Blending the old and the new . . . the elegance of eighteenth-century pen flourishing, replete with elaborate swirls and curlicues, and the precision of modern graphic design, boasting clean lines free of feathering, blotting, and other irregularities . . . in this spirit, artist Kiyoshi Takahashi offers this collection of 850 original calligraphic ornaments. Created in response to the recurring needs of his own design studio, Mr. Takahashi's expertly drawn, top-quality ornaments include delicate calligraphic swirls, scrolls, frames, borders, cartouches, and other design elements suitable to any number of commercial and crafts uses. They lend decorative flair to menus, posters, bookplates, stationery, honorary scrolls, and certificates, and are ideal for enclosing, enhancing, or drawing attention to advertising copy or any other graphic message. Two pages of examples show just how well these ornaments can embellish modern typography. And, best of all, Mr. Takahashi's ornaments are readily usable and completely copyright free. Commercial artists, graphic designers, illustrators, craftspeople, and calligraphers will appreciate this collection of 850 precisely rendered modern ornaments recalling the graceful pen flourishing of the eighteenth century.

Provides information about how to get started writing calligraphy, the tools, the technique, where calligraphy is used, and different styles, including Roman, foundational, and gothic.

A detailed discussion of the dynamics of moving the tool is followed by an alphabet of strokes used to build and analyze flourishes. Also covers design principles, technique in different situations, and Italic and Gothic scripts. Abundant examples are provided. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Port

"Beginner's guide to materials and techniques for learning to do calligraphy. Includes instructional DVD-ROM"--Provided by publisher.

The Calligraphy Handbook is a complete guide to the art of calligraphy, from selecting pens and mastering different alphabets through designing and laying out your work—an excellent starter reference or step up for someone interested in creative lettering. Step-by-step mini projects demonstrate a wide range of techniques, from brush lettering and gliding to design principles and practice. Beautifully illustrated examples provide a wealth of inspiration and include scripts such as Roman, Italic, Gothic, and Copperplate calligraphy. In a digital age, it's easy to move away from handwriting, but even the most artistically stunted can create beautiful text blocks on gift cards and in their own journals. The stylish design of this book—along with the interior photographs, illustrations, and diagrams—make the learning process simple and fun for beginners and provides useful tips for more advanced readers. The book also describes the equipment needed to be an excellent calligrapher, including the paper, measuring tools, pens, brushes, and inks. Teach yourself a skill with versatile and practical uses and bring a little bit of beauty onto the page.

Contemporary Illumination gives detailed instruction for artists wishing to add gold leaf to their work. It explains the techniques used in medieval manuscripts but shows how these same techniques can be used to stunning effect to enhance lettering and paintings in contemporary styles. Alongside step-by-step instruction, it also gives practical advice on how to fix common problems. For both the novice and the more experienced, this handsome book unlocks illuminated secrets from the fifteenth century and shows how they can be applied just as beautifully to art of today. With fully illustrated step-by-step instructions for gilding and painting using readily available off-the-shelf products. For those with more experience, there are detailed instructions on the making and use of both manuscript gesso and shell gold, with examples of how they might be used both to enhance a calligraphic text as well as a painting or drawing. There are also suggestions of how to paint on gold, and how to combine flat and raised gilding in new and innovative ways. This book is a visual treat and an invaluable guide for everyone who wants to appreciate the art of illumination and to learn how to use traditional techniques in contemporary applications.