Flourish Forum
General Categories => Open Flourish | General Discussion => Topic started by: schin on August 21, 2014, 11:03:12 PM
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For this thread I welcome everyone who wants to to post their first calligraphy attempts and the recent ones.. hopefully this will inspire people and point out that the journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step!
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9gfcrYY.jpg&hash=5b4ada0f16217143ced156f5d9610f2a)
I had lots of spare rigid mailers.. and thought I could practice on them. And then I wondered why I couldn't get nice lines on the glossy surface.. geez!
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZ68dhqS.jpg&hash=8bc8ab116b44ba9b43185313c488d9bc)
Then I realized I should use better paper.. and I used to call this 'spencerian.' Nope I did not get the hang of thicks and thins LOL
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7SU1l7y.jpg&hash=006cf85df63db350dd3df28a21f08ed2)
This was made using a guide paper that I had no idea how to use using higgins and a fountain pen ink. Bleeding galore!!! Taught me a big lesson about using the right materials..
Now:
(https://img1.etsystatic.com/044/1/7945363/il_570xN.517120743_tmqq.jpg)
Ok I think I've improved a little..
Ok I showed you mine now let's see yours!!! You did keep your first work right? :)
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Ohh, I LOVE this thread! I don't have an after yet, ha! But I'm going to thoroughly enjoy seeing everyone else's before and afters. :D
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We'll always be learning! Never stop! ;D
I probably would've progressed much faster if I didn't put Copperplate on hold to learn a bunch of broad pen scripts - but no regrets! I love learning broad pen scripts!
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I LOVE THIS THREAD!!! awesome idea. saving my spot and i will come back to it tomorrow after i dig up my before!
oh man this is soooo cringe worthy! but i am proud to say that i put so much work into practicing and i am very happy with where i am at now...and looking forward to where i will be in the future!
top left: very first page EVER, this was sometime during the week between xmas and nye last year.
top right: letters still a mess and attempting to make words.
middle right: i was in the midst of a Downton Abby marathon and loved using the character's names to practice Majuscules. clearly i needed to practice them a lot. Majuscules were sooo hard for me!!!
bottom right: getting brave with some ascender and descender flourishes. i remember being sooo proud that i had gotten that far in my ability.
bottom left: this was a few months ago. finally i can see my "style" in this. this was my first pad of Rhodia and it was heaven...and i am spoiled for nice paper forever!
and last pic, this was just before IAMPETH. very happy with this. i study from a French exemplar and to me, this was getting closer to how i want my lettering to eventually look.
still practicing, still learning, still loving it all!!!
edit: that last pic was early august 2014, and i kinda don't recognize it as my style anymore, which is weird. i am adding an updated pic from feb 16 2015. at this point i have started to study Spencerian and have taken instruction from one MP and 2 master calligraphers. i really like how this look...at least for now. always improving!
another edit: i love coming back to look at this thread...and add an update...
this is an envelope order I did June 2015...sumi on Stardream Quartz...loved it! still working on those entry ovals! any my version of Spencerplate...
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I was going through old photos yesterday and found some atrocious stuff! I'm saving my spot too :D :D :D I want in on this fun!
- - OKAY, here we go!
Early 2012, before I'd ever met another Real Live Calligrapher and had never taken a class:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F0dGB178l.jpg&hash=01466508e2cae06a43260d05a8aa1005)
I thought I was so good. HAH.
Not much later, obviously before I'd heard of an oblique holder. White gouache on black Canson Mi-Teintes:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FeLdNqw2.jpg&hash=ff8d8ad1843570edff51fa44f5bc463c)
Late 2012, after my very first copperplate workshop (maybe done in my very first copperplate workshop):
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FmykeayOl.jpg&hash=0eb5cf51429bd0dba15528f8fb3c2ec5)
Two months ago:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FNg1h955.png&hash=e0823564866d409aa874eea361514f7c)
And last night:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZfq6jPw.jpg&hash=b2852845e21c899d4ae02d1322186c68)
*** edited 25 Feb 2015 ***
here is one from January 2015:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FiMcWTnl.png&hash=f9d740ec441dcc0e812f14e0c2605340)
I am definitely still improving!
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Schin, I love that one of your practice words is "wizards"!
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i love this thread!! although i feel like cringing because i'm too shy to share my progress in this forum (sharing in this forum sounds very legit to me, unlike ig haha)
anyway, here goes... this is my before and after :) waahhh!! i need to practice more!
schin, linda...your photos are inspiring :)
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This thread is so awesome <3 <3 <3
I find it EXTREMELY inspiring to see people's progress and it makes me extremely hopeful for the future!
So here's my progress!
#1: November 2013: The first time I tried pointed pen (straight speedball holder and some nib I just happened to find) by copying random alphabets off the internet. Guidelines? What's that?
#2: Feb 3rd, 2014: A lot happened in January: I had a workshop with Barbara Calzolari and held an oblique holder for the first time. I got a Copperplate book for my birthday. I joined the forum. The journey starts for real.
#3: April 2014: I'm experimenting with flourishes and the like.
#4: August 2014: I'm slowly starting to like what I'm doing xD though I've got a long, long way to go. I'm looking forward to every step of it! :) :)
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This is so inspiring! I still feel like I don't have any "afters" that are worthy of sharing, but this thread is giving me a lot of hope, that progress IS possible and achievable. Thanks, everyone, for sharing.
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Wow! Your journeys are all so inspiring! I feel like I'm still on mine but definitely see progress which is a good thing! Thanks for sharing everyone! :D
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Great thread! But I must say you all started with wonderful "before" pics, and mine looks like a real monstrosity in comparison! I still have a long way to go, but I am posting this as proof that if I can do this, anybody else can.
