Messages

1

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Ink Academy's IndieGoGo campaign

« on: May 01, 2017, 07:37:50 PM »

hi guys!!

It's ME again This thread has been great to help clarify misconceptions and add details where there may have been blurry spots! Thank you all for giving us the opportunity to shed some natural light on things <3

My hubby (also known as Serge, Fig or Mr. Fox) has been following this thread like a HAWK! haha. And he lovingly wrote the following words and kind-of hinted that I share it with you. He has some good points to offer, so I agreed All of that being said...I give you Serge!

*****************************************************

Hello all!

I believe we all know and experienced how a text or an email can be misread, misunderstood and misconstrued (to heartbreaking results at times!). It's one of the trappings and pitfalls that happens when the writing lacks the speaker's tone, facial expressions and cues that a real-life conversation conveys naturally. Moreover, a conversation allows to ask immediate questions like "what do you mean by that?" to help clarify any questions, and avoid mis-perception.

Ink.Academy (and Suzie) is coming with something different than what we've all been used to so far in the calligraphy world.  As hard as Suzie is trying to convey every detail on the subject, inevitably some will read it as if it were a text message and it can become loaded with very primal emotional responses, with no chance for a real conversation to relieve doubts or fear (or it seems, even anger at times).

I find myself puzzled at to why so few people are taking the time to enquire with questions directly to the source (aka asking Suzie) instead of venting fully formed opinion randomly. It could potentially defuse so many misconceptions (but not all - as I am quite aware that some times opinions will naturally differ, and that's all right too). What is distressing is seeing opinions being vocalized based on incomplete or unclear bits of information.

Subjects like cost of the program(s); where does the money go; teacher credentials; classes offered - to name just a few topics - so far brought some elevated emotions and conversations. many of which could potentially have been cleared up with simple questions to Suzie (or so I believe).

In a lightning-speed-nutshell here are a few thing one could have heard:

The $2800 cost everyone talks about is for the Master's Certification program: we're talking two years worth of classes (with a minimum of four different subjects). The course is spread out over 1-2 years and is comprised of 25 individual lessons. Each individual lessons last up one hour and are followed with a mandatory homework (for *each* lesson). After the homework is complete, the instructor will spend 30 minutes minimum reviewing and correcting the assignment followed by a one-on-one review with the teacher via a video chat session. The homework will end with a acceptable to pass/no pass grade (and the homework to be redone if necessary until the passing grade is given before moving to the next lesson).

I personally do not know of any teaching being so thorough right now, but I do not hold world knowledge. Certainly no normal college (as discussed in this thread) offers anything similar: one-on-one teacher/student meetings to this extent. Likewise, taking a class in-person does not constitute as a one-on-one lesson: 30-50 students in a class is not one-on-one. And while one can record the lesson with an iPhone for a classroom seat, it is not even close to being the same as a lesson filmed and created professionally with up close and really personal 4 different camera points of view (!!), in extremely detailed form, adding slow motion and repetition and alternate views. And yes, our students are able to review again and again any lessons, as much as they need, until they are satisfied.

What does $2800 pays for: to start part goes to the production of the video lessons themselves (needless to say), which are professionally done (same quality as the IndieGoGo film which hopefully everyone has seen). It will take years for us to recoup the cost of a single class. We do not ask our teachers to do this for free: we want some of the best teachers, and they deserve to be paid for their time and knowledge. This isn't the Red Cross. They are sharing their talent, technique and wisdom that they spent a lifetime acquiring. A sizable slice of the individual tuition goes to pay the teachers for the one-on-one time to teach (remember, 10 students means 250 hours of work per course for a teacher - a far cry for a normal college course where 30-50 students are taught at once). Add to it all the normal trappings of overhead and it should become clear that no one will make it rich here. Like, ever. If your math differs than mine then we could learn something that would be helpful to all of us.

Suzie loves calligraphy and design. She's been in the graphic design field as a business owner for nearly 30 years now: with her own graphic design firm in L.A., and running a luxury event invitation design and print shop in the San Francisco area. Her husband (me) did similar (product design company in Montreal). Hopefully there's enough knowledge and experience here to make this work to help and benefit most everyone.

Regarding the teacher credentials and students future titles: wow. What a hot button. That one seems to flare up emotions big time. There's no winning this one. Some say black, some say white. Some accuse us of being too American-centric (I guess having 3/4 of the faculty not being American is not enough), while others accuse us for using words like "faculty" itself. I'm afraid I can't address this one. We try to use the words and titles that are given to them, and I'm sorry if it offends anyone. I'll just say one thing: no one is raising an eyebrow at recognizing a student who earns a Master's degree in genetics (or art or philosophy for that matter) from any of thousands of colleges around the world.

