Resources

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Speedball Textbook:
22nd Edition

1991

The Speedball Textbook was originated by Ross F. George in 1915, and has been a comprehensive resource for calligraphers, sign painters and lettering artists ever since. The Twenty-Second Edition continues to serve as a reference for both professional and student scribes. It includes some of the classic pages from previous editions, along with new examples of alphabets and calligraphic artwork.

Available at Amazon (paid link)

Linkedin Learning Video Series: Ina Saltz - Learning Calligraphy

Ina Saltz is an art director, writer, photographer, and professor emeritus at The City College of New York.

Calligraphy is the source and root of all letterforms. Whether you're an aspiring type designer or lettering artist, or just someone who wants to write beautifully, this course provides you with a springboard to the study of any calligraphic hand. Follow Ina Saltz as she walks you through how to write the basic italic forms using a broad-edged pen. To begin, learn what materials you'll need and how to prepare your writing surface. Next, practice and progress through minuscules, or small letters, majuscules, or capital letters, numbers, and punctuation. Ina also touches on how to write with smaller nib sizes, add flourishes, and use color, as well as how lefties can best tackle calligraphy.

  • Preparing your practice sheets

  • Using the broad-edged pen

  • Writing minuscules, or small letters

  • Writing majuscules, or capital letters

  • Writing numbers and punctuation

  • Writing with smaller nib sizes

  • Designing projects

  • Using different materials and tools

Linkedin Learning

Speedball Textbook Project Kit, Includes 1.3 mm, 2.0 mm, and 3.0 mm Elegant Writer Calligraphy Markers

OFFERS LETTERING EDUCATION & INSPIRATION – The Speedball Textbook offers insight into techniques and styles ranging from medieval to modern

CREATE BEAUTIFUL LETTERING PROJECTS - Ideal for learning how to make beautiful invitations, holiday cards, gift tags and more

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS & CRAFTERS - includes the work of nearly 70 of the most well-known and well-respected modern-day scribes from around the world

INCLUDES PRACTICE PAGES – Also includes (20) perforated pages for practice and experimentation

3 MARKER SET - Includes (3) Black Elegant Writer Markers – 1.3 mm, 2.0 mm, and 3.0 mm

Available at Amazon (paid link)

The Speedball Textbook, 25th Edition

THE BEST CALLIGRAPHY RESOURCE - For artists and letterers of all ages and skill levels

EDITED BY WELL-KNOWN CALLIGRAPHERS - Featuring the vision of new co-editors Suzanne Cunningham, Carl Rohrs & Sachin Shah

ENHANCED CONTENT - Boasts a diversity of technique and instruction, including over 25 pages of enhanced pointed pen

INSPIRATIONAL - Features 120-pages of exemplars, contributors' works and innovative technical insight that is sure to inspire and appeal to scribes and enthusiasts

CELEBRATING 105 YEARS - The Speedball Textbook, 25th edition represents a celebration of the 105th year anniversary of the first edition of The Speedball Textbook.

Available at Amazon (paid link)

Left-Handed Calligraphy

1991. Vance Studley

The art of beautiful handwriting is no more difficult to master for the left-handed than for the right-handed student. But the left-handed writer requires a special orientation which most guidebooks on the subject do not provide. This excellent study remedies that situation handsomely. Generously illustrated, it offers full, intensive coverage of the art of calligraphy from the left-handed writer's point of view.

Vance Studley, an award-winning calligrapher and well-known arts educator and author, shows left-handers how to select appropriate tools and materials, learn correct hand, pen and nib positions, master composition and page layout, and much more. Four model alphabets are introduced — Italic Hand, Chancery Cursive, Uncial Hand, and the Foundation Hand — each providing valuable lessons in the mastery of left-handed calligraphy. With each lesson, students will move forward confidently to new levels of skill in this time-honored art.

Available at Amazon (paid link)

Calligraphy Bible: A Complete Guide to More Than 100 Essential Projects and Techniques

2012. Maryanne Grebenstein

From ancient to modern times, the art of calligraphy has brought the written word to life, beautifying folklore, letters, poetry, and more. Embark on a journey through time, as the book examines the history of writing and its transformations. Between these pages, you’ll find:

  • A detailed guide to materials, tools, and setting up your own workspace, as well as a troubleshooting section.

  • An Alphabet Workbook for practicing all the book’s letterforms, from Foundationals to Copperplate, alongside beautiful examples.

  • Clear demonstrations map out every type of line, stroke, and flourish you may encounter.

  • Easy to follow instructions for gilding, illuminating letters, mixing colors, flourishing, and creating ornate borders to frame your work.

  • A wealth of projects to put this ancient art to practical, modern day use, including wedding invitations, posters, letterhead, and more.

  • A comprehensive list of suppliers and calligraphers’ societies all over the USA

Available at Amazon (paid link)

Graphic Art of Tattoo Lettering: A Visual Guide to Contemporary Styles and Designs

2019. BJ Betts & Nicholas Schonberger

A groundbreaking reference covering the key styles and schools in contemporary tattoo lettering. This book includes step-by-step guides to lettering design from a wide array of leading tattoo artists.

Covering the history and context of tattoo design, as well as offering a comprehensive instruction in hand lettering, this guide is packed with enough detail to fascinate anyone interested in tattoo design.

Learn to recreate all of the most widely used techniques―from embellishing West Coast letter forms to mastering calligraphic style―with guidance from one of today’s most influential tattoo artists. Each chapter also includes an account of individual styles’ histories, complexities, and relevant substyles, along with interviews spotlighting leading practitioners and galleries of innovative tattoo design.

394 illustrations

Available at Amazon (paid link)

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