Roman, Italic, and Faux Calligraphy: A Modern Exploration of Lettering Styles

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About

Discover the elegance and versatility of Western calligraphy in this engaging session focused on Roman, Italic, and Faux Calligraphy styles. Perfect for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike, this workshop introduces three distinct lettering techniques that have shaped the art of writing across Europe.

Participants will explore:

Roman Calligraphy – Known for its classic, upright letterforms inspired by ancient Roman inscriptions, this style features clear, symmetrical strokes and strong serifs. Ideal for headlines and formal texts, Roman calligraphy forms the foundation of many modern fonts.

Italic Calligraphy – A flowing, slanted script that developed during the Renaissance, Italic calligraphy is elegant yet practical. With its rhythmic, cursive strokes and graceful movement, this style is perfect for poetry, invitations, and expressive writing.

Faux Calligraphy – A fun and accessible style that mimics traditional calligraphy using everyday pens or markers. Learn how to create the look of brush or dip-pen calligraphy without the need for special tools—perfect for bullet journaling, signage, and DIY crafts.

Led by an experienced lettering artist, the session includes demonstrations, guided practice, and individual feedback. You’ll learn about the anatomy of letters, stroke techniques, layout tips, and how to add your personal flair to each style.

What to Expect:

-Introduction to historical context and uses of each script

-Hands-on practice with worksheets and guide sheets

-Tips for spacing, stroke contrast, and decorative touches

-Materials provided: pens, markers, practice sheets, and take-home resources

By the end of the session, you’ll have an appreciation of these three styles and the confidence to incorporate beautiful lettering into your own creative projects.

Whether you're into modern crafts, visual design, or simply enjoy the beauty of handwriting, this calligraphy experience promises inspiration, creativity, and a new appreciation for the written form.

Organizer

Bilal Shahid

Bilal Shahid has a foundational understanding of Western calligraphy, having completed the online certificate course Learning Italic Calligraphy by Ina Saltz. This course has provided him with comprehensive exposure to Italic script, one of the core Western calligraphic styles. His knowledge extends to understanding different calligraphic techniques and tools used in Western traditions.

Bilal Shahid is an emerging calligraphy artist and educator with a passion for preserving and sharing the beauty of traditional and modern script arts. His work is rooted in a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and artistic expression, bridging classical calligraphy with contemporary learning.

Bilal is actively involved with a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating, transmitting, and preserving the visual and aural Islamic Arts. Throughout the year, the organization hosts workshops, lectures, and community events focused on Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometry, and sacred music traditions. Bilal contributes to this mission by learning under master calligraphers and engaging with diverse audiences to foster cross-cultural understanding through art.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Bilal brings technical precision from his professional background as a renewable energy specialist and engineering educator, enriching his approach to calligraphy with structured learning and attention to detail.