Calligraphy Workshop: Copperplate Modern Pointed Pen

Learn to write in modern pointed pen script with our calligraphy short courses in Sydney!

Calligraphy reflects tradition, personality, style, and creativity, and anyone can learn it. In this workshop, you'll discover the beautiful art of modern pointed pen calligraphy, rooted in the classical copperplate tradition but reimagined for today's lettering artists.

Working with a dip pen and ink, you'll explore the rich history of copperplate hand lettering and how it has evolved into the expressive, flowing scripts popular in modern calligraphy today. This workshop focuses on a relaxed, contemporary take on pointed pen a more casual variation on traditional copperplate that gives you room to develop your own personal flair and signature style.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your lettering, you'll leave with a solid foundation in modern copperplate-inspired script and the confidence to make it your own.

After finishing this modern pointed pen workshop, you might also like to learn:

• Calligraphy Workshop: Copperplate Hand Lettering
• Calligraphy Workshop: Italic Hand Lettering

Learning outcomes

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

• Letters and numerals of the Copperplate hand
• 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 nib and ink
• Script style, letter construction and characteristics
• Letter form, spacing and create your “own style”
• 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 modern pointed pen calligraphy course for?

This course is for anyone, from beginners to those who want to brush up on their skills. 

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon Street & Victoria Road)

Course materials

What to bring to class

Option 1: Purchase a materials kit at enrolment checkout which will be supplied in your first class.

Additionally please bring:

• Ruler
• Water jar
• Pencil

Option 2: Please bring the following materials:

• A4 or A3 layout pad (Canson)
• Copperplate or pointed pen nib (Zebra G nib recommended)
• Pen holder (either straight pen holder or an oblique holder specifically for Copperplate)
• Ink (Black Sumi ink or Chinese stick ink)
• Coloured inks, gouache, coloured pencils
• Ruler, HB pencil
• Water jar, rag
• Other supplies will be advised if needed throughout the course

Additional information

Please note the following:

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