Topics

571

Show & Tell / A contemporary pointed pen logo

« on: October 27, 2013, 12:36:04 AM »

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Pam Cooley of Pam Cooley Photos this past week. Not only was Pam a delight to work with, she was a very good art director. This can make all the difference sometimes in the final product. As a letterer, it is your definite advantage if you can art direct your own work. But it is often difficult to step away from your work and see what needs to be improved.

Pam had a very good idea of what she wanted and was able to express it in a way that helped me get it just right. I was pleased with the results and more importantly, Pam loved it!

What have you been working on?

572

Tools & Supplies / My Favorite Nibs for Pointed Pen

« on: October 27, 2013, 12:23:03 AM »

I started off with the Hunt 101 and 103 when I learned spencerian and then copperplate in 1993. Then I scored a box of 100 vintage Hunt 56 nibs. Those nibs were a dream. Hardly any bad ones in the batch, they sailed across the page. I wish I had purchased all 4 of the boxes that were available then. But I couldn't possibly see myself going through 100 nibs. HA!

I could have used those boxes many times over. Now I use the newer nibs. My favorites are the Nikko G's for less bold, but sharp, smooth thicks and thins. If I want to do a little softer and bolder, I like the Hiro 41.

I recommend trying out a variety of nibs so you can find your favorites. These two nibs may not be your faves but they just sing for me. What are your faves?

NOTE: The Hiro 41 has had production problems recently. They seem to be better but take a little bit of wearing in.

573

Letter Pixels / Bloggy what?

« on: October 27, 2013, 12:01:41 AM »

I've had a blog for years. But somehow I fell asleep at the wheel when all the good blogging stuff was getting going. So now I am still trying to catch up. I absolutely love blogs but I do feel sometimes it's still in a vacuum. I can go from blog to blog of my favorites and see what they have been up to and post a comment but it's not a give and take. And it's been hard to keep up with all my favorites.

A website is a must these days and I also did web design for several years. I started using WordPress when you still had to do all the coding! Now it is sooo easy!

Have a question? Need advice or a second pair of eyes ... post away!

574

Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Contemporary Calligraphy - it's all about style

« on: October 26, 2013, 11:41:23 PM »

There is no denying "contemporary" or "modern" calligraphy is responsible for the HUGE growing interest in calligraphy. I could not be happier that hundreds, if not thousands, are discovering the joys of pointed pen lettering. I hope to provide some great tutorials and offer advice to anyone looking to learn how to do calligraphy.

There is some discussion in the calligraphy community about the amateur look of this style of calligraphy. While I am strong believer in learning the fundamentals of calligraphy, I also recognize this style is wildly popular for a reason. It is accessible, charming, and it really can be done by anyone.

I encourage anyone who wants to learn to pick up a pen and get started. Don't be afraid. We all started somewhere. We'll be offering tutorials to learn the basics, the fundamentals of good lettering, and eventually more in-depth topics such as good design, layout, and computer skills.

Come one, come all, join in, ask, and share! 

575

Open Flourish | General Discussion / This is where we gather...

« on: October 26, 2013, 11:33:33 PM »

Can't wait to read all the wonderful posts. This is our general forum. Any general question, topic, etc. about calligraphy that doesn't fit in another category goes here. If in doubt, just post it here. 

576

Introductions / Hi! I'm Erica McPhee of Paperwhite Studio

« on: October 26, 2013, 11:31:41 PM »

Hi!

I am The Flourish Forum owner and administrator. I am also the calligrapher behind Paperwhite Studio. I've been in love with calligraphy since grade school and have been studying and practicing calligraphy ever since! I started Paperwhite Studio in 2001 and have enjoyed many fabulous clients providing wedding and social invitations, logo design, magazine work, and greeting card design. I took a detour and spent a few years studying homeopathic medicine and grappling three awesome children.

Originally from NH, I moved to Maine after college. In 2007, we moved to the southwest coast of crazy but sunny Florida.

I enjoy italic but my true love is pointed pen. I love copperplate, spencerian, pointed pen italic, contemporary lettering, flourishing, anything with a pointed pen!

Please don't ever hesitate to ask me any question! I love sharing and want nothing more than to share calligraphy with all of the world!

I look forward to meeting each of you on the forum!

577

New Here? Start here! / Please Read! - Welcome!

« on: October 26, 2013, 11:18:34 PM »

Welcome to The Flourish Forum!

I am so happy you have joined us here at The Flourish Forum to share your love of lettering. Please don't be shy! Our forum will be successful if everyone joins in and asks questions, shares their work, and responds to others. We all have to start somewhere so don't worry if you feel your work isn't up to par. Through feedback and critique from others, you can improve your skill and develop your style.

Experienced calligraphers - please help out by responding to questions, offering advice, and gentle critique when solicited. Calligraphers are notorious for their sharing and caring ways so let's carry on that tradition here in the forum.

Above all else, please be kind. The forum will not tolerate rudeness, harassment, or bashing of any kind. This is a place to share our love for the art of calligraphy and fine hand lettering. There is nothing related to calligraphy that would warrant unkind communication! Varying views and differences of opinion can be expressed with respect and thoughtful words.

Please don't hesitate to contact me to share any concerns: [email protected].

Enjoy the forum!

578

Flourish Forum News / The Forum is Open!

« on: October 26, 2013, 10:10:55 PM »

Welcome everyone! The Forum is now open and ready for posts!