Founded in 1997, this renowned British calligraphy company has been at the forefront of modern lettering arts for over two decades. Led by Kirsten Burke, a master calligrapher with more than twenty years of professional experience, the company has carved out a unique space in the world of contemporary calligraphy. Kirsten, who holds a degree in graphic design and a postgraduate qualification in traditional calligraphy and bookbinding, brings a vibrant, experimental approach to her craft.
Her work is instantly recognisable, characterised by bold, expressive strokes and a contemporary aesthetic that turns words into art. With a deep passion for lettering, Kirsten is dedicated to sharing her love for this timeless art form, inspiring others through her innovative creations and workshops. Under her leadership, the company continues to blend tradition with modernity, offering a fresh take on calligraphy.
some old crafter soccer moms that present themselves as calligraphy experts...everything about their whole schtick is "sell sell sell, buy buy buy" with a website that looks like a toddler built it in 1997. lmfao.
I tried finding the burnishing video, but even doing a search didn't bring it up, do you have a link. Possibly add the link in this video's "more" dropdown ? Thanks
We hope the 5 sessions we have put together for Mental Health Awareness week will give you ideas and motivation to slow down and enjoy the moment! Each session will start at 7pm each evening this week xx
It’s all about building muscle memory for the different shapes and strokes (My hand writing leaves a lot to be desired!) It can help to think of Calligraphy as drawing rather than hand writing.
This puts beginners,like me off of doing Calligraphy of doing it HELP.I’ve been drawing for 60 years the technics I use would Probably put the fear of god up most. But I will carry on but my ink is meant for drawing NOT for words, thank god!.
You mentioned the fibers on the nib. What are these from? The ink or paper? I try to switch inks, and I seem to have tiny fibers appear at end of nib, causing the flow to pool especially when moving from up to down stroke.
Hi Cherine, the fibres are from the paper. Rhodia pads are good for practising on, as the paper is smooth. If you get fibres on the nib, wet the tip and gently remove them, it will happen from time to time. x
Love this video. I am using hunt 101, and I thought about LEONARD EF principal. Which do you prefer for production work? BO *****. What is BEST INK,PAPER?
Thank you. Hunt nibs are good, I like to work fairly large so the Leo 30 works for me as the Hunt 101 is more delicate. Rhodia pads are the best for practice paper, I love Fabriano 5 paper for 'best' and inks, my own brand of course! I have a selection of colours that are waterbased with a touch of acrylic, that allows them to flow well but dry water-proof. www.themoderncalligraphyco.com/nibs-inks-pens
I would like to write my Christmas cards with a calligraphy fountain pen, is it possible to add gum arabic to my diamine fountain pen ink and store the ink+gum arabic combined in the ink chamber of the pen? Thanks a lot!!
Apologies for not answering you earlier, I have never tried doing that but it is worth trying it - as ink has an amount of gum arabic in it anyway I can't see why it wouldn't work. Kirsten
Hey , I've prepared my nib and it holds a nice amount of ink. But when I start writing the ink doesn't flow evenly through the tines of my nib. I've cleared the space between the tines many a times but that too isn't working!!
Hi, do you mean the ink just pours down the nib or that it gets stuck? I could be the ink, too thin and you can add gum arabic to help with the flow, too thick and ox gaul. Just a few drops and mix it into the ink well. Try that, otherwise, check that the nib is positioned with the vent facing upward and the tines are touching the page equally. I hope this helps but let me know if not. Kirsten x
Thank u!! I was having so much trouble sometimes it would be thick and sometimes not it just didn’t make sense on how you make it thick or thin, couldn’t find a video on how to explain easily and quick.
Hi, try tapping the nib gently against the edge of the ink jar as you left out to remove excess ink. Only dip the nib up to the start of the vent (the hold on the centre of the nib) - doing this will help
Hello, I have an issue with my nib sometimes just dumping all the ink after I’ve dipped it in almost one go on the paper. What am I doing wrong please?
Usually it's caused by too much ink on your nib.Just slightly run the underside of the nib over the mouth of your ink bottle(or the side of your container to get rid of excess ink)
check the vent (the hole) of the nib is facing up to the ceiling and then try - if the tines twist it won't open. Be sure to use a pointed nib rather than a broad edge nib.Thanks Kirsten
I have some unused tealight holders, thanks for that great idea, Kirsten. I notice so many fountain pen reviewers holding their pens angled....and I always think, do they not notice their ink flow is suffering?
Thank you for this explanation Kristen, I was reading this section of the brush book late last night but I didn’t really get it, this video is a great addition, and maybe a good night sleep has helped me. Lol
Ink too thick maybe, add a little water or ox gall. Put less pressure on the nib, try a different paper, there are lots of possible reasons to experiment with these. More info here www.themoderncalligraphyco.com/post/common-calligraphy-problems I hope that helps xx
Hi, a little funnel would work if you aren't confident to pour any ink back into the bottle. Otherwise, just pop a dish underneath your hands when you pour so that any drips are caught.