Ink.Academy has a great many more classes are in the pipeline for the future. Including things like business management and graphic design and print layout: all applicable to many other classes we're planning to add such as sign painting, graffiti, glass/metal engraving and tattoo courses, properties of art materials, and more. Some people will have no interest in such classes. Some will. Combining some of these classes together, such as calligraphy, design and business management can make for a powerful combo for the right people. We'll keep working towards being worthy of the word Academy.

As usual, please understand that if none of these things is of interest to one person, it doesn't mean that the program is irrelevant or a bad thing for other people. Some will never warm up to the concept of online classes, no matter what. But it doesn't mean that it's a bad thing for someone else, or for everyone else!

Here's where I'm ending this: if anyone has a question about anything at all, please ask Suzie. My plea is more for those who feel a stronger emotional response (as "being concerned", or "being worried"). These emotions are real and we want to address them: there is truly something that triggered them. I'd like to invite anyone with a similar reaction to reach out to Suzie and share with her what worry there is, and see firsthand if you are right to be worried, or if it was all just a misconception. Then share it to the world.

God only know how much misinformation is flying around in the world (in general) nowadays. Lots of the most baseless content ends up being believed by enormous numbers of people--and believed blindly without "go to the source" confirmation. Let's try not to add to it, and let us all enjoy this wonderful world of calligraphy with what we all strive to create more elegantly: more beautiful communication.

cheers,

Serge (the hubby)

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Ink Academy's IndieGoGo campaign

« on: April 29, 2017, 06:09:33 PM »

Just to clarify, the primary goal of Ink Academy is to create an online multi-disciplinary school that specializes in calligraphy, penmanship and hand lettering; we are not building this to simply "promote calligraphy."

If I can geek out for a second, I think it's important to look back to the full story of why there were such spectacular penmen back in the day--and to do so within historical context.

The decline of these "amazing penman of the past" lived in a very different culture/era. Calligraphers and Penmen were actually vital to both the professional and legal realms. The amount of time each of these penmen spent writing was enormous. Way more than any of us could do today in modern society. These pros actually competed among themselves to chest thump, creating challenges to show who was best.

--There was an abundance of penmanship education in primary, secondary schools. This boost was a solid foundation for fostering further study on an adult and professional level. Elegant penmanship was a reflection on the person's social status, a source of pride and was ubiquitous within the educated circles.

--Penmen used the books as constant guides, sure, but unless they were in the middle of nowhere--their education was directed by professional mentors and through "business school" education. As you surely know, they were at it all the time, creating both simple and incredible certificates, forms, receipt books, professional stationery, business cards, advertising, packaging. This learning certainly wasn't done alone in a room with a book. There were plenty of instruction in "business schools" and excellence penmanship was required and feircly studied.

--Even going back to the earlier centuries, let's think about it. There was no other vehicle even for laypersons to communicate in writing. People were USING penmanship ALL the time. Writing letters to friends and family far away, writing memoirs/journals, writing out their resumes, recipes, writing out checks, notes of debt, notes of agreement. There was no "practicing" unless you were 7 years old. That was the time to practice. After that, it was just something you did, all the time.


Sorry, one more geek-out moment here that might need clarifying: IndieGogo is a "crowdfunding" site. The purpose is to offer a "perk" in exchange for a contribution. It's not a retail store of sorts, and often the value of the item is the exclusivity or the limited edition aspect COMBINED with the desire to sponsor a project that you would like to support. Just like when you donate to NPR (our US-based listener-sponsored radio station) will carry out a fundraising campaign---they will offer something like "with your $100 donation you will receive a set of 2 cd's with our top 12 episodes." (Not that most people use CDs anymore!)   

Oh, and btw, that $499 Tyrian ink is actually worth a flipping fortune! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrian_purple And we'd ONLY make it for this campaign as it's just not a product that is "mainstream" 

And as for the art—the value of it is what the buyer is willing to pay. And wth paintings out there going for millions post-humously, $49,999 could be a great investment for someone! Who knows?! 

And finally (!!!) and exciting part you might like! We totally believe in keeping the past integrated with the present and future. We'll be building a HUGE archive of online access for members. It will contain hundreds of works that Michael Sull has collected over the decades and has had scanned for us. They are amazing examples of penmanship, flourishing and such. And we won't stop there. We'll be acquiring as many historical volumes as we can get our hands on and also scan those for online access and for students to download at will. We're so excited about this feature!! And this is clearly one of the reasons we need funds to move enrichment projects along at a healthy pace. We will literally need a small staff just to handle this archive aspect alone. I wish there were magic wands out there, but it's just one thing at a time at human pace!

