Introduction to Calligraphy
A course by Giorgio GaetaniCalligraphy Artist
A course by Giorgio Gaetani, Calligraphy Artist
Explore the rules of calligraphy writing by learning to compose words and phrases in an elegant and timeless style
Relaxing, abstractive, and meditative; these are the words Italian calligrapher and copperplate script expert Giorgio Gaetani uses to describe the effects that calligraphy has on him. Giorgio is left-handed and has expressed the belief that things which might appear to be a obstacles, are in fact opportunities to add personality and originality to your work.
Discover the very precise technique and set of rules behind this magical and elegant art form alongside Giorgio. Now you have the secrets for composing letters, words, and phrases and adding the finishing touches using special effects. With a little patience and tenacity, you can master one of the most recognized and admired calligraphy styles in the world.
What will you learn in this online course?
24 lessons & 19 downloads
Material
14 minutes, 8 seconds
Posture and movement
18 minutes, 5 seconds
Prepare the nib
9 minutes, 53 seconds
Trace the guides on paper
11 minutes, 53 seconds
Lowercase Baseline 1
10 minutes, 4 seconds
Lowercase baselines 2
10 minutes, 34 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Italian calligrapher Giorgio Gaetani as he talks about his career as an artist so far, and his first encounters with pen and paper. He shares his main references from the calligraphy world as well as from other disciplines like music, which is a huge source of inspiration for him in terms of movement and rhythm.
Next, Giorgio goes into detail about all the instruments you need to get started in copperplate script like paper, dip pens, and inks, followed by a tutorial on posture while writing as well as the correct hand movements. You also learn how to draw guide lines on the page and create letters, always keeping in mind the characteristic italics-style inclination of copperplate lettering.
Now begin to familiarize yourself with the copperplate style. Start with the fundamentals for writing both lowercase and uppercase correctly before exploring numbers and symbols.
Once you've got the hang of the individual letters, Giorgio teaches you to link them together to make words using ligatures and adequate spacing. Then it's on to practising with pangrams: short sentences that contain all the letters of the alphabet.
Bring this journey to an end seeing how to enrich copperplate with special effects to achieve a true work of art. The results of working on dark-colored paper combining a variety of colored inks and adding decoration with a few decorative techniques are truly astounding. Create an envelope with an elegant wax seal for a greetings card or invitation.
What is this course's project?
For the final project, write a phrase containing at least ten words using copperplate script.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone who wants to learn to draw uniquely elegant strokes in copperplate script, whether just starting out or already a calligraphy afficionado.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience in necessary for this course as your teacher will walk you through everything step by step. In terms of materials, you need some paper, a straight or slanted nib holder, a nib, some ink, a protractor, a ruler, and a pencil.
Reviews
- 1 month ago
Corso realizzato veramente veramente molto bene! Giorgio spiega tutto in maniera perfetta, ma soprattutto chiara e con ritmo lento, ma mai noioso. Questo si traduce in un riuscire ad ascoltare e concentrarsi molto di più su ogni passaggio che espone ed illustra. Le dispense poi, sono materiale veramente ottimo, fatte bene. Il fatto poi di avere la community a disposizione mette la ciliegina sulla torta. Insomma, assolutamente consigliato!! Bravo Giorgio, complimenti! Domestika non delude mai.
- 6 months ago
Excelente curso! Explica super claro y te da todas las herramientas para comenzar
- 1 year ago
Bellissimo corso con un eccellente insegnante.
- 2 years ago
muy entretenido
- davidger_74PLUS2 years ago
Excelente. Son cursos complementarios entre los otros que he tomado. Al variar en las técnicas crean mejores resultados en la práctica.
In time, he started collaborative projects that led him to work with names like Max Mara and Tiffany&Co, as well as exhibit one of his pieces at Expo Calligrafia at the Grigore Antip museum in Bucharest. Giorgio is a left-handed calligrapher, a characteristic that has pushed him to find a signature style that makes his creations even more distinctive.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Inspirations
- U2
To begin
- Material
- Posture and movement
- Prepare the nib
- Trace the guides on paper
- U3
From lines to the alphabet
- Lowercase Baseline 1
- Lowercase baselines 2
- Alphabet: lowercase letters 1
- Alphabet: lowercase letters 2
- Alphabet: lowercase letters 3
- Capital lines for uppercase
- Alphabet: capital letters 1
- Alphabet: capital letters 2
- Alphabet: capital letters 3
- Alphabet: capital letters 4
- Numbers and special characters
- U4
Words and sentences
- Ligatures 1
- Ligatures 2
- Write a word
- How to write an entire sentence
- U5
The final touch
- Special effects with ink and paper
- Decorative elements: flourishing
- Prepare an envelope for an invitation
- FP
Final project
- Fundamentals and Techniques of Calligraphy
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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FAQs
This is an intermediate-level course recommended for those who already have basic calligraphy skills and want to deepen their knowledge of advanced techniques, tools, and specific styles like English cursive and flourishing.
To participate, you’ll need nibs, a straw pen, a Parallel Pen, calligraphy paper, ink (such as Sumi or preparations like walnut husk), a ruler, a protractor, and optionally a glove. Some modules include exercises on silk.
You’ll learn advanced techniques in English cursive, flourishing, Gothic styles, tips for left-handed writers, tool and ink preparation, spacing, harmonious composition, and decoration. The course also covers common mistakes, proportions, and style customization.
Yes, the course includes specific strategies to overcome the technical challenges left-handed writers face, like writing in reverse, choosing suitable tools, and positioning the hand and paper correctly.
Yes, the course covers English cursive (Copperplate), Spencerian, and Gothic styles such as Textura Quadrata, with practical exercises and detailed explanations on letter construction and variations.
The course shows how to prepare and adjust the ink density for inks like Sumi, Gouache, and walnut husk ink, explaining the pros and cons of each and how to pick the best one for your style.
Yes, every lesson includes exercises on basic strokes, letter construction, and composition, with step-by-step guidance and correction of common mistakes.