Engrossing is an unfamiliar term to most of today’s calligraphers. However, from about the mid 1800’s through the mid 1900’s engrossing studios flourished throughout the U.S. employing hundreds of calligraphers or engrossers. Mike was lucky to have worked in an engrossing studio just before they all began to disappear. Mike continue to work today as an engrosser through his own engrossing business. 

In this workshop, student will go through the entire process of designing and producing a certificate in a traditional engrossing style from layout to completion. Mike will be sharing many of his ideas, tips and tricks that he learned as an engrosser for over 40 years. With each step in the process, he will also provide detailed instruction along with samples of work to serve as visual help and inspiration. 

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Lesson 1 – Layout and Design 

The first step in certificate design is laying out the certificate. Student will be making decisions on how to break down the provided copy into components based on their importance. Mike will go through each component and talk about the best lettering styles and sizes of lettering to use on each one. Mike will also talk about where and how to add illumination and decoration to the certificate and how to best work with clients. 

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Lesson 2 – Lettering 

Discussing and demonstrating the most used lettering styles when designing an engrossed certificate. The styles will include Roundhand, Engrosser’s Text, Engrosser’s Script, Old English, rapid and retouched, Versals and Boxed Versals. 

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Lesson 3 – Illumination and Decoration 

Illumination and decoration can be added to some or all the components of an engrossed certificate. It can be as simple as adding color to some of the text or as complex as adding a highly decorated border. Mike will discuss the best elements of illumination to add based on the clients taste and budget. Adding gold using modern alternatives to traditional raised gilding will be shown and discussed. 

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Lesson 4 – Putting it all Together 

Student will put all the elements that they've learned to the test and produce a certificate from start to finish.