This is a book about my journey in the field of calligraphy the last year. I had never tried any calligraphy earlier so this is my current style and skill level. The text you will see in the book is Norwegian Rock lyrics from various Norwegian bands that I regularly listen to. I hope you enjoy the book /Sverre Foss책en
band:
KAIZERS ORCHESTRA TRANSLATION
I wonder if you are out there now if i send you my thoughts do you recieve them somehow? send me a hint and i will send some more
Two of my biggest idols when it comes to working with letters are Daniel Coull and Björn Berglund. So I asked them the same questions and then compared their answers.
Daniel
What got you into design?
- As much as it seems like a cliche answer, I always had that creative spark even from when I was a kid. Drawing cartoons and anything else I could think of. Initially I wanted to study architecture, but after speaking to a lecturer who explained that you would need a high level of math in order to excel, I quickly decided against it. Math was never really my
favourite. Anyway that made me realise I was more interested in the drawing/planning aspect of architecture, and less in the theory. This eventually pushed me towards design, couldn’t have been happier with that decision in the end. Love it more and more each day.
Björn - I have as long as I remember been into color, shapes and letters. Always drew a lot as a kid and decided pretty early that I wanted to work with graphic design.
How do you experiment?
Daniel - Recently, this is something I have been trying to do a lot more of, taking note of the things that lead up to experimentation. Sometimes it’s having an idea or concept in my head, its often something that challenges my capabilities. Experimentation is all about pushing yourself out of that comfort zone, and trying not to repeat things you do too often specially if I feel like I have hit a wall, then its usually time to go in the other direction.
Björn - I guess I could be better at experimenting. Usually I experiment in baby steps. Maybe I try out a new letterform or so, no big gestures
What do you do to stay creative?
Daniel - If I’m honest, its a constant battle. Most of the time music is the biggest drive for me, finding new bands, looking at album artwork. That coupled with wanting to better what I did yesterday, and fear of becoming too comfortable. I’m always around my computer, and lettering tools so I am never not doing something. Freelancing from home can be a challenge as there are many distractions, so you’ve gotta do what you can to stay focused. Seeing what other designers/letterers are working on is important too, that motivates me to create more.
Björn - To be honest I don´t know. To be creative is in my blood. It can´t be stopped, whether I like it or not :-) I consume a lot of design, in many different forms; art, interior design, lettering, illustration, etc. I see creativity as a way of solving problems or look at things through a different angle.
TRANSLATION
We speed away across the ground I feel you breathing down my neck It's like a death scream when the brakes sho w signs of life And we shatter a thousand drops of rain
band:
Razika How do you gather inspiration?
Daniel Everywhere I can, the more variety and vague your sources are, the less people are able to pin point who you are getting inspiration from. Design has definitely made me more aware of visuals around me, whether its driving and seeing an old building sign, paging through reference books, scouring the internet for vintage and traditional pieces, even stuff in movies. Take Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, the design and typography through the film is sublime. Its about seeing all these things, making a mental collection so later on when the opportunity presents itself, some of that influence may filter through into my work.
BjĂśrn As clichĂŠ as it sounds, inspirations comes from all sort of things. Good or bad. During the last year I have found inspiration from things like Eminem, cancer and bullying. Music and movies are a big source of inspiration for me. And of course, I gather inspiration from other great artists on Instagram, Behance, Dribbble, etc.
TRANSLATION
We go across and we go over and we hate those who dont understand that we are mad and that we are crying because we are so different from the others
BjĂśrn Tell about your working process.
Daniel TRANSLATION
The summer, summer, summer summer night is way to short for me and you The summer, summer, summer summer night is way to short for me and you
It’s always changing, and depends on the project. Usually I start out by doing some research, brainstorming concepts, and making notes along the way. Following that, this is where things have a tendency to change. I always sketch first on regular printer paper, doing loads of sketches, trying different styles, pens and layouts. Then I take a few onto the computer, things tend to always look different on screen so that way seeing it there, you get the best of both. I may clean things up with a tablet, print it out and do a final drawing. If it needs to be precise then I create vectors, otherwise if the aesthetic is right I leave things as they are with a little bit of imperfection. Like I said, the project determines the route I end up taking.