February 2014, with a Noodler's Ahab (my first flex nib that got me hooked)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/14326571004_ca5545db96_b.jpg)
May 2014, the first time I finished a whole page with a pointed nib (before this one I had terrible issues with ink and paper!)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/14113497784_03b7b72315_b.jpg)
This week
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5592/14970272205_02dbfd548c_b.jpg)
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I'm in on this thread. I love this. I will pull up some before and now photos and post this afternoon.
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WARNING WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR BEYOND THIS POINT
You want cringe-worthy? Okay. Proceed at your own risk.
The very first word I practised, supposedly in Spencerian, was my wife's first name. I give and send her all sorts of cards. The cards I give her by hand have just her name--Kate--on the front of the envelope.
Here's part of the very first practice sheet:
and here is the envelope for her birthday card last month:
Here is an excerpt from the first card I sent through the mail using my "Spencerian". Old PR was whirling in his grave at the injustice I did his script, his screams of pain so loud they startled birds from Boston to Miami and briefly reversed the flow of the Mississippi River.
Here's the writing on the summer exchange card in June:
At least there is improvement. Long way to go, though.
Mike
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This post is inspiring, wonderful and humbling. We are all making so much progress. I laugh at how we all seem to have gone through similar stages and feelings as we have progressed. What I am about to post, at each time I wrote these pieces, I felt so happy with how they turned out. Now, it's funny how you look back and see your progress and cringe at the old. But each step was essential to get where I am now. So even though I cringe, I still think that, for at that particular time, it was not too bad. That said, I know there is always room for improvement. Even with the last image I am posting, I look at it and even though I am quite pleased, I can still nitpick it to death. I hope that a year from now, I will look at this image and cringe because it will mean I have progressed that much further.
The first image was from Christmas last year. I hadn't even picked up a pointed pen yet, I just wanted my homemade Christmas cards to look unique....well, they were different alright! (Supercringe). The second image is from one of my first practice sheets. The pages had the wrong slant; I used a Hunt 99 and 101 nibs and some ink from my local craft shop. I had joined the forum by this point though and had started to teach myself the basics. The third image was an attempt at a flourished layout for a presentation I had to do at work (extra big cringe for exposing colleagues to this and thinking I did great!). The last two were from just two nights ago: a practice sheet (I went back to the basic strokes. They were done with whole arm movement, which is really hard) and a spontaneous flourish lyrics of a song I was listening to at the time. The last one is from last night...my practice word was my pet name for my favourite cousin....I know, not supposed to have favourites....I know you guys won't tell! :)
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Mike, you crack me up! ;D I'm going to spare you permanent eye damage and not show either before or after, as they still look about the same -- not good!
Those last two are just beautiful, Starlee -- it that what using full arm movement did?
Thanks, for sharing, everyone. I've been getting a little discouraged lately and this gives me new hope!
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This is one of my most favorite posts yet! Love seeing everyone's progress!
When I come across my first Spencerian work (cleaning out the garage this week in preparation for a move), I will post. ;D
Great work everyone!
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Okay so here is mine. I'm sure you can figure out my start in late Dec 2013 to now. It's kinda amazing to see the progress. I really think it comes down to learning the tools and then letter forms. But it's always a work in progress to improve upon our late improvement. I find that once I've noticed I've improved I'm only content with that for 5 mins then I'm off and running again. Many of you know who follow me on IG have seen me go back to basics because I didn't fully develop in learning copperplate and along the way of my half ass learning I developed some bad habits. But it's all good. When I pick up that pen and dip it in ink all is right with the world.
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Here's number 2
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Number 3 - current.
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This is the best thread EVER! Thank you every one for sharing their first and current calligraphy journey. This thread gives me hope! Hope that mine will improve and be better and this journey is worth to take. All of you had improved tremendously. Schin, Joi, Patricia, Star,Nickki, Natascha, Linda, and every one who will join this thread, thank you for sharing and posting.
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Joining the bandwagon , I started calligraphy 3days before
April.😀 that time my weakest point is Capitals 😂 haha
The first photo was taken 19 weeks ago (based in instagram ). Basically,
I wrote some Self-constructive criticisms in each letter so that I know what my
mistake is ☺️😁
2nd photo was taken 15 weeks ago.. At that time, I finally encountered the word
"flourishing" . Little by little I fell in love with it.. So, I did some research on how to flourish
in a "nice way" 😂 hahah
3rd photo (4 weeks ago) - I lifted the words from Valliciergo Exemplars which was given to me by Ate Joi
Trying to improve my Capitals and learning something new about my miniscules 😂
4th is my recent post on Instagram(24hrs ago) where I used flourishing and added some Spencerian
and Copperplate style on my miniscules 💕
I'm a work in progress, I brlieve. -- I hope that I inspire everyone with this post of mine.. It takes a lot of time and practice to become good at it ❤️ Patience is a virtue everyone Right now,
I'm working on my Spencerian 😅 a little bit tough but we'll get in there.
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Mike, you crack me up! ;D I'm going to spare you permanent eye damage and not show either before or after, as they still look about the same -- not good!
Those last two are just beautiful, Starlee -- it that what using full arm movement did?
Yes, except for the minuscules in the Tori offhand...I still sometimes sneak finger movements in. But the capitals and flourishes, are arm movements :)
Thanks, for sharing, everyone. I've been getting a little discouraged lately and this gives me new hope!
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I did it - posted mine! Hopefully not too many people will go look at the first page ;)
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This is so inspiring! I still feel like I don't have any "afters" that are worthy of sharing, but this thread is giving me a lot of hope, that progress IS possible and achievable. Thanks, everyone, for sharing.
