I
started my training in lettering by learning the traditional
calligraphy
styles:
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Roman
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Italic
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Gothic
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Uncial (unchel) |
Carolingian
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Copperplate
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All
these styles are made with a broad edged brush or pen, |
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except
for Copperplate, which is made with a quill. |
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This
training served as a foundation before I began learning Pointed Brush Script, which not surprisingly is made
with a pointed brush. |
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| This
is the most common style used for commercial lettering.
It began early in the 20th century and peaked about 1960
(the same time cars started losing their fins). Much of
my inspiration comes from commercial lettering's heyday.
Below are
three excellent examples. |
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Today's
lettering draws from every imaginable source, from prehistoric
to purely experimental. Any writing, drawing, or painting instrument can be used to make hand lettering.
Brushes and pens with ink make the purest forms. |

Quill Pen |

Mr. Computer, too
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Broad
Edged Brush
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Broad
Edged Pen
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Pointed
Brush
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Ruling Pen |

Found Object
Brush |
Learning Hand Lettering, from Traditional to Contemporary