I have a process for logo and lettering designs. You can find it at my website, bjornberglund.com. Basically it consists of three parts: one part brain, one part pen & paper, and one part computer. I start with thinking, then I start with really rough sketches trying out ligatures and overall composition. After that I go on with refining sketches. When me and customer are happy with the chosen sketch I go on and vector it. One important step in my process is that I follow-up with some questions after final file delivery. This is important, it gives me feedback on their experience from working together, and usually I get som great quote that I can put together with the design in my portfolio.
What project do you favor most?
Daniel I enjoy a bit of everything. Mainly lettering and branding, if I get to throw in a bit of illustration here and there I’m pretty happy. I would like to do more branding though.
Bjørn Logo designs are so fun. Those are my favorites!
TRANSLATION
IF YOU DONT WANT ME, THEN BE MY GUEST AND FUCK YOU translation
If you dont want me, then you may fuck yourself
translation
NEVER , NEVER, NEVER WILL YOU BE MINE
Describe your approach to design
Daniel Less and less formal each day. Learn everything you can, forget it, then do want comes natural. People respond to honesty and that human touch in work.
AND I WILL HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT
Bjรถrn Design means problem solving.
IT IS OVER BETWEEN US, TAKE MY JACKET AND LEAVEAND FIND ANOTHER BOY
band:
trang fodsel Is there any clients you are extra proud to have done work for?
Daniel Swift Fly Fishing, at the moment. They are a really awesome brand out of New Zealand. I had total creative freedom in creating a few apparel designs. Plus their brand essence represent exactly what I stand for as a freelance designer/lettering artist.
Bjรถrn Find it hard to point someone out. My goal is to be proud of the work every time. And proud comes from great results and happy customers.
band:
jokke
translation
Here comes the winter Here comes the cold nice season here comes the winter finally possible to get peace and quiet
What is your strengths and weaknesses?
Daniel Strength, probably that I am never put off by a challenge, most of what I know about lettering has been self taught through books and talking to other letterers. Based on that, I am always motivated to work and better myself. On the other hand, a weakness is probably that I see myself as a perfectionist, which you’d think is great for design. It actually ends up causing me more trouble than good, things like self doubt, doing things over and over when the first attempt was the best. I’m slowly starting to breakaway from that and accept that what ever I do now, the future is the opportunity to better that.
Björn I have a good eye for balance and composition. I´m also good at making complicating things easy, meaning sorting and arranging information in a (for a viewer´s perspective) understandable manner. I could be bettter at selling in my ideas!
translation
The road is my new home never going to work again because the whole life dissapears never going to work again
band:
KVELERTAK
What are you fascinated by and how does it show in your designs.
Daniel What I am not fascinated by is probably a better question. Like I said I find something interesting in most things. If I had to narrow it down, I hugely admire the craft of sign painting. The style and aesthetic definitely comes through a lot in my lettering. It’s an age old tradition that still earns tons of respect.
Björn Post production. I´m currently exploring different ways of enhancing my lettering works through different effects and textures.
translation
Oding gave us suttung`s mead the magic mead it is better than beer
band:
De lillos
translation
When you once come Next summer Shall I be here And we will sing Old songs again When you once come Next summer Shall we again drink wine
What kind of sketches do you present to a customer?
Do you have any hobbies to relax and get away from design?
Daniel
Daniel I call them digital roughs, which are pretty much either work scanned in and cleaned up bit in photoshop so that its semi close to its final state. I don’t usually present more that two or three, the more options you give the less you are providing a creative solution their problem. I usually check in with updates and process shots, its more about getting the client to trust in my expertise, and letting me get on with it.
Björn I usually present my refined skethes. Sometimes it´s one, sometimes it´s a 2-3 alternatives. To keep them in the process is important. I try to keep in the loop by the whole time let them know what the next step is. For example it could be like: ”I´ll get back to you nextt week with an updated sketch”.
band:
postgirobygget
Hiking, it’s a great way to get out and build up that inspiration meter. I make a habit of trying out different craft beers, collecting the labels for reference. Believe it or not, I spend my “away” time doing lettering for myself.
