Decorated Initials:
THOMAS WESTERN INSPIRED
WITH JULIA FISH THOMPSON
Discover what you can create as you explore the art of decorated initials!
What You'll Learn:
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How to design decorative capital letters inspired by historic calligraphy, using structured forms and layered ornamentation
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Essential features of Fraktur and Roman capitals, including proportion, contrast, and stylistic detail
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Methods for developing capitals from simple outlines into fully inked and refined letterforms
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Techniques for creating and applying knott patterns to add depth and intricate decoration
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Ways to build a collection of shapes and motifs that can be used to enhance and unify your lettering
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How to create finished compositions that combine historical influence with your own creative style
By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong foundation in decorative lettering and the confidence to design detailed, historically inspired capital letters in your own style.
Self-paced. Full year access. All skill levels are welcome.
LESSON MODULES
21 in-depth lessons and close to 4 hours of video instruction, guiding you from basic letter construction to richly decorated initials and detailed ornamental designs.
Introduction:
- 1a Welcome to Decorated Capitals
- 1b Brief Historical Background
- 1c Supplies
Getting Started:
- 2a Handouts
- 2b Inspiration: Explore Julia’s Work
Skeletal Letterform:
- 3a Intro to Fraktur
- 3b Tracing and Retouching Skeletal Letters
- 3c Transferring techniques
The Knott:
- 4a Diving into Knotts
- 4b Drills for The Knott
- 4c The Knott Method I
- 4d The Knott Method 2
- 4e The Knott Method 3
- 4f Secondary Knott
Decoration:
- 5a Library of Shapes
- 5b Demonstration 1–Letter J
- 5c Demonstration 2–Letter M
- 5d Inking Our Design
Variations:
- 6a Variations
- 6b Demonstration 3 Italic A
- 6c Demonstration 4 Roman R
Can I rewatch the lessons?
What supplies do I need?
Does this class have closed captioning?
Can a beginner take this course?
Is this an interactive class?
READY TO DESIGN DECORATED INITIALS?
Explore how to design expressive letterforms and ornamental layouts through structured construction, historical inspiration, and layered decorative detail.
About Julia:
Natascha is a Vienna-based calligrapher and instructor. With a background in English Literature and Graphic Design, she turned to calligraphy when digital fonts no longer satisfied her love for letterforms. She is a full-time calligrapher, the author of the first German-language book on pointed pen calligraphy, and a passionate teacher. After more than a decade of practice, she continues to be inspired by the endless possibilities of letters, materials, and techniques.
@calligrafish.julia
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LearnCalligraphy.com classes are hosted by Kestrel Montes. Aside from serving her own clients, Kestrel is perhaps better known for creating innovative tools and resources for the calligraphy community. Kestrel's own success as a professional artist paired with her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, gives her a unique skill set to create quality educational opportunities and enhance professional community building.
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