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Blackletter Basics - with Tamer Ghoneim


  • Zoom Online Platform United States (map)

Please note: This workshop will now take place online. Take a look at our Zoom Guidelines well in advance of the program if you need to become familiar with this platform.

Please be sure you can attend BOTH days before reserving your spot.

Saturday, October 16: Introduction, Tools, Minuscule Alphabet, Q&A with Tamer, Sharing

  • Session 1: 9-11:45AM

  • Lunch Break: 11:45AM-12:45AM

  • Session 2: 12:45-3:30PM

Sunday, October 17: Finish Minuscule Alphabet (if necessary), Majuscule Alphabet, Q&A with Tamer, Sharing

  • Session 1: 9-11:45AM

  • Lunch Break: 11:45AM-12:45AM

  • Session 2: 12:45-3:30PM

Taking this workshop through Colleagues in the comfort of your own home has LOTS of advantages:

  • Limited number of participants (20 at most) rather than 100's in other online workshops!

  • Built-in breaks where we can socialize, eat lunch, and share work in progress!

  • Participating with people you may know!

  • A recording will be available to participants for 1-month after the workshop ends! (with options to have life-time access for a small fee - details in workshop).

  • Several weeks access to a private group forum (not Facebook) where participants can share and ask questions of each other and Tamer!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Reserve your spot in Our Store. You can pay with a credit card OR use PayPal. If you have any questions at all, please email webmaster@colleaguesofcalligraphy.com.

Once you have purchased your spot you will receive all the details to attend on the Zoom platform.


WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This two-day workshop is a complete, step-by-step walk-through of a unique blackletter style alphabet that is the foundation of Tamer’s internationally published and featured work.

Tamer’s goal is to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to learn the rewarding art of blackletter calligraphy. He believes in using a positive, fun, and supportive teaching style that encourages and motivates students while learning and inspires them to find joy and pride in their creative abilities.

This course will provide students with all of the information and knowledge needed to immediately begin writing a beautiful blackletter hand.

In the workshop, Tamer will review the essential, recommended tools needed to write in this style, including tips and tricks for working with the tools. Tamer will then provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for constructing the minuscule and majuscule alphabets using the innovative blackletter guide sheets that he developed.

Discussion topics are also expected to include variations of each character, ligature considerations, finishing elements and ideas, and practice tips and tricks. Student questions and interaction throughout the workshop will be encouraged and valued in the interest of providing as much individual attention as possible.

MATERIALS LISTS

If you need to purchase any items:

Minimum Supplies

This list is all you would need. A great place to start - especially for beginners who might not have many tools in their toolbox.

PENS

You can use any broad nib pen for this workshop, but these are a few of my favorites that I recommend. It’s fun to try different sizes - but you only need one to complete this workshop (larger one recommended if only purchasing one size)

  • Pilot Parallel Pen (2.4 mm)

  • Pilot Parallel Pen (3.0 mm)

  • Pilot Parallel Pen (3.8 mm)

INK

Each Pilot Parallel pen comes with two ink cartridges, one black and one red. If you are only purchasing one pen, it is recommended that you purchase extra black ink cartridges.

PAPER

The paper mentioned below is only a recommendation. You can, of course, use any paper that you prefer. Using a higher quality paper than standard printer paper is preferable because it will minimize or prevent ink bleed, making your work look better and your practice sessions more enjoyable.

  • Strathmore Calligraphy Paper

OTHER

Tamer will provide guide sheets and other documents but you can also have available the following to help create guidelines:

  • ruler/straightedge

  • pencil

  • white or other soft eraser

Materials for Further Study

You are invited to use any broad-edged tools, your favorite inks and paper, and other materials that you have used in the past and like to work with. Click here for a comprehensive list of Tamers favorite pens, inks, paper, and books which are not required - but might be fun to try during the workshop or later.

COST

  • $145 Now $95 (general)

  • $45 (student)

From Tamer:

Tamer image1.jpg

I am a professional calligraphy artist and instructor, specializing in blackletter/gothic calligraphy styles, including modern interpretations and abstracts designs. I am based in Houston, Texas, and my goal is to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to learn the rewarding art of blackletter calligraphy.

I have been featured on television, by online calligraphy and design organizations, and have taught at international events. In addition, my work has been internationally published and shown at art exhibitions.

I have extensive experience delivering online and in-person workshops. I believe in using a positive, fun, and supportive teaching style that encourages and motivates students while learning and inspires them to find joy and pride in their creative abilities.

I love making and teaching calligraphy and am very excited and appreciative of the opportunity to work with you.

I look forward to working with you to deliver an outstanding workshop. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or feedback.