Please tell me what you think of my work :)

[marissedizon]

 Hi! I just recently joined in this forum, and I'm a newbie in calligraphy and then I saw Erica's tutorials and this forum for kind critiques. Please let me know what yo think of my work.

 I know this is not much, but I want to get opinions since it's just 6th day of practice (I attended a workshop last Apr10).  all of my works looked a lot like this. I have a hard time slanting my handwriting.  and I am still using beginner's materials: (A notebook, Hunt 56, China ink) what do you think should I purchase next? I'm thinking of purchasing gouache so I could practice with colors.  is it okay to buy gouache and still use Hunt 56 or should I purchase another type of nibs? Haha sorry, I'm really new and I still don't know what works well with what nibs Also, it's the practice paper I really want to find. (I hope someone in Manila could help me find the 'perfect' practice paper  )

Thank you! =) hoping to hear a reply from all of you soon so that I could still improve my work.

[marissedizon]

Awww sorry! How do you rotate images? 

[Erica McPhee]

Hi Marisse,

I can't rotate them now as I'm on my laptop. But I just wanted to say you have a very nice style developing. Definitely more of a modern style - very sweet.

I would work on lettering a little more before jumping into color (but that is just me). Also, you can definitely use the Hunt 56 with gouache. I would suggest the Nikko G to try next.

Keep going! You're doing great! 

[YokePenCo]

Very nice modern style. In regards to what to get next, my opinion would be to find a paper and nib combo you like first. Then find a standard black ink that works well on the paper. Maybe the ink you already have will work well on a nice paper you find.

Color and all the embellishments should come later. We all want our lettering to be beautiful and make a statement, but that will come in time. Focus on your lettering and shapes and more importantly your consistency. Once you have a firm grasp on this, then jump into the colors and flourishes and all the extras.

Remember a bad letter made with beautiful color and a beautiful flourish is still a bad letter. We must walk before we can run.

[marissedizon]

Thanks, Erica, for your kind words! I am now on my way of improving the letters and finding the nibs! I heard a lot (mostly reading though hehe :p) about the Nikko G and that's what I hope to purchase next! if only I could find some store or some one here in the Philippines who sells nibs as of the moment.

Hi Christopher! Thank you also for giving some critique I agree with what you said, I know my consistency is really bad and that's what I hope to improve!

[tintenfuchs]

Very cute style you are developing!

[YokePenCo]

Don't think I was criticizing your work, you are doing fabulous for a short time. I have seen people do much worse with much more time practicing.

I was speaking in general terms that the key to Calligraphy is consistency

[Erica McPhee]

Oh, there is a group of wonderful calligraphers in the Philippines selling calligraphy supplies! They are also members of the forum.

La Bella Scrittura   

[JessicaC]

I think your work is lovely!  I'm a newbie as well and I think you have a natural gift.  I agree that getting a proper slant is one of the hardest things starting out, especially for Copperplate.  Can't wait to see more of your work. 

[marissedizon]

I think your work is lovely!  I'm a newbie as well and I think you have a natural gift.  I agree that getting a proper slant is one of the hardest things starting out, especially for Copperplate.  Can't wait to see more of your work. 

Yay thanks Jessica! I really had a hard time doing the proper slant. Haha. I think I need to find my perfect nib and paper!

Thank you also sisterofdream! =)

Thank you Erica!! I saw their page already! Will be buying new nibs and ink soon. Thank you. I'm excited!

Thanks for your kind words Christopher. I'm inspired to do great especially seeing all the works here and on instagram! there are a lot of wonderful calligraphers all around the world!