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Friday, August 8, 2014

How To Commission A Calligrapher

By Annabelle Holman


Calligraphy is an ancient and beautiful art that adds lasting value to any item. You can commission a calligrapher to create anything from a simple place card to a decorated scroll. Awards, certificates, invitations, menus and many other items can be personalized in this way.

Some people may be inspired to produce their own calligraphy and rush off to buy a calligraphy set. However, this skill is definitely not acquired overnight and it is preferable to hire someone with experience, especially when expensive paper is involved. Asking the printer to use a particular font to produce the effect of calligraphy is possible but the effect does not approach that of using calligraphers with experience and artistic flair.

Learning the necessary skills such as understanding different typefaces and spacing between letters takes practice. Beautiful letters are only produced as a result of passion and dedication of an individual to their craft. Experienced calligraphers are also able to offer guidance on far more than just what style to use. They can often give advice on paper, colors and other details to create a pleasing end product.

If one does not know how to find a calligrapher, it is worth searching online. A surprising number of people are still pursuing this ancient craft and some of them reach great heights. The trick is to find someone who will be able to produce above and beyond what is required at a reasonable price.

Examining samples of work already done is one of the best ways to go about making a decision. These portfolios show the level of expertise and type of work capable of being produced. Calligraphers have many different ways of going about their work. Their styles vary from modern and informal to formal and traditional with many offering a wide variety of styles. The materials used are also varied and the work should exhibit a harmony between paper, ink and nib.

After making a choice of a specific individual to do a project, all the details need to be communicated and discussed. If a person has been selected online, this may involved sending emails back and forth. Some projects are larger than others such as producing artwork for a wedding involving addressing envelopes and designing and laying out invitations, place cards and thank you cards. The style and colors of the occasion have to be discussed as well as deadlines for completion.

Once all the details have been agreed upon, an estimate is given, usually without any obligation. If it is accepted, a contract is signed by both parties. Some calligraphers charge per word and others charge by the hour when determining the cost of a project. They usually require a deposit up front which may be up to 50 percent of the total amount and the balance is paid on completion.

When choosing to use calligraphers offering their services online, email is often used as a means of communication. Once designs have been worked out, a full size working layout showing the color scheme may be emailed to you for approval. The finished work will only begin once this layout has been approved. A scan of the finished work may also be emailed for approval and only then is the finished work delivered. You are likely to be very impressed with the finished product if you have chosen someone with expertize and artistic skill.




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