New
New
Letters Cali Style 2026 - Copperplate Variations - Nina Tran
Item #:
LCS26-TRAN
More info: https://societyforcalligraphy.org/Conferences
Copperplate Variations - Nina Tran
When it comes to learning Copperplate, there is no shortage of rules to follow: letter ratios, weight hierarchies, slants, spacing; the ovals alone have their own set of rules! The upside to having all of these rules is that there are plenty of them to bend and break.
Our class will begin with a review of a traditional, standard Copperplate based on Zanerian examples. Afterwards, we will work through a guided deviation from the standard - exploring the parameters of the script and experiencing the great variety in simple alternations and toggling of the rules, ultimately culminating into a development of your own personal style of Copperplate, be it close to the standard or something completely new and exciting. Whether you are a by-the-book practitioner or a natural rebel, this guided exploration around and against the standard rules of Copperplate may be just what you need to spark your inner creativity, discover your own
style, and renew your love for traditional Copperplate.
SKILL LEVEL: Some experience with the pointed pen and Copperplate is highly recommended.
Supplies:
• 3-4 Your favorite flexible pointed nibs (e.g. Hunt 101, Hunt 22, Zebra G, Leonardt
Principality EF, etc.)
• Penholder (straight and oblique)
• Dark-colored Ink (e.g. sumi, walnut, iron gall, etc.)
• Inkwell
• Marker Layout Paper (e.g. Borden & Riley #37 Boris Layout, Canson XL Marker or
ProLayout Marker etc.
• Mechanical pencil and eraser
• 12 inch ruler
• Small container for water
• Cloth or paper towels
• 4 paper clips
• Low-tack artist’s tape
• 3-4 colored pens for taking notes (e.g. gel pens, fineliners, etc.)
Other items:
• Small desk lamp and extension cord
• Seat cushion
Copperplate Variations - Nina Tran
When it comes to learning Copperplate, there is no shortage of rules to follow: letter ratios, weight hierarchies, slants, spacing; the ovals alone have their own set of rules! The upside to having all of these rules is that there are plenty of them to bend and break.
Our class will begin with a review of a traditional, standard Copperplate based on Zanerian examples. Afterwards, we will work through a guided deviation from the standard - exploring the parameters of the script and experiencing the great variety in simple alternations and toggling of the rules, ultimately culminating into a development of your own personal style of Copperplate, be it close to the standard or something completely new and exciting. Whether you are a by-the-book practitioner or a natural rebel, this guided exploration around and against the standard rules of Copperplate may be just what you need to spark your inner creativity, discover your own
style, and renew your love for traditional Copperplate.
SKILL LEVEL: Some experience with the pointed pen and Copperplate is highly recommended.
Supplies:
• 3-4 Your favorite flexible pointed nibs (e.g. Hunt 101, Hunt 22, Zebra G, Leonardt
Principality EF, etc.)
• Penholder (straight and oblique)
• Dark-colored Ink (e.g. sumi, walnut, iron gall, etc.)
• Inkwell
• Marker Layout Paper (e.g. Borden & Riley #37 Boris Layout, Canson XL Marker or
ProLayout Marker etc.
• Mechanical pencil and eraser
• 12 inch ruler
• Small container for water
• Cloth or paper towels
• 4 paper clips
• Low-tack artist’s tape
• 3-4 colored pens for taking notes (e.g. gel pens, fineliners, etc.)
Other items:
• Small desk lamp and extension cord
• Seat cushion
