This class will give an overview of the differences between writing, lettering and typography before moving into a series of short exercises to demonstrate key principles of letter construction, rhythm, contrast, composition, balance and techniques of letter customization (swashes, flourishes, decoration).
Using calligraphic principles as a starting point participants will spend the second part of the day conceptualizing, drawing and refining a custom piece of hand-lettering under Gemma’s instruction.
Class numbers will be limited to 25 to allow enough time for one-on-one feedback and direction.
Course Outline
MORNING SESSION
Introduction, context, theory and short exercises based on calligraphic principles that inform lettering.
- Welcome, introduction, quick warm up exercises,
- Explanation of differences and links between writing, lettering and typography. Overview of relevant terminology,
- Contextualisation of lettering within the broad landscape of letterform-based skills and crafts (type design, sign painting, letter carving, calligraphy) today,
- Overview of Roman letterforms created using a flat brush to explain principles of stroke contrast, variation and proportions. Double-pencil exercise over model alphabet,
- Overview of letterforms created with a pointed brush to understand rhythm, and movement. Brush pen exercise. Model alphabets will be provided as reference,
- Experimentation with cola-pens + balsa wood to explore non-conventional calligraphic approaches,
- Group discussion and analysis of how to identify these calligraphic principles in examples of typography and lettering,
- Overview of brief for afternoon, and selection of word for final project.
MORNING SESSION
The afternoon will be dedicated to creating a unique piece of lettering informed by the calligraphic exercises in Session One.
- Conceptualising your design: approaches to linking content, lettering style and meaning,
- Composition, spacing, layout: how to achieve a balanced layout. Letter relationships: Analysis of letter combinations and positioning to look for opportunities for customisation,
- Customisation: How to make your letterforms unique using swash letters, flourishes, quirky letterforms or decorative techniques (shadows, illustrated embellishments, inline strokes),
- The final two hours will be spent drawing and refining individual projects with one-on-one consultation from Gemma,
- Group critique and wrap up.
Workshop Schedule
- 8:30—Doors open, Registration
- 9:00—Introduction & Kick-off
- 11:00—Coffee Break
- 12:30—Lunch
- 13:30—Afternoon Session
- 15:00—Coffee Break
- 17:00—The End, Networking
Location
IED School of Design
C/ Biada, 11,
08012 Barcelona
Spain
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