Thursday, 7 August 2014

How To Commission A Calligrapher

By Annabelle Holman


Calligraphy is an ancient and beautiful art that adds lasting value to any item. You can commission a calligrapher to create anything from a simple place card to a decorated scroll. Awards, certificates, invitations, menus and many other items can be personalized in this way.

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.

Refining these skills is something that takes much time and effort. Some calligraphers have spent many years practicing their craft. You can receive the benefit of all this experience. They can offer expert guidance with regard to factors such as which writing style best suits which project and what kind of paper to use.

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.

Examining samples of work already done is one of the best ways to go about making a decision. These portfolios show the level of expertise and type of work capable of being produced. Calligraphers have many different ways of going about their work. Their styles vary from modern and informal to formal and traditional with many offering a wide variety of styles. The materials used are also varied and the work should exhibit a harmony between paper, ink and nib.

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.

Once all the details have been agreed upon, an estimate is given, usually without any obligation. If it is accepted, a contract is signed by both parties. Some calligraphers charge per word and others charge by the hour when determining the cost of a project. They usually require a deposit up front which may be up to 50 percent of the total amount and the balance is paid on completion.

If a calligrapher is found online, emails are often used to communicate. For example, a design layout in color may be emailed for approval and a scan of the actual finished work too before the final product is delivered. There is something very personal about having words hand written, and arranged in a way that enhances their importance.




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