The cola can pen remains one of my favorite writing instruments. It is capable of so many things, from rough to smooth, from thin to thick, from splattered to refined. I show you how I use the pen and then define some principles by which you can develop your own gestural scripts without imitating other calligraphers. Script is, after all, a very personal form of expression. But finding your own voice is not always easy when there are amazing posts on Instagram every day that might exert a powerful influence over your work. We will look at this problem very closely and see how you can create your own gestural style.

This online course consists of three recorded lessons:

  • One lesson with demonstrations and an assignment for you to do in your own time

  • Recorded chat with Ewan Clayton

  • One crit session in which I will review a selection of the assignments posted by students

Material list

  • Cola can pen

  • Sumi ink

  • 3 sheets good quality paper with a bit of texture, weight160gm – 220gm  (Rives BFK, Fabriano 5 and Saunders Waterford are good)

Reading tip:

“Lettering as Drawing” by Nicolete Gray.