Certificate Core: Calligraphy as a Tool for Prototyping Letterforms

Ever been stuck while trying to come up with letterform ideas for logo or type designs? Often the best way to get unstuck from a creative block is to start experimenting with ink and paper. In this workshop, we will examine the principles of calligraphy and explore how we can use them to rapidly generate ideas for letterforms. Using both conventional and unconventional writing tools, we will use analog methods to spark creative ideas and discuss how we can construct visual rhythm.

Required Materials

• Grid paper
• Tracing paper or layout bond paper (Borden & Riley #37, Canson Marker Layout, or Bienfang Graphics 360)
• Thick stock paper larger than 11x17 (e.g. Bristol or Watercolor paper)
• Ruler
• Pencil and sharpener or mechanical pencil with refills
• Eraser
• Tape (artist’s or masking)
• 1-2mm chisel tip marker or pen (e.g., Sakura Pigma calligraphy markers, Zig calligraphy chisel tip markers, chisel tip fountain pen, etc)
• Non-waterproof ink (black, walnut, or other dark color)
• Shallow dish or bowl for ink

Note: This workshop is only open to students enrolled in the Type West Certificate Program in Type Design.