Pointed Brush/Ruling Pen: Lively Letters

New, Three Session Course

Pointed Brush & Ruling Pen: Lively Letters

If you work primarily with the broad pen, the pointed brush and ruling pen can open entirely new directions in line, gesture, texture, and character.
In this online class, we’ll explore both tools to loosen habits, expand our visual language, and discover fresh approaches to letterform. The focus is on freeing the line: alternating rhythms, sensitivity to touch, and the visual dynamics that emerge when control and spontaneity coexist.
For some, this may feel like contemporary calligraphy; for others, a form of script design. What it is not is traditional calligraphy—and that’s intentional; however, we can use it with some conventional letterforms. As artists, we’re driven by more than technique alone. We want to explore, to stretch, and to understand our range. I think calligraphers wish for a broader palette. This class is about expanding perspective as much as it is about skill.

You’ll explore:
• New tools and their impact on letter design
• Expanded visual and technical vocabulary
• Practical approaches and applications
• Bold, expressive, controlled-chaos letterforms
• Underlying principles and theory of script
• Exhilarating lines, captivating gestures, and unforgettable character

Whether you’re looking to add energy to a title, develop personal letterforms, or simply experiment and play, these tools offer immediacy and presence. In my decades of graphic design and lettering work, I was often asked for unconventional, non-standard calligraphy—especially as digital type became ubiquitous. Clients wanted something more human, more individual. They wanted to see the trace of the artist. This class explores how that trace is made.

Details / Information

Date & Time: Three Saturdays, January 24th, 31st & February 7th, starting at 2 pm EDT
Sessions: 1.5 hours Zoom live. (Recording is available for later viewing until April 25th)
Level: Open to all levels, but knowledge of calligraphy is recommended.
Tuition Fee: $120.usd
Material List: will be available to download upon registration.
Sign up now!
Upon signing up, you will be able to download the materials list and class information.
I hope to see you there!

John Stevens

John Stevens is a lettering artist and calligrapher with over 40 years of professional experience. He began his career as a sign painter in New York, and his lifelong interest in letters led him to explore calligraphy, type, and lettering with pens and brushes.

His work spans publishing, packaging, advertising, television, and film, with clients that include Lucasfilm, Life, Time, Newsweek, Tiffany & Co., and the New York Public Library. He is also commissioned for traditional calligraphic works on paper and vellum, continuing a centuries-old craft.

John has been invited to teach throughout the United States and abroad, including Europe, Japan, and South America. His original works are held in public and private collections, such as the San Francisco Public Library, Berlin’s Akademie der Künste, and La Casa del Libro in Puerto Rico.

His calligraphy and lettering have appeared in numerous books and publications worldwide. His first book, Scribe: Artist of the Written Word (2013), received critical acclaim, and his most recent, Mastering Broad Brush Roman Capitals, is currently available from John Neal Bookseller.

You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook. Website: www.johnstevensdesign.com

Most Recent lecture: The Letterform Archive (2019)

Comments / Testimonials

John shared key fundamentals of #gothiccalligraphy, his design experience and insights, discussed historical exemplars we can learn from, and possibilities for further exploration. I enjoyed the class, and grateful to John @calligraphile —Bakhyt Kadyrova
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I am very happy to attend the course on Roman pointed pen. it has been a wonderful experience and i look forward to attend in future courses. Thank you very much.🙏 Caligrafia_mea (Iam very happy to attend the course roman pointed pen. it has been a wonderful experience and i look forward to attend in future courses. Thank you very much.🙏 –( MeryemTunca)
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John, your class as always is rich in subject & challenging in skill. Thank you for the generous sharing of your skills & knowledge! –Connie Posigian
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Last upload from the final lesson of this incredible class. Master John Stevens always confirms himself as a source of great inspiration and with many useful ideas for learning to think outside the box. Andrea Russo
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Many thanks for another great course. Your instruction as always have been most illuminating and challenging. This plus the posting of of so many brilliant contributions has made this experience very special. –Isaias Zelkowicz

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