Hope this helps, Fennec. I know you knew all of this already, but it's fun just to review these geeky things together, right? It's so much fun to roll your mind back in time and pretend you're a fly on the wall, watching all of this happening. The penmen competitions, people writing late at night in a freezing cold room with a fire ablaze in the fireplace behind their desk--the oil lamp all aglow. Then I snap out of the fantasy and realize we have it pretty freaking good these days


xoxo

With respect to promoting calligraphy, the excellent publications put out in the 19th and early 20th century have no equal today, just as the great skill of the penman then has no equals today in terms of quality of execution of work.

One of the best ways of promoting calligraphy today would be to produce hi-quality reprints of some excellent books and/or materials from that time at different price points.This would allow people to benefit from close and careful study of the finest examples of calligraphy at their leisure, without the problems inherent with videos and internet communications. People in the past were able to achieve the greatest heights of skill by studying and working from books, and there is no reason why this cannot be done today. Books have been around for thousands of years before you-tube and I believe, having worked at a university, that books are better as a learning tool than videos and e-mails &c.

With regard to titles, I believe that works of calligraphy should be able to speak for themselves without needing titles attached to the people who made it. So that said, the title of "Professor of Calligraphy": Is that formally given by the university? Because looking at the website of that univeristy I see that Giovanni De Faccio's title is something that translates as "assistant", and he is not specifically listed as a professor:

https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.ndu.ac.at/ueber-uns/mitarbeiterinnen/mitarbeiterinnen/employee/de-faccio.html&prev=search

With respect to Master Penman , IAMPETH was founded in 1949, but the "Master Penman Society" associated with IAMPETH was created in 2001 by one person, and closed in 2015. The title/society has always attracted controversy as well, since it was created by just one person who decided who could be part of the club, and calling oneself a "Master" is a vast and far-reaching claim to make, especially when there are people of equal or greater skill who do or did not use such a title.

With respect to prices, on the indigogo $449 for "rare handmade ink" is a remarkable price for 25ml of ink, as is $49,999 for "An Original Masterpiece 16x20" by Michael Sull or Barbara Calzolari.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Ink Academy's IndieGoGo campaign

« on: April 28, 2017, 08:04:48 PM »

hi Fennec,

I love fennec foxes!! My favorite!!

Although your statement is way more interesting than mine—our instructors hold just one of two rather basic two titles. "Master Penman/woman" and "Professor of Calligraphy". Here in the US, IAMPETH is one of the largest US organizations of Calligraphy, and "Master Penman/woman" is their standard designation for calligraphers who complete their advance certification program---it's been in existence for decades now. So we only used these basic titles they all earned through their professional work. And Giovanni is a professor of calligraphy at a University, so that's his title.

If you could only look at the state of my bank account you'll know this definitely (definitely!) is not an endeavor of money Making (LOL, but painfully serious!!). So far, its a LOT of money Spending, and at that, money that I borrowed with every limb and digit crossed for dear life. This project means SO much to me, you can't imagine.

Barbara Calzolari was my very first teacher and her passion touched my soul and my dedication to practice. Michael Sull is my hero---in the way he has selflessly dedicated his whole life to preserving the legacy of Spencerian Script. Pat Blair has been behind nearly EVERY invitation issued from the US State Department of the White House — and has been tireless doing so for over a decade. From experience, I admire how she is deeply kind, gentle and humble teacher.  Giovanni de Faccio has passionately and taught broad edge calligraphy and typography for over 30 years in both his native Italy and currently in Austria. and is so very skilled in broad edge. He blows my mind. and Tom Kemp elegantly loves creating large, brush Trajan letters that are so enticing.

This beautiful Faculty of ours inspire me to no end---as they are not only very humble and dedicated people — but they are in no way show-offs that seek the spotlight. Each one has so much to give and is so generous as a person. They are tireless in their devotion to keeping the lineage of mentor-student calligraphy instruction vital, and the care with which they teach every student in a class, going around and helping each soul.

There is a plethora of instruction by well-meaning, but unprepared instructors right now, fleeting 4 hour calligraphy workshops leaving you hungry for more, thin YouTube videos— all well-intended but with very little substance. These give us no options for deeper understanding of perfecting angles, variation on letter forms, nib pressure, technique, alternate methods, body posture, page composition, visual balance, grace, elegance. Having your own mentor guide you along a very long path of learning is a thing to treasure in life, and one that is so rare to come across these days. This won't be just video classes---it's that with ongoing private sessions so you are sure to have a full and well-rounded education. We're bringing back the old mentor/apprentice in a very modern way.

Our courses will not be exorbitant, but they will be priced on a simple model of paying the instructor a fair wage, and keeping the school healthy for long-term survival. The profit is here: the joy of forming ongoing human connections while deepening a calligrapher's skills, helping people find their creative side, helping professionals learn more about themselves and even help them market themselves. Offering REAL tools. And with time, teaching them things like engraving, tattooing, sign painting--ways to find a commercial outlet to support themselves.

