Signature Project 1: Blackletter
Reflection on My signature Blackletter Project
Project Overview
For my signature assignment in ART 1060, I went for an ambitious project: transcribing the Grimm Brothers' Cinderella story using blackletter calligraphy in Procreate, a digital art application on the iPad. This was both a technical and artistic challenge.
Steps and Thought Process
Research and Planning: I already had a pretty strong fascination the art of writing and illustrating stories. Historically I'm most interested in blackletter calligraphy. During this phase I gathered inspiration and worked to ensure my work would be authentic. I also reviewed the Grimm Brothers' Cinderella to determine how to best break down the text for the project.
Creating the Brush: The next step was to create a custom brush in Procreate. I experimented with various settings, including brush shape, size, opacity, and pressure sensitivity. This process involved a lot of trial and error. I tested the brush on different strokes and adjusted it until it felt right.
Sketching and Layout: With the brush ready, I moved on to sketching the layout. I divided the text into manageable sections, trying to land a balanced composition the best I could. I sketched light guidelines to keep the text aligned and left boxes open for a display letter later.
Transcribing the Text: This was the most time-consuming part of the project. I meticulously wrote each letter, word, and paragraph, constantly referring back to the manuscript materials to maintain accuracy. I probably should have considered the fact that I don't speak German. My focus was on ensuring that the flow of the text was smooth and that each letter was crafted with precision. This step required immense patience and concentration.
Final Touches and Review: After completing the transcription, I splurged on a very detailed storybook cover. I then added a few decorative elements and flourishes to enhance the visual appeal, drawing from the styles I studied during the research phase.
Discoveries
Through this project, I discovered that I love the challenge of calligraphy. It takes perseverance and attention to detail. I love that it's an environment that allows for creativity and experimentation. It definitely makes me appreciate the rich history of calligraphy and all the master calligraphers with no "erase" feature. I would love to continue pursuing this.
Problems and Troubleshooting
One issue was maintaining consistent letterforms throughout the project. I practiced specific letters and strokes repeatedly until they became second nature. I did also encounter difficulties with the digital medium because I still wanted it to look authentic and have personality while still making letters as crisp and perfect as I could. I started adding these lifted little diamonds at the top and bottom of the strokes to add some personality.
Connections to the Course
My experience in ART 1060 has enriched my understanding of art and design principles, which I have been able to apply in other aspects of art/graphic design. The precision and attention to detail required in my calligraphy project enhanced my skills in drawing as well.
Conclusion
Completing this blackletter calligraphy project was a rewarding experience that challenged me both technically and artistically. I love that it allowed me to explore the intersection of traditional art forms and modern digital tools. The skills I gained from this project and this course overall will undoubtedly influence my future artistic endeavors.