Messages

1

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Alternatives to Arches paper please

« on: September 10, 2016, 12:19:17 PM »

I'm trying to find an alternative paper for a finished commission with pointed pen. I've used Arches HP in the past, which a lot of people recommend, but I still find it too scratchy. I'm thinking of trying out Strathmore 400 Mixed Media with vellum surface. Has anyone used it and is it smoother than Arches and good enough for a finished piece? I'm using watercolour in my nib.

2

Letter Pixels / Re: iPad Pro VS. Surface Pro

« on: August 31, 2016, 12:42:55 PM »

Will do Erica and do let me know if you make any progress on your purchase. The Surface Pro was a bit more expensive but not by that margin. Good luck!

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Letter Pixels / Re: iPad Pro VS. Surface Pro

« on: August 28, 2016, 05:47:26 PM »

Leanda, I ended up buying the 128GB iPad Pro model in the 9.7" size.

Ah, thanks again Linda!! Was also deliberating on the screen size too! I will have to go and try one out in store, but good to know about the layers and saving options. You've answered a lot of my questions

4

Letter Pixels / Re: iPad Pro VS. Surface Pro

« on: August 28, 2016, 02:17:29 PM »

Technology is such a huge investment that you want to be sure you’re getting precisely what you need.  I’ve never tried the Surface Pro, but I’ve been using the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate app for two months and am completely in love with them.  The Apple Pencil and Procreate app seem to work together flawlessly, with zero lag (an issue which seems to be a common problem with many other styluses).  Pressure sensitivity works perfectly, allowing fine hairlines and wide swells.  Procreate brushes (essentially pen nibs) can be modified or created from scratch, so that you can write with precisely the effects you want.  I have a few favorite brushes for pointed pen, as well as some I’ve made for Italic and broad edge work, and they work very nicely.  (If you’d like me to send you a sample of writing, just PM me.)

Thanks Linda, I agree, such a huge financial investment needs a lot of thought. Thank you for your very helpful and comprehensive answer. What GB size did you opt for?

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Letter Pixels / Re: iPad Pro VS. Surface Pro

« on: August 28, 2016, 01:23:47 PM »

Thank you all for your input! I guess it's off to the store to try them out

6

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: One day it works, the next it doesn't?

« on: August 28, 2016, 01:22:49 PM »

There's no easy answer. Before I start any big job I always have a few of the same nib on hand - always brand new. Some nibs come straight from the factory damaged. You just have to change up and try again.

7

Letter Pixels / iPad Pro VS. Surface Pro

« on: August 27, 2016, 06:12:55 AM »

Have been saving my pennies and hope to be able to bag some new hardware very soon. Am really stuck between the pros and cons of the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro. I love what I've seen done with the Apple Pencil and Procreate, but my desktop computer is a dinosaur and needs drastic updating. I want to do a lot of digital work (logos/illustration etc), but am I better off getting the Surface Pro for all-round performace? How does the stylus compare to the Apple Pencil? Would love to hear your experiences with either!

8

Brush Calligraphy / Re: Need to brush on styrene?

« on: August 24, 2016, 01:48:06 PM »

Thank you! Unfortunately, it has to be authentic brush lettering! Acrylic may work. Fingers crossed!!!

9

Brush Calligraphy / Need to brush on styrene?

« on: August 24, 2016, 08:55:00 AM »

I hope someone can help. Tomorrow i am supposed to hand letter some menus in situ. The client has said that the menus are to be written on something called styrene, which I have not heard of. A bit of googling shows something plastic based, so I'm concerned that my sumi ink will not adhere to it. Can anyone recommend a paint or brush pen that will work on most surfaces?

10

Pointed Pen Tutorials / Re: Double Stroke Roman Caps

« on: July 16, 2016, 08:37:38 AM »

Ooh, perfect to practice on the fly! thanks for sharing Erica!

11

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Dear Diary Advanced Exchange 2016--Results

« on: April 15, 2016, 07:22:10 PM »

I'm a bit late posting here! List 7 all of mine were posted 21st March. I've received 2, thank you Lynette and Martha, and had confirmation of them receiving mine. Awaiting one other ☺

12

Tools & Supplies / Wacom Tablet recommendations please!

« on: April 05, 2016, 08:58:17 AM »

I think it's time for one of these! I use a mouse for bezier curves in Illustrator, which I have always done even when I was a graphic designer. What are people's experiences of tablets? Logos/stamps... got to be easier yes? Can you get them to mimic the swells and hairlines of a pointed pen? How does it work? So many questions!!

13

Show & Tell / Re: Flourished Thanks

« on: March 20, 2016, 07:40:19 AM »

This is gorgeous Nikki and you should rightly be proud of yourself! And thank you for the intro to Anne Elser's work, inspirational!

14

Introductions / Re: Bonjour from Paris, France

« on: March 16, 2016, 04:33:01 AM »

Welcome Valerie! Lovely to have you here. I'd love to see that invite too

15

Design & Layout / Re: Protocol for splitting lines of poems/songs?

« on: March 14, 2016, 10:16:55 AM »

Thank you Jean! I always appreciate your input and advice and very grateful for the amount of information you give. That's all very helpful!