It is through Ink.Academy that we are aiming to reconnect people and bring back an old-fashioned teacher-student world. And hopefully there's something we can all relate to within that.

Yes, and the flexible is REALLY important. No matter how much we gain from this it will be benefit all of our students, as we'll be able to roll out new courses that much sooner. Filming and editing any given calligraphy lesson we will offer — each with 4 unique camera angles is no inexpensive endeavor. I've dedicated (and am risking) everything I have to do this right or not do it at all. I believe that those of us who love art, visuals and beauty thrive best when we are inspired, respected and surrounded by care and love. So let's carpe diem!!   <3

Hope this helps demystify the presentation a bit. We're not creating Smoke and Mirrors here---just pure Heart and Soul.

big hugs,
suzie*

Lots of photographs of the people involved, and very little of their calligraphy. Grandiose titles (It seems like everyone involved is a "Grand High Panjadrum Of Penmanship" or something) and claims. I think it's more about image and marketing this "Ink Academy" as a money making venture than promoting calligraphy.

The funding is "flexible" so whether it meets any of its goals they get however much money there is.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Ink Academy's IndieGoGo campaign

« on: April 28, 2017, 06:56:58 PM »

hi Brandon,

Thanks for your encouraging words about this being interesting and intriguing! We hope to continue that

Currently our most expensive course-- starting in the fall 2017---is a 12-24 month course. It consists of 25 individual classes online, with a homework assignment that must be perfected before advancing. It's about $2800, and includes 25 one-hour private mentorships with Michael Sull (one between each class, 1/2 hour for correcting work, 1/2 hour face to face video meeting). It's REALLY important to us that this option be there--because this is what will make our program extra meaningful. You'll always have your mentor at your side. No impersonal email exchanges. We truly want to come as close as we can to making this intimate—private lessons anywhere in the world.

Also, it'll be so cool, as we have 4 cameras on the instructor at all times when we shoot the lessons. So you can be the butterfly overhead watching the teacher's movement just below, the mouse on the paper in front of the pen, a parrot on the teacher's shoulder and the observant student at the front of the desk. (How's that for an image haha  This will help SOO much to have all the angles—even more so that literally being in the room with your teacher in a live class!

We haven't figured out the costs of the single hand proficiency programs yet---we still have so many numbers to crunch. But we'll get there, soon. I promise!! We're in this for the LOVE of it, no to make calligraphers poor. Our aim is to empower them with the best and cleanest skills, and also offer business, marketing and presentation skills classes, too. Most of us are introverts and we need this kind of nudge to sell ourselves a little better. 

I hope this helps clarify a bit! Do let me know if you have any questions along the way!!

The concept is intriguing.  There's some big names abroad.  It'd be convient to a university type structure to learning all the different areas of calligraghy as opposed to seeking info on certain areas through books, videos, online classes, and seminars with no real outline of how that should be done.  At least none that I've found. 

I'm interested in how many thousands of dollars this program would cost a student for something that is basically online courses with well known names.   A high cost would definitely make it debatable if it's worth it or not.

5

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Ink Academy's IndieGoGo campaign

« on: April 28, 2017, 06:46:52 PM »

hi Andy,

By the "press release" do you mean the little video we made, yes? (https://vimeo.com/21456877)

Perhaps to the eyes of some I'm coming across a little toooo passionate — in that case, you are SO right. I'm just that kind of person who has to do something with all my heart or I can't do it at all. In order to build up something this complex, this wide-reaching that's the way I need to be or it wouldn't be worth my breath, you know? I'm literally casting aside my company of 15 years for this. That's how much I believe in it. We've worked sooooo freaking hard on thoughtfully building this program over this past year — and we are SUCH a tiny team. Tiny but mighty . It's a dream come true that we finally have the whole structure in place, standards, programs, future plans for 5, 10 years even! It finally time---we now are ready to DO THIS, and are seeking a funding bump to make things unroll faster, as we can't do it alone. (As Emma Thompson, playing a shrink in the slightly cheeky movie "Burnt" said, "You can't go it alone. There's strength in needing others, not weakness")

That we can make an online school with the world's upper slices of talent and teaching skills, and included video one-on-one sessions with their students all over the globe is one beautiful aspect of the internet connecting us all. So many of us who live in large cities forget that those in remote cities, states, countries are often without any formal instruction. They may not have the means to travel to regular workshops. They may not have a local guild. They may have a baby at home, disabled or be too shy to go out. It is for these beings that we are creating this school.