All "afters" are worthy of sharing. It doesn't matter at what stage you are. Do not be intimidated by those more advanced on the learning curve than you. We're all learning.
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Maybe I shouldn't say Before and After.. 'After' seems to imply that it's already at the epitome, it should be Before and Current Progress!
Don't be shy!!!
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I love "Before" and "Current Progress" :D I certainly don't think I'm an "After" yet ...
Thanks for starting this thread! I wouldn't have bothered pulling out my old things without the prompt, and it's really satisfying to see that in spite of my 'oh i'm still a beginner wah wah' face, I really have improved. Just a nice reminder.
(And it's nice to see that EVERYONE started somewhere ... ;D )
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Gosh, this is really a wonderful thread and as with so many other things on the Forum, it offers such encouragement. Thanks, Schin--and I agree Before and Current or Then and Now is a good idea. So here are 2 pics. One from March when I first started, and rather than practicing letter forms, using guidelines and angles, I just winged it. The second was a little while ago today, just before seeing this thread. Cringe if you like--I see some improvement but not all that I'd like to see. Definitely a work in progress.
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Debbie, I only see one picture, and if that's the one from March, then I must say that your winging it produced some remarkable results! If it's from now, then I must say that your practice has produced some remarkable results!
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You're way too kind, either way @Ergative. Alas, this is the most recent. I'll try again with the earlier one. As Mike suggested, shield your eyes!!
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This isn't the same pic but I can't see all the smaller than postage stamp sized images. But this is from March or April.
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They both look great, Debbie. The most current is more technically correct, but I love the first one also. That doesn't mean you haven't improved -- probably more that it came naturally to you from the beginning. :)
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Number 3 - current.
Nickki, I'm not sure when it happened, but I do remember a moment when your beautiful hand became alive and grounded, consistent and gorgeous. For me, it's soothing to look at your work.
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Debbie your "before" is so good! And of course your after as well!
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Alright folks, it's about to get really real up in here. I have dug up some GEMS for your viewing horror. If there are any children nearby it's best to protect their innocence and ask them to redirect their eyes.
Calligraphy practice circa late February 2014
Followed by some more recent stuff. Nevermind that the bottom envelope had TWO spelling errors. Hey, I said that my calligraphy has improved, not my attention to spelling details.
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Thanks Debbie. I'm looking forward to my back to basics being over this time around so I can get back to my own style. I love looking at your calligraphy too.
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I love seeing everyone's "Then & Now"!
Debbie you were so good even THEN!
Elsa I love your style!
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Hi Schin,
Absolutely love it that you started this. Gives us beginners some hope. Practice and patience will give rewards.
As of now, most of my before looks quite a lot like the after too. So probably will post on here after a while when there is a discernible difference in the two. :D
Again, thanks a ton for starting this.
-Prasad
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I love seeing everyone's "Then & Now"!
Debbie you were so good even THEN!
Elsa I love your style!
Thanks, Linda. You're too kind. Sometimes I look and don't think I've made much progress. I agree with you about Elsa's style!
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Fine peeps, here's my then and now...
I will not warn you about wearing protections, you watch this at your own risk!
If you follow me, you know that I'm posting mainly modern calligraphy.
As a matter of fact I've been seriously trying English Rounhand since only April this year.
I've always done more lettering than calligraphy. But IG together with this Forum pushed me to try and now... well, I'm loving it!
So, here are my first steps in my personal calligraphy journey:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3897%2F14841024237_6752bcd87a_o.jpg&hash=0c17babb3b780926d9668281069de0e2)
From top: #1 is mid April, #2 mid May, #3 someday in June (didn't keep track of the date, sorry), #4 beginning of August and finally #5 experimenting some flourishing.
I'm easily distracted when I practice and I often switch from the practice sheet to a flourishing sheet that I always keep near me (strategy is everything!). So, when I get tired of writing the alphabet, I switch for 5min to free hand scribbles and I'm happy ;D
I want to work to improve my Copperplate and I know I have a long path ahead. But the journey makes me happy and makes me discover things (also about myself) that I didn't know before.
The wonderful community here is helping so much! So thanks everyone! <3
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Best thread ever. I've never been so motivated to keep practicing!
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Fine peeps, here's my then and now...
I will not warn you about wearing protections, you watch this at your own risk!
If you follow me, you know that I'm posting mainly modern calligraphy.
As a matter of fact I've been seriously trying English Rounhand since only April this year.
I've always done more lettering than calligraphy. But IG together with this Forum pushed me to try and now... well, I'm loving it!
So, here are my first steps in my personal calligraphy journey:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3897%2F14841024237_6752bcd87a_o.jpg&hash=0c17babb3b780926d9668281069de0e2)
From top: #1 is mid April, #2 mid May, #3 someday in June (didn't keep track of the date, sorry), #4 beginning of August and finally #5 experimenting some flourishing.
I'm easily distracted when I practice and I often switch from the practice sheet to a flourishing sheet that I always keep near me (strategy is everything!). So, when I get tired of writing the alphabet, I switch for 5min to free hand scribbles and I'm happy ;D
I want to work to improve my Copperplate and I know I have a long path ahead. But the journey makes me happy and makes me discover things (also about myself) that I didn't know before.
The wonderful community here is helping so much! So thanks everyone! <3
Holy Cow, Cecilia! You've been holding out on us!!! I wish these were in a format that I could enlarge your flourishes. :o
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LoL... Debbie, you are way too kind! thank you ::)
The fact is that I don't know how I did that... I have no consciousness of my arm movement, I just draw and sometimes it turns out being good. This tells you a lot about how much I have to practice and learn!
But thank you because your words encourage me to work harder (no way I can go for a Copperplate bootcamp like @Nickkih did though!) :P
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Cecilia, I'm extremely entertained to see that you've been using your reference book as a source of text for copying. I did the same with mine.
