Contemporary/Modern Calligraphy How To Tutorial

[Hillary A.]

Such fantastic examples!

Thank you Erica!

[astriddao]

Hi Erica,

Thank you for sharing! It's very helpful especially for newbies like me 

[Rilhawk]

Going onto Pinterest can be very overwhelming with all the beautiful modern calligraphy. I read somewhere to find a style you like and practice it to learn it. There are too many styles that I like.
I thought they were all different and individual styles with their own unique letter form. I understand now that all the styles I like are really just deviations from copperplate.
I was very overwhelmed with where to start but you made me realize that I should learn copperplate first then I can branch out into these other deviation styles.
Thank you so much. I was so confused but now I have a great starting point.

[suzietwig]

These are SOOO helpful, Erica!! You've answered all of my questions about how to keep a rhythm and rhyme to breaking the traditional rules. Now I'm off to put that theory to practice! Thank you!!

[Sarah Foutz]

Erica, I love this so much!

I just had a major "Ah-HA" moment. It was YOU!!!!! These were the first hand outs I ever stumbled upon months ago when I was doing an online search of contemporary calligraphy tutorials. I printed them out and practiced with them over and over. I still reference them all the time and try to write words mimicing the variety of styles to get my creative juices flowing. I had no idea when I found the link that that was just the tip of the ice berg of a treasure trove of knowledge--after I printed out the handouts, I was like, Oh hey, COOL! and merrily went on my way, not even realizing what was at my fingertips if I would have taken the time to look around!!

In the beginning all I wanted to do was modern calligraphy. Now I feel like I'm back-pedaling to learn the basics to have a firm foundation and found this forum, not knowing it was the SECOND time I've been here, and signed up right away. I can't believe I've come full circle and it took me until this tutorial to realize it was THIS tutorial and YOU all along with me from the beginning of my calligraphy obsession.

*tears of joy.

[Achaneystudio]

this is so helpful!

I've been practicing for years without any formal instruction and it's amaaaazing how helpful it is to see things that you've been grappling with unconsciously written out like this. THANK YOU! 

[kaseymcg]

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thanks Erica!!!

[mamabear]

This is a perfect start for developing my own style! Thank you!!

[ericp]

Very nice, thank you!
Still digesting Molly Suber Thorpe's great book as well.
No time to rest!   Got to practice and practice some more!   

[rosana]

Thank you Erica for sharing this. I love it. It truly is amazing what you are doing.

[CHAKAMEDINA]

Erica you are the Queen of Calligraphy in my book. I know this thread is old but it's new to me. I am so happy I found this as I have been looking for examples of modern copperplate vs. traditional.

[Erica McPhee]

Aw - thanks so much for your very kind message. 

[Sheehan1]

Hi Erica.
Can you clarify something for me. I am trying to decide on a style of handwriting to learn.  I have read a little about it and liked the copperplate but copperplate is not really a handwriting .  I have book by Gordon Turner which is titled "The Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy"  The opening sentence in the book says "This book is written to explain the technique of writing with the pointed pen in the Roundhand style" which he explains is an American version of the English Copperplate.  He says it is also called Spencarian or Engravers Script or Formal Script. The samples I have seen of Spencarian are a lot different.  However I really like the style in this book and that is what I am looking to learn.   
I have seen your lessons in what you call "Contemporary/Modern Calligraphy which appears to be the same.  Can you clarify whether Mr. Turner's writing is the same as shown in your lessons?

[Erica McPhee]

This is an excellent question. There are a couple threads which talk about the whole "Spencerian" issue — that being some styles of what looks like copperplate being referred to as Spencerian.

In my mind, (and dare I say for the majority of Americans), Spencerian and Copperplate are very different. The full tutorials I have put together are what I call a "casual" version of Copperplate. Copperplate can be written many different ways but I felt this was a good introduction to those looking to get started learning a pointed pen style with minimal frustration. It is based on the Roundhand style as in Mr. Turner's book and Eleanor Winter's Mastering Copperplate.

The contemporary/modern calligraphy is altogether different which is a much looser hand that doesn't so much follow a traditional style but is personalized by the writer's style.

Spencerian is different and is actually based on a handwriting style and at its most flourished is considered Ornamental Penmanship.

I hope that helps a bit. 

[Sheehan1]

Thanks for that prompt reply ( I realise a time difference with Australia).  I have completed lesson number 1 of your lessons but I am waiting on some brass to make myself an oblique pen holder.    So my practicising has just been done with a straight dip pen holder and it is quite hard as it catches on the paper all the time.  It will be much better with I complete my oblique holder. Again thanks for your help