I have to confess I'm a HUGE sucker for visual beauty. HUGE. And epic movie soundtracks. I'm hopeless in this regard. And I couldn't imagine making our promotional video anything less than dreamy. Maybe it doesn't come across that way, but maybe try to watch it again in my shoes. In my shoes I'm so in love with those people who love what they do and do it as if it is the air they breathe. And for them, and for me, I had to make this as worthy as any romantic movie. Because I'm totally enamored by what they do, what I aspire to do one day, and the beauty that I wish to give to all that attend our school—whether in person at a workshop or while they are taking our classes.

The first set of courses we are developing will be in the vein of the Zanerian/Penmanship. Michael Sull has really developed an amazing, standardized outlined program with all the learning materials for the certification students---it's going to be the first of its kind with a full curriculum of classes, standardized for everyone since the Zanerian College days. And folks will have to not only have to take each class within the certification courses, but also PASS each one of them with flying colors or they won't be able to advance to the next lesson. Quality standards will be high, but if we don't carry that out then we're wasting our time, right?

I get that this school and its approach won't be interesting to some people. There are no one-size-fits-all, right? It's that kind of diversity is what makes this world so interesting and gifs us with options for all of our tastes.  But to those who love an academic approach, this will be just their bag. There will be a LOT of work for each student who wishes to obtain any level of certification of a single hand or the full Penmanship program.

I do hope you will give us a chance once you actually see the programs we're developing. What we are doing is sincere, well-thought out and aimed at making a complete and thorough curriculum of a huge variety of hand, taught authentically, by teachers who have dedicated the greater part of their adult lives to learning the hands they instruct. It's a project that already has had so much love and care poured into it. And we promise to continue to do that all along the way. I'm here if you wish to ask anything at all. Thanks, Andy.

all my warmest wishes,
suzie*

Good grief: you'd think that calligraphy was teetering on the brink of extinction, judging by the messianic tone of this press release, and that no other educational bodies existed.  I'm well aware that I'm in the minority on this, but such puffery simply cannot go unchallenged.  Especially here, since the Flourish Forum is the first port of call for so many aspirant pen people.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 10, 2017, 03:26:57 PM »

What impresses me is the thoroughness of your responses, Suzi! I commend your efforts and also with Ink Academy much success. Thank you for all that you and your team are doing to keep the art of calligraphy alive!

Awww, Theresa. That's so very kind of you to say. It truly means a lot to me. Thank you so very much.

xoxo
suzie

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 05, 2017, 12:48:31 PM »

I wish Susie and Ink Academy amazing success and look forward to the new IA developments in the future! Thank you for replying to this thread and showing us your side of the story.

Thank you so much, dear Schin. Your words mean the world to me.

xoxo

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 04, 2017, 08:12:54 PM »

This is an wonderful opportunity not offered in the US for over half a century.
Be brave.
Carpe diem.

Awwww!! Thank you, Mike!! You've given me 1000 extra courage points!!! Yes, Carpe Diem!!! 

xoxo

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 04, 2017, 08:08:29 PM »

Perhaps this question deserves its own thread and is a bit off topic, but it came up after reading your most recent replies and explanations, Suzie.

If penmanship isn't calligraphy, what's the difference between the two?

Hi Jamie! 

Thank you for asking that!  I totally should have clarified the context/era in which it was "spoken"    because certainly, all writing with pens is under the category of penmanship, right?

In the Zanerian era, calling a Zanerian penman's work "calligraphy" would have been an insult, worthy of receiving the stink-eye!    These penman of that era distinguished themselves as almost sportsmen, showmen, and quite professional business-minded penmen. They also fancied the term "Chirographer" (study of the hand). Having their own definitive American voice in the world of handwriting.

These penmen often competed among themselves for agility, speed, creativity, technique---this was a movement like no other before it. Imagine, penman throw-downs! What great spectacles those must have been! These penmen viewed the "elite and decorative" style of the earlier Anglo styles, along with the more ancient hands of broad pen European "calligraphy" as being quite apart from their own approach to the pen.

This group of "Penmen" wanted to distinguish themselves as trailblazers, with their new, clean, quick and purely American style of writing. This is so the spirit of us bold Americans, right? 

IAMPETH has a wonderful overview on the Zanerian College history here: https://www.iampeth.com/zanerian-college

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 04, 2017, 05:29:47 PM »

As you know, Mike, my opinions aren't IAMPETH's - but I think I have a fair idea where the older members will be coming from and it's understandable that their noses might be out of joint.  After all, if you hold the MP title having been acclaimed by your peers, you can hold your head pretty high and reasonably claim to speak with some unusual authority.  So if three of your colleagues go off to start what amounts to a rival organisation and resurrect the MP programme when it had been suspended effectively to prevent dilution of standards, it's going to look very much like you've been put out to pasture.  The sticking point is Ink Academy's decision to use the MP title, which has acquired a very specific meaning whilst IAMPETH was the only game in town - arguably it was so exclusive as to be out of the reach of most mere mortals, but all the more reason for the existing Masters to be protective of it.  The kerfuffle could be easily avoided by calling it Master Scribe or somesuch ... as it is Master Penman looks like a provocation, and yes, presumptious.  I can definitely see their point of view - don't necessarily share it though.