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Speaking of Copperplate butt kicking boot camp..... I don't want to go back 😱 I had a day off and I liked it too much. But I'm going back to get what I really need which is a good foundation for capitals. So off I go.
But schin this is such a great thread because all of us forget that we are making progress because we rarely look back. I think in terms of our calligraphy journey we should make it a habit every few months or so to take a look. I'm so encouraged and inspired by this thread.
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I love seeing everyone's "Then & Now"!
Elsa I love your style!
I think I smiled for like 10 straight minutes after reading this! Thank you Linda.
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This was my first ever attempt at writing roundhand. I used guidelines beneath the paper (a layout pad), an oblique holder and Higgins eternal. X-height is 5mm.
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FuCqX7nF.jpg&hash=4d3c9949048be14d9814acc5c913f00e)
This was done a few months ago with a straight penholder, Diamine registrar's ink (a blue-black iron gall ink: has blue dye it it, so it goes on blue but turns black over several days) and with guidelines pencilled on the paper and rubbed out afterwards:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FKArC76f.jpg&hash=243e898d6e57476c4c0d1c392af93ebd)
X height is 6mm, slant 45 degrees. Paper was from a Rhodia pad.
I've seen various translations of the quote: this one was from "Bismarck: A Life" by Jonathan Steinberg. Not a good man Bismarck. A great one, but not a good one.
Enlargements.
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9KxnKEY.jpg&hash=b41dc6159e18079979ead27e02513513)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrlA9ilq.jpg&hash=42768d1f5a8b32b91e4fe945d89d2615)
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Wow. What a difference!!
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What an amazing improvement! What was your secret, besides lots of practice?
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This post is absolutely what I needed.... I think it is a post that every single newbie starting out needs to see....
I've only been doing this for about a month and a half now and though I see improvement I know that I still have a ways to go...
Looking at the starting sheets from everyone, they all look pretty much the same.... hesitation, uncertainty, etc... and then the current work.... breath taking...
It all shows that starting out is hard.... way harder than it looks and with practice and dedication you will "flourish" HA pun intended...
Thank you all who have posted their work.... you have given me inspiration to keep going... Hopefully, one day in the near future, I will be on this post, posting my before and after.
You guys rock!
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oh, these post are exactly what i needed!
i haven't done calligraphy for months as i was (ok, i am) very busy with university, i was very sad about it and discouraged, but seeing these really helped me! I'm preparing nibs and ink now.
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What an amazing improvement! What was your secret, besides lots of practice?
For me, I think the greatest thing was approaching learning roundhand as re-learning how to write and so questioning and potentially changing everything that I did with respect to writing: I read and re-read 18th, 19th and early 20th century penmanship books which dealt with roundhand and practised only from the exemplars in those books. I changed how I held the pen, sat in my chair and put the paper before me (People often had their paper straight before them, not at a slant). It is not the work of a day, a week or a month, and I still carefully monitor how I sit and hold the pen, but it started making a difference. I also started using a straight penholder instead of an oblique, and not any straight penholder but a very slim one with a metal clasp just as you see in the New Spencerian compendium, for example.
Another thing was systematic practice from the large list of words given for penmanship practice here:
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=BmsUAAAAQAAJ&dq=carstairs%20writing&pg=PA105#v=onepage&q&f=false
I'm still working my way through that list. Once I've gone through it at 8mm, I'll go through it at 6, and then 3.
Another thing was carefully studying the letters, especially the turns at the heads and tails (tilting hand to the left or right brings on great changes in how and where the shade thickens) and the proportions and parts of the capitals, and trying to imitate exemplars as exactly and faithfully as possible. I make great use of tracing paper: I trace my exemplar on tracing paper, write at the same size as it and put the tracing paper over my writing and can instantly seen any deviations. Checking slant with a protractor and going over a page with a pencil and ringing all errors and then re-doing the page was another important thing.
Another thing was practising on blank paper and ruling the lines using a drawing board, 0.3mm mech. pencil, t-square, and adjustable triangle for the slant lines. Trains the hand and eye and serves as a warm up and I find it easier to concentrate on writing when I don't have to search out guidelines peeping through the fibers of the paper as when a guide is placed beneath. And, If I wish the absolute finest of guidelines, I can use a 6H 2mm leadholder, appropriately sharpened to rule them.
Another thing was using only iron-gall ink and throwing away pens as soon as they begin to scratch or become worn and the line thickens. The more I have practised the longer pens last and the smoother they seem as I have become better at using them.
I think those are probably the most critical things, which worked for my improvement over several years, and hopefully for much more improvement.
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This is so good to see for a newbie!
I have only been practicing for just under 4 weeks and my hand is very slowly
getting used to the moves. Last night was spent doing sheets and sheets of i`s...
Right now I cannot wait to get better LOL. But even if I am not liking my stuff
yet I am having a ball practicing. It is still beyond me how one is supposed to
keep the same slant angle and thickness of stroke. Let alone all those amazing
Flourishes and fancy letters all of you are doing here.
Thanks for sharing and giving me new hope *smiles
so this is my first try, 3 1/2 weeks ago
and in the second pic it`s what I wrote 2 days ago.
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I love this topic!
I love seeing the newbies encouraged. I still have a long way to go. I will always push myself to excellence; it's just the way I am!
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Here is my work in Spencerian for 4 months of work. I started with Michael Sull's Spencerian book and just finished taking a Beginner Spencerian with Harvest Crittenden's 6 week class.
I still have along way to go, but I love seeing my growth.
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Go Amy, go Amy, go Amy!!
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I still love this thread, so motivating!
Rebecca, how much time lies between your first and last image?
