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.

So find out what you love and move forward with it. There will still be classes that you dread but you need to focus on them and see how they will be applicable in the future. This is one way to get more out of your classes and studies.

Learn well enough so you can teach

This is a principle that some of the greatest learners have been able to do. If you go about your studies with this mindset then you will be able to better internalize what you take in. This is important because you are immediately applying what you learn even though you aren't usually applying it directly. Your mind will automatically develop connections and will go through the lesson again in your own way as you start to teach. This is why it is important to apply this principal in your studies.

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.

Johnston is considered, with Koch, to be the father of modern calligraphy. Both men published a variety of books on the topic and each developed calligraphic typefaces that are still in standard use today. In fact, the Johnston typeface was the foundation of the font in the signage of the London Underground and continues to live on since it was re-designed in 1988 and developed into the New Johnston typeface.

Make it yours

This is your experience and if you individualize it to your needs than you will be able to take things in better. Your desire to go on to grad school or other studies will increase as well. There are a lot of different ways to get where you need to go but you really need to remember what you learn.

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.

A graphic arts degree is a great start to your career but you need to have the knowledge that comes with it and not just the paperwork.




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