Modern Mark Making: From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering [Spiral-bound]

Lisa Engelbrecht (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

A complete volume offering lettering arts techniques as well as project ideasCalligraphy, the art of elegant, beautiful lettering, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.

This book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.

The book demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations breakdown each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke. A large collection of gallery images that provide further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Engelbrecht, Lisa. Modern Mark Making: From Classic Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering. Quarry: Quayside. 2008. c.160p. illus. ISBN 978-1-59253-419-7. $24.99. CRAFTS
This book takes the conventions of traditional calligraphy and applies them to contemporary graphics. Along with some original alphabets, lettering artist Engelbrecht introduces her collection of alternative writing tools used for special effects. Well illustrated with examples by the author and others, this is a good source of ideas and techniques for professionals and hobbyists alike. A good selection for general craft or graphic arts collections.  -- Library Journal, Oct 15, 2008

About the Author

Lisa Engelbrecht (Long Beach, CA) is a lettering artist and was an instructor of calligraphy at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where she instituted a Certificate in Calligraphy. She teaches workshops and classes around the country specializing in lettering on fabric and alternative surfaces, experimental lettering and the creative process.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 160 pages
• Publisher: Quarry Books (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592534198
• ISBN-13: 978-1592534197
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your typical calligraphy book, July 1, 2008

By 

Alison Kent (Davis, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Mark Making: From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering (Spiral-bound)

Calligraphers buy lots of books. Most of us own a copy of Johnston's Writing and Illuminating and Lettering. We look wistfully in our bank accounts and decide we can't really justify the facsimile edition of the St. John's Bible, a unique calligraphic wonder of our time. I have over two shelves just with calligraphy books. Some of them are straightforward how-to manuals (a boon for people who live far away from good personal instruction); others are more exemplars.

Then along comes Mark Making... It has been years since I've been so bowled over by this kind of audacity. Placing graffiti artists somehow on a par with medieval scribes, and exhorting us all to bust out and have more fun (check out the section on fabric!), without ever bypassing the need to get a firm foundation, Engelbrecht gives us the new "must-have" for our shelves. It's a bit like Danny Gregory's Creative License for calligraphers. Bravo to Lisa Engelbrecht, and thanks for the permission. I might just go and roll up my sleeves...

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Letter Geeks Like Me, July 23, 2008

By 

Carol Sloan (SC , USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Mark Making: From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering (Spiral-bound)

If you're a Letter Geek ( and you know who you are) then this book is for you! Lisa takes you from basic calligraphic lettering to this awesome, modern,funky, fresh and down right liberating lettering! You will not be able to put this book down! She offers sections on Tools:Surfaces and Materials for Lettering, The Basics:Techinques and Getting Started, Old School:Classical Italic and New Variations, Scripty:Vintage Copperplate Writing and Variations Using a Pointed Pen, Raw Brush:Pointed Brush Letters,Scrawly:Rough and Edgy Letters from Everyday Pens and Brushes, Tricky & Funk-tional:Play with Your Letters, Stitched:Lettering with Fabric and Stitchery, Street:Breaking the Rules with Urban Style and Cool Tools, Flourish:Swirls, Twirls and Sparkly Things, Gothic: Basic Blackletter, Mixed Media and Letterforms:Design Techniques Explorations. The book is filled with spectacular samples from a variety of artists and also offers a brief bio about each one and thier work. Included is a Resource section with tons of helpful web addresses and telephone numbers. Lisa also has an instructional DVD ( Hand Lettering on Fabric - A Bali Latern Workshop) from Creative Catayst Productions (www.ccpvideos.com) that is AWESOME! You will learn how to hand letter AND apply it to a wonderfully festive Bali Latern. A true must have for the calligraphy loving fiber artist! Lisa also has a cool blog (www.lisaeletters.blogspot.com)that you can visit as well. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book...you will not regret this purchase!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh, an inspiration, June 25, 2008

By 

L. Goralski - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Mark Making: From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering (Spiral-bound)

This is a fresh voice in Calligraphy books, noting what works for todays scribe and showing pictures of tools and suggestions for writing mediums. Loved the examples and I think that teens thru adults will gather inspiration from all the fantastic ideas for taking that next step away from the old letterforms!