The techniques of lettering design involving the artistic coupling of Ornamental Capitals is a skill set rarely taught, and hardly ever found in print. And yet, the result of a such knowledge and practiced effort allows the penman or calligrapher to create remarkable letterform combinations of beauty, individuality, and grace. Join us for this uncommon program to learn the magic of Superscription in the formation of Spencerian style Monograms. Subjects covered will include: the unique character of Spencerian and Ornamental Capitals, letter extension and Capital Coupling Techniques, considerations of letter arrangement, the drawing and flourishing techniques of Spencerian monograms and the finishing techniques of line art for monogram reproduction.
 

PLEASE NOTE: designing and creating these monograms is a drawing and tracing technique, so all skill levels are welcome. Oblique penholders can be used in this program in addition to fine line markers.

​

Lesson 01

​

Monograms are personal identity designs. In our first session we will explore the nature of monogram designs and why Spencerian monograms are so special. Detailed information will be explained about Spencerian and Ornamental Penmanship capitals, including techniques of building alternate capital letterforms, and how to determine which forms are best for a monogram design.

• What is a monogram? How useful are monograms?

• Design techniques, Part 1

• Tools and materials

• Familiarization of capitals

  • traditional and alternate forms

  • ornamental varieties

​

Lesson 02

This session is about the techniques of using the various capital choices to create letters of grace and beauty that can join, overlap, and flow in countless ways. For personal monograms, I will explain shade modification techniques, season and symbol monogram inclusions and specifics to be aware of regrading negative space around line crossings. Letter arrangement will also be discussed for its importance in the style of choice of monograms.

• Letter extension techniques

• Capital coupling

• Letter arrangement

• Creativity in Shade Design

• Designing techniques, Part 2

​

Lesson 03

Once a monogram is designed, what more can you do with it, and how do you turn it into artwork that can be printed? We will cover these topics in this lesson with techniques for modifying monograms, flourishing methods that can add visual substance to monogram use for printing or engraving, and ways to recreate your monogram for finished art.

• Monogram flourishing

• Finishing line art techniques

• Modifying your monogram

• Finished art technique

Note to Students

•  This is a live online workshop via Zoom (please make sure you have a Zoom account to access the workshop)

• All live sessions will be recorded and available for 60 days following the final class.

• All recordings expires on Friday, 14 Jul, 2023 at 12:00 pm Hong Kong Standard Time.

• Recommended supply list, handouts, zoom links and recordings are available on the workshop page three weeks (or as soon as practicable) before the first session. Click here for user guide on how to access your workshop page.

• All workshop dates and times are according to the Hong Kong Standard Time.