Björn Yes. I like to build Lego, with our without my kids :-) Listen to music, watch movies and series with my wife is always relaxing. I like walking in the woods and looking for mushrooms, running and hangout with friends.
translation
it was summer it was sunny there were hearts in fire calm water everything on this earth And it was love
translation
Rush, rush , rush, across the board Monday of the year band:
dum dum boys
There is nothing to laugh at But I can not refrain insane
translation
Optimist I know it is going well at last As long as I live here , I'm a Optimist I am a Optimist
Calligraphy is a visual art that is related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a pen instrument. It is to use a broad tip instrument or a brush and with a variety of pressure and speed. It can be defined as the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful matter. Calligraphy is quite a wide aspect when you look into the history of it. Every continent has it’s own history and style. So I am going to focus on the Western Calligraphy. Western calligraphy is known for using the Latin script. Which is a set of graphemes based on the letters of the classical Latin alphabet. This alphabet appeared about 600 BC, in Rome. The early calligraphy you see here is all made by hand, and has a very strict grid to it that had no room for error. This kind of calligraphy had a very special feature, illumination of the first letter of each book or chapter. This was used especially in the medieval times. As well as with the Chinese or Arabic calligraphy, Western had very strict rules on shapes and spacing. Quality writing had a rhythm and regularity to the letters, with a geometrical order of the lines on the page. And each character had a precise stroke order. Which it still have. In the 15th century printing became an option, and it got a lot more popular, than to write for hand. It was faster, and had a bigger room for error, than the calligraphy done by hand had. Then in the 19th century we started to see the revival of what is now knows as the modern calligraphy. This is thanks to a movement called “Arts and Crafts movement” which is a period where everyone wanted things made by hand, and not printed things. Edward Johnston who is regarded as the father of modern calligraphy, started to publish copies of manuscripts by different architects made by hand. This triggered his interest in the art with a broad edged pen. He then began a teaching course in calligraphy at the Central School in Southampton Row, London in September 1899. This course influenced a man called Eric Gill who was a famous typeface designer and sculptor at the time. He has been credited for reviving the art of modern penmanship and lettering single-handedly through his books and teachings. The calligraphy at this time was still quite strict in its rules and ways to be made. But it was still a lot more playful than the old ancient calligraphy. From this point on the calligraphy has evolved a lot. It was not just for reading purposes you made calligraphy, but also for design purposes. It looked good so why not start experimenting with it. From this point it has gotten more and more playful. If you see around you today you can spot calligraphy everywhere. It is used in branding, wedding invitations, editorial design and what not!? It is safe to say that it is a thing that has grown a lot. Both in ways to make it, and in final outcomes. The calligraphy that we see today is playful and experimental and has all the shapes and looks that you can imagine. If you see how it is used in design it gets quite interesting. It fits everything. You can walk past a boutique that sells perfumes and you see the signs outside the store are made in calligraphy, and that it is very feminine. Then you walk to the next store where they sell jeans, and you see calligraphy too, but with a different expression that is glowing of rock and masculinity. Before you had a pen with a nib tip and ink. Now you have hundreds of different pens and tools to use. You can use brush pens with a soft tip and make a rounded nice typography. Or just make the whole thing on the computer. The possibilities are endless since it is so flexible. It all depends on how it is made, how thick the strokes are, and the angles. Lets say you are going to write the same word twice, for instance the word “dance”. The first time you write it with thin lines and round curves. Then the second time with thick lines and pointy curves using a quite fast stroke. It sends a very different message. The first one will remind you of a ballet dancing, or something elegant. While the other one will be more in the direction of heavy music and headbanging. This is what I find charming with calligraphy. Using different scripts, pressure and tools. You get totally different expressions. Calligraphy is highly underrated from my point of view. But then the good thing is that it has been a growing trend. If you go back two years it wasn’t nearly as popular as it is now. The expression of seeing something that is handmade and with flaws is a style that is growing. Instead of perfect lines and curves. This is where calligraphy really gets interesting. Artists start to experiment with the composition, colours, strokes etc. and really, really cool pieces get produced. And one of the biggest charms of it is that sometimes the composition makes it hard to read. The hierarchy is so different from what you would expect, so it takes a few seconds to scan the