Cool Tools: Copic markers are Japanese-made markers that have been used for years by Manga and other artists in Japan. Though generally relegated to that purpose, they’re a very functional medium, an alcohol-based, refillable marker that can also be used with an airbrush.
I think calligraphy is a really beautiful art practice. It's interesting that it is found all over the world. I’ve practiced Chinese calligraphy with a brush and ink before, yet I know that trying European calligraphy would be completely different, as the styles all require different materials and techniques. This article seems to focus on a modern Westernised style. I don’t know much about calligraphy, but the recommended tools seemed unusual. In my experience, calligraphy makes use of the flexibility of a brush tip. This allows smooth curves and varying thickness that makes calligraphy what it is. However, many of the tools recommended (metallic or black Sharpies, for example) didn’t have a flexible nib.
ReplyDeleteI have seen a writing style online that outlines cursive lettering and then fills it in. This could possibly be what this article is instructing readers in, as it doesn’t use a flexible tipped marker or brush.
I did really like the book recommendation: “The Calligraphers Bible.” It seemed to touch on the multitude of scripts, rather than defaulting to a modern style.
I enjoy hearing about products like this, via honest reviews from individuals. I feel like often I fall into this very consumerist mindset of ‘what is cheapest right now?” Instead of considering what will maintain its quality the longest, which is really the less expensive option. I can also back up how lovely Sharpie markers are, I left my collection back home when I left for school and it’s truly devastating how many opportunities I could have been using them already, especially since I have to go buy more now… while my collection sits at home in a box. The calligraphy book excites me too. I remember having an interest in elementary and my teacher giving me a special cursive book since my school didn’t teach cursive anymore- leading me down a little 5th grader calligraphy rabbit hole. I haven’t practiced any calligraphy recently, but this little reminder might just change my mind.
ReplyDeleteUsing calligraphy brushes outside of the art form is one of my favorite things. Even when working in digital art, I tend to gravitate to the pixel imitations when doing line art. A fountain pen is really nice for physical rough sketches because if you hold it at an angle, it automatically gives a sense of depth as well as permanence that keeps you from trying to perfect and erase sketches, creating a nice flow. It would be really fun to experiment with Copics but as the article says, the initial price point is a little scary. The fact that they make them refillable is wonderful, though, and refreshing to see amidst a sea of single-use art supplies more often than not full of plastic. It would be nice if there were metal barrel options, as I think it would help justify the price point as well as make them more sustainable and fully complete the vision of them being refillable, but that's not a must, they're already doing more than most companies. The men's room graffiti statement has me wanting to see calligraphy style graffiti in cities it would be so beautiful and usually just as illegible. I know you can 3d print nozzle attachments that turn spray paint cans into different shapes and angles.
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