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Woah thanks so much for this thread!
So motivating for a beginner like me. I've only started 5 weeks ago and always wondering when is my writing and letterforms are considered 'acceptable' :P
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I still love this thread, so motivating
Rebecca, how much time lies between your first and last image?
The first image is from 2007. I wrote for about 6 months before having a an accident that led to numerous hand surgeries. Then I started writing again in mid 2012. Between my injury and 2012 I probably put in only 20 hours of actual writing--maybe less--but I did study A LOT. Most of my progress I believe has been from 2012 to now. Since 2012, I have improved my flourishing mostly. I think the lettering maybe about the same level--others might disagree :). I did add Spencerian into the mix and have been working on that since late 2013. On my instagram, you can see the progression because I start it in 2012 when I first started writing again and pretty much post everything i do. I have on there a Deacon Certificate I did for my hubby in 2012 and then the do-over for 2013. If I have time, I will do a new one. Those, to me, show how far I have come in a year. I have NOT arrived, still have tons to learn and I see so many wonderful calligraphers to admire.
Sorry for the long explanation, but to just give the dates seems misleading.
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I was on IAMPETH.com and found these examples too. Here is the link http://www.iampeth.com/videos.php
1. Before and After - Progress in Script, Earl A. Lupfer
2. Before and After - Progress in Script, Henry P. Behrensmeyer
3. Before and After - Progress in Script, Dr. Joe Vitolo
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So cool to see that even the masters started like us!
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There is hope for me, still.
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so great to see that great ones were once beginners too. :) well, not quite beginners but...
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Aww! Luppy's skilled when he was young! *Fangirl* It's just weirdly not ruled and bouncy all over the place like he was 'Pssh. Ruler. F that.' You can see he already knew his stuff!
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Aww! Luppy's skilled when he was young! *Fangirl* It's just weirdly not ruled and bouncy all over the place like he was 'Pssh. Ruler. F that.' You can see he already knew his stuff!
It makes one wonder: in his later work, did he simply start using a ruler? Or did he never use a ruler, and in his later work he got so good that we just can't tell?
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Completely inspired by your before and after! There is hope for me ::)
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I love this thread! It's helped me to realize how much progress I really am making. Here's my two cents worth of input:
January 2014
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/15774821532_1d540127da_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/q2Y5RA)
May 2014
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/15588100437_a74d7433fe_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pKt6bn)
For some reason I don't have any photos of more recent work—will remedy that tonight!
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I love this thread! It's helped me to realize how much progress I really am making. Here's my two cents worth of input:
For some reason I don't have any photos of more recent work—will remedy that tonight!
Wonderful progress. Looking forward to your November post of current work.
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I still love this thread, so motivating
Rebecca, how much time lies between your first and last image?
The first image is from 2007. I wrote for about 6 months before having a an accident that led to numerous hand surgeries. Then I started writing again in mid 2012. Between my injury and 2012 I probably put in only 20 hours of actual writing--maybe less--but I did study A LOT. Most of my progress I believe has been from 2012 to now. Since 2012, I have improved my flourishing mostly. I think the lettering maybe about the same level--others might disagree :). I did add Spencerian into the mix and have been working on that since late 2013. On my instagram, you can see the progression because I start it in 2012 when I first started writing again and pretty much post everything i do. I have on there a Deacon Certificate I did for my hubby in 2012 and then the do-over for 2013. If I have time, I will do a new one. Those, to me, show how far I have come in a year. I have NOT arrived, still have tons to learn and I see so many wonderful calligraphers to admire.
Sorry for the long explanation, but to just give the dates seems misleading.
Rebecca, you were one of the first calligraphers I followed on Instagram 2 years ago (when I started out). I've seen your progress go from good to great. :) :) :)
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this is pretty scarey, but I can see my progress immensely when I look at how my Instagram evolved. when I first started my IG I was focused on learning how
to flourish as well as define who I was as a calligrapher.
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i cannot upload an image and ff is acting up on me, so if you want to see then and now you'll have to visit my IG
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I think this is my favorite thread. And I am so impressed with all of your progress. It's really so inspiring. :)
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There is hope for me, still.
That is exactly what I said to myself as I was scrolling through the posts. If I ever need motivation, or to pull myself out of the "argh why do I suck so much" times - this is the perfect place to go.
I have the habit of throwing any practice stuff I don't like away, which is a lot. This is reminder to keep some so I can see my own journey. I will have to do some digging to see if there's anything that made it past my throw-out phases from my first days.
Thanks so much for starting this thread Schin!
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Oh, man. I really needed to see this thread. Thanks to all who contributed to it. I'm still in "before" land, so I don't yet have much to share. I'm practicing and improving, though.
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Oh, man. I really needed to see this thread. Thanks to all who contributed to it. I'm still in "before" land, so I don't yet have much to share. I'm practicing and improving, though.
Thank you for refreshing this thread. What a wonderful thread !
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Oh, man. I really needed to see this thread. Thanks to all who contributed to it. I'm still in "before" land, so I don't yet have much to share. I'm practicing and improving, though.
Thank you for refreshing this thread. What a wonderful thread !
Oh, I'm not the one who bumped it. Elaina bumped it, so thanks to her for that. Also, thanks to Schin for starting it. I'm finding it very inspiring, and I think it gave me confidence during my practice session last night.
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Wow!! I am loving this thread to bits!!! So inspiring!!
Well done, Schin! :)
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Just read (looked? …gawked in amazement?…) through the whole thread. So cool to see how much progress there is in all these pics! I only started copperplate at Christmas, so maybe I'll wait a while before I post so I actually have an "after" that's somewhat better.
