Calligraphy Workshop: Italic Hand Lettering

Learn to write in Italic script with our calligraphy short courses in Sydney!

Calligraphy is a wonderful blend of tradition, creativity and personal expression, and it is a skill anyone can learn. In this relaxed, hands-on class, you will be introduced to the art of calligraphy while discovering how our alphabet developed and why handwritten lettering continues to feel so special in a digital world.

This course focuses on italic script, a graceful and highly versatile style written with a broad-edge pen. Originating in Italy in the early 15th century, italic script was developed during the Italian Renaissance as a refined, legible hand favoured by Renaissance humanist scholars and scribes. Known for its flowing rhythm and clear letterforms, italic script is ideal for handwritten letters, cards, journals and creative projects. It can be elegant and formal, or loose and playful, making it one of the most enjoyable calligraphy styles to learn and use.

Together, you will explore how letters are built, how they sit on the page, and how spacing and rhythm bring words to life. You will practise forming individual letters before joining them into words and lines of text, gradually developing a confident, natural writing style. The class will also include simple layout and background techniques so you can begin creating finished pieces, not just practice sheets.

This course is suitable for beginners and those with a little experience who want to slow down, enjoy the process and reconnect with the pleasure of handwriting. By the end of the class, you will have a strong foundation in italic calligraphy and the confidence to keep practising, whether you are writing letters, making cards, or simply enjoying the calm, mindful rhythm of pen on paper.

After finishing this italic hand lettering workshop, you might also like to learn:

•  Calligraphy Workshop: Copperplate Hand Lettering
• Calligraphy Workshop: Copperplate Modern Pointed Pen

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Letters and numerals of the Italic script
• Spatial awareness
• Analytical skills for letter form and shape
• An understanding of layout and design skills
• Colour and design techniques
• All learned skills to a piece of work or project

Course content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

• How to write with a pointed pen
• The script, its style, letter construction and characteristics
• Letter form, spacing and joining of letters
• Capitals and their origins and combine them with the lower case letters
• Flourishing
• Numerals
• Colour, layout and design skills with the idea of combining all of the above to produce a small piece of work.

Intended audience

Who is this italic script calligraphy course for?

This course is for beginners to those who are more experienced. 

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

Option 1: Purchase a materials kit at enrolment checkout.

Please bring additionally:

• A ruler
• A water jar
• A pencil

Option 2: Uncheck the materials kit at enrolment checkout and bring your own

Materials List for Italic Hand Lettering:

• A4 or A3 bond layout pad
• Calli duo texta- double ended -2mm & 3.5mm for complete beginners. Eckersleys stock them.
• Pen holder – Speedball or any brand for broad edge nibs.
• Broad edge nibs 3mm & 2mm brands such as Brause or Speedball c sizes 1 & 3
• Ink- Black Sumi or Chinese ink – avaiable at most art supply stores.
• Ruler, pencil HB
• Water jar, rag.

Please note:  Left-handed participants are very welcome and can absolutely learn calligraphy. To ensure the best experience, you will just need to purchase left-handed nibs, as these are specially cut to suit left-handed writing. Alternatively, a Pilot Parallel Pen is also a great option.

Suppliers: 

• Art Scene – https://www.artscene.com.au
• Eckersleys - https://www.eckersleys.com.au

*Materials list was update 04.03.26

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Closed-in shoes required
• Please wear old clothes
• Long hair must be tied back