piece before you read it right. It is almost as if we are in a new period of the Arts and craft movement since it is becoming so popular with rustic expressions. One thing that has exploded in popularity is the “vintage” expression on things. One place I have seen this a lot is at Instagram. I am following a lot of letterers/calligraphers there, and I have seen that sign painting with chalk is a very popular thing, and that combined with calligraphy. Even big companies like the beer brand SOL are doing this now, as they recently got a huge chalkboard poster of their beard. Also it has been a growing demand for decorations with old school lettering on it as well. One of the biggest places where calligraphy is growing is by branding. By being quite active in social medias I am following a lot of people that are living by doing this freelance. Drew Europeo, Daniel Coull, Chris Wright, Christian Watson are just some of the bigger names that should be checked out! They create all kinds of calligraphy lettering. By following them for quite a long time I feel I have gotten an insight in how their process works. First it is the sketching phase where they draw up the ideas, and since it is all made by pen the outcome becomes a little different every time, so they keep on writing the brand name over and over again, until they have one that they find fun. Then it is to make it bigger and more detailed as a sketch. Here it becomes more of a drawing process than writing. And then when it is as they want, they scan it and take it in illustrator where everything gets vectored and made into a logo. It is quite a long and time consuming process as you have to draw the same thing over and over again. But when seeing this you might think that this is lettering (drawing) not calligraphy, which is writing. You might think that calligraphy is writing a word, sentence or whatever in one stroke, with a brush pen and not drawing it with a pencil. But from my point of view, as I have been working with both things a lot this last year I disagree. I have red several articles that try to explain the difference in lettering and calligraphy. And of course calligraphy is mainly to “write” and not draw, but the margins are so small. What defines calligraphy writing is the contrast between thick and thin strokes and that it is cursive handwriting. You start off with heavy pressure on your hand and when you are finished with that particular letter it gets thinner. And you go on to the next letter with a heavy pressure again, and so it continues. So calligraphy is much more about the particular script used than if using a nib pen or a brush made it. You can draw calligraphy as well as write it. And it counts as calligraphy as long as it has the “look” of calligraphy. It is just another way to make it. Making it this way has its good sides and bad sides. Mainly the good thing is that you have much more room for error, as you can erase and draw over if you make a bad curve or what ever, but then again it takes a lot more time, than to write the word fast with a brush pen or what ever tool you may use. But then again, back to the guys who work with branding. Even though it is a growing trend. It still is kind of a niche, and it seems to be hard to success within this field. You have to have a big name to be able to live by doing this. For people to come to you just to get your particular style. There are still a lot of companies who don’t want this look on their profile, so for a guy like me, with no name for myself I think it is much harder to get a job done with lettering/calligraphy. From my observations I think that calligraphy is a thing that many graphic designers do because they think it looks good, and because it is very fun to do. But it is more of a free time hobby than what you use in your workplace in designs. Of course I am not saying that it is a wasted skill and never needed. But that is an impression I have gotten from looking around. There are not many who live purely on their calligraphy skills. But there are many graphic designers that know the skill and make a lot of cool stuff in their spare time. Of course a skill such as calligraphy influences a persons style and work overall, but for designers sitting in big agencies I don’t think they get to use the skill too much even though it is a growing trend. By working with this so far I feel I have gotten a lot of knowledge on how typography works within this style. And I have gone from having no knowledge at all, to being able to produce pieces myself. I have also found out that the hardest thing is not to be able to make stuff this style, but to be able to write with different scripts and styles. My hand is just used to writing in my particular handwriting, and not in ten different handwriting scripts. So that is absolutely something I am going to continue to work with to enhance my skill. And I really hope that calligraphy combined with lettering is something that I can live by working with in the future. If it is by doing stuff freelance, or working with an agency.
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All illustrations, calligraphy, pictures and text are my own work. Calligraphy is made with my own hands and the text is either selfwritten or from the interview with Björn Berglund and Daniel Coull. All pictures have been taken during this year here at SSU. /thanks Sverre Thanks alot to both Björn Berglund & Daniel Coull Check out their work at: www.bjornberglund.com www.danielcoull.com