About – The Calligraphy Guild of Indiana

The Calligraphy Guild of Indiana originally formed in 1981 as The Alcuin Society, encouraged by the Art Department of The University of Indianapolis following a guest lecture presentation by the Master Scribe, Donald Jackson of England.

The purpose of the guild is to be a catalyst for the study of
letterforms and related arts in Indiana.

The Calligraphy Guild of Indiana holds a general meeting on the third Saturday of the odd months of the year (January, March, May, July, September and November). This meeting is held at SullivanMunce Cultural Center, 225 West Hawthorne Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077. We start gathering at 10 am and start our business meeting at 10:30. After this short meeting we have a program that typically lasts about an hour. The program can be a demonstration, a lecture, a hands-on; it is different every month! Check the calendar of events for the next topic.

How To Get Started in Calligraphy

For Beginners

Copy paper and a broad edge Zig brand marker is super. Any copy paper is fine to start. However, the one pictured has a smoother surface for markers. There are also specific Marker papers at any craft store or online.

For ANY student -

Pearls of wisdom…

Go to the IAMPETH website or their annual conference if you really want knowledge. IAMPETH is The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting. This organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of handwriting arts. They have SO much to give you.
Youtube for tips. (It’s the Wild West, having both accurate,interesting and disaster bad practices.) Always share the good ones.
Take professional classes for proper instruction. John Neal promotes vetted teachers and CGI will send you tons of class offerings.
In person classes are the best. Online classes have an extensive selection.
Everyone has had different exposure / education / interest / backgrounds in lettering, do not be intimidated.
Everyone has something to learn.

Books to start you down the right path

Foundations of Calligraphy by Sheila Waters

The Speedball Textbook any edition

Advice

Put both feet on the floor. Hold your pen firm but not too tight or loose. For a broad edge pen, make sure that the whole tip edge is touching the paper when writing. Breathe. Keep your letter backbone slants at the same angle. Slow down, you are probably writing too fast. Look at the letter before you write it. Practice, Practice, Practice