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This is my version of then and now. The top photo was taken during the first time I ever held a pointed pen (October 21, 2014). Yes, I remember the date! The bottom photo was taken around 2nd week of December. I know I still have a looooooooong way to go, but yay to progress! :)
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This is my version of then and now. The top photo was taken during the first time I ever held a pointed pen (October 21, 2014). Yes, I remember the date! The bottom photo was taken around 2nd week of December. I know I still have a looooooooong way to go, but yay to progress! :)
Wow what an improvement Judy !
I keep looking back at ur IG for "minimum" for reference how to write it ! :D
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Wow what an improvement Judy !
I keep looking back at ur IG for "minimum" for reference how to write it ! :D
Thanks, Chandra! I'm still trying to write that word correctly. It's really haunting me! Will post a better video once I've "mastered" it. hihihi ;D
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Nicely done, Judy!!!! :)
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Wow what an improvement Judy !
I keep looking back at ur IG for "minimum" for reference how to write it ! :D
Thanks, Chandra! I'm still trying to write that word correctly. It's really haunting me! Will post a better video once I've "mastered" it. hihihi ;D
Looking forward to ur next videos xD
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Let me first say how humbled I am since I have joined this forum. Every post I read have such beautiful examples.
We I was in high school I got a calligraphy pen set for Christmas and began my interest. Here is a look at my first attempt.
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2FBC969894-2084-4A0E-ABA9-B3FA4444E594_zpsnuxxsz2k.jpg&hash=671793d6603260d0493a2c685e90056d) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/BC969894-2084-4A0E-ABA9-B3FA4444E594_zpsnuxxsz2k.jpg.html)
I continued to play around, trying new nibs and inks but never really devoted time to a particular discipline. My senior year of college I decided to develop my skills around a Beowulf illumination project. Here is the first page and last page.
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2F6D7A910C-5C4C-48C0-970F-FB70FF82856C_zpsfvb7gf29.jpg&hash=8a2bd91ab8077f1e1674e9da44db30cf) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/6D7A910C-5C4C-48C0-970F-FB70FF82856C_zpsfvb7gf29.jpg.html)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2F21A0C93A-ADE2-4331-8909-0B8935943182_zps2hpzgt3g.jpg&hash=a3d67230c1e01accc2223c2c9ff81a7e) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/21A0C93A-ADE2-4331-8909-0B8935943182_zps2hpzgt3g.jpg.html)
About 5 years ago I made a book of hours for my uncle
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2Fpgs22-31_zpsti8nmcwf.jpg&hash=f87582266d3bdfd901fffd2af9b0c66e) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/pgs22-31_zpsti8nmcwf.jpg.html)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2Fpgs42-43_zpsgyehojko.jpg&hash=5c240d853c6c00fbf69ba88cbf0f6ca7) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/pgs42-43_zpsgyehojko.jpg.html)
And currently this is my practice book.
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2F324B0043-D152-428A-B616-321366C1B305_zpslp7a7afi.jpg&hash=704a0682c1f286a40dbe0e151539e760) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/324B0043-D152-428A-B616-321366C1B305_zpslp7a7afi.jpg.html)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1065.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu387%2Fcjfrancese79%2FCalligraphy%2FE05F5E41-9001-4695-AE0B-F14976BA4B89_zpsl2dd8hkf.jpg&hash=68dc64a6ace8ec66e09cf943e3d480e8) (http://s1065.photobucket.com/user/cjfrancese79/media/Calligraphy/E05F5E41-9001-4695-AE0B-F14976BA4B89_zpsl2dd8hkf.jpg.html)
My goal now is to seriously devote time to a couple of particular styles and develop a more accurate hand.
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This thread is just so beautiful and inspiring! <3 I love looking at all the progress everyone made! So inspiring! ;D
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Very interesting thread
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Wow, someday soon I will share my before and after too. Need more practice and more patience. :)
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hi guys !!
i think i am ready to share my journey with you guys
1st Pic is when i started . and was very excited about the flexible nib , didnt knew much about any of the
pointed pen calligraphy just knew 2 names Spencerian And Copperplate,
2nd Pic is when i started my instagram activities seeing alot of inspirations mainly pictures of
joi , shin , gail, leenah, jacob, seabearwrites, etc alot more. and the Ink used in that was the
infamous Fishtank medicine .
3rd and last pic is my newst work .
4th one is latest practice sheet
. I love Ornamental Penmanship, still have to master it before jumping to other scripts !
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This is an incredible thread!! I echo all the previous people that said how inspiring and uplifting it was to see the amazing progress, and in such a short amount of time! I will look for my 'then' script, but wanted to thank Schin for starting this thread. I love it!! ;D
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I'm going to add in another one for me :) I don't think anyone is looking at page 1 any more, so here's a more up to date post:
2012:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F0dGB178l.jpg&hash=01466508e2cae06a43260d05a8aa1005)
2015:
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTRe5en3.png&hash=505c86b7d7d23112f9f880cd8272e9b6)
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I look at your then and now Moya and I know there is hope for me 😍 thanks for sharing
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Haha Moya is that first example a Community reference?
Also, awesome progress, so nice!
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This thread is so inspiring! Can't believe I only saw this now! I do not dare post mine because I don't think there's much difference, YET. Practice time!
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Hello! Sharing a photo of my progress (October 2014 to May 2015)
The paper on upper portion of the photo is my first attempt of Copperplate sometime in October 2014. Since then I have attended several workshops and a Copperplate class with Gail (the_md_writes). The paper below is a practice sheet from a couple of days ago.
I know I still have a lot to learn and I am grateful for all the tips, lessons, and resources available in the forum. :)
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Like night and day Lyra!!! Well done!!!! :) :) :)
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Hello! Sharing a photo of my progress (October 2014 to May 2015)
The paper on upper portion of the photo is my first attempt of Copperplate sometime in October 2014. Since then I have attended several workshops and a Copperplate class with Gail (the_md_writes). The paper below is a practice sheet from a couple of days ago.
