Calligraphy I: Writing in Classic Modern Script Bryn Chernoff ASSIGNMENT Select a short name, passage, or quotation to calligraph in a beautiful, modern, custom script. This assignment is a great way to practice your hand at calligraphy– developing your own style, a confident stroke, and beautiful work that you can use for everything. DELIVERABLE Upload a photo of your calligraphy piece. A finished piece includes a name, quote or passage written in calligraphy.

Materials As shown in the lessons, students have a basic set of calligraphy tools—including a pen holder, pointed nibs,sumi ink, dinky dips, and a pad of layout paper—and should keep a cup of water, paper towels, a pencil, and an eraser on hand. You are free to purchase whatever materials you'd like to try, but to make things easier, you can order either of the following supply kits at a special Skillshare discount from John Neal Bookseller, Bryn's favorite source for calligraphy materials. Paperfinger Supply Kit #1 : The Basics ($20.99) includes a pen holder, 2 pointed nibs, small bottle of sumi ink, dinky dips and a pad of layout paper (great for practice). Paperfinger Supply Kit #2 : Complete Collection ($57.99) is for those looking for a more substantial set of materials that will last you a while and provide more options for paper and inks. This kit includes a pen holder; 2 pointed nibs; a larger bottle of sumi ink; dinky dips; layout paper; a thicker bleed­proof paper; and my favorite white, gold and colored inks. You also have the option to add on a light box, chisel/broad edge nibs, and a sample kit of beautiful calligraphy papers.

Project Steps

1. Share the name or phrase you’ll calligraph: Share the name, quotation, or passage you’d like to calligraph and explain, in 1­3 sentences, why that phrase has personal resonance for you. It could be a name of a friend, an everyday mantra, or a short passage that’s always inspired you. Share: In words or pictures, the words you'll calligraph and a bit about why.

2. Share a pencil sketch of your script: Using the guide­sheet lines as reference, script your words in pencil. Share your pencil sketch (or several) with the class, and feel free to pose questions to other students about style and technique. When you’re writing, think about each letterform, how they connect together, and any line breaks. Decide whether you will use capital letters. The vocabulary sheet is a helpful reminder of the possibilities: slants, angles, entrances, descenders, and exits. Stay aware of your baseline, x­height, and cap height—and remember that you can always return to the practice worksheets. Share: A sketch of your script and a few lines about your process. Feel free to include a series of sketches over time.

3. Share your final, inked piece Share: A photo of your final phrase and, using true calligraphy vocabulary, explain some of your artistic choices.

Additional Resources

Calligraphy is all about play and practice! Explore the following 7 worksheets—all created exclusively by Bryn for Skillshare—and use them to familiarize, guide, and inspire you in finding your style and writing beautifully.

Lined guide sheets are crucial for perfecting your baseline and slant. In addition to the following 2 downloads, explore a range of sheets at the following sites: Printable Paper (Lined Paper), Printable Paper (Calligraphy Paper), and IAMPETH Guide Sheets.