Is Traditional Calligraphy right for me?
Are you a calligrapher, letterer, signpainter, engraver, typelover, designer, or lover of esoteric adventures? Ever wondered about the nuance of traditional script writing like the kind you’ve seen on the Declaration of Independence? Regularly catch yourself waxing poetic about your mother’s handwriting and how inspiring it was to you as a child?
We’re only half-joking. But seriously:
If you’re looking to develop your skill in the calligraphic arts, starting with a traditional foundation is a the way to build a long-term goal-oriented practice that efficiently builds off of time-tested principals and ideas.
Sure, learning all on your own through books and manuals is absolutely possible— it’s just that it’s so much harder than it needs to be. There are hundreds of options available for pens, nibs, ink and paper…it’s hard to know exactly where to start getting into this incredible art. Luckily, finding online calligraphy classes and trustworthy mentors is easier than ever.
Where do I start?
Join the Dreaming in Script Community and find like-minded individuals, one-of-a-kind instruction, and a clear path to achieving a level with calligraphy that most never dream of.
What is the best type of online calligraphy class to start with?
Each style of calligraphy (known as a ‘script’) has its own unique challenges and uses (both commercial and artistically). Years ago, learning calligraphy at a local community college or in an adult education program meant that you needed to find a physical class for calligraphy at all before you started to worry about what kind of script you were learning.
Today, the calligraphy world is largely divided between ‘Broad Edge’ and ‘Pointed Pen’ Scripts. These, of course, refer to the two most popular types of calligraphy pen nibs. Each camp has its own devout following and exceedingly few calligraphers dance freely across the boundaries of these two worlds. But you have to start somewhere, right? Our first love was Pointed Pen.
Of the Pointed Pen styles, there is one that consistently leads the conversation as as technicality and structure are concerned—the beautiful style of shaded American writing known as Engrosser’s Script. ES is an incredible hybrid of centuries-old English Roundhand and 20th-Century American ingenuity. It is graceful, malleable and timeless.
Why Engrosser’s Script?
Engrosser’s Script’s structure is a perfect representation of what one can expect from almost every style of Western calligraphy. The method in which it is learned in Dreaming In Script can be applied to any subsequent script you desire to learn. By beginning your calligraphic journey with this beautiful style, you solidify a foundation in geometry, systematic learning, logic, and strong motor skills.
Learning Engrosser’s Script is the best entry point into formal Pointed Pen.
Learn Engrosser’s Script Online
Are you interested in learning more about this beautiful and unique style of calligraphic script? Have you been looking for a way to learn old-world methods and approaches to the study of formal calligraphy in the comfort and solitude of your own home?
Dreaming In Script is the most comprehensive online calligraphy class ever published on the topic of Engrosser’s Script Calligraphy. Learn everything from Engrosser’s Script history to the basics of pen use to crafting complex designs. Appropriate for absolute beginners. This course is broken into 12 distinct sections and can be completed at your own pace.
David’s workshop was inspiring – filled with information and nuances that really made me reflect on my own script and how / what could be changed and improved. Most importantly, it was not daunting. David’s gentle guidance made me want to put into action what we were learning.
– Kirby Leung (Hong Kong, March 2018)
Get Updates
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
David’s teaching methods have resulted in some pretty impressive results as evidenced by his students. In my opinion, he is one of the finest modern day practitioners of Engrosser’s script.
– Dr. Joseph Vitolo of www.zanerian.com
Comments from past students
I joined David’s Dreaming in Script Workshop while he was in HK in March 2018. His workshop is one of the most inspiring and helpful calligraphy workshops I have joined. His detail-oriented attitude allows him to explain everything about letter forms in a very clear and precise manner…I like this more liberal approach to learning calligraphy as calligraphy is not about just following one man’s style for me. I highly recommend whoever that is considering joining his workshop quickly grab your seat when seats are still available. One more thing to add to this is, watching him write in person is SO SOOTHING haha you will understand this if you have watched his Instagram videos. Being a fun person also made our workshop more awesome!
– Angie Fong (Hong Kong, March 2018)