I know I still have a lot to learn and I am grateful for all the tips, lessons, and resources available in the forum. :)
Not that I have a title that makes me anyone to say this, but I think you're a natural. I mean....Your first attempt looks like my third month! Very well done :-)
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Wow, Ly!!! You have magic hands!
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Thank you Star, Keysa, and Judy! Your kind words give me so much encouragement! <3
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Hello!!!
I'm not yet proud enough of my work. But I thought I would share my progress, as I have found it so encouraging to see all of yours.
I started 7 months ago but only took a workshop and it was so disappointing (the teacher was not really prepared for teaching yet) that I kind of felt bad and angry and didn't know what to do. So 6 months ago I got Eleanor Winters' book. I honestly had not been disciplined until about a month ago when I became more focused. Even though I had the book and went through some pages, I didn't practice enough and sometimes not for a week or two (if holidays came between).
The first picture is how I tried to hold my speedball oblique. What a mess! Being left handed I lacked more info. The second one is from the first thing I did (combining my knitting and calligraphy for a gift). Those are all at the end of November 2014. Then you have a sample of my very horrible R when I got the book.
As I said, I was not very constant. For my Valentines exchange I hadn't made much progress.
Then in March I told myself to be serious and learn by the rule and felt a bit more of improvement.(6th pic)
In April, encouraged by Suzie McKig I made a comparison of my work at the beginning and by then (7th pic)
And the last picture is from today (sorry for taking you back some decades with Jolene- thank Ms Dolly!)
I know I still have a loooong way to go. But being someone who always gives up on hobbies, having found myself so in love with calli that I can kind of make it look sort of pretty now fills me up with enthusiasm and happiness.
Sorry for the long post though!
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That's enormous progress. Very nice job.
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That's enormous progress. Very nice job.
Thank you very much!!!! Hopefully I'll keep on improving :-)
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I recently celebrated my first pointed pen calligranniversary.
I started awkwardly a year ago with this:
(https://girlspacefriend.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/coelho.jpg)
And, a year later, just in time for the inspiring quote exchange, I used the same quote.
It turned out like this:
(https://girlspacefriend.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/coelho2015.jpg)
I'm so excited to grow more into calligraphy this year. ;D
If interested, I dedicated an entire post on my blog about my calligraphy adventures the past year. (https://girlspacefriend.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/a-year-in-calligraphy)
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Great progress, imdcruz. Very nice.
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I recently celebrated my first pointed pen calligranniversary.
I'm so excited to grow more into calligraphy this year. ;D
Awwe happy first calligranniversary!! <3
That's very pretty! I followed your blog! :D
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Hello!!!
I'm not yet proud enough of my work.
BE PROUD. That is beautiful progress and that too in just 6 months.
Awesome work ;D ;D ;D
-Prasad
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My "then and now" of my love letter for my wife.
Thank you very much flourish forum, I never thought I can do this.
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Remarkable, Joel!
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HI all,
Its been just over a year I joined this Forum. Thought it was time I posted in this thread.
It will be pretty obvious how this Forum and all the awesome people on her have helped me improve. Have said this over and over again and will say it once more.
Big thanks to Erica for getting this magic group of people together.
Ok, here goes
Pre-Flourish forum. Armed with a Gillot 303 and Thought I was Lupfer. The nib snagged and snapped on the 8th line :)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FzwCH1u7.jpg&hash=de051a55651ad71762250ecab6e594ca)
Thought flourishing meant drawing wiggly lines wherever I could
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F8PSx5M6.jpg&hash=0c73fe54bb59c63ef0035e657df1fc32)
Post joining the Forum
Learned about guidelines and drills.
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUHWWpul.jpg&hash=7ec485ed8eb31cd1f51a34bdfa3ed907)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FI1UtlL0.jpg%3F1&hash=76750299721ec5ddf77989fef0e9de1c)
Daily Practise sheet from about a week ago
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJLBvX8r.jpg&hash=e45c1edc1d5668cf4fed3e0262f00949)
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FOkWsKCF.jpg&hash=5c6ce49f72ec30ca2a311708c30eb9b6)
Practise for Inspiring quote side exchange
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9QS7ch4.jpg&hash=696b4f02546bbaa8151ef35054905e80)
Proof that this Forum is the best for learning :)
Happy writing everyone
-Prasad
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Wow prasad . u are great now. I got a lot improvement from this forum too.
You have improve alot . hopefully I will start practicing copperplate soon
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Prasad - amazing! You've done a lot of hard wrok and it's a great testament to the resources and helpful people this forum provides :). Well done - can't wait to see your progress in another year!
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Remarkable, Joel!
Thanks a lot Natascha.
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Wonderful progress, Prasad. Keep at it.
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Very nice Joel and Prasad! I wish my works to be as beautiful as yours someday. :)
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Wow prasad . u are great now.
Wonderful progress, Prasad. Keep at it.
Thanks so much guys.
Prasad - amazing! You've done a lot of hard wrok and it's a great testament to the resources and helpful people this forum provides :). Well done - can't wait to see your progress in another year!
Thanks
It truly is a testament to the people here :)
Very nice Joel and Prasad! I wish my works to be as beautiful as yours someday. :)
Thanks :) The pro's here will make sure you will
:)-Happy writing all
Prasad
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I love this thread so much! It's so easy as a beginner to feel like you're never going to improve. The posts on this thread prove otherwise!
