8/05/2014

How To Commission A Calligrapher

By Annabelle Holman


Calligraphy has been around for centuries and still has its place in the modern world. There is no better way to add a personalized touch to invitations, menus, certificates, awards, thank you notes and many other items. Commission a calligrapher to make a unique gift or to commemorate a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, christening or retirement.

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.

Calligraphers have to know many different things such as writing techniques, lettering skills, page design and decoration skills like gilding. They have to understand about varying the amount of space between different letter combinations and many other things. They create artistically subtle effects in a way that mechanical methods cannot capture.

It is not difficult to find calligraphers as many of them offer their services online. When making a choice one has to consider factors such as level of expertise and what is charged. Examining a portfolio of working already completed is essential. Some may be fairly new to calligraphy while others may have spent many years perfecting their craft and take great pride in producing work of an extremely high caliber.

Calligraphers use different materials too and this can also affect the quality of their work. Some materials may create inconsistencies in letter strokes or smudge easily. Many kinds of papers, pens and inks are used.

Once you have decided on a particular individual, communication needs to take place. The scope of a commission is one of these factors. Sometimes you will want just a simple invitation but you may also need the person to handle all the material for an event like a wedding or a birthday party such as envelopes, invitations, place cards and even thank you cards. You will also need to decide on other factors such as whether the style is formal, informal, traditional or modern, color preferences and deadlines.

Quotes are often given without any obligation. However, once a contract is signed there is no turning back. However, it also means that the calligrapher is then committed to fulfill the contract to the best of his or her ability, keeping to the deadlines and any other details mentioned in the contract. A deposit is usually required before any work commences and the rest of the money is paid when the job is finished.

A client will need to approve a working layout which usually includes a design showing colors. Once this is approved, work on the actual project commences. Some calligraphers also email scans of finished work for approval before final delivery takes place. If an experienced calligrapher with an innate sense of design and artistic flair is selected, the finished products will often exceed expectations.




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