes for when you finally start on lettering.
-Practice, practice, practice. They’re not meant to be perfect at the get-go.
-Be kind: you can start with Roman print before jumping to Copperplate script. It makes re-learning the script easier, even faster.
-You CAN start with a pencil and a math notebook. Get used to which stroke to start with, then you can practice flex with your fountain pen.
That’s it so far. It’s not much now, but I’m hoping it’ll be better. It has certainly been fun though.
What helped you when you started calligraphy?
Good Starting Calligraphy Resources:
Rome wasn't built in a day
Tips for beginning calligraphers, from a beginner calligrapher.
I swore that I would not buy new pens and inks until my calligraphy got better. I also figured I’d be kinder to myself and start with Roman lettering and calligraphic print instead of jumping into Copperplate. I used ye olde ‘Writing & Illuminating & Lettering’ to start. You can download the book for free at archive.org.
When I write in Latin, I have that scene from ‘Life of Brian’ running through my head.
Some things I figured, while destroying trees (with use of paper) in the name of pretty:
-It helps to start with just the symbols and some flourishing before moving on to the alphabet. It teaches pen control, and builds the strokes for when you finally start on lettering.
-Practice, practice, practice. They’re not meant to be perfect at the get-go.
-Be kind: you can start with Roman print before jumping to Copperplate script. It makes re-learning the script easier, even faster.
-You CAN start with a pencil and a math notebook. Get used to which stroke to start with, then you can practice flex with your fountain pen.
That’s it so far. It’s not much now, but I’m hoping it’ll be better. It has certainly been fun though.
What helped you when you started calligraphy?
Good Starting Calligraphy Resources: