Try it out: calligraphy, modern copperplate
Course Code: VE255
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This practical taster session in Modern Calligraphy offers a condensed but thorough grounding in the modern lettering style seen across culture and businesses today. It presents the opportunity to postpone the demands of modern life for a few hours, slow down, and mindfully engage in a hands-on activity alongside an enthusiastic group of students and tutor. To get you started on your handwriting journey the workshop will take you through a step-by-step process, guiding you letter-by-letter to draw something special on the page. The course explores modern script models and examples, in addition to the work of professional calligraphers. You should leave this session inspired to further explore the potential of modern calligraphy for both business and personal creative adventures.
What will we cover?
Students will learn how to assemble and use a pointed pen and ink; how to draw letters; and how to correctly space and form words in the modern copperplate style. We will look at its structure, the application of pen pressure, and variations of the English alphabet.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a range of calligraphy tools
- Select and use appropriate materials effectively
- Produce calligraphy work in the modern style
- Develop your handwriting skills though home practice
- Go on to further study in calligraphy.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for complete beginners or those looking to refresh their calligraphy skills. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions in English to support demonstrations, read hand-outs, and understand health and safety information. Students will be invited to take part in group discussions, but participation is voluntary.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
No study preparation is required beforehand. In the session you will learn through a combination of group and individual demonstrations, and following worksheets devised by your experienced instructor. Examples, worksheets, and instructions will be provided to enable you to carry out exercises at your own pace both inside and outside the classroom.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and a notebook to take notes. You can bring your calligraphy tools if you have any, but materials will be provided for the session itself. Advice will be given about tools you may wish to purchase for further study, and some materials will be available for purchase in the class from the tutor.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at
15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student
at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or
photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on
offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Suitable follow on courses include:
- VE246 Calligraphy: Modern copperplate
- VE282 Calligrpahy and brush lettering
- VE211 Calligraphy:Spencarian scripts
- VE285 Calligraphy for beginners and improvers.
Veiko Kespersaks is a Fellow of CLAS (The Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society) and a Fellow of SSI (Society of Scribes and Illuminators). He currently runs a successful calligraphy studio in Central London. Veiko was Programme Leader for the Calligraphy Degree course at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in Finland and his book, ‘Calligraphy in 24 1h lessons’ was published in 2011. He has an MA with Distinction from Roehampton University London, A BA (First class) in Calligraphy and Art History from University of Surrey Roehampton and a BA in Printmaking from the Art Institute of Kankaanpää, Finland. Veiko’s classes are usually mixed levels, and his passion in teaching is to create an atmosphere in which each student can increase their skill proficiency and learn new, sometimes unexpected, skills. www.calligraphystudio.co.uk
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.