What is the difference between hand done calligraphy and computer calligraphy?

Calligraphy is defined as the art of beautiful writing. It is done by hand with a pen and ink. Computers can do many things but they do not have hands and I do not think that ink jets can be considered as pens. Therefore the term "Computer calligraphy" is an oxymoron.

If you compare an envelope addressed by hand and one that is addressed by a computer you will see some differences. Ink used by printers tends to sink into the paper thereby giving the lettering a flat or dull look. Inks used by calligraphers tend to sit on top of the paper giving the lettering a shinier, richer appearence. Also black calligraphy inks are a deeper black than what you can get from a black printer cartridge.

 

Why Does It Take So Long To Do My Envelopes? I Could Do Them On My Computer In A Lot Less Time.

It takes a long time because it is all done by hand. Most people tend to think of calligraphy as writing, but actually it is more like drawing. Each letter is made up of at least 2 strokes. Some have as many as 4 or 5 strokes. Let's use addressing envelopes as an example. Sometimes the envelopes themselves must have lines drawn in order for the address to appear straight. This takes time too. Calligraphy pens are sometimes slowed down by the very texture of the paper. Also once in a while a product called Pounce must be applied to each envelope to allow the paper to take the ink better and to stop "bleeding". This takes about 1 - 2 minutes per envelope. Ballpoints rarely have this problem. Altogether, it takes me about 6 - 10 minutes to address 1 envelope. As you might guess, especially if you read the next question, this is rather labor intensive. I can usually work at about 3 - 4 hours at a stretch. After that I really need a break.

Why is calligraphy so expensive?

If you read the above answer, you should have some idea of this one. Take addressing envelopes for example. I charge $1.50 per outside envelope. If I can do 6 to 10 envelopes per hour, then I make $9.00 - $15.00 per hour. Usually that involves using my fountain calligraphy pens. If I must use the traditional dip pen and India ink, then it takes longer. I can usually get about 3 - 4 words per dip. Each dip is about 15 - 30 seconds (dipping, wiping off and making a few practice strokes). The average envelope has about 9 - 12 words which means 3 - 4 dips. This adds about 1 - 2 minutes per envelope. With 6 minutes per envelope + 2 minutes for dipping that comes to 8 minutes per envelope or at the very most 7 envelopes per hour. That's working top speed. That would be $10.50. With 20+ years' experience, would you work for less?

Along the same lines; every now and then I have someone say,"A friend of a friend of a friend can do my envelopes for $.50 a piece. Why should I pay you $1.50 for the same thing?" Because it's really true; you get what you pay for. I have been doing calligraphy professionally for the past 28 years. I have done literally thousands of envelopes and I know what I am doing. I also know my limits. If you decide to go with someone who is a lot cheaper than most other calligraphers, be sure to get samples and /or references.

 

Where Are You Located?

I am located in Covington, Ohio. Not Covington, Kentucky. It's a small town approximately 20 miles north of Dayton.

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