Learn Engrosser’s Script

The basics of Engrosser’s Script

All Dreamers start by building a firm foundation. The penman who has been writing for twenty five years can stand to revisit the fundamentals just as much as the greenhorn picking up their pen for the first time today.

The Grimes Method of Engrosser’s Script relies on the systematic repetition of five Principal Shades and four Connective Hairlines. This stage lays the groundwork for an Engrosser’s Script practice that revolves around logic and modularity.

The mechanics of Engrosser’s Script

Next comes the formation of all 26 letters of the Engrosser’s Script alphabet in both their minuscule (lowercase) and majuscule (uppercase) forms. Each letter is meticulously covered with a focus on the exactness and fidelity of each stroke.

I’ll introduce you to The Interval Theory, which I developed to take the guessing out of how to space letters. This is a big game-changer even for penmen who have been writing for years or are self-studied prior to DIS.

We will wrap up the beginner stage of this class with explorations covering how to form words and sentences while maintaining all of the theory and technique we’ve developed in the previous lessons.

The Art of Engrosser’s Script

The final stage of this class is dedicated to producing several guided projects that put what you have learned over the previous lessons to work. These projects are aimed not only at helping you to develop your script further, but encouraging you to create several assets that you can use for personal or professional correspondence.

At the very end of the class is a Final Quiz where you can test yourself to see how much you’ve learned over the year. Students who pass the Final Quiz with a 90% or greater are eligible to graduate, and those who score above 95% or greater are eligible for a special Certificate of Merit that allows them to graduate with distinction.

A lot of people think that Copperplate, Roundhand, Engraver’s Script, and Engrosser’s Script are all names for the same style of calligraphy—but I believe differently. You can learn more about Engrosser’s Script and what makes it special on this page.

With enrollment, you’ll gain online access to the DIS Community Forum where you can share your work with other Dreamers (myself included). By participating in peer critique, you can test your understanding of course theory and develop your eye for detail while supporting your fellow classmates.

If you’re a privacy-focused person who feels uncomfortable talking to others, you are still welcome to join DIS, but you will not receive feedback on your practice unless you post it for the class. All feedback is done on the Community Forum so that everyone can benefit from both giving and receiving critique.

To qualify for a certificate, you will need to complete the class entirely (including submitting all assignments) and score 90% on the Final Quiz for a Certificate of Completion or 95% for a Certificate of Merit. In the tradition of the Zanerian College, students pursuing a Certificate of Merit must pen the body themselves.

You can see more examples of Certificates of Merit completed by Dreamers from previous years by watching the DIS Graduation Ceremony from 2025.

Note: If you’re interested in pursuing a Certificate of Merit at the end of the class, you will be responsible for an additional printing and shipping fee of $50 USD. To receive a certificate, you must have a valid US-based shipping address. If you live outside of the United States, you must secure a US-based shipping forwarder of your choice.

To participate in the Engrosser’s Script class, you’ll need:

• An oblique pen holder.
• A pointed pen of your choice (Hunt 101, LPEF, etc.)
• An ink or writing fluid of your choice. (Walnut, Sumi, Iron Gall, etc.)
• Some paper that you can write on. (such as Neenah Classic Crest Papers)
• One sheet of Arches 90lb Hot Press paper (or similar) for projects.
• A ruler and pencil.
• A Masgrimes Lining Triangle
• Access to a printer.
• A computer with access to the internet.

This class is designed to support absolute beginners. If you have never picked up a pen before, I will include information that covers every thing you need to know to get started and I have a LOT of experience working with learners from vastly different backgrounds with completely different learning preferences.

That said, if you’re anxious about jumping in and would like to chat one-on-one, I am happy to offer a free 15 minute video chat about your goals and see if this is the right next step for you. Just reach out and we can find a time that works for you.

DIS has plenty of amazing Dreamers who have experienced success in Engrosser’s Script while being left-handed. There are a few different techniques that you will need to explore to be successful, but we can cover those together.