Messages

1

Copperplate Tutorial by SMK / Re: Copperplate Minuscules - Group 1

« on: September 15, 2016, 06:25:02 PM »

Thank you so much for these lessons! I started studying Copperplate last year but, due to some crazy life events, had to put away the nibs and holders for awhile. I'm really excited to get back into it! Looking forward to learning from you

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Introductions / Re: Hello beautiful people! I'm Alyssa of loveletterer!

« on: June 19, 2015, 04:28:10 PM »

welcome! love your work

3

Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Re: how to begin to develop your own style of "calligraphy"?

« on: June 19, 2015, 04:12:59 PM »

Find a style you like and copy it. Before anyone burns me at the stake, I promise I'm not in favor of stealing from other artists. What I have found is that when I attempt to copy someone's style, my own tendencies shine through very prominently, thus making a very different script than the one I'm referencing. This way I can draw on a similar qualitiy or feeling from the inspiration script (ex: whimsical) 

I agree! It's not so much about copying their style but finding inspiration . If you write out someone else's style and analyze it, it'll help you discover what you like or don't like about their letterforms, helping you to be better discover your own. It's tough and takes practice

Thanks and I have been taking your guys' advice! I think that is definitely the way to go for me - I've been having fun copying and finding what flows more naturally from my hand. Hopefully I'll have something more solidified as my own style in the upcoming months

4

Tools & Supplies / HP Premium Choice Laser Paper sale

« on: June 19, 2015, 03:58:47 PM »

Hello! I am not sure if someone posted this already, but I figured I'd do it too just in case someone missed it.

Costco is offering HP Premium choice laser paper for $9.59/ream, which includes shipping! The minimum order is 2 reams, however.
http://www.costco.com/HP-Premium-Choice-Laser-Paper,-Letter,-Ultra-White,-32lb,-98-Bright,-500ct-HEW-113100.product.11131827.html

Staples also price matches, so I was able to go in and purchase it there since I don't have a Costco membership.

I know there are many people who use this paper for practice. I haven't used it before so I'm SUPER excited to try it out!

Hope this helps somebody 

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Introductions / Re: Hi! I'm Danielle from SoCal :)

« on: June 11, 2015, 08:49:22 PM »

Welcome Danielle! Where in Cali are you? I live in Orange County

I live in La Habra! What about you?

Ohh nice! I live in Irvine

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Introductions / Re: Hi! I'm Danielle from SoCal :)

« on: June 11, 2015, 06:31:32 PM »

Welcome Danielle! Where in Cali are you? I live in Orange County

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Tools & Supplies / Re: Vintage Blanzy 2552

« on: June 05, 2015, 07:06:38 PM »

So curious! What about this nib does everyone like?

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Tools & Supplies / Re: Visual Oblique Reference Image

« on: May 29, 2015, 09:30:28 PM »

This is SO helpful! Thank you so much for posting it

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Introductions / Re: Hello from California!

« on: May 21, 2015, 06:31:11 PM »

Hello Hannah, welcome to The FF! Lovely IG feed!

Thank you so much! Your feed is amazing! And your kids are absolutely adorbs <3

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Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Re: how to begin to develop your own style of "calligraphy"?

« on: May 15, 2015, 05:05:43 PM »

I like to use instagram for inspiration, many times just one letter will pop out at me and I'll think, I want to incorporate that! So little by little you get a compilation of letters from all different artists, and then like Elsa said earlier, they morph into your own hand. Good luck!

Thanks Sarah! I definitely feel like Instagram is an amazing place for inspiration. I guess it'll just take patience and over time I'll come to develop a style that is all my own. Patience is truly NOT something I am good at though >< Haha, I'm learning more than just calligraphy I suppose

11

Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Re: how to begin to develop your own style of "calligraphy"?

« on: May 15, 2015, 05:04:23 PM »

I work in lots of different contemporary styles. Some of the styles just came to me, a few are variations of my natural handwriting, but I found an interesting way of coming up with new hands. This will sound terrible at first but stick with me. Find a style you like and copy it. Before anyone burns me at the stake, I promise I'm not in favor of stealing from other artists. What I have found is that when I attempt to copy someone's style, my own tendencies shine through very prominently, thus making a very different script than the one I'm referencing. This way I can draw on a similar qualitiy or feeling from the inspiration script (ex: whimsical)  while still creating something unique. This may not work out so well for you if you are an excellent reproductionist.

Oh my goodness, I love you Elsa. "Before anyone burns me at the stake..." LOL

I think that's great advice! I definitely feel like I'm drawn towards certain styles, but really had no idea where to even begin developing a style close to that. However, I can already predict my issues: I'll probably want THEIR style and resist having my own style coming through...especially since I feel like everything I do is rubbish right now (not feeling down about myself, just the reality of a newbie!).

BUT I think you're onto something though - studying letters and figuring out WHY I'm drawn to some forms rather than others may help me gauge and discover what I like!

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Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Re: how to begin to develop your own style of "calligraphy"?

« on: May 15, 2015, 05:01:25 PM »

Hi Hannah! You may want to check out this thread: http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=165.0

Erica made some handouts on how you can create your own style

Thanks Judy! This forum is seriously the best, I can't believe I missed that!

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Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Re: how to begin to develop your own style of "calligraphy"?

« on: May 15, 2015, 05:00:56 PM »

For me, you just sort of play around with the letters. Erica actually posted a tutorial on contemporary calligraphy that would be good to check out. Jut make sure you don't compromise the shape of the letters when playing around with them. I observe different styles on Instagram and kind of adapt them to mine as I go

man this forum seriously has EVERYTHING! Thanks Alice

14

Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / how to begin to develop your own style of "calligraphy"?

« on: May 08, 2015, 02:00:12 PM »

(I am not sure if this is the correct place for this post, but I am assuming it is!)

I have been learning Copperplate for several months now and I am really really glad that I started with a more traditional style. It really helps me to see the importance of things such as spacing, continuity, consistency, angles, etc.

However, I would love to start developing my own style of writing! I suppose you would call it "contemporary" calligraphy or maybe just fancy writing, because I don't call myself a calligrapher. But how have others (you) come to develop their (your) own styles? Did it come naturally or did you go through each letter to figure out what you liked? Curious to see what the process has been like for others!

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Introductions / Re: Hello from California!

« on: May 08, 2015, 01:48:51 PM »

HI ALICE!!!

Yes please ^^ Maybe when you are done organizing/planning for the pen meet in LA??