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Monday, December 23, 2013

Western Calligraphy: A Brief History

By Hedrick Lepsch


Webster describes calligraphy as an "artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering" and "the art of producing such writing." Many today consider handwritten calligraphy an art form and some dedicate their entire lives to mastering calligraphic technique by hand.

Calligraphy has been used in various forms for thousands of years and there are four primary forms of this style of writing, all of which are distinct and unique. The four forms are Western, Eastern Asian, South Asian, and Islamic Calligraphy. This article will focus briefly on the origins and evolution of Western Calligraphy.

Darwin hated and flunked school even Leonardo Di Vinci didn't love school. They did love learning and they focused on the areas that they enjoyed. For Darwin he went out into the fields and went hunting, all the while just studying the animals. Di Vinci started drawing and learning out in nature as well. He was able to do so many things with it as well. Both of these people have been labeled geniuses.

Western Calligraphy finds its roots in the Latin alphabet as it emerged from the Etruscan alphabet. Romans began using the script as they replaced papyrus scrolls and reed pens with the first books, fashioned from animal skin parchment, and quill pens. Illuminated texts using various calligraphic fonts can be found throughout the historical documents of Europe ranging from the Celtic Book of Kells to the Carolingan miniscule script developed by a scribe under the direction of Charlemagne. This script provided the foundation on which modern booktype is based.

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Modern Innovators in Calligraphy

The advent of the printing press and movable type in the 15th century did not eliminate the art of calligraphy, though it did significantly slow the production of illuminated and hand written texts. The end of the 19th century would leave two young men, Edward Johnston and Rudolf Koch, thoroughly enamored of the study of calligraphy.

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Modern calligraphy still exists in the handwritten form and documents can be commissioned from professional calligraphers. Whole websites are dedicated to the art and tools of hand written calligraphy and training is available for those who truly wish to master this skill.

Remember that it isn't just about the grade or the degree. Don't be fooled in thinking just because you received your Graphic Arts Degree that you are good to go. It takes an actual knowledge and skill set to make it out in most jobs. If you want to be the best at what you do then it is all about shaping your studies to fit the needs of your future self, meaning your future career as well.

Calligraphy is far from being an antiquated or dying art. It is still thriving through both a handwritten and digital tradition and it will continue to evolve as more time passes. If you are interested in a graphic arts degree, College America has programs available through online and in-class instruction that will provide you with the skills and training that you need to truly succeed as a graphic artist.




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