Anyway, I don't have a dog in this fight.  Ink Academy clearly thinks that there's a demand for accreditation of some sort in the US, and calligraphy is enjoying wider popularity at the moment, so it'll be interesting to see what transpires.

hi Andy!! @AndyT

I adore your Switzerland diplomacy and presenting both sides. Thank you for leaving generous "room" to look forward to what we'll be accomplishing over the upcoming months and years at Ink.Academy. I hope our programs and offerings will surprise you with delight.

I think my tendency of being a low-profile personality has sparked a very untrue rumor founded only on speculation. (I'm here guys, ask me anything, really! <3 )  I see that I really need to share "my story" here with you all (as I also did on my reply to Ken).

I am an unknown in the calligraphy world. In my brain, I thought that being the mere "architect" behind Ink.Academy not a MP, I kept myself out of the spotlight as I thought it was irrelevant--that people would only care who the qualified Master were that I'd bring to teach at Ink.Academy. Perhaps a part of that was wrong, so if you would, I'll introduce myself properly

Ink.Academy was started by me, and me alone, Suzie McKig. I'm the co-owner of Twig & Fig. A 12-year old invitation design and production company based in Berkeley, California. We specialize in all kinds of luxury event invitations—we've made some super crazy invites for outrageous events along the way.

I've always adored calligraphy, and as I learned more, I craved to study intensely, and really wanted to find a school with a structured learning program with the best teachers. Then I discovered there wasn't one. I began hosting workshops. But that wasn't enough. I learned there was an MP program but that would take years and the waitlist situation was unclear. So I began to brainstorm (entrepreneurs can't help themselves, apparently—they see a void and it starts the wheels turning).

After laying out the beginnings of I.A on my own, I realized that it was time to put the faculty in place. At the recommendation of MANY, I humbly asked Michael Sull if he would please join me. His lifelong dream was to establish a full Zanerian College program, and he was overjoyed to be able to finally realize this possibility. He literally was giddy with delight when we started outlining our program together. What a beautiful thing to see

Barbara Calzolari had been my dear friend for 2 years and I had to involve her. Her talent blows my mind, and her passion for calligraphy as a traditional study knows few equals. She already knew my sincerity and agreed to help in any way she could. I'm so grateful.

Then, during a fabulous Mastering Copperplate workshop she taught at Ink.Academy, with Pat Blair agreed to join us, too!! Her gracious teaching skills and wonderful mentoring manner were truly exactly in line with what I hoped for.

Then Barbara Calzolari introduced me to the somewhat under-the-radar Italian (living in Austria) broad-edge master Giovanni de Faccio. And when he agreed to join us as well I knew we were on our way to something MUCH bigger than all of us.

Oh my heavens, there was no conspiracy whatsoever. It was the kind generosity of all of these MASTER to believe in ME, and all that I wanted to build for THEM, the FUTURE of calligraphy and for ALL OF YOU that made this possible.

IAMPETH fosters the love and legacy of calligraphy, penmanship and the joy of camaraderie that happens every year at the conventions. We are both aligned to serve, both in love with the pen, we both believe in promoting those who wish to pursue excellence in study. We complement one another perfectly.

There's so much to be grateful for in this life, in this community of calligraphers, in carrying on as torch-holders in the hundreds of years of beautifully hand-wrought letterings. I can't thank you all enough for your own part in making this world a better place. Let's all keep the purity of this as our focus. If you know me, I'm not one for committees, corporate complications or red tape of any kind. I love the simplicity of a community, of gathering of like-minds, of sharing, love and beauty. These are the pillars of Ink.Academy. Nothing else.

In humility, I hope this helps bring things into the LIGHT. Let's stay there, in the light--together!

xoxo
suzie*

PS. I think I'm already guilty of creating red eyes in my long posts. i promise to reign it in now that you know me

11

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 04, 2017, 04:31:49 PM »

I am not a professional calligrapher. I don't have to earn a living from calligraphy work, so my view of what a "master penmen" certification means and what one does to earn this designation might differ, but here's my worry....

Ink.Academy is Suzie McKig for-profit business (just like Paper Ink Arts or John Neal Booksellers and there is obviously nothing wrong with this), however many calligraphy guilds and groups, including iampeth, are non-profit.   

