Capital letters are the ultimate challenge for any typeface, as they deviate significantly from the general rules and offer – and demand – ample scope for complexity and play. This of course also applies to blackletter calligraphy.

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The saying “Problems are just thorny opportunities” can often seem cynical, but in this case it fits like a glove: the space occupied by capital letters and the complexity of their forms also allow for a wealth of ornamentation, embellishments and numerous details that breathe life into calligraphic work when placed correctly.

In this online workshop, we will explore the basics of blackletter capital letters, discuss the principles of their composition, talk about variations, possibilities and adornments – and, by the end, write them as beautifully and gracefully as possible!