We’re now into #callivember! Things are slightly less stressful because I’ve learned how to handle these daily challenges, but there’s no super-easy button for publishing once a day (thoughts and prayers for newspaper cartoonists!).
,
flow
feeds on quiet practice
It’s wild when an sketch plays out like the concept. Of course it’s not that easy. This took multiple attempts (beyond these examples) and chewed up half a day. Still super happy with how it played out, worth the brush that was ruined in applying the mastic.
,
in one transformation the universe
Sometimes it just falls into place. I started with a totally different concept that quickly slipped into this composition. I didn’t even have to tweak the 5WP. Magic happens on the desk.
,
golden ratio
my big fart
Like many, I am enchanted by the mathematical and geometric properties of the golden ratio. However, I’ve always been skeptical about its mystical power in design.
,
expressive
words depend upon contrast
I went counter on this word too.
,
each
beat
the
next
rebirth
My original concept was the upper version with alternating lines. It came out fine but I often take additional shots to see if I can execute better. As I started the second word on the next one, I made a mistake with the line spacing. Rolled with it and changed the composition.
,
geometric
journey to delights uncharted
I used ruling pen again for “real” drafting (with the corner of the Parallel for the flourishes). I don’t think either set of flourishes came out great but didn’t have the energy to set up another sheet. On intensive pieces like this, I make progress prints to practice the final touches, but it’s never the same on the real, final gamble.
As aggravating as it can be, such moments are a thrilling part of calligraphy. This art has room to grind (see all the messy compositions), but it also includes the adrenaline rush of a performance, as the ink kisses the paper.
,
It’s been fun to follow other word artists on Callivember, all wrestling with the same prompt every day. This is totally worth risk of being on Instagram. Digital platforms are power tools. They can foster powerful connections and will totally mess you up when used carelessly.
I don’t like being competitive, but such sentiments are unavoidable with numbers in social media. The most fashionable gets all the attention, and the algorithm nudges the rest of us towards envy. Fortunately, the Callivember cohort is much smaller than Inktober. I’m nowhere near the upper tier but am now comfortably in the middle class. Shrink the field and they have less fodder to feed my insecurities!
Cya next week!
,
PS: An airport manager gave us tickets to HallOVeen at Opportunity Village. We drew up this thank you card. It’s fun to get this calligraphy into the wild.
.