Members: $159
Non-members: $209 (If you would like to receive the membership discount, join ADCMW today)
This unique workshop, hosted by ADCMW at the Art Institute of Washington, kicks off with an insightful overview of the foundations of lettering and its role in contemporary graphic design, followed by demonstrations and work periods during which you can apply what you've learned. Ken will also answer questions, share resources and ideas, and present a demonstration of how to vectorize artwork in Illustrator. The class is limited to 22 so Ken can have one-on-one time with each participant. It's purely first come, first served!
Register here
About the workshop
The resurgence of hand-lettering in visual communication is testimony to that fact that graphic designers, as well as the public, value its uniqueness now more than ever. An exceptional discipline, lettering offers a distinctive means of expression not possible with off-the-shelf typography. Among the hand-drawn letter's characteristic advantages is its potential not simply to communicate content, but to become content itself.
During this workshop, participants will refer to familiar typographic models and helpful specimens as they create their own hand-drawn wordmarks. Numerous drawing techniques and production processes will also be introduced. Comprehensive slide presentations, informative drawing demonstrations, professional case studies and valuable one-on-one discussions will provide further guidance as attendees acquire a practical foundation for implementing one-of-a-kind lettering in various design contexts.
While this workshop intends to focus on manual exercises aimed at underscoring fundamental letter-making concepts, detailed instruction on digitizing letterforms as vector artwork will also be given.
The following materials are REQUIRED for the workshop:
• No.2 pencils (conventional or mechanical)
• Pencil sharpener, if applicable
• Eraser
• Pad of tracing paper, at least 8.5″ x 11″
• Sharpie® Fine and Extra Fine marker
• adhesive tape for posting sketches
Overall, participants can expect to gain:
• An historical perspective on typography and lettering that will help in comprehending letterform construction
• An understanding of the benefits of using typography and hand-drawn letters, and how to leverage those advantages effectively
• Practical skills that will provide an appreciation for the value of craftsmanship, patience and the importance of attention to detail
• Greater recognition of, and appreciation for, well-crafted typography and hand-lettering
• Foundational drawing concepts that are essential to creating well-balanced letterforms
• The basic variables that affect the construction and appearance of letters
• Guidelines for arranging lettering to make well-composed wordmarks and hand-drawn logos