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You are all amazing and inspiring! Your posts lift me up just when Im getting hopeless with my own callig journey. Thank you! :)
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I passed my year mark for how long I've been doing calligraphy a few months ago so I thought it was a good moment to stop and do a comparison with one of my earlier pieces, by doing the exact same phrase and putting them next to each other.
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Wow, Moif, such progress! Thanks for sharing!
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I don't have my very first practice sheets but I do have my 2014 holiday exchange and my 2015 holiday exchange to share. What a difference a year makes! And, I could not have come this far in my practice without our amazing calligra-community. All the heart feels for you guys!
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That wreath is spectacular, Eunice!
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That wreath is spectacular, Eunice!
Thank you Bianca! You are too sweet!
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(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9QS7ch4.jpg&hash=696b4f02546bbaa8151ef35054905e80)
This is an excellent example of what can be achieved in a relatively short space of time.
Congratulations! (https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi226.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd289%2Fcaliken_2007%2FThumb%2520up%252030.jpg&hash=a036a9716cc081f9297b3f8cbec20946)
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This is an excellent example of what can be achieved in a relatively short space of time.
Congratulations! (https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi226.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd289%2Fcaliken_2007%2FThumb%2520up%252030.jpg&hash=a036a9716cc081f9297b3f8cbec20946)
Thank you so much Ken. This comment just made my year. ;D ;D ;D
What a wonderful way to start a new Year.
-Prasad
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Wow, everyone's befores are so neat. :o
late may 2014 -> jan 3 2016
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FReSM7wC.jpg&hash=c2cc949c420dceb40a6c27a4487124cb)
smudges galore. nikko G, higgins eternal on copy paper ;D
(https://theflourishforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fv5C5P8k.jpg&hash=1416f3f59378b6a7b8994701b746ce10)
Leonardt Principal, walnut ink on Rhodia.
Need to practice more so I'm not embarrassed come June when I say
I've been at this for two years...
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James's progress has been mind boggling. I wonder what age virgins and exactly which breed of sacrificial lambs did he use to offer to the Gods of Penmanship?
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Thank you, Schin for starting this thread, and thank you to everyone who shared their progress photos.
This thread just made my day (and made me want to practice even harder). :D
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O.m.g. James :o :o :o that's such amazing progress. Wow.
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I just love the messy first page !! Makes me want to be messier, if that's something that helps getting this good !
I didn't keep my first page : I wrote a's in a row for a whole week... and they were not pretty at all ! At some point something clicked and I progressed a little faster...
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I was on IAMPETH.com and found these examples too. Here is the link http://www.iampeth.com/videos.php
1. Before and After - Progress in Script, Earl A. Lupfer
2. Before and After - Progress in Script, Henry P. Behrensmeyer
3. Before and After - Progress in Script, Dr. Joe Vitolo
Wow such amazing work progress from all the members. But this is my favourite of the lot.
Tempted to post mine too :D
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Amy, can you repost the Iampeth link? For some reason I keep getting an 'access denied' message though I'm completely able to navigate the site otherwise.
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Aaha. Finally got to compile my worksheets.
This is from May 2016 till date.
I usually used to write the same para again and again so that I could compare my progress thats the reason you could see repetitions of them in my worksheet at different stages during my practise.
I joined this forum in June 2016 and things changed drastically for me. One more example of how this forum helps & supports everyone who wish to learn this art from heart.
Feeling happy :D
- Ashok
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I love seeing your progression, ash0kgiri! Brava!!
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That is a great improvement.. congratulations!
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Wow!!! Fantastic! And in such a short period of time!!
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Wow!!! Fantastic! And in such a short period of time!!
I love seeing your progression, ash0kgiri! Brava!!
That is a great improvement.. congratulations!
Thank you so much for the kind words @Starlee, @Milonguera & @schin. Feels good to hear from senior members like you.
I would give this credit to @SMK for what you see here. It wouldn't be possible without him. And off-course this amazing forum.
Still so much to learn.
If you would be interested here's the link to my work in 'Kind Critique' section were I update my worksheets regularly.
http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=4833.0
Thanks again,
Warm Regards,
- Ashok
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Same pen / same paper (the worst - copy machine paper)
Then 2015
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/719/22766024520_9bb9de00f5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AFKPW9)
Now 2020
(https://i.imgur.com/usSqasP.jpg?1)
I know everyone improved...does it seem a bit more refined?
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Great improvement @InkyFingers ! Thanks for sharing. :-*
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I know everyone improved...does it seem a bit more refined?
Yes, indeed. Keep going.
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(https://i.imgur.com/exmgSgj.jpg?1)
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Glad to hear it. Your continued progress is doubtless an inspiration to all who read this thread. It gives us all hope that through continued practice we all will improve on our shared journey of beautiful writing.
I might add, it is also interesting to see your pens. That's an interesting oblique in the last post. So "old school." It makes one wonder, who used it for what looks to be many years, and what did they write?
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I'm obviously very late to this party, but another FF member had shared a link to the topic. As others have mentioned, it can be very encouraging to beginners to see. To that end, I am posting here my before and after ... to date. Contrary to many of the "befores" I've seen here, I was barely able to write legible English or even simple letter "e's" at all, never mind calligraphy or even cursive. Coming from that deficit, it has taken what feels like a very long while to get to today's new "before" and yet another starting place.
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I'm obviously very late to this party, but another FF member had shared a link to the topic. As others have mentioned, it can be very encouraging to beginners to see. To that end, I am posting here my before and after ... to date. Contrary to many of the "befores" I've seen here, I was barely able to write legible English or even simple letter "e's" at all, never mind calligraphy or even cursive. Coming from that deficit, it has taken what feels like a very long while to get to today's new "before" and yet another starting place.
Welcome. Glad you found your way over here. You're not late to the party, as this party never ends.
You're showing big improvement.