Clearly the Iampeth "Master penman" program has run into some issues and impasses, but at the same time I have concerns about Ink.Academy running this for-profit certificate awarding program.

The pessimist in me only sees conflict of interests here...  how much money do I need to give to Ink.Academy so that I can then advertise myself as a "master penman"?  Will this program then be a professional cartel - maybe there will be advertising and marketing program where Ink.Academy advertises the current active due-paying members?  Will there be required "master penman" certification coursework to buy each year?  As an example you can look at how Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco sell new exam each year that then allows you to add new certification tags. 

The optimist in me looks at the people involved and makes me think that this could be great. This might result in a great way to show case the truly exceptional work, help others discover and appreciate such work and above all provide even better structure for those who want to improve there skills

hi @bleair

Your optimist side is so totally on track and has the truth in hand!! I love it!!

As for the concerns of your Pessy side , believe me, we're not the crafty or devious sorts, I promise   No contracts with the devil (or us) will be required lol. You won't have to pay dues to keep your title. You earn it; it's yours. And we won't ask for royalties on all of your future successes All we ask is that you rock your title to the fullest and go out there with GUSTO!

Oh my, and you will have to EARN it! I think there will be lots of folks thinking it'd be easier than it will be to earn the title.
Cost? It's about $2875 for the 25 courses. That's 25 lessons, and one session of personal time with your mentor for each lesson. There's actually not much profit in this at all. We are all modest people, devoted to the beauty of letters, just wanting to make history happen and create a school for everyone around the world to have access to.

And for setting the bar high, just for folks to know: In order to advance from one lesson to the next within either the MP or the Proficiency programs, students will need to brilliantly perfect the current lesson. If they don't nail it, then they will have to redo the assignment again and again until they do. It'll be tough, but in the end, each Master will be so very proud of all they've accomplished!

email me anytime if you have questions! I'm here   [email protected]

xoxo
suzie

12

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 04, 2017, 04:17:48 PM »

Scholarships of IAMPETH are for people who are in the field of calligraphy, and specially the International scholarship is there to help in the costs of the trip and stay.  Can be very expensive when we have to convert Rupees into Dollars

I'd rather, someone who is going to benefit professionally in the field of calligraphy, get it.  Should I get it, (slim chance) I would just go there and have a Ball of a time meeting all the wonderful friends I made on here.  Better it go to someone more deserving and I save up and use my own money for it.

Disclaimer:  This is purely my thinking and NOT advocating this thought at all

Son wants to study BSc Economics.  Applying to Toronto, UBC, McGill  Queens and a few others.
-Prasad

You would have SOOOO much fun, Prasad!! It's so true--actually getting to chat and laugh with, hang-out and hug the beautiful folks that we only get to type with is the best! It's like having all of our best friends and heros in one gathering. I highly recommend it!! IAMPETH is like adult summer camp!!   

13

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: New Master Penman/Penwoman program!

« on: March 04, 2017, 04:12:54 PM »

The sticking point is Ink Academy's decision to use the MP title, which has acquired a very specific meaning whilst IAMPETH was the only game in town - arguably it was so exclusive as to be out of the reach of most mere mortals, but all the more reason for the existing Masters to be protective of it.  The kerfuffle could be easily avoided by calling it Master Scribe or somesuch ... as it is Master Penman looks like a provocation, and yes, presumptious.  I can definitely see their point of view - don't necessarily share it though.

I agree with AndyT.

Over a number of years, the title of Master Penman has become synonymous with the IAMPETH organization. The present/potential unpleasantness could easily have been avoided if the new IA setup had adopted the title of Master Scribe instead of Master Penman.To the best of my knowledge, the former title hasn't been used to any significant extent and certainly not by any Calligraphic organization of any size.
(feel free to correct me, if I'm wrong).

However, I have a sneaking suspicion that this is either at best, making mischief or at worst, deliberate provocation!

Ken

Also, this would avoid the rather clumsy penman/penwoman designation.

Is it just a coincidence that the abbreviation of the new setup is IA which could be read as "One A"  in other words,  the very best!
Or is this just my turn to make mischief! 

hi Ken!! @Ken Fraser

It seems I'm totally late to the party over here!    I love parties!

It's wonderful to see you all chatting about the Ink.Academy and being curious about how it will all unfold. We were so excited to announce its existence back in December, and understand now that doing so before we had ALL of the explanations in written form may have led some to be unsure of it's program, purpose, intentions and future-goals. But hopefully the many (LONG!) emails we've sent since have cleared things up a bit. Yes? (If not, do tell me, I'm here to help in any way possible!) 

omg, I LOVE your IA / 1A comment!! haha, only if I were THAT clever!! I need to use this now!! Like A1 sauce! Okay, not really. Would it still work with our silly little dot that breaks up the letter pairing? Officially we're Ink.Academy (I know, it's weird, but we added this as we could get a web address with .academy, and that was SO fortunate and made it a bit more unique!)

