Laura Hooper - Wedding Calligraphy: A Guide to Beautiful Hand Lettering

Copyright 2017 by Laura Hooper and Alyssa Hooper

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Cover design by Michael Short

Cover photograph: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

Interior Photography by Abby Jiu and Anne Kim unless otherwise noted

Print ISBN: 978-1-63158-129-8

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63158-130-4

Printed in China

Dedication

For our parents, Don and Roxanne Hooper, who have shown endless support throughout this fourteen-year journey and whose encouragement allowed Laura Hooper Calligraphy to grow into the brand it is today.

Contents

Foreword

I t all began with a single bride.

I was twenty-two years old, and my roommate got engaged. Despite being close, she didnt ask me to be in her bridal party, and I was still young enough to be disappointed by that type of thing. Looking to be involved in some way, I offered to address her invitation envelopesall two hundred of themand she graciously accepted.

Once I had addressed the envelopes for my roommate, my dad offered my services to a coworker for his daughters wedding. Soon after, my sisters boss was getting married, so I did her envelopes as well, and this succession of orders made me realize that calligraphy could become a career possibility. It all happened so quickly!

I had always considered myself artistic and loved all of my art classes, but after falling short of passing my high school AP Art exam, I had put art on the backburner to earn a BA in business. However, by offering to address my roommates envelopesand having no idea what I was getting intoI unknowingly launched Laura Hooper Calligraphy.

Fast-forward to more than a decade later: I have now worked with thousands of clients worldwide on their stationery needs for weddings, showers, events, and more. Laura Hooper Calligraphy has grown to offer not only handwritten services, but also full wedding stationery design and printing; an online shop featuring printed party goods and calligraphy supplies; and education for others looking to learn the art.

Three years ago, my sister Alyssa joined Laura Hooper Calligraphy full-time. In addition to managing part of the business operations, she coteaches calligraphy workshops around the country by my side. In the pages of this book, Alyssa and I share our combined know-ledge on the art of wedding calligraphy, and its been such a joy to work with her on this latest venture.

As for the roommate who didnt ask me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding party, she is now my best friend and there are no hard feelings. In fact, Ill always be grateful she was my very first bride.

Warmly,

Introduction

O nce perceived as an antiquated detail and unnecessary extravagance to many a modern bride, hand-lettered calligraphy is now a highly sought-after aspect of stationery and wedding dcorand with good reason. Wedding stationery offers the first glimpse of the style and level of formality of an event. With the incredible influence of social media and wedding blogs, the art of calligraphy has been catapulted to the forefront of popular wedding details. From classic pointed-pen and contemporary lettering to unique and unusual writing surfaces, there truly is a calligraphy style and application for every potential wedding theme or setting.

This book is meant to serve as a foundation of information and inspiration while you learn the art and develop your skills through in-person workshops, online tutorials, and/or instructional kits. It is also designed to relate to a variety of readers, with each section offering direction or insight that can apply to both a couple getting married and a calligrapher.

First, we help you find the lettering type and style that is appropriate for youror your clientsevent, followed by a walk-through of the traditional and contemporary ways that hand-lettered calligraphy can be applied to weddings. Next, we cover the basic terms, tools, and techniques related to pointed-pen calligraphy, followed by a range of DIY projects for the hands-on bride or professional. Insider tips and suggestions are sprinkled throughout, and a complete glossary of calligraphy terms is offered at the back of the book for easy reference.

Whether youre a bride looking for ideas, a novice aspiring to hand calligraphy or letter your own wedding details, or a professional seeking additional insight, this book has something to offer. And while the direction shared here involves our own style and methods, expect your own personal aesthetic to ultimately shine through. There is no single right way to practice the art of modern calligraphy, and the possibilities are virtually endless.

Lets get started!

SECTION I

Weddings & Calligraphy

Choosing Your Calligraphic Style of Hand

I ts important to understand the nuances of matching the appropriate lettering type and style to a wedding, whether its your own event or an event to which youve been hired to contribute as a professional. Just as you or your client wouldnt wear black-tie attire to an afternoon garden party, you wouldnt want the category, script, format, or layout of the chosen calligraphy to clash with the tone of the event it represents.

Categories

T here are many different types of calligraphy and lettering that fall within a handful of categories. However, that list could fill an entire book of its own. In the following sections weve selected to pinpoint some generalized, basic differences between the top three styles.

CLASSIC POINTED-PEN

This category includes classic styles such as Copperplate (the Declaration of Independence was written in Copperplate!) and Spencerian. Generally, there are specific letter angles, writing guidelines, and other rules that must be followed with classic pointed-pen calligraphy. These include the commonly recognized characteristic of thick and thin lines.