By Ruth Rowland
I decided to take part in the 36 Days of Type Project on Instagram and post it on the account I have set up for 'behind the scenes' at the studio - posts about my personal calligraphy practice, craft projects and any teaching or workshops.
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: a-i
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: Automatic Music Pen
As I wanted my 36 characters to reflect my daily calligraphy practice in the studio, I decided to focus on a simple minuscule alphabet of Fraktur variations, as part of my ongoing study of Gothic letterforms.
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: j-r
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: s-0
I chose an interesting pen to make the process more challenging, an Automatic Music Pen which was difficult to control. Although its rigid shape limited stroke structure, adapting the broad multiple line to a traditional Fraktur lowercase alphabet, made for some interesting letterforms.
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: 1-9
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: Fraktur Practice Vowels
Each letter captures a moment of time in ink on paper, with all its imperfections.
I haven’t tried to correct the letters digitally, other than inverting alternate ones for contrast. For me, it’s the imperfections that make it interesting.
I haven’t tried to correct the letters digitally, other than inverting alternate ones for contrast. For me, it’s the imperfections that make it interesting.
Fraktur Alphabet for 36 Days of Type Project: 36 lowercase Fraktur characters
If, like me, you have a fascination with Gothic calligraphy, then you can see more of my studio practice here or take a look at more of my Fraktur practice with different pens, brushes and inks ....
