Workshop “From Calligraphy to the typographic letter”

Workshop “From Calligraphy to the typographic letter”
Split Art Academy, Croatia
17—19 April 2024

Objectives: to experiment with different stages in the evolution of modern typography. In the early years of typography, the created forms aimed to faithfully reproduce the appearance of manuscripts, and their creators started creating alphabets that were not exact copies of the popular calligraphic models. In a way, the true type design emerges with the types cut by Nicolas Jenson in the second half of the 15th century. He designed a series of letters that, while recognizable as humanistic, were not exact replicas of those used in the manuscripts of the time. At this moment, type design takes on its creative identity and understands that a new medium opens up new expressive possibilities

Practise: to reproduce this process with the workshop students, as a sort of methodology for type design.

Schedule:

Day 1
— Carolingian calligraphy practice with double pencil, lowercase key letters
— Completing the alphabet (a-z). Selection of the best letters

Day 2
— Letter Sketching and principles of type design
— Sketching, rhythm and spacing

Day 3
— Function and purpose. Composition of words and sentences
— Exhibition, presentation and feedback

Results: The outcomes far exceeded expectations, especially given the varying levels of preparation and time invested. However, the students demonstrated commendable dedication, working diligently and collaboratively with mutual respect. Their commitment undoubtedly contributed to the exceptional results achieved. 🙌