Thanks for bringing up the MP title issue. I couldn't seem to find a proper "place" to explain our thoughts behind this earlier so maybe this is perfect here! I totally hear your voice on this. Some folks love it, some folks are ruffled by it, but just like well-crafted gems, there are so very many facets to looking at any one subject.

To start: Ink.Academy, in fact, will offer many Master programs. Each of these Programs will result in a unique Master's titles. For instance, students studying with Giovanni de Faccio, Barbara Calzolari and/or Pat Blair together would have a title of Master Calligrapher. There will be a Master Engrosser title. Also a Master of Decorative Lettering. And there will be more!

That being said, the only Masters Program that will use the "Master Penman/Penwoman" title is the program we are offering first (because we are so lucky to have Michael and this is a program of his dreams) which is based on Penmanship. Not calligraphy. It could also be titled Master Chirographer, but, well...that's not exactly a household term (and people might confuse it with spinal adjustment!  ) .

The term "Penman" was the professional title used in the United States during the Zanerian heyday. The famous Zanerian College and the handful of revered penmanship trade schools offered specific study programs exclusively for the purpose of training Penmen with not only the necessary skills, but a demanding program requiring the highest level of accomplishment that would earn its graduates a ranking as the top professionals in the field. These Penman weren't calligraphers, rather "men of the pen"—specialists, if you will, of the "American School" of Spencer's style of penmanship. It is, in fact, historically critical to incorporate the qualifier Penman/Penwoman into Ink.Academy’s program Master Penman title as there truly is no other title for the area of study, the Zanerian College curricula.

As for “Master” it was a matter of continuity and industry recognition as a title. Replacing the word Master would confuse the purpose of the program. For example, a plumber wishes to be recognized in their industry. They would study to achieve a Master Plumber certificate. They would not only want the high level of education and skills gained, but they would want that very title of recognition, as it’s already established within the plumbing industry as an industry-wide achievement of accomplishment.

Members of our calligraphy community currently recognize not only the title Master Penman, but the specific achievement and skill level required of a Master Penman. So to honor this industry standard title (that was first established within the IAMPETH program, initiated by Michael Sull, himself) it was clear to us that both, in continuity and of due-respect, to keep the MP title intact.


Thanks, Ken!! I hope this helps un-sticky the sticking point.   

Oh, and just so you all know, as I now see this is really important to say: . Ink.Academy was created originally by me alone, purely as passionate love for letters and all the adorable fellow calligraphers that I've met along the way. Calligraphy changed my life, and once it grabbed me, I hungered for more in depth classes and a real solid school to sink my calligraphy pen into! Before I knew it I had a name for it, a vision for it and everything just started lining up like it was destiny. Next, I asked Michael to join me as the Academic Director as he has such a passion for teaching, just as I asked Barbara, then Pat, then Giovanni. One by one, we made this DREAM team together. And we have another three AMAZING internationally accomplished "masters" coming on board as well. This dream is built on ART, LOVE, KINDNESS, HEART and DEDICATION to all of you. And we welcome you all to join us anytime!

Stay-tuned for all the news to come!! Do sign up for our newsletters if you haven't yet: just send a simple email to: [email protected] saying you want on the list. Any of you FF wondefuls may email me anytime! Here's my I.A email:  [email protected].

xoxo 

PS. Sorry so long!! I have trouble reigning in my excitement   xo

14

Workshops & Conference News / Re: PAT BLAIR: Copperplate MasterClass! October 22,23, 2016 (Berkeley, CA)

« on: August 03, 2016, 01:18:21 PM »

What level of calligrapher is this aimed at?

hi Eumee! It's for those who have had experience with Copperplate script, basically an intermediate class. Please know that you are welcome to join the class if you feel that you are more of a beginning student, but you'll find more satisfaction keeping up with the subject matter if you are more comfortable with copperplate

15

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Flourish Forum Fun SWAG Bag WINNER!

« on: July 18, 2016, 01:32:37 AM »

The pleasure is all mine! Way to go for trying something new!! It's a courage-builder (insert big arm guns here) haha. Congrats again!! I'll send it off tomorrow!!

xoxo

Aw, this was such a pleasant surprise! Thank you @Erica McPhee - your posts really brightened my day and motivated me to try new things. I know I will be using those double stroke Roman caps in the future for sure.

This is such a great community when we can all come together to support us suffering from FOMO   .

Thanks to @suzietwig for the added surprise too! I really can't wait!